What Time Period is Banished Set? Exploring the Historical Context
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Banished, in its various forms, is set within a very specific and impactful time period. Whether we’re discussing the British drama television series or the city-building video game, both draw inspiration from the late 18th century, specifically the year 1788. This era is pivotal, marking the establishment of the first penal colony in Australia by the British. This period is a cornerstone of Australian history and lends a significant historical weight to both the drama series and the game. The television series “Banished” directly portrays the struggles and harsh realities faced by convicts and their captors in the newly founded colony, while the video game “Banished” simulates the challenges of resource management and survival within a similar, albeit fictionalized, historical context. Thus, understanding the importance of 1788 to Banished is critical to appreciating both its narrative and gameplay.
Banished: Historical Context & Narrative
The Television Series
The BBC Two series “Banished” is a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of the fledgling colony in New South Wales, 1788. The drama vividly depicts the lives of the British convicts and their masters, exploring the complex dynamics of power, survival, and moral ambiguity within the harsh landscape. The series is intentionally placed after the arrival of the First Fleet, the eleven ships that brought over 1,000 convicts from Great Britain to Australia. The show highlights the physical and emotional struggles of establishing a society in an alien environment. This includes issues such as scarcity of resources, the brutal realities of the penal system, and the clash between different classes and cultures. The year 1788 is not just a historical setting; it’s a character in itself, shaping the destiny of the individuals portrayed in the series. The story incorporates elements of historical accuracy, presenting a realistic, though fictionalized, interpretation of the period.
The Video Game
The video game “Banished,” developed by Shining Rock Software, does not directly recreate the exact historical events of 1788. However, its gameplay is significantly influenced by the societal and economic challenges of that era. The game revolves around the player managing a small, isolated community of outcasts, much like the early penal colony. While the setting is not explicitly identified as 1788, the medieval aesthetic, the focus on resource management, and the need to ensure survival in a harsh environment mirror the difficulties experienced by the early settlers in Australia. Players are tasked with building a self-sufficient settlement, battling starvation, disease, and the elements, thereby experiencing a microcosm of the challenges of early colonial life. The game uses a command economy and places a heavy emphasis on planning and resourcefulness which mirrors what life was like in 1788 in newly established colonies. The challenges faced in the video game are reminiscent of the historical challenges faced by settlers. The historical context of the 1700’s gives an authentic feel to the video game experience.
Why the 18th Century Matters
The late 1700s, specifically the year 1788, was a pivotal period for both Britain and Australia. This period marked the beginning of European settlement in Australia and the establishment of a penal colony as a solution to Britain’s overcrowding in its prisons. The decision to send convicts to Australia had a profound impact on the indigenous population and laid the foundation for the nation that exists today. Understanding the historical context of 1788 is crucial to appreciating the themes and narrative complexities of both the television show and the video game. They both provide different perspectives on the societal structures, challenges, and human stories that emerged during this monumental time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary focus of the Banished television series?
The primary focus of the Banished television series is to depict the daily lives and struggles of convicts and their masters in the first penal colony in Australia. The series examines the harsh realities of the penal system, resource management, and the complex human relationships that evolved within the colony.
2. How does the Banished video game reflect the historical period?
Although the Banished video game does not directly portray the penal colony in Australia, the game reflects the historical period through its themes of resource scarcity, survival in a harsh environment, and the need for a self-sufficient society. The medieval aesthetic and gameplay elements are designed to reflect the challenging circumstances faced by early colonial settlements.
3. What was the First Fleet?
The First Fleet was a group of eleven ships that sailed from Great Britain to Australia in 1788, carrying over 1,000 convicts and their guards. The arrival of the First Fleet marks the beginning of the penal colony and forms the historical backdrop of the television series.
4. Is Banished based on a true story?
The Banished television series is inspired by events in the 18th century when Britain established a penal colony in Australia. However, it is a fictionalized narrative that uses the historical setting as its background. The video game is purely fictional.
5. Was there a Season 2 of Banished (TV)?
No, “Banished” was not renewed for a second series. Despite its success and positive reception, the show was cancelled.
6. Can I play Banished on Mac?
While Banished does not have native support for Mac or Linux, there are ways to play the game on these systems through workarounds.
7. Is Banished a difficult game to play?
Banished is considered a difficult game to master. While learning the basic mechanics is easy, surviving and building a thriving community requires careful planning, resource management, and strategy.
8. What is the main objective in Banished?
The main objective in Banished is to guide and protect a community of outcasts, helping them grow and maintain a settlement. This involves managing resources, ensuring survival, and gradually expanding the town.
9. How big is the Banished video game file size?
The Banished video game is surprisingly small, with a file size of only around 250 MB.
10. Where were the external scenes filmed for Banished?
The exterior scenes for the Banished television series were filmed on Turimetta Beach in Manly Dam, just outside Sydney, Australia.
11. Why is food scarcity a common problem in Banished (game)?
Food scarcity in Banished is often caused by poor planning, bad growing seasons, or early winters. Proper resource management, food production, and efficient storage are essential to avoid starvation.
12. What is the significance of Nomads in the Banished game?
Nomads are immigrants that come to your town and can be useful for filling vacant jobs and expanding the workforce. However, they require specific infrastructure for them to appear in your town.
13. How long does it take to complete Banished (game)?
It takes approximately 16 hours to complete the main objectives in Banished. Achieving 100% completion may take around 92 ½ hours.
14. How does winter affect citizens in the Banished game?
During winter, citizens in Banished need firewood to avoid freezing. A proper firewood supply, produced by a woodcutter, is critical for survival in the winter season.
15. What is the starting population in Banished (game)?
At the start of Banished, you begin with 12 citizens.
By exploring these various facets of both the Banished television series and the video game, we can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the challenges of the 18th century, especially the significance of 1788 in the narrative. The setting and concepts provide unique narratives that allow audiences to engage with the social and economic impact of the early colonial era.