The Banner Saga

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 833 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 606 out of 833
  2. Mixed: 166 out of 833
  3. Negative: 61 out of 833

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  1. Jamesgary
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    The banner saga is the game of the rpg also the story write and the music is very good
  2. TastieToasty
    Jul 21, 2023
    8
    Great story.
    amazing artstyle. (each frame is worth as a desktop wallpaper/screenshot)

    2 different groups with different struggles is a great concept.
    gameplay wise it is pretty hard (for me a noob)

    medium is hard for noobs
    and easy is way too easy.

    would have loved to change my own difficulty.

    will play banner saga 2 and 3 in the future.
  3. 34m2121
    Jul 4, 2023
    8
    Senaryo seçimlerimize göre cidden çok farklı noktalara gidebiliyor,çok iyi bir evreni var oyunun
  4. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    7
    Fun game with strong art style. Turn based strategy is engaging and story choices have some appropriate weight to them. Overall story is fairly forgettable but the moment to moment choices and the characters are great. Didn't leave a strong impression.
  5. WilliamTell
    May 27, 2023
    10
    Auburn hair, cerulean eyes and a dazzling smile that says you're mine. I LOVE THIS GAME!
  6. nietzfk
    May 20, 2023
    5
    Please add the Turkish language support made for the game now. That's why I bought three games and I'm waiting.
  7. Versetty2005
    Feb 26, 2023
    9
    I was a little embarrassed by the absolutely stupid losses of the allies during the text episodes. Fights are cool
  8. 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
  9. TheDJMC
    Nov 21, 2022
    8
    Story Outline:
    The gods (who are implied to be real, tangible deities) have disappeared, causing many to say that they are dead. The sun has stopped moving in the sky resulting in a perpetual daylight. Both Humans and Varl (horned giants) must once again rely on their tenuous collaboration between their people when the huge golem like race known as Dredge return from the north to kill and    Story Outline:
    The gods (who are implied to be real, tangible deities) have disappeared, causing many to say that they are dead. The sun has stopped moving in the sky resulting in a perpetual daylight. Both Humans and Varl (horned giants) must once again rely on their tenuous collaboration between their people when the huge golem like race known as Dredge return from the north to kill and destroy all intelligent life that they see. That is until it is noted that maybe this new Great War that the Dredge are starting isn't of their own choice, but is rather a reaction to something far more unfathomable: the end of the world entirely.

    Pros:
    A mix between FTL: Faster Than Light, any of the recent Telltale games, XCOM, chess and the lore of TES V: Skirym
    Two games in one! The game is split into two halves: scripted & random encounters with decision making and a turn-based combat system that's visually similar to a mix between chess and XCOM. There are also conversations that play out like they do in Telltale's games (e.g. The Walking Dead) which is where most of the character development occurs.
    The combat is good and does enough to keep it a game rather than just a "choose your own adventure" story.
    An engaging story with likable characters and emotional plot twists throughout. It seems to be set up very well for the recently released sequel.
    A constant feeling of urgency is present which greatly emphasises the feeling of importance that every decision that's made carries.
    Thematic music and good sound effects, especially at the touching bittersweet end scene.
    Phenomenal visual design and animation. This could have easily become a movie instead of a game.

    Cons:
    Because of the combat's simplicity, some people could find it repetitive and/or boring (personally I didn't).
    None of the characters are given enough time to properly develop/show their motives and relationships with one another, which leads to many likable characters becoming forgettable. Whether or not any of the characters can be considered memorable I think is in part determined by how quickly the game is played through. I finished my playthrough in roughly 17 hours (two consecutive days) with a few reloads (and toilet breaks XD) in that time and I found that most of the main characters were memorable. However, if you have very little free time then I can see it being much harder to connect properly with the characters.
    There isn't much actual animation which is a shame considering how good it is.
    The "war" mechanic was especially floaty and never gave much of an impression of change or importance aside from changing your numbers around.
    The music and sound effects aren't especially memorable or superbly epic like that of Skyrim (a high bar, I know).
    The first chapter is relatively dull compared to the rest of the game.
    There's an irritating inability to open the options menu during certain brief segments of the game.
    Maybe this should've been a movie instead of a game.

