The Banner Saga
Play an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization. Every decision you make in travel, conversation and combat has a meaningful effect on the outcome as your story unfolds. Not everyone will survive, but they will be remembered. Player choice that drives your own narrative – every decision you make in travel, conversation and combat has a meaningful effect on the outcome as your story unfolds. Over 25 playable characters from 2 different races, human and varl, the horned giants – embark on your epic journey with a variety of characters from 7 different classes, each with unique abilities and upgrade options to fit your play style.
Steam User 20
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.
Steam User 18
Steam User 4
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.
Steam User 3
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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Steam User 3
Excellent storytelling. The Strength = Health and ABAB turn order dynamics also adds a refreshing layer of tactical complexity. My only complaint is the lack of varl women.
Steam User 3
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.
Steam User 4
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