If I were to write my review of The Banner Saga on a royal banner, the seal would make me look very anxious. Such is the weight behind Stoic Studio’s 2014 strategy game decisions and battles. The thrilling turn-based battles are just the icing on the cake. The Banner Saga fully immerses you in the struggles of its highly detailed and beautifully hand-drawn world. Banner Saga’s meaningful interactive story and engaging strategic battles create a gripping journey through this Viking RPG.
History
From its opening chapter, The Banner Saga grabs your attention with its confident world-building based on Vikings. Most importantly, The Banner Saga manages to build its world without a giant exhibition dump. Instead, the construction of the world comes from the interactions between the characters and the lore that doesn’t get forced down your throat. The story of how humans and the Varl, a race of giants, find a restless peace after the disappearance of their gods is presented organically.
Within this world is the story of two humans: Rook and his daughter Alette. After their village is attacked by the monstrous Dredge, they find themselves driving a caravan traveling across the land. However, a potentially apocalyptic threat looms in the shadows.
I have never escaped a feeling of dread while playing. Interactive storytelling has forced me to face a revolving door of scenarios that will surely accelerate the graying of my hair. Managing resources, choosing when to rest and defusing infighting made me feel the weight of leadership. I complained every time I had to leave a clan member behind. I got desperate when my mismanagement of resources led to some starving. Even though it was just numbers on a screen, I genuinely felt the gravity of every choice I made.
Start a new Thread