    Conclusion:
    A game definitely worth you're time and money with the potential to replay it multiple times to see what happens. I'm looking forward to playing number two!    … Expand
  10. hileger
    Oct 29, 2022
    5
    Графоманский текст , рисовка класс но тактика говнище ................................................
  11. jfsre
    Sep 15, 2022
    6
    maybe it gets better later on but the start it was very slow and I lost interest in it
  12. HDRip
    Dec 9, 2020
    10
    When asked about the games that have left the strongest impressions over the past 10 years, Banner Saga will definitely take pride of place among them. The scriptwriters of the game did a tremendous job, creating a very interesting world in which people and giants live side by side, fighting with each other and uniting in the face of a common enemy - dredges. But most importantly, theyWhen asked about the games that have left the strongest impressions over the past 10 years, Banner Saga will definitely take pride of place among them. The scriptwriters of the game did a tremendous job, creating a very interesting world in which people and giants live side by side, fighting with each other and uniting in the face of a common enemy - dredges. But most importantly, they have created an incredibly believable atmosphere of the impending inevitable end, from which the whole world runs to the ends of the earth, hoping to find shelter there. An atmosphere of despair and hopelessness, which forces people (and not only people) to reveal their true essences. Moral choices are one of the fundamental gameplay mechanics, but don't think that everything will be easy and simple. Is it worth saving those in trouble or walking by? Or maybe even finish them off and take their belongings? Whatever you choose, it is almost impossible to predict where it will lead, and the result may not be pleasant at all.
    Unfortunately, it was not without a small fly in the ointment. Tactical battles turned out well, but they have difficulty problems. On "normal" difficulty they are too easy, and on "high" difficulty they are incredibly difficult. do not forgive a single mistake. But defeat in the game is another unique mechanic! After losing a battle, you will not return to the save point, but continue on, but you will lose something important. The attacking robbers, if they are not repulsed, I can take all the supplies, leaving your caravan to starve to death. An unsuccessful battle with dredges, which ended in defeat, leads to the fact that one of the key characters has to take on the role of decoy and withdraw some of the enemy troops, giving the rest a chance to leave. The wrong choice, the wrong prioritization, can lead to a real disaster that will almost destroy the caravan. Does this game have the right choices?
    My verdict: This game is a real masterpiece. And I highly recommend it to anyone who loves quality, interesting, unique, story-driven games.    … Expand
  13. Oshiri_Maeda
    Nov 17, 2020
    7
    Seems to be very good and stylish tactics. Too bad I didn't like the core mechanics.
  14. Dustfoxx
    Oct 8, 2020
    8
    Good art. Good gameplay. Great music. Story is a setup for later installments but works well on it's own. I love it.
    Closer to a 9 than a 7
  15. Cree26
    Aug 18, 2020
    6
    I wish I could rate it higher. Its such a beautiful game, with an interesting story line, and great music. Unfortunately there isn't much there in terms of actual game play. It felt like I was just along for the ride, a spectator rather than a character. The mechanics are pretty simple. The battles incidental.
  16. kezzyhko
    Jul 29, 2020
    9
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  17. touchofheaven
    Jun 2, 2020
    8
    Nice game, visual novel with management elements and turn-based battles. The fights are interesting, not too hard, especially want to note the animations and sounds.
  18. Crimert
    May 16, 2020
    9
    The first game of the epic trilogy! There are RPG elements and also it's a tactical game. If you are into Turn-Based strategy games, then you would really like this game! Your decisions matter in this Viking-inspired game! 9hrs on record.
  19. Wiebe
    Feb 26, 2020
    8
    Great story, decisions are fun, combat is alright, but slow and not super deep, but has some fun elements
  20. Kargun
    Nov 29, 2018
    8
    Tiene un arte precioso y el sistema de combate es divertido pero no muy retante. A pesar de las múltiples tomas de decisiones no sientes que tengan un peso real más allá de perder algunos soldados o de conseguir víveres de los que tocan. A pesar de ello los carismáticos personajes te hacen querer jugar a la secuela en cuando te lo acabas. Unas 20 horas de juego.
  21. HarrySatschel
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    I absolutely love this game. It is a fantastic turn based tactical strategy game with a fantastic story. It is relatively short for my likely when taken on its own. However, when played as a part of the trilogy, the entire experience has plenty to offer.
  22. macibor
    Aug 14, 2018
    8
    My friend recommended me this game saying that it was his favourite game with mixed tactics, rpg and story. Of course I didn't believe him at first, but then I tried it. And it was good! The pace of the game could be a little bit quicker but other than that I liked it. I appreciate the graphical style and design of this game and the gameplay is good enough with variety of different moves per unit.
  23. Spartan91
    Aug 5, 2018
    0
    The game constantly stops on loading screens, making it borderline unplayable. Not much of a surprise considering the developer but still makes this game a complete waste of money.
    This game has the best story of any game I've played in a very long time. Just for that it's definitely worth it and the choices are well implemented. Making you think about every choice and hoping you didn't    The game constantly stops on loading screens, making it borderline unplayable. Not much of a surprise considering the developer but still makes this game a complete waste of money.
    This game has the best story of any game I've played in a very long time. Just for that it's definitely worth it and the choices are well implemented. Making you think about every choice and hoping you didn't do the wrong thing. Of course there is the amazing looking Artwork, which definitely ups the games points.
