The Banner Saga: Factions

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 115 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 115
  3. Negative: 17 out of 115

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  1. flickerdart
    Feb 27, 2013
    8
    There are many reasons to recommend The Banner Saga: the visuals are absolutely gorgeous, the gameplay is incredibly innovative and puts a big fat X through the standard turn-based tactics strategy of focus-firing on enemy units, the great variety of units and customization options creates many viable strategies, a variety of battle maps forces people to adapt to unpredictable situations,There are many reasons to recommend The Banner Saga: the visuals are absolutely gorgeous, the gameplay is incredibly innovative and puts a big fat X through the standard turn-based tactics strategy of focus-firing on enemy units, the great variety of units and customization options creates many viable strategies, a variety of battle maps forces people to adapt to unpredictable situations, and the developers keenly listen to the community and respond to issues with bugs and unit balance. Also, hey, it's free (there is a cash shop, but it doesn't give you any options that you can't get by playing normally for a few days).

    However, the game only recently came out of beta, and still hasn't gotten its sea legs. Bugs range from high latency (resulting in longer wait between your moves) to hanging battles (the final unit failing to register as dead, trapping players one step short of claiming their Renown reward for the fight) to failing to sync up with the other player at the start of the match and not even allowing you to place your units. These issues will be fixed soon, I'm sure, and don't detract much from the enjoyment of the game, but you will probably run into at least one of them if you grab this game in the immediate future.    … Expand
  2. Dyskrasia
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    The detail and work that was put into this game is amazing. If you enjoy tactical, turn-based multiplayer combat with stunning art then give it a try.
  3. GreenDread
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    Really one of the most deep and beautiful games I've ever played. And this is just the side-project of the actual single.player game. This is one of these board-games that would take too much calculating, when they were actually played as board games. This is a computer-assisted mix of chess, Magic the Gathering and D&D. Only minus is that the game really suffers from the flood of playersReally one of the most deep and beautiful games I've ever played. And this is just the side-project of the actual single.player game. This is one of these board-games that would take too much calculating, when they were actually played as board games. This is a computer-assisted mix of chess, Magic the Gathering and D&D. Only minus is that the game really suffers from the flood of players right now. But this will surely be solved by the awesome Team of Stoic. So still full 10 Points.… Expand
  4. Pimpollo
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    The combat is an abyss of options. The surface ripples with each move, creating new problems, new possibilities, new thoughts. Take a dive into the abyss!
  5. Gynnemo
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    This game is wonderful! It's obviously crafted with love. I wouldn't even say that's it's hard on beginners, with the new matchmaking-function in place. For anyone who enjoys strategy and beauty!
  6. raven2134
    Feb 28, 2013
    10
    Unique and a game that has it's own way. Don't come to the game looking for Final Fantasy Tactics, instead you'll find a game different, delightful and wondrous in it's own right. For such a seemingly simple concept, the game has very deep gameplay, awesome art, and has so much potential with many things planned still for it. Definitely one of the best turn based strategies of all time!
  7. RobertTheScott
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    Beautiful game; deep, thoughtful tactics based on the premise that strength is health AND damage. This is the most fun I've had with competitive multiplayer games, bar none.

    Does have some network issues (at least so far--it is in its first week of existence.)
  8. YeIIow
    Feb 28, 2013
    8
    This game is impressive, the art work is just stunning and magnificent, i am not exactly a big fan of turn based games, but to hell with it, i just felt in love with this one! "A must give it a try game"
  9. MSTheiler
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    The combat in this team based 1v1 combat multiplayer game is unique. It is deep and offers many opportunities for advanced tactics.

    It is a beautiful and the so far the community has been friendly and helpful. I am addicted ti the combat'd depth.
  10. JonWatts
    Feb 28, 2013
    10
    Very few games grab me the way Factions has. Usually I'm more of an RTS/FPS guy, but this game keeps my brain churning even during moments of calm. I've had my heart in my throat on more than one occasion, which brings back memories of PvP in EVE-Online.

    I'm not terribly experienced with turn-based games, though I have dabbled in Chess and Go. The gameplay here is more reminiscent of    Very few games grab me the way Factions has. Usually I'm more of an RTS/FPS guy, but this game keeps my brain churning even during moments of calm. I've had my heart in my throat on more than one occasion, which brings back memories of PvP in EVE-Online.

    I'm not terribly experienced with turn-based games, though I have dabbled in Chess and Go. The gameplay here is more reminiscent of Dofus/Wakfu, but I feel like Factions presents itself as a more mature and balanced affair.
    And though your accuracy might sometimes throw a wrench in your strategy, it's nowhere near as annoying as RNG pvp in mmorpg's. For instance; you can opt for a guaranteed hit on your target's armor if the chance to hit their health pool is too low, or wait your turn out to build a point in that unit's Willpower (a bonus point you can allocate to bolster your offence for 1 turn).

