The Banner Saga 2

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 209 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 163 out of 209
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 209
  3. Negative: 13 out of 209

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  1. Mandulum
    Jul 13, 2016
    8
    Five Word Review: A Turn-based strategy worth playing.
    Favorite Thing: Great gameplay and story. Looking forward to The Banner Saga 3.
    Least Favorite Thing: The ending was very abrupt with no cliffhanger. I was honestly surprised when it ended.

    Playtime: 16h
    Enjoyment: 8/10
    Recommendation: Definitely. Make sure to play the first one too.
  2. wishanem
    Apr 19, 2016
    10
    I don't recommend jumping in here without playing The Banner Saga.

    However, if you enjoyed the first game, this is a worthy follow-up. It is iterative rather than revolutionary, but there are clear and natural improvements. The game's creators didn't reinvent the wheel, but there were interesting new combat mechanics (including a whole new race of characters to use) and some    I don't recommend jumping in here without playing The Banner Saga.

    However, if you enjoyed the first game, this is a worthy follow-up.

    It is iterative rather than revolutionary, but there are clear and natural improvements. The game's creators didn't reinvent the wheel, but there were interesting new combat mechanics (including a whole new race of characters to use) and some ease-of-use improvements like better combat tutorials.

    The story is more focused and way more of the small decisions from the first game carried through than I expected. There's also a bit more variety in the storytelling, leaning on the worldbuilding of the first entry in the series.

    The bleak beauty of the art and the mechanics continue, with harsh consequences for the decisions you must make and no perfect path forward. The music is also every bit as good as the first game.

    Overall, I think this is a great middle entry in the series and I'm excited for the conclusion.    … Expand
  3. Sir_Jamsession
    Apr 30, 2016
    10
    Play Banner Saga 1, then play this one. The story is great, the combat is improved. I only wish the state caravan had more impact on the story but overall I was very happy. They kept both the story, and the combat spicy, and I appreciated that.

    Music and Art... you can't not mention that. They're incredible.
  4. Hideyoshi123
    Apr 21, 2016
    10
    If you like turn based games DO NOT miss this one! (in fact go back right now and buy the first before playing the second - the story is half the fun).

    Between the wonderful art style / music - the very well written dialogue and meaningful choices (yes what you do or decide has consequence) - the solid turn based gameplay + rpg elements - this indie kickstarted series is HERE TO STAY!!!    If you like turn based games DO NOT miss this one! (in fact go back right now and buy the first before playing the second - the story is half the fun).

    Between the wonderful art style / music - the very well written dialogue and meaningful choices (yes what you do or decide has consequence) - the solid turn based gameplay + rpg elements - this indie kickstarted series is HERE TO STAY!!!

    This game and the first are what I can only describe as "experiences". It is a game you will play and REMEMBER!. Let me put it this way, the first game (The Banner Saga) came out 2 full years ago and when I loaded the second up, I was greeted by familiar faces and a story I was STILL invested in.

    Stop reading and go buy / play it NOW!

    Actually I'm gonna just post and get back to the game! ;)    … Expand
  5. SMIICE
    Apr 19, 2016
    10
    Wow... just wow. I love turn based games and this truly a great time to be a PC gamer (if you like a turn-based games).
    Banner Saga II filled all the gaps that were missing or need work in first Banner Saga. Banner Saga II does not feel like a sequel, more like the second season of your favorite show which is a very good thing.
    * The story is even better this time; * Dialogues are so    Wow... just wow. I love turn based games and this truly a great time to be a PC gamer (if you like a turn-based games).
    Banner Saga II filled all the gaps that were missing or need work in first Banner Saga. Banner Saga II does not feel like a sequel, more like the second season of your favorite show which is a very good thing.
    * The story is even better this time;
    * Dialogues are so well written (way better than the first one);
    * Combat is so diverse and not forced;
    * Love camps;
    * Graphics are still amazing;
    *The art style is gorgeous.

