Banner Saga

 iOS
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Modojo
    Oct 8, 2014
    100
    Banner Saga is one of the greatest adventure games, mobile or otherwise, that's come around in quite a long time. Not only is it interesting and accessible, but it's clean, ornate, and enjoyable through and through. If you only pick out one adventure game this year on iOS, make it this one.
  2. TouchArcade
    Oct 7, 2014
    100
    This is that game that will change your mind on story driven games. As soon as you get caught up in the story, Banner Saga will give you a ride well worth the price of admission.
  3. 148Apps
    Oct 9, 2014
    90
    Rarely do you see an iOS port that goes to such great lengths to preserve what made the PC version so special.
  5. Pocket Gamer UK
    Oct 9, 2014
    90
    A dark, strange, tough, and beautiful tactical RPG-cum-interactive story with one of the richest settings you could hope for. Banner Saga is an iOS game to savour.
  6. IGN Italia
    Oct 31, 2014
    88
    This isn't a game for all, but it's a real blast if you like story-driven adventure and powerful atmosphere. Its combat system is not as deep as it should be, but nevertheless it's fully functional to the narration, the real star of this game.
  7. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 12, 2014
    88
    The iOS version of The Banner Saga is as good as seen on PC. The same great visuals and soundtrack and gameplay, but at half the price: you just can't miss it.
  8. 4P.de
    Oct 6, 2014
    86
    Impressive art design, innovative travel inclusion, decisions and consequences. All the parts that made Banner Saga an impressive turn based strategy gem are found on the iPad.
  9. Hyper Magazine
    Dec 2, 2014
    80
    A gorgeous, compelling, exciting turn-based strategy game. [Issue#255, p.76]
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  10. Digitally Downloaded
    Oct 14, 2014
    80
    The Banner Saga asks a lot of its players, especially in the early chapters, but those who stay for the long run will enjoy a mature, character focused story which is both challenging and memorable.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best iOS Game of 2014
26
#26 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2014
8
#8 Most Shared iOS Game of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 70
  3. Negative: 18 out of 70
  1. blaicefreeze
    Dec 4, 2014
    9
    The only reason this game is not a 10 is because of the lackluster ending (hinting at a sequel). However, the sheer amount of choices andThe only reason this game is not a 10 is because of the lackluster ending (hinting at a sequel). However, the sheer amount of choices and characters make this game not a one-time play through. It will make you want more, and I usually never, ever do. Very great game, if questioning, don't disservice yourself. GET THE GAME.… Full Review »
  2. birdman3
    May 31, 2015
    9
    I spent a long time researching apps and games that aren't cheesy free-to-play, pay-to-win games. This game caught my eye because I read anI spent a long time researching apps and games that aren't cheesy free-to-play, pay-to-win games. This game caught my eye because I read an interview where the makers made the comment that this game wasn't a $1 game; it wasn't going to marketed to a cheap audience. They wanted people to know this was a serious game. And this IS a serious game.

    What I got from this game was a deep, tactical strategy game with a great (if maybe a little too cryptic) storyline. I really enjoyed the blend of Oregon Trail-meets-classic tactics gameplay. The system of armor and strength (when you injure a character, they actually get weaker! No way?!) made for interesting tactical battles where you sometimes make choices that don't seem to make sense- for example, you can choose to either kill a unit, or just cripple him so that the enemy has one more useless unit taking up turns on their side of the board. This kind of thinking really deepens the game.

    The caravan style of play adds to the game, but only so long as you feel involved in the wellbeing of your subjects. I say this because it turns out that it doesn't really matter how much of your caravan survives; you can really just let them starve and it doesn't have a dramatic impact on the state of your party- you're just a little weaker in battles. Otherwise, you can ignore your caravan entirely. But if you're engaged and feel an innate responsibility to them, it provides a challenging aspect of balancing the strength of your heroes with the lives of your followers.

    I played this game on an original iPad mini, which had issues with the loading screens. Some of them took upwards of 2 minutes to load, which was mildly frustrating, given the frequency of battles and cutscenes that would cue such a loading screen. Overall though the gameplay experience was more than enough to make up for this one shortcoming. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a serious gaming experience on a handheld device.    … Full Review »
  3. rodericrinehart
    Jun 19, 2015
    7
    Beautiful game, good but depressing story, solid mechanics. I played on PC but saw this port in action. The game needed more diversity ofBeautiful game, good but depressing story, solid mechanics. I played on PC but saw this port in action. The game needed more diversity of enemy types and the combat got stale. This is no XCOM or Shadowrun, but it is a solid game if you can find it on sale and/or like the genre. I'll at least be checking out the sequel. Seems like a good studio.… Full Review »
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