    As for how the game looks? I'm thoroughly impressed by the way they handled the art style. I'm sure this might be down to taste, but as far as cartoonish styles go; this one has a pretty realistic foundation.

    If there's anything I'd lower the score for it would be the current lag issues, but the devs are on top of it, adding more capacity as fast as they can. During the mornings the game is smooth, but might start having odd timeouts as more people log on. Even though the game is free, if you're on the fence on whether you should spend time on it, you might want to wait a few days in case lag is a deal-breaker for you!

    Still, the game deserves a 10. It's bound to be one of the classics of this genre.    … Expand
  11. Caste
    Feb 28, 2013
    10
    I just finished playing my 4th game. On a MAC.
    The game feels great, consistent, addictive and visually gorgeous. No server issues or problems mentioned by other users.
    If you like tactic games, stop reading and get it now!
  12. Chaille
    Feb 28, 2013
    10
    STUNNING. The amount of detail, both in the art and the incredibly complex gameplay are astounding. I am intimidated by strategy games, but this is more fun than anything I have played in a very long time. I love playing with my low-level army as much as my army full of special abilities. The music is delicious. Oh yeah...and it's free. Play the game. See you on the battlefield.
  13. BLITZ
    Feb 28, 2013
    9
    The visuals are gorgeous and it makes you feel like you are looking at moving pictures from an ancient viking picture book. If you are a fan of turn based strategy games then this game is for you!
  14. chicken_makhani
    Feb 28, 2013
    9
    The graphics are neat and polished and I admire the game's sound-design.
    The combat-system ist simple but brilliant. Over all a very good and surprisingly addictive game!
  15. BillyBobBeavis
    Aug 27, 2013
    10
    Don't pay attention to any negative reviews about this game. If you like turn based combat you're almost guaranteed to like it. The music is cool. The graphics are cool. Give it a try. And don't be a wuss and give it negative reviews because you couldn't understand the strategy and got your ass kicked. It is NOT in any way "pay to win."
  16. HotButter
    Mar 3, 2013
    10
    Amazing game! Fantastic graphics! The perfect turn-bases tactical game. Runs smooth on my old mac-book pro meaning i can be in-my-underpants-lazy in the bed and still play, which as we all know is the bomb!
  17. Alejandro_Mack
    Feb 28, 2013
    8
    I haven't seen a combat system quite like it, the combat is focused and interesting enough to keep the fights interesting to the bitter end. There's a great emphasis on your choices reflecting on how well/poor the battle goes.

    The drawback is that it appears the servers aren't coping with the demand for the game. It's a known issue and the developers are working on it but it will no    I haven't seen a combat system quite like it, the combat is focused and interesting enough to keep the fights interesting to the bitter end. There's a great emphasis on your choices reflecting on how well/poor the battle goes.

    The drawback is that it appears the servers aren't coping with the demand for the game. It's a known issue and the developers are working on it but it will no doubt frustrate the new comer.

    That asides, what I have seen of the combat mechanics combined with what has been promised in the future, I'll be looking forward to experiencing the game in it's entirety on it's release later this year.    … Expand
  18. Kattsylt
    Feb 27, 2013
    7
    The game is beautiful to look at and creates a nice atmosphere. Its easy to learn and get started and with four base classes with 3 different specializations each there are a lot of different ways to customize your 6-man team.

    At this point there are some issues though. A lot of the matches are incredibly slow due to server issues; most of the time playing is spent waiting on lag.
  19. SlimsyPlatypus
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    This game is leagues beyond anything I'm aware that exists. Stoic has evolved the turn based strategy genre and added a tactical depth that is beyond addicting. To boot, the art style used in the game is absolutely amazing. Be prepared to gasp as you explore the game because everything you see in-game looks like you could hang it in a gallery. If the artwork can be called graphics, itThis game is leagues beyond anything I'm aware that exists. Stoic has evolved the turn based strategy genre and added a tactical depth that is beyond addicting. To boot, the art style used in the game is absolutely amazing. Be prepared to gasp as you explore the game because everything you see in-game looks like you could hang it in a gallery. If the artwork can be called graphics, it has raised the bar for the gaming industry in it's entirety. Don't mistake this game as the next indie throwback, because Stoic Studeo's first release is on par to outpace the market titans.… Expand
  20. simon280586
    Feb 28, 2013
    10
    An incredibly deep, beautiful and engaging game, made by a small team whose passion for what they are doing is obvious. A hand-crafted art style, a fresh take on turn-based combat mechanics packed with clever ideas, and a clear commitment to strategic depth makes this a real gem. I am also looking forward to the single player game, which I have high hopes for given the atmosphere of theAn incredibly deep, beautiful and engaging game, made by a small team whose passion for what they are doing is obvious. A hand-crafted art style, a fresh take on turn-based combat mechanics packed with clever ideas, and a clear commitment to strategic depth makes this a real gem. I am also looking forward to the single player game, which I have high hopes for given the atmosphere of the introductory video and launch trailer.

