33 Facts About Bastion (Video Game)

Bastion: A Unique Gaming Experience

Bastion, developed by Supergiant Games, is an action role-playing game that has captured the hearts of many gamers. Its unique art style, engaging gameplay, and compelling narrative make it a standout title. Here are some fascinating facts about Bastion that you might not know.

1. Bastion was Supergiant Games' debut title. The game marked the first project for the indie studio, which was founded in 2009 by Amir Rao and Gavin Simon.

2. The game was released in 2011. Bastion first launched on July 20, 2011, for Xbox Live Arcade and later became available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices.

3. It features a dynamic narrator. One of Bastion's most distinctive features is its dynamic narration, provided by Logan Cunningham, who comments on the player's actions in real-time.

4. The art style is hand-painted. The game's beautiful visuals are the result of hand-painted artwork by Jen Zee, the art director at Supergiant Games.

5. The soundtrack is critically acclaimed. Composed by Darren Korb, Bastion's soundtrack blends various genres, including acoustic frontier trip-hop, and has received widespread praise.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Bastion's gameplay mechanics are both innovative and engaging, offering players a unique experience. Let's dive into some interesting aspects of the game's design.

6. The game world is called Caelondia. Players navigate through the floating remnants of Caelondia, a world shattered by a mysterious calamity.

7. Players control a character known as "The Kid." The protagonist, simply referred to as "The Kid," is on a quest to rebuild the Bastion, a safe haven in the chaotic world.

8. The game features a customizable arsenal. Players can choose from a variety of weapons and upgrades, allowing for a personalized combat experience.

9. It includes a New Game Plus mode. After completing the game, players can start a New Game Plus, retaining their weapons and upgrades for a more challenging experience.

10. The Bastion serves as a hub. The Bastion itself acts as a central hub where players can upgrade weapons, unlock new abilities, and access different levels.

Story and Characters

Bastion's story and characters are rich and immersive, drawing players into its post-apocalyptic world. Here are some intriguing details about the narrative.

11. The Calamity is a central plot element. The game's story revolves around the Calamity, a catastrophic event that has fragmented the world.

12. Rucks is the narrator. The character Rucks, voiced by Logan Cunningham, serves as both the narrator and a guide for The Kid.

13. Zulf and Zia are key characters. Zulf and Zia are two other survivors of the Calamity, each with their own backstories and motivations.

14. The game has multiple endings. Depending on the player's choices, Bastion offers different endings, adding replay value to the game.

15. The story explores themes of loss and rebuilding. Bastion's narrative delves into themes of loss, survival, and the effort to rebuild in the face of disaster.

Development and Reception

The development and reception of Bastion are as fascinating as the game itself. Here are some noteworthy facts about its creation and impact.

16. Supergiant Games had a small team. The development team consisted of just seven people, showcasing the power of small indie studios.

17. The game was developed in a house. The team worked out of a house in San Jose, California, during the game's development.

18. Bastion was well-received by critics. The game received high praise for its art, music, narration, and gameplay, earning numerous awards and nominations.

19. It sold over 3 million copies. By 2015, Bastion had sold more than 3 million copies across all platforms.

20. The game influenced future Supergiant titles. Elements of Bastion's design can be seen in later Supergiant Games titles like Transistor, Pyre, and Hades.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Beyond the well-known aspects, Bastion has many fun and lesser-known facts that add to its charm. Here are some you might find surprising.

21. The Kid's design was inspired by Westerns. The protagonist's look and feel were influenced by classic Western films.

22. The game has a hidden debug mode. Players can access a hidden debug mode, allowing them to experiment with different aspects of the game.

23. Bastion was featured in the Smithsonian. The game was part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's "The Art of Video Games" exhibit in 2012.

24. The soundtrack was released on vinyl. Due to popular demand, the game's soundtrack was released on vinyl, becoming a collector's item.

25. Logan Cunningham voiced multiple characters. Besides Rucks, Logan Cunningham also provided voices for other characters, showcasing his versatility.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Bastion has left a lasting impact on the gaming community and continues to be celebrated. Here are some facts about its cultural significance.

26. The game inspired fan art and cosplay. Bastion's unique art style and characters have inspired a wealth of fan art and cosplay.

27. It has a dedicated fanbase. Despite being over a decade old, Bastion maintains a loyal fanbase that continues to celebrate the game.

28. The game influenced indie development. Bastion's success demonstrated the potential of indie games, inspiring other developers to pursue their own projects.

29. It has been featured in academic studies. The game has been analyzed in academic studies focusing on narrative design and player engagement.

30. Bastion is considered a modern classic. Many gamers and critics regard Bastion as a modern classic, cementing its place in gaming history.

Final Tidbits

To wrap up, here are a few final tidbits about Bastion that highlight its unique qualities and enduring appeal.

31. The game has a speedrunning community. Bastion has an active speedrunning community, with players competing to complete the game as quickly as possible.

32. It was developed using XNA. The game was built using Microsoft's XNA framework, which was popular among indie developers at the time.

33. Bastion's success led to a comic book. A comic book based on the game was released, expanding on the story and characters.

Final Thoughts on Bastion

Bastion isn't just another game; it's a masterpiece of storytelling, art, and gameplay. From its dynamic narration to the beautifully crafted world, every element works together to create an unforgettable experience. The combat system is engaging, offering a variety of weapons and upgrades that keep things fresh. Plus, the soundtrack is nothing short of amazing, adding depth to every moment. If you haven't played Bastion yet, you're missing out on a true gem in the gaming world. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, this game offers something for everyone. So, grab your controller and dive into the world of Bastion. You won't regret it.