User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1641 Ratings

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  1. Aug 9, 2013
    8
    Highly enjoyable game with interesting gameplay, plenty of options and a fantastic setting with great visuals. Well worth your time if you looking for a good action RPG.
  2. Aug 15, 2016
    8
    PROS:
    -Artsyle and narration are top notch. The narrator talks over the whole game and while it's mostly somber and mysterious there are few light hearted moments. Strangely enough the mood feels like a western.
    -Various weapons but not for just for the sake of it. There are real differences in the weapons vs enemy types and I never found myself sticking with one set (melee and range).
    PROS:
    -Artsyle and narration are top notch. The narrator talks over the whole game and while it's mostly somber and mysterious there are few light hearted moments. Strangely enough the mood feels like a western.
    -Various weapons but not for just for the sake of it. There are real differences in the weapons vs enemy types and I never found myself sticking with one set (melee and range). Instead I experimented and found what worked best in certain situations. I should point out that this is very unlike me and I enjoyed that the game passively encouraged me to do it.
    -The story and the world are mysteries that slowly unfold as you progress and keeps you engaged in playing.
    -Going back to base (The Bastion) after missions is exciting as you have collected items that are used as talking points with your few friends that inhabit the world and you can upgrade your weapons and base

    OKS:
    -5 hours long if you don't care about collecting things and completing non-story related missions.
    -Each weapon has a trial test with bronze, silver, and gold rewards and they actually flesh out the world surprisingly.

    CONS:
    -Sections at the end weren't as satisfying gameplay wise.
    -Movement may feel too slow to some. Even the running animation doesn't seem to match the pace.
    -Upon close inspection your character wears a weird grimace and runs stiffly. I know, I am stretching. That really doesn't matter.

