The Banner Saga 2

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. RPG Fan
    Jul 8, 2016
    95
    The Banner Saga 2 is a superb tactical RPG, standing shoulder to shoulder with the best that the genre has to offer.
  2. PlayStation Universe
    Jul 20, 2016
    90
    An ambitious and yet more elegant evolution over the first Banner Saga, The Banner Saga 2 fires on all cylinders and provides one of the newest and most enthralling strategy series money can buy with an absolutely belting middle act.
  3. 4P.de
    Jul 22, 2016
    88
    On the consoles Stoic presents a very good sequel that builds on and improves the mechanics of its predecessor while the narrative and decisions reach new dramatic heights.
  5. PlaySense
    Aug 11, 2016
    85
    The sequel continues the admirable level of quality that was delivered by the original, with improved AI to boot. Great game.
  6. XGN
    Aug 18, 2016
    80
    This is a difficult game and therefore suited for a small audience. The learning curve is quite steep and the game expects you to have played the first game. A game for the die-hard fans and alike but not for the casual console game.
  7. RPGamer
    Jul 24, 2016
    80
    If you are into this series because of the story, The Banner Saga 2 is a much stronger offering than the first game, and it will keep you guessing from start to finish.
  8. 3DJuegos
    Jul 12, 2016
    80
    The Banner Saga 2 solves many of the urgent issues from the original, creating a richer and more elaborate combat without forgetting to add a greater depth to the game.
  9. Push Square
    Jul 11, 2016
    80
    The Banner Saga 2 is a story about the end of the world, and few games do a better job of constantly reminding you of that fact.
  10. GameSpew
    Jul 7, 2016
    80
    For the most part it’s wonderfully well-realised: it has a compelling and moving story that really drives the game forward, along with engaging and thought-provoking gameplay from start to finish.
  11. Brash Games
    Aug 4, 2016
    70
    If you are like me, and looking at jumping in on The Banner Saga having skipped the first one my advice is pretty simple – don’t. Do yourself a favour and spare the extra coin in getting the first game bundled along with it, you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
  12. Metro GameCentral
    Jul 6, 2016
    70
    More a new episode than a full-blown sequel, but the clever blend of strategic, tactical, and moral decision-making is as compelling as ever.
  13. Slant Magazine
    Jul 13, 2016
    40
    The tiring exposition of the writing and the storytelling's lack of visual coherence are obvious from the start.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PS4 Game of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 60
  3. Negative: 6 out of 60
  1. RPG_Fanatic
    Jun 20, 2023
    9
    Another tactical game and hidden gem for PS4.It has good addictions and evolution over the previous one.
  2. Shortbuss1211
    Nov 27, 2022
    10
    I was worried about this game. Had not seen many reviews. If you know anything about it. Seen it a couple times finally pick it up well worthI was worried about this game. Had not seen many reviews. If you know anything about it. Seen it a couple times finally pick it up well worth it I love this game… Full Review »
  3. Kai82
    Oct 26, 2021
    10
    Like every good sequel it does what the prequel did and improved it. You get the strengths of the first game and some good additions I willLike every good sequel it does what the prequel did and improved it. You get the strengths of the first game and some good additions I will describe below. It is a mixture of a strategic RPG and survival management. The mixture of this made a challenging gameplay with lot of hard decision. Also the art style, soundtrack and graphics are unique and enhance the immersion. The world is inspired by Nordic aka Viking culture and mythology. Story: The northern lands of Varl (Giants) and Humans have been overrun by the Dredge (Humans made of stone). You have lead your Clan of survivors through a lot of struggles of the prequel and have defeated Bellower but with a harsh price. The city of Boersgard is save for a while but cant be defended against the sheer numbers of Dredge. The Dredge will continue to overrun the continent and you have to continue your journey with the survivors to a safe place. There is even a darker possibility on the horizon that the Dredge are also on the run from something worse but nothing is sure. Maybe the capital of Aberrang where the human king resides is safe enough. Like the prequel it will be a struggle to survive. Especially if you try to safe as many people as possible and also keep them fed and in high morals. I enjoyed the stories and the characters have grown on me as I lead and protected them. You have the option to import your save from the first game and take all decisions, characters, items and resources with you. Game play: Firstly the strategic RPG parts. It is turn based but not with a speed attribute. You are in control of up to 6 characters per battle. Each side has alternating turns no mater the numbers except one is down to the last man standing. Example you have 6 characters so after 12 turns it is your same characters turn again. When the enemy has 8 it will be 16 before the same characters turn. Be careful! This is dangerous when you have spared the most powerful enemies until the end. You have an armor and health rating. Health is also attack power and this is an interesting concept. Lets say attack power 9 against armor 7 with 10 health. This is 9-7 = 2 damage and with this health is 10-2= 8. The possible damage output is lowered from 10 to 8 for the damaged character. It gives depth and some tactical options. Each character can level up, learn abilities and improve the stats a bit. Then there is the survival part. Some say it is similar to the classic “The Oregon Trail” but I think this is not familiar anymore. You are the leader of a clan / caravan and must protect its people. You travel through the lands with them and must get food and this is also bought with renown points. You get those for defeating enemies and some events. It is harsh decision making between level up and buying more food. Starvation is a thing and more people need more food. There is a moral rating system and this will be also with benefits and penalties. There are random and scripted events where you have to made decisions. Your decisions mostly have consequences and you can gain or lose heroes, food, moral and people too. It is a cruel situation and as leader you have to make harsh decisions or let others pay the price. I forgot that in battle defeated heroes need recovery time except on easy difficulty (And more on hard). You can still use them but they are really weakened. Resting improves moral, heals wounded heroes but it takes time and consumes food. I think this is a good set up and the rest is easy to learn. These parts together made an excellent experience. The sequel made a lot of improvements. Now you can train clansman to become warriors for the price of some resources but beware clansman will collect resources too from time to time (Less resources for less clansman). Training has now has a purpose. A trainer sets up special training battles for your characters. If you win by fulfilling the conditions you get a lot of renown. Also some good combo ideas and shown how to use characters efficiently. Of cause there are new characters, items, abilities, enemies and classes. There are a few additions in gameplay like barricades and obstacles on the battlefield. All this makes the gameplay better. The game worked really well with its story, characters and challenges. Even normal difficulty gets really hard later on when you want to be noble leader and safe as many lives as possible. The graphics look even better than before. It looks hand drawn and the world is beautiful. I truly like the art work for the characters, cities and items. The soundtrack is truly good and also a bit better than the prequel. I was amazed that they used artist I already cherish like Malukah, Peter Hollens and Taylor Davis. They have good YouTube channels by the way. Overall this surpass the prequel and is easily worth a 10/10 for me. The gameplay is superb in this combination and with the story and characters it is a masterpieces.… Full Review »
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