    I'm so glad I supported first Banner Saga on Kickstarter. This is truly amazing game. If next banner saga will be like this one or even better then I want 10 seasons of Banner Saga for sure.    … Expand
  6. Varok
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    I bought this game on April 9 and on the same day of the release on April 19 I downloaded this awesome game.

    I played the 1st Banner Saga Game and I totally loved how the player feels part of the story, taking decisions through the game will most of the time have consequences, sometimes some decisions will let your close companions be kill, the background music is awesome, the combat    I bought this game on April 9 and on the same day of the release on April 19 I downloaded this awesome game.

    I played the 1st Banner Saga Game and I totally loved how the player feels part of the story, taking decisions through the game will most of the time have consequences, sometimes some decisions will let your close companions be kill, the background music is awesome, the combat has innovative way using a pretty close point of view like real life (if your strength is low or you are wounded you will do less damage)

    In Banner Saga 2 for the few hours I was able to play in the first day, I knew it was going to be another success game from Stoic Developers since they took the enough time and were opened from feedback to add new features to this 2nd part of the saga. what I love of this game is that you will never expect what is going to happened, yesterday while I was playing I decided to help in a specific situation and the result for that action was something I never expected Emoticón frown

    I was wondering what will happened when characters reach max stats and Stoic team add the talents features, which is awesome allowing the player to choose once more their path to victory with those talents that will make the difference in combat when the odds are against you.

    Here is a nice review I saw long long time ago in a website when I was researching for Banner Saga game before I decided to purchase.

    "Risk in gameplay: A lot of modern games play it safe- you know you'll defeat the evil and save the day. In The Banner Saga you can't take anything for granted. We want it to feel like a good tv mini-series; the world doesn't revolve around you, it's about how you deal with change."

    In overview this is my favorite game from many many RPG, Strategy games I had been playing in my life but what I love for both games are how you develop the story based on your decisions which in many situations involves life or death in this breaking world of Banner Saga which I never saw in any other game which this make innovative and attractive game for that and many other reasons. I am really impressed that a small team can develop a great game like this. Like I use to say "Small things, can do a big difference"    … Expand
  7. Tubey
    Apr 26, 2016
    9
    If ever a game series both required and thoroughly deserved to have people buy and play all the games in it, it's this one.

    Beautifully crafted turn-based strategy with stunning art design and a compelling narrative makes The Banner Saga 2 - and it's predecessor - absolute must owns for the PC gamer. Vastly superior in every way to XCOM2, so if that game disappointed you, then you    If ever a game series both required and thoroughly deserved to have people buy and play all the games in it, it's this one.

    Beautifully crafted turn-based strategy with stunning art design and a compelling narrative makes The Banner Saga 2 - and it's predecessor - absolute must owns for the PC gamer.

    Vastly superior in every way to XCOM2, so if that game disappointed you, then you need look no further to get your fix of strategy game goodness.    … Expand
  8. Morgenstern72
    Apr 28, 2016
    9
    It's not often that a game get's better with a second part. While I really liked the first part it felt a little unpolished. I would have loved to mae more decisions and have more fights. The second saga is a true gem: it focuses a thte strenghts the first part already had an enhances everything in a wonderful way: better graphics, better fights, better leveling up, more decisions, moreIt's not often that a game get's better with a second part. While I really liked the first part it felt a little unpolished. I would have loved to mae more decisions and have more fights. The second saga is a true gem: it focuses a thte strenghts the first part already had an enhances everything in a wonderful way: better graphics, better fights, better leveling up, more decisions, more background of characters. It's really an itriguing game and it will hopefully be one of the legendary games when it's third and last part concludes the story. I did play the first part right again before the second was released and it's so much better to play them together.… Expand
  9. Alexsis
    Jan 19, 2017
    10
    Better in so many ways than it’s parent, The Banner Saga 2 is a gripping, tense and inspiring experience.
    I must have taken screenshots every 5 minutes – the art is fantastic. Every landscape is a wonder to behold and this beautiful world is a great backdrop to the terrifying, cruel and desperate things unfolding in it.
    Playing the game felt like Star Wars without a guaranteed happy    Better in so many ways than it’s parent, The Banner Saga 2 is a gripping, tense and inspiring experience.
    I must have taken screenshots every 5 minutes – the art is fantastic. Every landscape is a wonder to behold and this beautiful world is a great backdrop to the terrifying, cruel and desperate things unfolding in it.
    Playing the game felt like Star Wars without a guaranteed happy ending, with death-defying odds, plot twists, tough decisions, soul-gripping soundtrack and engaging writing. Be ready to sweat and worry, as you try to keep your characters alive, no joke.
    If the tough combat gets too challenging and you’re not a fan of deep strategy or tactics – no worries. Change the difficulty to Easy and enjoy the game – you don’t need to be a chess master to play this.
    Taking in to consideration all of the above, I’d say that The Banner Saga 2 has something for everyone. I highly recommend it – give this experience a try and you’ll be surprised how easily it will grow on you.    … Expand
  10. DieselUK81
    Sep 10, 2017
    9
    Absolutely cannot play this without playing the original game first but I would advise you to get both as they are amazing.

