Throughout the epic clashes you will frequently encounter, your glorious deeds will be rewarded in the form of Renown, which is used to upgrade and improve each of your mixed military members.
Your troops morale will also need to be kept to a maximum if you are to profit to the full extent. Clashes with the Dredge can result in an extra helping of renown, morale and even the chance at obtaining some serious loot. But be wary of the Dredge, they’re tough opponents.
Bugs
Playing on a smartphone, it became apparent that The Banner Saga wasn’t made with smaller screened devices in mind. Helpful hints that pop up on-screen force you to bring your device closer to your face in order to make out the words.
Tablets and computers would have no problem but because this review was made using an LG G3 (which has quite a large screen for a phone) it became quite an impediment. I must say however that the high resolution of the LG G3 really make The Banner Saga’s brilliant graphics really stand out.
Aesthetic Charm
When it comes to the graphics of this game, Stoic Studios haven’t held back. The beautifully hand-drawn scenery and detailed character animations are by far one of the best parts of playing The Banner Saga. I particularly like the way focus shifts from one character to another during a conversation.
Devise strategies to overcome your powerful opponents in battle.
You will be transported directly into a world inspired by Viking lore as the music and background-sounds gently tickle your ear drums. Sound effects used to represent a battle hungry Shieldbanger as he beats his shield with his weapon in anticipation of the blood he’s about to spill are superb. Moans and groans of an injured soldier make you aware of how difficult a battle really is.
Final Thoughts
All in all, everything from battle to the visuals to the immersive audio will really make you appreciate the lengths Stoic Studios have gone to when creating The Banner Saga.
The story is rich and absorbs you from the moment you see your giant team shadow over the townspeople as they make their way to the first city. Making choices that influence the way the story pans out, make for mindful gaming. Almost as if you were the story teller yourself.
Download this awe-inspiring tale as soon as you can and experience the legend that is The Banner Saga.
Score
5 stars – a pleasure to play.
Pluses:
- Stunning visuals will immediately draw you in to this Nordic world.
- Turn based combat will satiate the strategist in everyone.
- Voice acting is a pleasure to listen to albeit not too frequent.
Minuses:
- A bit expensive, but it’s worth the price.
- Sometimes spoken dialogue can be hard to understand.