    Conclusion:
    -I adored this game.I finished it in one free day and had a great time.
    Expand
  3. Oct 29, 2013
    8
    Bastion is a very interesting and engaging game. One of the biggest mechanics of the game is the graphical style: it is simply superb. Everything around you is hand-painted and the colour dynamics are incredible across the large array of different environments. The way the land forms around you as you move is also fantastic. The game’s narration is also great with a mix of serious andBastion is a very interesting and engaging game. One of the biggest mechanics of the game is the graphical style: it is simply superb. Everything around you is hand-painted and the colour dynamics are incredible across the large array of different environments. The way the land forms around you as you move is also fantastic. The game’s narration is also great with a mix of serious and humorous lines and makes you feel as though you are a character that is part of a novel. While the combat mechanics are admittedly a little basic, it is through the presentation where the game truly shines. Expand
  4. Aug 31, 2013
    8
    Great fun. Creative level and character designs with a very distinctive and endearing style. Good variety of enemies, weapons and challenges makes it worth coming back to after the first playthrough.
  5. Sep 24, 2013
    8
    i really enjoyed this game. These types of games are not typically something I would play, but after forcing myself to play Torchlight (which I enjoyed immensely), I thought I would give Bastion a shot. The graphics and game play were rock solid. It was a great play through, but I don't see myself starting it again for a new campaign. it appears there are minigames to beat your scoresi really enjoyed this game. These types of games are not typically something I would play, but after forcing myself to play Torchlight (which I enjoyed immensely), I thought I would give Bastion a shot. The graphics and game play were rock solid. It was a great play through, but I don't see myself starting it again for a new campaign. it appears there are minigames to beat your scores so there are bits to bring you back to the game, but not enough to grab me. All in all, a superb game, but with the lack of replayability, I gave a score of 8. I wish it could be 8.5 though. Expand
  6. Oct 18, 2013
    8
    I enjoyed Bastion, the mechanics were solid, there was enough build and challenge to make the game interesting. The story becomes tiringly cryptic by the end, but I really enjoyed the plot navigation. At some points I had trouble remembering all of the terms of the world and it became more interesting just to play through. The level of choice and variety of ways to solve a level reallyI enjoyed Bastion, the mechanics were solid, there was enough build and challenge to make the game interesting. The story becomes tiringly cryptic by the end, but I really enjoyed the plot navigation. At some points I had trouble remembering all of the terms of the world and it became more interesting just to play through. The level of choice and variety of ways to solve a level really bump up the replayability factor, I'm going to enjoy this for a long time. Expand
  7. Apr 13, 2021
    8
    I want Bastion's narrator to narrate my life. He has a line early on if you smash random decoration that goes "the kid just rages for a while." So I've already got proof of concept. Just imagine in his deep, sexy voice he whispers line like:
    "The kid tries to make a joke. This will be the saddest moment of his life"
    "The kid plays a video game" "The kid still plays a video game" "The
    I want Bastion's narrator to narrate my life. He has a line early on if you smash random decoration that goes "the kid just rages for a while." So I've already got proof of concept. Just imagine in his deep, sexy voice he whispers line like:
    "The kid tries to make a joke. This will be the saddest moment of his life"
    "The kid plays a video game"
    "The kid still plays a video game"
    "The kid, forgetting why he came into this room, stares out a window for a while so those around don't realise he's a dumbass"
    "Christ, the kid is still playing a video game"
    "The kid just pretends for a while that his life is interesting enough to narrate. The moral of this story is - don't be this kid"
    And other such epic tales from the sagas of my life.
    But besides the legendary voice acting of Oh-Wait-That's-Not-Ron Perlman, you may notice that this game is an isometric hack and slash. You might have noticed that. I don't know. Depends if you have eyes or not.
    It's a genuinely fun one too. The only real complaints to make about any aspects of it are:
    A) The combat can be a little loose and undefined, with multiple enemies with very varied attack patterns just sort of shoved into a small area
    2) Despite having a decent number of varied enemies, you'll find yourself in the same situations whether it be nothing but the same gas enemies at the beginning, the same plant enemies in the middle and the same ninja enemies at the end in the same combinations
    Both these problems somewhat solve themselves though, which is incredible. While the same combo of enemies gets old faster than Benjamin Button, the game has a short and sweet runtime, and the situations surrounding that combat can often change. Like scrolling sections, ship sections and more. And for the loose combat, the game is fairly generous with health drops and interesting weapons and abilities that means most players shouldn't have too much trouble with this game during a standard playthrough. There are also options for a harder experience that is balanced out with extra rewards, which is nice.
    And for once I can safely say that that's all I have to complain about. This worries me. I am making a career out of complaining. F%ck you, Bastion. F*ck you.
    I bloody hate it when games are well thought out.
    Fine then, what else is there to praise?
    The music is goddamn beautiful. There aren't many tracks, but the few that are there definitely carry this fairly short experience. I can't even make a joke about them, because I genuinely find them that nice. I suppose I could work one of my usual self-deprecating jokes into it somehow...
    This music is better than I am.
    There you go. Makes sense...
    The art style is also quite beautiful. Sh*t. That's not good for me, either. Umm, well I suppose it could make more use of colour. But that goes for anything. Always love more colour. This game gravitates a lot to greens and whites and blues. Would have been nice to see more red balance things out somewhere.
    There you go...
    Take that, Bastion...
    I give up.
    The game is too well rounded. Even the story, while nothing that breaks boundaries still does more than most games. Meaning that this game follows a good, solid structure to tell it's story the same way a film would. It has a clear inciting incident, increasing tension, a middle point which reframes it and serves as a small loss meant to further motivate and develop, before escalating to a climax and a thoughtful resolution. This is the flow of story, and even games that try to tell one forget to hit on all these important plot points. Also, despite having a narrator, there are many moments where the game uses its nice art to show rather than tell certain plot points. And the story has greater themes of war, hatred and regret.
    All this to say...
    Cool story, bro.
    I keep mentioning that the game is short, and that this fact is to its benefit. There's little chance of feeling cheated with this runtime. This game is nice and self-contained. You may even find it could be a couple of levels shorter when the tedium sets in towards the end after completing fetch quest after fetch quest.
    Wait, did I just find another complaint?
    Hells yea!
    On the other hand, the individuals levels are small, focused experiences that nicely break up and pace the game so the fetching doesn't become too daunting.
    Oh, f#ck me.
    Can I just find one more complaint, please?
    If the gameplay is fun and varies just enough to not annoy, the music is so melodious it could send even the most aggro baby to sleep, the art style isn't perfect but satisfies regardless, the story isn't ground-breaking yet very grounded in appropriate formula, and the game's length and pacing are like porridge that's just right, then what?
    Wait
    I've got it!
    Everything is good, but not revolutionary!
    Ha Ha, got you now, Bastion. How dare you be a good example of the foundational skills of video game design, and not also break the wheel!
    Hold on a second
    Ahhh...
    crap...
    Expand
  8. Dec 31, 2013
    8
    Amazing graphics combined with interesting storytelling and nice music and gameplay. Although it was a little bit boring for me in the end, it is totally worth playing.
  9. Jwv
    Jan 15, 2014
    8
    Cool levels, and there's good variation in their artwork themes, but they are very linear. I liked the enemies a lot, there are a load of different enemies with unique and funny designs, and cool and varied attacks. A con about the combat is that you have no choice in how to engage an enemy by choosing different paths to different situations, but there is in the weapon choice. There's aCool levels, and there's good variation in their artwork themes, but they are very linear. I liked the enemies a lot, there are a load of different enemies with unique and funny designs, and cool and varied attacks. A con about the combat is that you have no choice in how to engage an enemy by choosing different paths to different situations, but there is in the weapon choice. There's a big amount of weapons, and they are varied, but I feel like they just got stronger the further in the game, so that there's really not much reason to pick a bow over carbine. Lastly, the sound-effects were varied and the voice-acting and the soundtrack was absolutely stunning. The creative story-telling with an omniscient narrator and the sounds and voices truly elevate this game above mediocrity. Expand
  10. Feb 26, 2014
    8
    I really enjoyed Bastion because it had a gripping story to tell me. I felt like I was playing a book. Emotionally invested is the right word choice.