    Sadly the gameplay is just boring. The tactical combat is about as simple as you can make it and unless you're playing at a high difficulty it's pretty easy. There is very little room for creativity on the side of the player, after a bit every fight is pretty much exactly the same unless it has some gimmick. Think the second South Park game.
    The world map is the most boring thing ever. You just watch your little caravan move and wait for some decision to interrupt the boredom.    … Expand
  24. SuperkenGaming
    Jul 23, 2018
    7
    The Banner Saga
    Really good if you like reading
    The Banner Saga is the first game in a trilogy of turn based role playing tactics game set all in the world of Vikings… Though I feel like there’s an even more prominent genre to throw this game into.. And that a visual novel I was really looking forward to giving this series a shot and play through the trilogy, and while I see why so    The Banner Saga
    Really good if you like reading
    The Banner Saga is the first game in a trilogy of turn based role playing tactics game set all in the world of Vikings…
    Though I feel like there’s an even more prominent genre to throw this game into..
    And that a visual novel
    I was really looking forward to giving this series a shot and play through the trilogy, and while I see why so many people love this series...
    it’s just not very casual friendly and its really tough to get through this 8 hour campaign... not necessarily because the gameplay is hard…
    the gameplay is essentially party managements and turn based tactics.. As you play through the story you’ll get different groups of characters that belong to different classes all with their own special moves, and as you defeat enemies you’re bale to promote them and increase their stats… you’ll also get to know these characters during stops in villages as well as along your journey across the map…
    In game it’s all fairly simple, you take turns moving a certain space of tiles and attacking enemies within range, either weakening their defenses or going straight for their health...
    placement of your characters in battle is important as it is possible to lose party members... all of this is fine.. But eventually about half way through the game I was just over it...
    battles feel too Samey… and the story just wasn’t interesting enough to keep me going.. at first it is… it gave me a dungeons and dragons feel as I’m making choices and watching things unfold before me based on those choices, gaining supplies to feed my fighters, gaining items for my party to wear, watching my crew get annoying with other members and having to decide what to do with them to ensure moral stayed up…
    I felt immersed into the story… and then suddenly I’m with a new group of characters away from the group I was just getting to know and it broke the spell for me.. I stopped caring, I no longer cared about the consequences of my choices or what the interest of the characters in this game are…
    I just couldn’t follow along it was too much for me.. I just wanted to get to the end of this visual novel that felt like it was dragging on forever,
    there is good in the banner saga, I get that people love visual novels, but I just don’t... I want voice acting... if you want me to sit down and read for 10 hours your story better be captivating throughout... and it just wasn’t here for me…
    That being said im sure there are plenty out there that the idea of a visual novel meets turn based tactics rpg excited them…
    and for those people youre in for a great time… the banner saga is good at being just that…
    But its not for me..
    I give the banner Saga
    a 7/10    … Expand
  25. RagingPoet
    Jul 23, 2018
    9
    The Banner Saga got beautyful hand drawn style, great characters, impactful choices, solid tactical combat and intense atmosphere.
    It is not perfect: resource management is weak, numbers of people in caravan do not mean anything, some consequences of the choices are impossible to predict, images in dialogues and cutscenes are mostly static. But all those flaws are unimportant compared to    The Banner Saga got beautyful hand drawn style, great characters, impactful choices, solid tactical combat and intense atmosphere.
    It is not perfect: resource management is weak, numbers of people in caravan do not mean anything, some consequences of the choices are impossible to predict, images in dialogues and cutscenes are mostly static. But all those flaws are unimportant compared to how engaging The Banner Saga is.    … Expand
  26. TheSaltyPilgrim
    Jun 10, 2018
    7
    Story and Writing: 9
    Game Play: 8
    Music: 10
    User Interface: 7
    Optimization: 10
    Graphics: 7
    Replay Value: 6
    Would Recommend: Yes
  27. Icinix
    Jun 3, 2018
    10
    Edit : After replaying it many times and the sequals - this game and it's series are total gems. It gets off at a cracking pace, so you might be a bit lost at first but the tactics are quick to learn difficult to master and incredibly satisfying once you pull off more difficult situations.
    Takes a little while to start putting together who is who and what is happening - so at first you    Edit : After replaying it many times and the sequals - this game and it's series are total gems. It gets off at a cracking pace, so you might be a bit lost at first but the tactics are quick to learn difficult to master and incredibly satisfying once you pull off more difficult situations.
    Takes a little while to start putting together who is who and what is happening - so at first you might not feel much connection with the characters or the story - but after a while a case of the 'one more turn' syndrome kicks in. You'll be watching those supplies and weighing up promotions, supplies and items while juggling the story decisions and their potential impacts.
    Well worth the price - with the only faults being in animation and voiced dialogue (the lack of it).    … Expand
  28. jorgos4567
    May 10, 2018
    9
    Great tactics game with an epic story! The developer chose a very clever way to tell a story that will make you feel like in Lord of the Rings. The art style is beautiful and you will care for all the characters.
  29. auditbadger
    Jul 30, 2017
    8
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  30. Laer
    Mar 14, 2017
    7
    El sol se ha detenido, los dioses han muerto, una nueva guerra contra los dredge se cierne sobre la alianza de Humanos y Varls, todo esto, mientras algo aun peor a todo lo anterior se lleva acabo sin que nosotros sepamos nada.

