When nomadic settlers, giant creature and clockwork golems collide you’ll find yourself in the world of The Banner Saga. Developed by Stoic and published by Versus Evil, the tactical rpg was first released in 2014. The Stoic team is made up of John Watson, Arnie Jorgensen and Drew McGee all formerly of BioWare and all worked on Star Wars: The Old Republic.
The Banner Saga got it’s footing after an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign (it hit its goal in 24 hours), pulling in just under $750K. On release it was available on Steam for PC/Mac users. Earlier this year the game and two years after its first release it was ported for Xbox One and PS4.
The Story
The game wastes no time in throwing you into the world of man, Varrl and the Dredge. Two great wars threw the world into ruin, the Gods are dead, the world is fumbling through an unsteady peace. Varrl (giant horned creatures) and man hold a fragile alliance built on mutual hatred for the mechanical Dredge. Opening with a Varrl caravan, you’re escorting human Prince Ludin and his group to the capital city of Grofheim. Across sprawling mountain ranges a second group, a human settlement is attacked by Dredge and must flee to safety. The premise is set as the two groups come face to face with problems, scores of bandits and Dredge armies.
The Tactics
As a tactical rpg you’ll setup fighters from your wandering parties. There are character classes composed of defensive shield bearers, spear-men, archers and damage dealers. As you engage in battle and slay enemies, each character will earn the ability to level. Winning fights and resolving matters in your camp will earn you points to spend against characters.
Your aim is to compile a team that works well together; a strong balance of defensive and damage that pecks away at enemies. You’re not forced and the game really doesn’t hold your hand in the matter. They really don’t! I love that! In fact other developers take note! Stoic really want you to have your own experience in the game. As you play and encounter problems in your travels; your decisions will impact the safety, morale and the size of your caravan. Your people need you to lead them and how you lead them is down to you!
Combat is turn based, taking time to manoeuvre your characters around a map. You’ll need to keep archers safe by putting your shield bearers and hearty tanks in the middle of their path. You’ll need to juggle who takes the final kill too ensuring characters are balanced. On top of their standard attacks, each character has a unique ability that can turn the tide of a fight in your favour. As you travel you’ll encounter large scale battles pitting caravan reserves against enemy platoons. You’ll have time to formulate a plan of your own throwing yourself into the front to spare your troops or having them take the flanks to help your fight.
The Role
The developers took the time to really ensure you’re the centre of the events. You’re decisions impact everything you’ll experience. While certain elements of the story are locked, how you respond to them will change your story. In a sense you’re telling and playing your own story.
There are no wrong options and while some decisions feel tougher than others, your choice isn’t wrong. While it may end making the journey tougher or expend supplies faster, it may mean more rewards down the line or the satisfaction of knowing you did the right thing (maybe!).
You Should Play It
The Banner Saga had been and gone before I stumbled on it in the PS4! I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it. Tactical rpgs aren’t my usual forté having dallied with the Final Fantasy Tactics before and grown bored of it quickly. That did not happen with Saga I was hooked from the first moment. Letting the intelligent gameplay and immersive storytelling aside for a moment, the game is packed with beautiful visuals and an even more beautiful soundtrack. Every single second and frame is packed with subtle details. While the visuals help to draw the picture of the world, it’s the audio, the music and sound effects that really pull you into it.
If you have seen The Banner Saga and passed it by, stop making the mistake and go for it! You will not be disappointed! You’ll even shed some tears!
Editor-in-Chief, part-time super villain and hoarder of cats. If you can’t find me writing, I’m probably in the kitchen!