    At times the controls are a bit of a challenge and you may slip off some edges or die as a result, but the game does not really punish you for it BECAUSE it is all about the story. Some of the challenges for weapons get a bit old and I
    I really enjoyed Bastion because it had a gripping story to tell me. I felt like I was playing a book. Emotionally invested is the right word choice.

    At times the controls are a bit of a challenge and you may slip off some edges or die as a result, but the game does not really punish you for it BECAUSE it is all about the story.

    Some of the challenges for weapons get a bit old and I found myself using the same set of weapons over and over where I would like to see more diversity encouraged (Machete ftw imo). And while it pretends to be flexible in what you do and where you go by bringing up a map, the game is on rails in every sense BECAUSE it is a book/story.

    So, I liked the story so I like the game. And it is Fantastically art styled and directed. really really gorgeous. Throw in a (now classic) narrator and you have a really great game.
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  11. Dec 8, 2015
    8
    Bastion is a nice to-down game. It is funny to play, intense, and has the additional value of some RPG elements: your character improves with time, and that is a big incentive to keep playing. The graphics is nice, the sound is first class. Some of the background musing is really really good. Also, the game is technically well done, I have played it with a X360 controller under LinuxBastion is a nice to-down game. It is funny to play, intense, and has the additional value of some RPG elements: your character improves with time, and that is a big incentive to keep playing. The graphics is nice, the sound is first class. Some of the background musing is really really good. Also, the game is technically well done, I have played it with a X360 controller under Linux flawlessly.
    It's major limit is the repetitiveness of the gaming: little more than choose weapons-get around-smash everything. Nice game, bit with little replay value.
    Expand
  12. Dec 7, 2014
    8
    Bastion is a 2D RPG game with a few "platformer" elements. You basically start each mission from a "home-place" called "Bastion" (of course) and move across the many lands through a hub. It tells the story of a world in ruin after a cataclysm that scattered the whole civilization - not to mention the fauna populating the world - leaving a very few survivors the task to "re-build" the worldBastion is a 2D RPG game with a few "platformer" elements. You basically start each mission from a "home-place" called "Bastion" (of course) and move across the many lands through a hub. It tells the story of a world in ruin after a cataclysm that scattered the whole civilization - not to mention the fauna populating the world - leaving a very few survivors the task to "re-build" the world itself. I'm not going into any details as I would spoil the story but the hero (The Kid) will meet some characters with whom he may have some kind of interaction; the story is told with a mix of short in-game sequences and a narrator, which is kinda a mentor, guide to The Kid.

