The Banner Saga Reviews
As befits a game funded through Kickstarter, The Banner Saga doubles down on risk/reward mechanics throughout its rather lengthy journey.
If you are a patient person that likes this type of lore and gameplay style, The Banner Saga delivers on what it set out to accomplish.
If you happen to love Norse mythology or epic fantasy stories full of consequence and deft storytelling, then look no further than The Banner Saga. This is a beautifully crafted game that uses its intriguing cast, gripping tale and absolutely stunning artwork and soundtrack to transport you to a world filled with plenty of danger and surprises. The turn-based strategic battles might not be equally as thrilling to everyone who plays this, and the interface in this part of the game can be a bit clunky at times, but this doesn't detract too much from the collective offering.
The Banner Saga is a unique tactical game that stands out among its peers thanks to its art style and visuals, as well as to its very challenging combat system. Were this game longer and with a more elaborate plot, it could very well be one of the finest in the Nintendo Switch catalogue.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
An experience I advise no one to miss.
With beautiful hand-drawn animation and combat, The Banner Saga is a welcome relief to a gaming environment that is full of fast-paced and realistic scenarios. Making decisions and not knowing what the consequences of your decision keeps you on your guard through out the game. Given the slow pace of turn-based combat, I wish the game included a save function in the middle of combat. I also had a problem figuring out when the game last saved, but who needs saving when you are immersed in this epic story of hope and survival.
The Banner Saga is an excellent game, driven by a wonderful score and a moving story. It's a perfect fit for the Switch too, and the port itself is handled well.
If it were titled The Banner Saga: Chapter 1, then there'd be no argument worth mentioning in relation to its length or aspirational goals, and at this stage I can only assume that there is a new Banner Saga game, or Chapter 2, in the works. If there isn't then the choice of buying and playing this great game would become as futile as the ones made within the game itself -- namely, a lot of people will get hurt.
If you don't mind a tough experience and a little frustration The Banner Saga is well worth picking up as it's a unique experience, and both story and animation justify a purchase. However the game's flaws mean it may annoy more than delight, and while decently sized at around 15 hours play time I can't honestly say I'd play it again just to make the right choices. Beautiful, well written, but aggravating. That's The Banner Saga in a nutshell.
The Banner Saga is not without flaws, but it is a fun playthrough that will definitely challenge you -- if only with the decisions you are forced to make.
If you're getting tired of swords and sorcery, or just looking for meaty tactical battles, few RPGs will satisfy you better.
The Banner Saga's first chapter opens a window to the potential this series has, but now Stoic need to work on solving the issues for the sequel so that this series can become a truly great strategy RPG.
The Banner Saga is a beautiful, exemplary game that you owe it to yourself to play.
The Banner Saga's strong narrative, exquisite visual design and distinctive thematic approach to RPGs coupled with its insistence on making every decision and conversation have an impact on player experience make it a must-buy for Strategy-RPG fans.
A beautiful journey with a few stumbles
The Banner Saga, for all its visual elegance, stumbles onto the PS4 with a very spare, workmanlike port that falls short not through any single big problem, but from the accretion of smaller issues. from the interface to the controls to the loading times. For all its faults The Banner Saga is clearly a labor of love.
Anyone who plays games to get lost in a world and its story will love The Banner Saga.
The Banner Saga's combination of well-designed strategy gameplay with grand storytelling make for an exceptional title.
[D]espite all its strengths, it somehow falls slightly short in simply being fun to play. Due to the bleak landscapes, the depressing situations your characters find themselves in and the challenging tactical combat, this is a game for those who will find the challenge rewarding rather than those looking for lighter entertainment.