The Banner Saga 2

 Switch
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 33
  3. Negative: 2 out of 33

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  1. boris_out
    Aug 22, 2019
    10
    Достойное продолжение великолепной игры.
  2. Babutto
    May 5, 2019
    9
    Second game raises some questions especially with the script twist with different points of view what is happening. Although the game is still quite balanced and preserve interest created with the first one.
  3. apeot2002
    Mar 2, 2023
    7
    Welcome to the Banner Saga 2. You must have played this much Banner Saga 1 to enter.

    Banner Saga 2 picks up right after the satisfying but definitely open-ended finale of Banner Saga 1. That goes for every aspect of the production: story, gameplay, production values, everything fits neatly into the holes of the first part of the trilogy. So, if you haven’t played the first part yet    Welcome to the Banner Saga 2. You must have played this much Banner Saga 1 to enter.

    Banner Saga 2 picks up right after the satisfying but definitely open-ended finale of Banner Saga 1. That goes for every aspect of the production: story, gameplay, production values, everything fits neatly into the holes of the first part of the trilogy.

    So, if you haven’t played the first part yet and are interested in playing this one, go do that. It won’t take that long, we’ll wait.

    So now that you won’t get lost when we talk about world-swallowing darkness, giant snakes and shifty menders, we can answer the pertinent questions: If you enjoyed the first part, will The Banner Saga 2 entertain? And if you didn’t, might this middle installment of the series change your mind?

    The answers are, to my mind, yes and no. The Banner Saga 2 does an excellent job continuing the story, raising the narrative stakes and catching us up with our favorite characters and introducing great new dramatis personae. It maintains the evocative art style and contains some of my favorite god stones. All these things are good things.

    But this sequel only does an ok job expanding the gameplay. A whole new category of characters is introduced. There is a new category of skill you can invest your level points into, which gives you percentages to inflict critical damage or completely avoid incoming damage. A bunch of new artifacts are there. The classes can now learn more than one special ability. And that’s it. Everything else about the tactical combat and the VN style travel mechanic is the same.

    Should you make the commitment to the whole trilogy then? To my mind, that entirely depends on your engagement level with the story. If you want to find out what happens to our plucky collection of horned giants, psychotic vikings and shady Gandalf wannabes, The Banner Saga 2 will happily tell you the Dark Middle Chapter, and do a good, at times even great, job of it. If you are here for gameplay experience that expands upon the first game in interesting and engaging ways, you might have to switch franchises.

    TLDR: If you remember your time with The Banner Saga 1 with affection, do not miss this one. If you didn’t, don’t bother. If you haven’t played Part 1 and are interested in Part 2, start at the beginning like a normal person.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. FNintendo
    Jun 4, 2019
    60
    The Banner Saga 2 is an interesting and varied game in the tactical RPG genre that comprises a visually stunning world and a great variety of environments. It doesn't fully supplant its predecessor, though, as it becomes visible that this second entry acts more like a bridge towards a next game and it sends off the idea that there's plenty of potential that should have been developed at a greater level.
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  2. Cubed3
    Dec 27, 2018
    70
    While new additions such as classes and barricades are nice to have, at six to eight hours long, it is a bit on the short side for the asking price. The physical release of the Banner Saga Trilogy offers greater value for money.
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  3. Nintendo Life
    Aug 26, 2018
    80
    The Banner Saga 2 expands on the series' existing foundations with more of the same. There’s no drastic overhaul to the text-based elements or battle segments, and similar systems are in place when it comes to managing your caravan party, fighting enemies, and talking your way out of a tight spot. If you’ve played the original, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Subtle refinements make this a sequel that truly lives up to the standards of the first entry, however, paving the way for the final chapter.
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