    The game itself is well crafted, with each shard having its unique environment and enemies; the platforming aspects which I mentioned before are of a minimal impact (and that's a good thing, IMO) and they would have you jumping from a platform to another to reach a new area or to obtain some items. As I've already written the game is 2D and you move your character direct-controlling it (WASD) and using the mouse to attack; a primary and secondary attack and a special move are available, the latter requiring some usables.

    The Bastion, as a fortress which it is, indeed, can and must be upgraded to obtain new weapons and modify them; to build new structures which can provide you bonus and malus (soon explained); acquire materials to enhance weapons and gain passives. The RPG elements are quite unique and give you a very good amount of customization. For each new level gained you can choose a new passive to use and aid you through the many encounters. Every time a new weapon is found, an area will become accessible to train with that weapon and get more items/resources/xp. Shortly before I introduced a structure that can give you bonuses.. well, how that works? Its concept, and rather surprisingly, its realization, kicks some asses as it not an arcade feat. where you just become more powerful. Nope. This building let you divine a god (amongst 10) with each one of them giving you a % of +xp and +resources.. but each shrine will eventually kick-in a malus, like stronger enemies, mobs regenerating health.. so it's rather game-changing. I want to point out that each and every passive/shrine/some other elements can be swappable throughout the game just by visiting the bastion.

    The are no real dialogs neither cinematics (just a bunch of very short sequences); over the journey the player has given the choice only two times.. which I won't be explaining as they'd be major spoils. Original music, nice sound FXs, very good arts and polished graphic.

    Overall:

    Graphic: 7
    Art: 9
    Sound: 7
    Music: 8
    Gameplay: 8
    Replay value: 8
    Uniqueness: 9

    Partial: 8
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  13. May 10, 2017
    8
    Things I love about Bastion:
    - Visuals and graphic design
    - Solid level-design - Sounds and narrator - Diversity of gameplay and enemies - Good story, that unfolds around the characters. We can see that Bastion and the world itself are the characters too. Room for improvement: - For me it was almost nothing to do in the ng+ (2 more idols and few levels of progression are not
    Things I love about Bastion:
    - Visuals and graphic design
    - Solid level-design
    - Sounds and narrator
    - Diversity of gameplay and enemies
    - Good story, that unfolds around the characters. We can see that Bastion and the world itself are the characters too.

    Room for improvement:
    - For me it was almost nothing to do in the ng+ (2 more idols and few levels of progression are not enough for me to stay for the second run).

    Overall: It's beautiful piece of art, which I run through in one take. Will totally recommend.
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  14. Sep 22, 2016
    8
    This is a very good game. Graphics are unique and top notch, the music and soundtrack fits perfectly, and having a narrator voice lead you through the game is strangely natural and exciting.

    I find the combat to be a little repetitive, so I only gave it 8, but the story, gameplay, art and sound are really good. It's definitely worth a play through.
  15. Jan 23, 2023
    8
    Meni je bila okej zanimljiva za jednom prica nista wow gemplej okej nista specijalno eto osmica bolja malo od proseka :)
  16. Feb 8, 2017
    8
    Bastion is a unique and creative action RPG with an engaging story and perhaps the best storyteller in gaming history.

    Pros: - The narrator is incredible. This game wouldn't be half of what it is without him. Constantly cool, calm and collected, you hang on his every word. He doesn't just dish the story, but reacts to and comments on your actions - Fully fleshed out world. The story
    Bastion is a unique and creative action RPG with an engaging story and perhaps the best storyteller in gaming history.