    Así se presenta la historia de The Banner Saga, donde manejaremos a dos grupos que intentan sobrevivir en mitad de todo este caos. Un sin fin de cosas nos    El sol se ha detenido, los dioses han muerto, una nueva guerra contra los dredge se cierne sobre la alianza de Humanos y Varls, todo esto, mientras algo aun peor a todo lo anterior se lleva acabo sin que nosotros sepamos nada.

    Así se presenta la historia de The Banner Saga, donde manejaremos a dos grupos que intentan sobrevivir en mitad de todo este caos. Un sin fin de cosas nos encontraremos en nuestro viaje hacia tierra segura, nos enzarzaremos en batallas cada cual más dura, toparemos con personas, cada una con sus problemas, virtudes, inquietudes, objetivos...

    La mayoría de las decisiones que tomemos tienen relevancia en nuestro camino, no así tanto en la historia. Algunas se llevaran a personas por delante, con otras podrás hacer pasar hambre a tu caravana, y en rara ocasión podrás disfrutar de una pequeña calma en tan duro viaje.

    Como habréis podido comprobar en el inicio de este análisis, sin duda lo más destacable del juego es su historia, como se lleva acabo, y las decisiones, que aunque no cambien realmente el rumbo de la historia, si que dan los matices necesarios para ver como ocurren pequeños sucesos por estos. Ademas, otra de las cosas que más destaca es su apariencia, y es que esta maravilla junto a la banda sonora, hacen que, simplemente ver a la caravana en movimiento, con tal majestuoso paisaje de fondo al sonido de una canción de narrativa épica, o al sonido de tambores de batalla, sea una experiencia inolvidable.

    La jugabilidad, en el tema de combates, posiblemente sea la peor parte del juego, que no por ello significa que sea mala. Cada personaje pertenece a una clase, cada una ofrece distintas capacidades como resistir, pegar, disparar de lejos... pero creo que falta diferenciar más cada una de estas, y mejorar las habilidades especiales de algunas, ya que en la mayoría de los personajes he acabado utilizando casi siempre el ataque principal por ser más efectivo.

    Otro de los fallos es el doblaje, se agradece que este en Español, pero se nota que en ciertos lugares no esta bien desarrollado pues hay frases que no significan nada, otras mal estructuradas que quitan fuerza a la situación y desde luego ambientación.

    Y por ultimo un pequeño apunte. El propio nombre del juego os lo indica "The Banner SAGA". Efectivamente, esto es el comienzo de algo más grande, esta primera entrega solo siempre, no penseis que aclarara ninguna de las dudas que crea.

    Recomendado para todos aquellos amantes de los juegos por turnos, los amantes de la mitología o la ambientación vikinga, o para aquellos que quieran una historia épica por sus venas.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best PC Game of 2014
35
#35 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
51
#51 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 74
  3. Negative: 0 out of 74
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    May 11, 2014
    85
    Banner Saga is a fine - but towards the end a bit repetitive - turn-based viking adventure. [Feb 2014]
  2. games(TM)
    Mar 12, 2014
    80
    It's an outstanding start for a trilogy, and one that we can't wait to see to its end. [Issue#145, p.116]
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Mar 9, 2014
    80
    A fantastic combination of fantasy storytelling and RPG tactics. One hell of a debut from Stoic. [Apr 2014, p.62]
See all critic reviews »