There are some games that play at the edges of your memories years after you have played them. Games that, even when you may run across levels that feel excessively difficult, you want nothing more than to complete it and allow the melancholy-filled satisfaction to flow. Bastion is a pleasing game visually, audibly, and story-wise, with game mechanics that are both challenging and easy to utilize. There are some bumpy rides throughout but nothing that cannot be overcome with some time and focus. There is a smoothness to the pacing that feels right—you go from fast action to a, well, bastion of peace where you recover and steady yourself for the next fight, uncovering and building up an existence for you and…others. The story that unweaves is incredible, with voice talent so compelling that you can’t get the narrator’s voice out of your head. And you won’t want to.

If you are not used to this kind of gameplay but are willing to try it, Bastion is a great introduction. Pick up the soundtrack while you are at it—it is unique.