The Banner Saga

A difficult one to rate. If you are interested in story and character rich games then you will probably like it. If the plot was presented as a two part movie I would gladly watch it, especially because the artwork really fits the theme. Soundtrack is also really good.
However, if you want to get this game because you've seen "turn-based" or "tactical" tags then I'm not really sure I would recommend it. Don't get me wrong, I think the overall gameplay concept is interesting and well made. The problem lies in the fact that it is very repetitive and lacks diversity. Every battle feels the same because fields and enemies are very similar.
Caravan management is interesting at the beginning but gets boring as the times goes on. Decisions you have to make are similar to each other and outcomes feel a little bit random at times.
While I don't mind several different character classes, I do feel there were a few too many. I made it to the end game and still wasn't quite sure what each of my heroes exactly does.
Overall rating would be 7 out of 10. I got it discounted and would encourage you to do the same. I don't think I'd pay the full price and in fact I'm currently waiting until the next two parts go on sale.

I have tried playing Banner Saga a few years ago but it did not hook me up for long. Story was great but gameplaywise the game felt shallow. Recently I have bought Steam Deck and it changed my point of viewing simpler games and it made me replay some titles. One of first was The Banner Saga.
Game is working great with some little problems. I had it crashing a few times. But it did not stop me from playing the game. And I have to say, it is really good. I love the story, characters, dialogues and overall - the writing. The Banner Saga sank me in for many hours. Even the gameplay, which is not the most complex or interesting one, gave me so much fun I had to replay the game!
I really recommend this game for anyone willing to try it!

Turn-based strategy game with great art designs and OST. Every decision you make will change the fate of the game. If you are interested in norse myth, you will love the game.

The Banner Saga is first and foremost a story-heavy game with lots of reading. If that's not your jam then this game is not for you.
The combat is secondary and is made up of relatively simple turn-based combat. Keep in mind that there is a difficulty setting in the option menu that you can turn down if you want to almost entirely enjoy the game for its story.
There is minimal party management as well, nothing complicated.
The story is wonderful and so is the art, and the soundtrack and SFX is very impressive and adds heavily to the atmosphere when playing, stereo mixing was the cherry on top.
It does have voice acting as well but from start to finish most dialogue is not voiced, which I must admit is disappointing.
If you're in the mood for a viking-inspired story game then this is for you, and it's not for you if you want to play this game for the combat because that is not the main focus.
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Got into The Banner Saga completely blind and what I discovered is an absolutely gorgeous, engrossing RPG that features well balanced and pleasingly tactical turn-based combat. A journey that's definitely worth taking, making you eager to jump straight into the next two titles of the series.
The soundtrack is on point, building the atmosphere perfectly.
Unique artwork, beautiful colors and a huge world that makes you want to know more.
The script is the strongest element of the game, as it's unpredictable, giving you literally full freedom to make every choice, and believe me every choice matters and changes the progression.
Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape, take everything into account no matter how simple it is and be sure that at the end of the journey your time will be well spent.

Finally returned to this game and quite enjoyed it. Played it on the lower difficulty because I didn't want to trap myself in constantly second-guessing my progression choices. Instead I got to enjoy the sights and the sounds, while not being seriously pressed, which let me progress through the story at a consistent pace.
In general, it's an easy recommendation. The game is beautiful in many ways, both in motion and when camped out in the wilderness. The turn-based combat is solid, with solid variation between character types. I thought all of the story beats while travelling with the caravan were nice, though I realized part way that if I was going to be grabbing all the renown I wanted, you might as well be fighting all the time, especially on the lower difficulty.
There were some minor irritations, several around the items. While useful, not being able to sell them for Renown seems like a silly choice. The interface for moving through them to see who they are assigned to is clunky, and when a character has a promotion available, the banner obscures the item slot on the character page. I also missed that combat training provides Renown, so perhaps that could have been communicated better, or perhaps I need to pay better attention.
None of these little points bring the game down though, I'm looking forward to the sequel.