Banebush

Alexey returns to the village where he grew up while hiding from pursuers. Its abandoned homes and familiar places stir memories of childhood and his grandmother’s frightening tales, as he meets the few locals who remain and hears their stories of the forest.

This short visual novel follows Alexey through the village as he reads dialogue, encounters local legends, and makes choices about what he does. The boundary between childhood stories and present-day danger grows uncertain as he faces both his pursuers and a supernatural threat.

Choices influence events and lead to six possible endings. The story also includes brief interactive tasks, including a radio-repair puzzle. Black-and-red artwork, voiced dialogue, and dark ambient and electronic music shape the presentation.

In the supplied reviews, players often praise the striking red-and-black art, the uneasy atmosphere of the village, and its folklore-inspired story. Many also enjoy the music and voice acting, and some single out the dancing cat, Vaska. The short length is a common drawback, while some players find the choices and endings less varied than they hoped.