    Similar to the Walking Dead or Game of Thrones in how they play with your emotions regarding the characters. Brilliant tactical gameplay backed up with an engaging storyline that sucks you in the more you play. Not quite as good as the first in terms of story    Absolutely cannot play this without playing the original game first but I would advise you to get both as they are amazing.

    Similar to the Walking Dead or Game of Thrones in how they play with your emotions regarding the characters. Brilliant tactical gameplay backed up with an engaging storyline that sucks you in the more you play.

    Not quite as good as the first in terms of story and ending but still an excellent feat and well worth the time of anyone who likes turn based strategy and/or cracking storytelling.    … Expand
  11. RMDsilva
    Feb 16, 2018
    8
    Aah.. too short.
    And that caravan and character death are sometimes random.
    Not so happy at the last choice too (:
  12. Give_em_hell
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    This game is really one of a kind, it is an artistic masterpiece, perfectly refined and deep in every aspect. The fictional world based on Nordic Mythology is very original and creative, the plot is fascinating, keeps your eyes wide open during the whole story. Deep characters, deeper dialogues, moral dilemmas, tremendous amount of choice etc. crowned with good combat dynamics andThis game is really one of a kind, it is an artistic masterpiece, perfectly refined and deep in every aspect. The fictional world based on Nordic Mythology is very original and creative, the plot is fascinating, keeps your eyes wide open during the whole story. Deep characters, deeper dialogues, moral dilemmas, tremendous amount of choice etc. crowned with good combat dynamics and beautiful animations and cinematics. I can't think how this game could have been better.… Expand
  13. touchofheaven
    Jun 2, 2020
    9
    A great sequel to the first game. Added new enemies, added new abilities for characters. Story still great.
  14. cottandy
    Nov 7, 2016
    9
    It's surely a must play it if you liked the predecessor, but it's becoming not as interesting as it had been before...

    The first part of "The Banner Saga" was a great complete game and it had enourmous replayability. But even in the middle of the second one, I already started to have mixed feelings. No, you will still want to know how it all ends. It becomes more reading a good story,    It's surely a must play it if you liked the predecessor, but it's becoming not as interesting as it had been before...

    The first part of "The Banner Saga" was a great complete game and it had enourmous replayability. But even in the middle of the second one, I already started to have mixed feelings. No, you will still want to know how it all ends. It becomes more reading a good story, rather than playing it yourself, not saying about having any impact on it, because you haven't any!

    Also the story this time seems to be a bit short. An interesting end awaits you, but except this, there's nothing new. No new interesting art, no new characters that you don't want to lose during your adventure, etc. Nothing really new.

    The battles are upgraded. These were brilliant in the first one, but, yes, they became even better. Still you will find nothing really new and special here.

