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As someone who's spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds and guiding new players through gaming systems, I've noticed how crucial the initial login and registration process can be. When I first launched Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, I was immediately struck by how the game's storytelling strengths began right from the account creation phase. The seven-step registration process isn't just technical setup—it's your first introduction to the dark, story-driven world you're about to enter. I remember thinking how cleverly Don't Nod integrated their signature choice and consequence mechanics even into what's typically a mundane process in other games.
The journey begins with what I call the anticipation phase—downloading and launching the game for the first time. This is where Banishers starts weaving its narrative magic, presenting you with subtle visual cues and atmospheric elements that hint at the emotional journey ahead. I've registered for dozens of games over the years, but Banishers made me feel like I was already part of Antea and Red's story from the very first click. The character creation screen appears surprisingly early in the seven-step process, which I found refreshing compared to other metroidvania titles that often bury this feature deeper in the initial setup.
Moving through the registration steps, I appreciated how each screen served dual purposes—gathering necessary account information while simultaneously building narrative tension. The third step, where you establish your player profile, cleverly mirrors the game's themes of identity and relationship building. It reminded me of how Ultros breaks away from traditional metroidvania formulas in its own innovative ways, though Banishers applies this innovation to the player onboarding experience instead. I spent about 15 minutes just on this section alone, which is roughly 40% longer than I typically spend on game registrations.
The fourth and fifth steps involve linking accounts and setting preferences—usually the most tedious parts of any game registration. But here's where Banishers surprised me: these screens incorporate subtle storytelling elements through their visual design and copywriting. The language used in the privacy policy and terms of service sections actually contains narrative Easter eggs that foreshadow later game events. I've never seen another game integrate lore into legal documentation, and it made what's normally a skip-and-click process feel meaningful. Compared to Hollow Knight's straightforward approach or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown's more functional setup, Banishers transforms administrative tasks into narrative opportunities.
What really stood out to me during step six was how the game begins establishing its choice and consequence mechanics through seemingly minor registration decisions. The options you select here about communication preferences and notification settings actually influence early game dialogue in subtle ways. When I replayed the registration process later, making different choices, I noticed distinct variations in the opening cutscenes. This level of integration between technical setup and narrative development is something I wish more story-driven games would implement. It took me approximately 28 minutes to complete the entire seven-step process during my first playthrough, though subsequent registrations averaged closer to 12 minutes once I understood the system.
The final step—entering the game world—feels less like crossing a technical threshold and more like the natural conclusion of an introductory chapter. As the login screen transitions into the opening cinematic, I found myself already emotionally invested in Antea and Red's relationship. The game had successfully used what could have been dry administrative steps to establish tone, introduce themes, and begin character development. This approach particularly resonates with players like me who value storytelling above all else, though I can see how action-focused gamers might find the process somewhat lengthy.
Reflecting on the broader metroidvania landscape, Banishers' registration innovation represents what I believe is an emerging trend of games treating every player interaction as a potential storytelling opportunity. While Ultros distinguishes itself through combat and platforming innovations, and Hollow Knight through visual distinctiveness, Banishers carves its niche by making even the login process narratively meaningful. The seven steps aren't just hurdles to clear before playing—they're the first chapter of your personal journey through the game's dark tale of love and sacrifice. For players who prioritize immersive storytelling, this approach transforms what's typically a forgettable necessity into a memorable introduction that sets expectations for the quality of narrative experience to come.