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Banish

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Banish is a short first-person game where the player performs a series of rituals deep within a dark forest. The central mechanic involves using a cursed book that speaks ritual phrases. The player must listen to each phrase and respond by selecting the correct matching incantation. The goal is to complete all ritual stages without failing, while dealing with visual and audio disturbances that increase over time. The game builds tension through repetition and precise input, requiring the player to stay focused from start to finish.

Navigation And Interaction

The environment is minimal, offering few visual clues and relying instead on sound to guide the player. Movement is controlled through standard input keys, and ritual responses are selected using number keys. The flashlight helps with visibility but does not reveal much beyond the immediate surroundings. The forest is structured around ritual points that must be discovered and activated in the correct order. Once a ritual site is reached, the player listens to the tome and attempts to select the correct incantation.

Core Loop And Sequence

The gameplay in Banish is based on a repeated sequence that forms the foundation of the experience:

  •         Locate a ritual site within the forest
  •         Listen to the incantation spoken by the cursed book
  •         Choose the correct matching response from four options
  •         Repeat the process at new locations while pressure builds

Each successful ritual allows progression, while a mistake may force the player to restart or face an increase in difficulty. Background sounds, unexpected noises, and shifting visuals are introduced gradually to complicate the process.

Updates And Improvements

The original version of Banish was created quickly for a game jam, but later updates introduced several improvements. Visual markers were added to reduce confusion about where to go next. The ritual failure system was modified to avoid full resets, making the experience less punishing. Sound clarity was also enhanced to ensure that ritual phrases can be distinguished even as background noise increases. These changes maintain the core design while making it more accessible for new players.

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