The Banner Saga Reviews
The Banner Saga is a beautiful, brutal tactical RPG.
Released on consoles at last, this elegantly grim adventure at the end of the world is that rare contradiction: a nostalgic original.
The Banner Saga's strong mechanics are enhanced by a compelling storyline and characters as colourful as its visual palette.
There are deeper strategy games, but few where you'll feel quite so invested in the outcome. Recommended.
Some of the most difficult decision-making in gaming, both tactically and morally, but occasional rough edges betray the game's small budget and short development time.
With a refreshingly unique aesthetic, well-written story, and challenging gameplay, The Banner Saga is an excellent adventure well worth your time.
Fans of tactical RPGs can find a lot to enjoy here
More often than not, the gorgeous and intriguing Banner Saga successfully balances the conflicting ideas of strategic control and arbitrary consequence.
Stoic's debut strategy RPG succeeds far more than it falters.
The Banner Saga is blindingly lovely and arguably just as intriguing to play. Built atop a world that all but demands the attention of travel documentaries, it's epic in the literal sense of the word.
The Banner Saga is a dark and onerous experience, but it's one that draws you in. I'll be waiting with bated breath to see which way this winding path darts next. Something tells me we're not out of the woods just yet.
The battle system controls easily and is fairly easy to learn; those who see this game basically like chess will enjoy it. Those looking for a new RPG to get into, however, should look elsewhere.
The Banner Saga isn't what you'd strictly call "fun." Instead it's interesting and challenging, more like a chess match than death match. But there's an incredible satisfaction when you take on a gang of armored monsters that by all rights should trample you, yet you're able to hamstring their health then line them up for execution. It's also comforting to know that although you can't outfight a towering Varl, perhaps you can out think him.
It makes one or two minor stumbles along the way, but The Banner Saga continues to stand tall two years after its original release. Empowered a truly jaw-dropping art direction and the masterful audio work of composer Austin Wintory, Stoic's plans to expand the franchise are certainly justifiable.
As an audio-visual experience, The Banner Saga is hard to beat. Tough choices and an elegant combat system help make the game fun and engaging right up to the end. With a few tweaks to the resource management system and some real soul-searching on enemy variety, Stoic could have a really terrific game on their hands. They're not there yet, but they're on the right track.
The Banner Saga is one of the most original games you'll play this year. That such a small team has managed to create a story that will be unique to every player is astonishing, and that the story actually makes you care even more so. Buy this game.
An impressive RTS that offers a well written story, magnificent visuals and a stunning soundtrack that will stay with you long after playing.
The desolate landscapes, the constant fear of death, the beautiful artwork, it's all top notch stuff. I'm just not sure the core mechanics that make up the bulk of actual gameplay are strong enough.
The Banner Saga brings you into a world filled with monsters, prophecies, and myths, where your decisions matter and characters' lives hang in a delicate balance.