    Factions is free, and while it includes micro-transactions, from my experience these are in no way necessary to make good progress, in part due to a matchmaking system that pairs you with players who have made similar progress. The items you can buy are solely there for time-saving or cosmetic purposes.    … Expand
  21. Caspica
    Feb 27, 2013
    7
    This game is wonderful in so many ways. The amazing art style, a combat system with actual depth and an interesting progression system for each individual character. Sure, the game might suffer from some bugs and lag issues but that will be fixed in due time. There is, however, one major flaw of the game that drags the score down from a strong 9 to a 7: namely the in-game store. TheThis game is wonderful in so many ways. The amazing art style, a combat system with actual depth and an interesting progression system for each individual character. Sure, the game might suffer from some bugs and lag issues but that will be fixed in due time. There is, however, one major flaw of the game that drags the score down from a strong 9 to a 7: namely the in-game store. The primary thing you buy from the store is renown which is used as a "currency" in the game to buy levels for your party making your characters stronger and additional skins. The problem lies with the buying of levels though. This means you're essentially buying power which should be considered as a universally bad thing. Now, there is a system within the game to match you to an opponent with similar combat experience and a party with a similar amount of levels but let me give you a hypothetical scenario to point to the problem: a beginner start up the game one year from now with no experience whatsoever. The popularity of the game has cooled off and left are the hardcore players who have invested a lot of time and maybe money into the game. Now the beginner search for an opponent at his lever but since there are no such players the search algorithm has to go further and pick an opponent from the pool of hardcore players. He will become utterly crushed, both because of his inexperience but also because of his strictly inferior party to that of the opponent's. See the problem? The game is amazing in so very ways so I hope Stoic will resolve this problem as soon as possible.… Expand
  22. Esett
    Apr 17, 2013
    10
    This title is amazing. BUT it does not seem like it when you first try it. I backed it on Kickstarter at the time just based on the beautiful graphics. When i got in the beta i HATED the combat. I just could not wrap my head around the concepts. However, one fine Sunday, while i was in a relaxed mood i tried the game again. Since it was free and all. And i was hooked. Once you understandThis title is amazing. BUT it does not seem like it when you first try it. I backed it on Kickstarter at the time just based on the beautiful graphics. When i got in the beta i HATED the combat. I just could not wrap my head around the concepts. However, one fine Sunday, while i was in a relaxed mood i tried the game again. Since it was free and all. And i was hooked. Once you understand the basic concepts, the game starts to make sense. And the more you play it the more you realise its depth. This is the type of game you can play for a lifetime and not master. That in itself is a gargantuan achievement from Stoic. To understand why you need to play it think about this one other game that does this. Chess. It has been played for centuries now and it still fascinating. That's the punchline. This game is as good if not better than chess. And its just the multyplayer part of it. For free.… Expand
  23. zorroinarkham
    May 10, 2013
    4
    This is a very pretty game with a refreshing art style, everything is hand animated and every perceived angle is rendered. Which makes this game nothing more than a pretty package that when the player finally opens it nothing is found inside. The combat is very slow and rather basic. The only thing complicated or deep from the gameplay is whether or not you'll get to have a turn or willThis is a very pretty game with a refreshing art style, everything is hand animated and every perceived angle is rendered. Which makes this game nothing more than a pretty package that when the player finally opens it nothing is found inside. The combat is very slow and rather basic. The only thing complicated or deep from the gameplay is whether or not you'll get to have a turn or will your character do nothing? There is a very basic design flaw in this game that ruins it and it is that turns get skipped and characters will remain idle for no explained reason other than that the game doesn't work and the programmers didn't go over their product to see if it was broken.… Expand
  24. MontyForester
    May 14, 2013
    0
    There's no a Game inside. It's a "social" game and It's all about dueling other players and paying for just everything. To be honest, I haven't read the description carefully... I've just seen the adv video where warriors is moving somewhere and I've thought that the game has a story and campaign, but I was wrong there's nothing under it's flash-style graphics.
  25. Markius
    Feb 27, 2013
    3
    This game has so many server issues, you spend more time watching "stormy seas" messages than playing. The play looks interesting and their website shows promise, but it seems to be all promise and no out put. Three games in a row now i'm either disconnected or forfeit b/c of server issues. I am always hesitant for FTP models, but it looks like paying just lets you upgrade troopsThis game has so many server issues, you spend more time watching "stormy seas" messages than playing. The play looks interesting and their website shows promise, but it seems to be all promise and no out put. Three games in a row now i'm either disconnected or forfeit b/c of server issues. I am always hesitant for FTP models, but it looks like paying just lets you upgrade troops faster. Not sure it's a broken FTP yet. The combat is interesting and the graphics are nice, but again i can't get any game play in because thier servers are so bad. Guess they skipped too much in that area.… Expand
  26. Dwalk27
    Mar 3, 2013
    9
    The only downside to this game is the server issues, which you may have already guessed from the angry reviews going up. These people need to relax and realise this is not a AAA title supported by a 100 million dollar conglomerate, it's a beautiful piece of work that was created to bring unique enjoyment to the player, whilst also making a bit of cash for a few people's hard work. The factThe only downside to this game is the server issues, which you may have already guessed from the angry reviews going up. These people need to relax and realise this is not a AAA title supported by a 100 million dollar conglomerate, it's a beautiful piece of work that was created to bring unique enjoyment to the player, whilst also making a bit of cash for a few people's hard work. The fact a game of this level can find so much support and make it this far without the need of meddling middle management is testimony to how fertile the future of PC gaming is.… Expand
  27. pazmacats
    Mar 21, 2013
    10
    TBS? I have played them all. Banner Saga is one of the best titles on the market and ever created. Although the rules are rather simple (just like chess) It takes a while to learn (or become good at). Once you know what you are doing, every game presents challenging strategical decisions, in every single turn.
    The game is multiplayer, so don't expect to win every game. This is a must-have    TBS? I have played them all. Banner Saga is one of the best titles on the market and ever created. Although the rules are rather simple (just like chess) It takes a while to learn (or become good at). Once you know what you are doing, every game presents challenging strategical decisions, in every single turn.
    The game is multiplayer, so don't expect to win every game. This is a must-have for anyone enjoying thinking (and hitting stuff with big ass axes).    … Expand
  28. bleys
    Mar 11, 2013
    2
    An off-spring of Kickstarter-funded single-player Banner Saga, TBS: Factions is multiplayer, and the Stoic team apparently doesn't have enough manpower to provide support to players in the FTP model. So, if the game is broken for you for whatever reason, it stays broken with no ETAs whatsoever
  29. Khitchary
    Mar 5, 2013
    9
    This is a tactical turn based rpg. Your squad is vikings. According to Metacritic I have to keep talking, but tbh thats all there is Turn based tactical combat.
  30. Vhite
    Apr 17, 2013
    4
    This could have been great game, I would suggest you to check it out just because of graphics, sadly it's wasn't enough to keep me playing. What sinks this game to the bottom of ocean are terribly flawed mechanics. While there may be some others, I'm gonna mention two that when combined show you how futile playing this game is.