    Pros:
    - The narrator is incredible. This game wouldn't be half of what it is without him. Constantly cool, calm and collected, you hang on his every word. He doesn't just dish the story, but reacts to and comments on your actions
    - Fully fleshed out world. The story here is basically the story of this world, and it's well worth diving into
    - Excellent art style; the painted visuals of the isometric world are vivid and eye catching. The way the world floats and drops into place is smooth and lends a great deal to the world view.
    - Good variety of weapons, each one unique of the others
    - The difficulty system is ingenious. You choose what to make harder, with the reward of extra fragments (money) and experience. The shrines (difficulty settings) range from stronger enemy attacks to each enemy dropping bombs on death. I've never before manipulated difficulty in such a customizable way that really adds to the world view
    - The equippable spirits (passive skills) and weapon upgrades add even more layers of customization to the experience

    Cons:
    - Combat feels basic, with only one attack per equipped weapon and a special skill. Blocking and rolling add some depth, but not enough
    - The music doesn't strike home the way you want it to. In a title dripping with personality, it's a shame that the music didn't match up
    - The isometric 2D view can sometimes make finding your way difficult, leading to dropping off the maps edge accidentally
    - Blank slate characters; while the world is deep and imaginative, the characters are far less so. Outside the narrator, the characters have very little personality, and little to offer of interest

    Mixed:
    - While there were a variety of enemies, they often felt a bit samey. The designs would differ, but often your tactics wouldn't.
    - While one or two of the bosses were interesting, mostly they were just larger versions of other enemies that completely failed to leave an impact. Disappointing

    Bastion is an ambitious title that is rife with deep customization to the style of play within a well realized world. The narrator spurns you toward the end of the game, desperate to learn all you can about the universe within. Rote characters and enemies do little to hold back the bursting personality of the game, and this one is well worth picking up and giving a go.
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  17. Apr 10, 2019
    8
    I didn't know what to expect about Bastion and the game took me by surprise. Fresh, but simple gameplay, with original setting and cool graphic. Great idea with a narrator who comments your actions in humorous way. And add to this big replayability, possibility of developing your "base", superb soundtrack and challenging gameplay - you've got a great hit.
  18. Nov 18, 2019
    8
    A true adventure game. The music and artwork is just fantastic. The game looks simple on the surface, but you get a great story and unique story-telling experience, with a superb and creative choice of weapons, upgrades, and skills making it quite the experience however you want to play it! Definitely recommend it highly!
  19. Feb 5, 2020
    8
    Fun game, good atmosphere.-------------------------------------------------
  20. Mar 29, 2020
    8
    I bought this game on 2012 during a Humble Bundle sale. I installed and liked it but I kept losing so I uninstalled it. 8 years later I decide to give it another go.. and oh boy, what I ride. Not only I can see how i've matured as a vg player since the things that made me lose over and over now I see them as regrets. The soundtrack, the audio, the art, all of them blend together in aI bought this game on 2012 during a Humble Bundle sale. I installed and liked it but I kept losing so I uninstalled it. 8 years later I decide to give it another go.. and oh boy, what I ride. Not only I can see how i've matured as a vg player since the things that made me lose over and over now I see them as regrets. The soundtrack, the audio, the art, all of them blend together in a really great experience. I never tend to play a game two times, I always say that I'm there for the story, but I wouldn't mind replaying this one on the future. Expand
  21. Mar 20, 2022
    8
    Bastion is an action role-playing video game developed by independent developer Supergiant Games and originally published in 2011 by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. In the game, the player controls "the Kid" as he moves through floating, fantasy-themed environments and fights enemies of various types. It features a dynamic voiceover from a narrator (Logan Cunningham), and isBastion is an action role-playing video game developed by independent developer Supergiant Games and originally published in 2011 by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. In the game, the player controls "the Kid" as he moves through floating, fantasy-themed environments and fights enemies of various types. It features a dynamic voiceover from a narrator (Logan Cunningham), and is presented as a two-dimensional game with an isometric camera and a hand-painted, colorful art style. Bastion's story follows the Kid as he collects special shards of rock to power a structure, the Bastion, in the wake of an apocalyptic Calamity. Expand
  22. Oct 8, 2020
    8
    The game's good but the gameplay just isn't for me. Love the music. Still listening to it. Narrator has a nice voice.
  23. Jul 14, 2023
    8
    My second SuperGiant Games game after Hades. Very nice art style, music and story. Maybe a bit easy.
  24. Jul 18, 2022
    8
    Es un poco difícil entender la historia si no entiendes ingles ya que es difícil seguir la acción y leer al mismo tiempo, además de que a veces los subtítulos pasan rápido, sacando eso es un juego dinámico y divertido con un buen gameplay
  25. Jul 13, 2022
    8
    Cheap price, narrating, art, story, gameplay and many other things pushed me to give Bastion such a high score.
  26. Nov 27, 2022
    8
    
