| Title | The Banner Saga |
| Developer(s) | Stoic |
| Publisher(s) | Stoic Studio |
| Release Date | Jan 14, 2014 |
| Size | 3.03 GB |
| Genre | PC > Indie, RPG, Strategy |
The Banner Saga is a critically acclaimed and award-winning role-playing strategy game developed by indie game studio Stoic. Set in a beautifully hand-drawn Norse-inspired world, the game follows a group of Viking clans as they navigate through a harsh and unforgiving landscape while facing difficult decisions that could impact their survival.
Gameplay
In The Banner Saga, players are put in charge of managing a caravan of people as they make their way through a world plagued by an otherworldly threat known as the Dredge. The gameplay is split into two main parts: traveling and combat.
During travel, players must make strategic decisions such as choosing the optimal route, managing resources, and dealing with the consequences of their choices. The caravan consists of both warriors and civilians, and players must balance their needs and strengths while considering the harsh consequences of potential sacrifices.
Combat, on the other hand, is turn-based and highly tactical. Players must navigate their warriors across a grid-based battlefield while taking into consideration terrain, range, and positioning. Each character has unique abilities and skills that can be upgraded over time, giving players plenty of room for strategic thinking and customization.
Story
The Banner Saga is known for its engaging and emotional storytelling, heavily influenced by Norse mythology. The game puts players in charge of making difficult decisions that could impact the characters and the overall story. These choices not only affect the game’s outcome but also influence the personalities and relationships of the characters.
Throughout the game, players will encounter a variety of characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. The interactions and relationships between these characters are an integral part of the game’s narrative, making the player’s decisions even more impactful.
Visuals and Sound
One of the most striking features of The Banner Saga is its stunning visual design. The world is brought to life through gorgeous hand-drawn 2D animations and an equally breathtaking musical score. The game’s art style is heavily inspired by Viking culture, with intricate designs and attention to detail that truly immerses players in this fantastical world.
In addition to the stunning visuals, the game also features voice acting for all characters, adding another layer of authenticity and depth to the storytelling experience.
Reception and Awards
The Banner Saga has received critical acclaim since its release in 2014. It has been praised for its compelling story, stunning visuals, and tactical gameplay. The game has won numerous awards, including several BAFTAs and the Nordic Game Award for Best Nordic Game in 2014.
The Banner Saga Trilogy
The Banner Saga is the first installment in a trilogy, with the second and third games released in 2016 and 2018, respectively. The trilogy follows a continuous story, allowing players to carry over their decisions and consequences from one game to the next.
With its unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and stunning visuals, The Banner Saga has carved a niche for itself in the role-playing genre. Whether you’re a fan of Norse mythology or just appreciate a well-crafted game, The Banner Saga is a must-play for any gamer looking for a captivating and challenging experience.
“With a hand-drawn art style and some difficult decisions to make, The Banner Saga is simply unforgettable.” – Destructoid
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows 7 SP1
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Storage: 4 GB available space
- OS: Windows 10
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Storage: 6 GB available space