    1. Small strategic choice. There is very small variety of    This could have been great game, I would suggest you to check it out just because of graphics, sadly it's wasn't enough to keep me playing. What sinks this game to the bottom of ocean are terribly flawed mechanics. While there may be some others, I'm gonna mention two that when combined show you how futile playing this game is.

    1. Small strategic choice. There is very small variety of units, you can find which one fit you best and then you will stick with them. After that there really isn't point to changing your group and everyone will have pretty much the same group anyway. Besides that you can upgrade your units but the change there is almost negligible. You get small bonus to one of the units stats and ability that in rare occasions may be slightly better than normal turn. All this will make every game feel same and if you play well and so does your opponent you will each end up with the same last unit at the end of the battle. So this is where the small differences come into play right? Well except there is also...

    2. Random miss chance. There is nothing that can destroy carefully balanced difficulty of a game than random miss or crit chance. I was enjoying this game quite a lot until one game where I ended up with one upgraded archer and my enemy with one normal one. My archer had long distance shot ability which should give me the first hit and thus grant me victory, right? Well no. I got the first shot alright but when we started trading blows I missed a one shot. Despite enjoying the game up to this point, this match made me quit the game and never look back because it was enough to show me just how imbalanced this game can get.    … Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. CD-Action
    May 13, 2013
    60
    Factions is a teaser of a bigger game and does a rather lousy job at encouraging to check out the main dish. It’s simply boring. [CD-Action 06/2013, p.81]
  2. Thunderbolt
    Apr 15, 2013
    60
    The Banner Saga: Factions’ slower pace and current lack of class variety will be enough to discourage many from trying this particular brand of turn-based strategy. But those who can look past these flaws will find a somewhat deep combat system that necessitates tactical awareness and forethought, and a rewarding experience for those who invest the time needed to learn its intricacies.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer
    Apr 1, 2013
    59
    An accomplished and pretty strategy game, sadly hindered by a handful of questionable design choices.
    Read full review
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