Bahnsen Knights

The third of LCB's weird narrative experiences is a reminder of what makes this series so special.

If you’re intrigued by visual novels and their potential to delight, then the Pixel Pulps series is arguably the best possible place to start. Bahnsen Knights is the third entry and it’s pretty damn wonderful. With its tighter emphasis on gameplay, it's arguably the best of the three, though that would be like choosing your favourite child. It’s okay to love them all. Bahnsen Knights is an easy recommendation, and one which becomes even stronger if you’re interested in horror and weird tales.

A harsh yet engaging narrative drives Bahnsen Knights down the streets of hell, flanked by vivid violence and stomach-churning scenarios. It’s short, but it packs a punch all the same.

Bahnsen Knights is a high-speed horror thriller that plumbs the depths of a car-obsessed cult and its fanatical "Messiah" in a story that's a little bit The Stand, a little bit Mad Max, and all terrifying.

The lack of overtly supernatural elements only makes Bahnsen Knights’ story more unsettling and, knee-deep in the cult, you’re witness to some very human acts of violence. Throw in a smattering of detective work with a soundtrack that’s as eerily retro as Bahnsen Knights’ graphics, and you’ve got a treat for visual novel fans.

Bahnsen Knights is a short ride with fun highs brought on by its timely features and mini-games that move the story along and keep players in the driver’s seat.

Bahnsen Knights is something I’ve said I’ve wanted, I just wish it did it better. Short and cheap games seem like the ultimate cure for folks burned out by the current gaming landscape… but a single hour is perhaps too short, even most folks I know who appreciate shorter games would probably feel cheated, and that hour could definitely do with some improvements. They definitely tried and succeeded at having a unique and memorable voice, but this also means wearing its flaws on its sleeve.

The year is 1986. Bob Hawke is Prime Minister, Neighbours debuts, and Hawthorn wins the VFL Grand Final. But we’re not in Australia, instead, we’re in Tornado Valley. In Bahnsen Knights, you play as undercover agent Boulder, who’s assigned to investigate the Bahnsen Knights cult. Your oldest friend Cupra investigated the cult and its leader Toni, an ex-car salesman. But with Cupra gone, it’s up to you to figure out if Toni knows much more than he’s leading on. Bahnsen Knights is the...