  27. Jul 19, 2023
    8
    Gameplay - 8
    Plot & Characters - 7
    Storytelling - 8
    Pacing - 8
    Music & Sound - 10
    Replayability - 5
    Performance - 10
  28. Mar 16, 2013
    7
    Bastion is definitely a good game. No question about it but it isn't really a GREAT game. When it was released it was descended into the gaming world amid of ticker tape parade of hype. It did not live up to that hype at least not across the board. The gameplay, character development and plot are all good but like I said before none of them are great. The game is not without monotony,Bastion is definitely a good game. No question about it but it isn't really a GREAT game. When it was released it was descended into the gaming world amid of ticker tape parade of hype. It did not live up to that hype at least not across the board. The gameplay, character development and plot are all good but like I said before none of them are great. The game is not without monotony, the enemies aren't (by and large) particularly distinct, the multitude of weapons and attacks add something but that something isn't really that much fun, the plot is sort of vague and unnecessarily dark. The bosses, level designs and 'quests' feel pretty repetitive.

    All that said what Bastion does do is bring a really novel and humanizing use of game narration and actual voice to transform its gameplay. The effect wears off after a few hours but having the narrator (who's voice I love) responding to the nuanced gameplay choices you make is truly fun. He will mock you if you are playing poorly or dawdling he will comment on your ingame successes and tell the elements of the story as they unfold around you. The other element of the game that really grabbed me and deserves mention is the manner in which the game world is 'constructed' around you. The levels assemble and disassemble themselves as you play in a way that is interesting and beautiful.

    In closing Bastion is an interesting product and definitely worth a play through. It has incredibly innovative elements unfortunately none of those elements are truly central to the gameplay.
    Expand
  29. Jan 12, 2012
    7
    some hate the narrator and some love it. it is a matter of taste. i myself enjoyed it. made the whole world a lot less empty. i sometimes even forgot that the world was supposedly shattered and that most people are dead. however i did find some lesser points tough. for starters there are to many skills and weapons for a small game like this. i get weapon after weapon thrown at me causingsome hate the narrator and some love it. it is a matter of taste. i myself enjoyed it. made the whole world a lot less empty. i sometimes even forgot that the world was supposedly shattered and that most people are dead. however i did find some lesser points tough. for starters there are to many skills and weapons for a small game like this. i get weapon after weapon thrown at me causing me to not even bother to upgrade most of the weapons i get till i reached the endgame at which you have 2 weapons that are already the best. the same goes for the skills: you get one useful skill and you stick to it till the end. id still recommend it tough as its rare to find a game of this quality in its genre during the past few years. just don't expect an amazing game. its just very good Expand
  30. Nov 7, 2011
    7
    An excellently crafted experience, good core mechanics and a narrator that will give even Morgan Freeman a run for his money. The setting is well done and overall the game has alot of polish.
    Id say that using a x360 controller is the easiest way to play it. Happy gaming
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Jan 24, 2012
    83
    It's a highly polished, bug-free bundle of fun and at $15, it's a steal. Kudos to Supergiant Games.
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 30, 2011
    70
    Visually stunning independent action RPG impresses you with a captivating world but will disappoint you with a dull and boring combat system. [Oct 2011]
  3. Oct 9, 2011
    75
    Bastion hides a fun traditional gameplay under gorgeous and innovative visuals, that on the long run could come short in variety.