    Surely the story continues and I just hope it will become better.    … Expand
  15. kylemccoy131
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    I played the whole trilogy back to back, so this is a review of all the games. There are some nitpicks I have such as the "maim strategy" limiting gameplay variety... but thats about it. Everything else I loved! I found that as the trilogy progressed, there were enough new challenges and moveset updates that it keeps you on your toes. The art style and soundtrack are unique and always aI played the whole trilogy back to back, so this is a review of all the games. There are some nitpicks I have such as the "maim strategy" limiting gameplay variety... but thats about it. Everything else I loved! I found that as the trilogy progressed, there were enough new challenges and moveset updates that it keeps you on your toes. The art style and soundtrack are unique and always a treat to experience.… Expand
  16. Dagrum
    Jan 21, 2017
    8
    There's a few new gameplay additions, but for the most part its the same as the first. But that's not a bad thing.

    -Still looks good, but also still has very little animation -Music does what it sets out to do, but its nothing memorable -The story picks up right where it left off, which is good because there was a major cliffhanger in the first game It's a good game, but I wouldn't    There's a few new gameplay additions, but for the most part its the same as the first. But that's not a bad thing.

    -Still looks good, but also still has very little animation
    -Music does what it sets out to do, but its nothing memorable
    -The story picks up right where it left off, which is good because there was a major cliffhanger in the first game

    It's a good game, but I wouldn't play it without playing the first one    … Expand
  17. RagingPoet
    Oct 10, 2018
    9
    Slightly better than The Banner Saga 1 in almost every aspect and the original was already a great game. The only thing was a bit disappointing is the ending: it is even more of a cliffhanger this time.
  18. Crimert
    May 16, 2020
    9
    The second game of the epic trilogy! I found this more challenging than the previous one. But I enjoyed every moment! I couldn't stop playing it! The story-telling is amazing! 16hrs on record.
  19. TEXDOG18MM
    Apr 15, 2020
    8
    This game is very well polished in art and story telling and is fun to play... except any time it tries to expose it's quality of challenge in tactics... the only way they can is with ludicrously one sided battles with the stupidest placement of your characters in relation to the enemy. this is most obvious in the advanced training challenges... you guys obviously do not know how to playThis game is very well polished in art and story telling and is fun to play... except any time it tries to expose it's quality of challenge in tactics... the only way they can is with ludicrously one sided battles with the stupidest placement of your characters in relation to the enemy. this is most obvious in the advanced training challenges... you guys obviously do not know how to play chess... because those challenges only expose how to absolutely not plan how to use the tools of the game, unless you plan on starting every mission with the STUPIDEST placement of characters (in regards to their suggested placement) and again with severe disadvantage.… Expand
  20. Dustfoxx
    Oct 8, 2020
    8
    Very good continuation of the first game. Story is a bit weaker but that's mostly because it functions more as a setup for the next game more than the first did. Hopefully the story wraps up well in the third installment.
  21. 34m2121
    Jul 4, 2023
    8
    Önceki oyunla neredeyse aynı olsada neredeyse hiç sıkılmadan oynayıp bitirdim
  22. DinboNomad2z2
    Jul 1, 2023
    8
    The game is rising action part of the story and although it is not very strong in that context, it makes it up by opening up a bit more in terms of combat. The gripe would would be unable to play this game through the whole series in 1 save due to Banner Saga 3 being abandoned.
  23. Jamesgary
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    If your love the banner saga 1 then your do not miss the 2 is the best story music and combat verry great

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best PC Game of 2016
95
#95 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
34
#34 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 60
  3. Negative: 0 out of 60
  1. Easy Allies
    Dec 1, 2016
    80
    The Banner Saga 2 fuels momentum towards the next chapter with rich new territories and captivating mysteries. Gameplay is less frustrating without losing its sense of challenge, pushing you and your people on through tough scenarios at the height of desperation.
    Read full review
  2. Kill Screen
    Aug 30, 2016
    72
    It’s the decisions that bind the experience; enabling The Banner Saga 2 to transcend its videogame construct. You’re left with an experience that feels not only alive, but alive with the complexities of the real world.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    Jul 5, 2016
    78
    A strong middle chapter full of engaging strategy. [June 2016, p.76]
See all critic reviews »