78
MONSTER
The Banner Saga is a Viking-themed tactical role-playing video game.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
84
Critics largely praise The Banner Saga for its captivating Norse-inspired narrative, mature tone, and impactful decision-making. While some criticize its early narrative pacing and lack of voice acting, most agree that its deep story, strong character development, and tough choices make it a standout feature. Overall, critics find the story to be a major highlight of the game, with positive opinions outweighing the criticisms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
84
Positive (80-100)
90%
Mixed (50-79)
9%
Negative (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics largely praise The Banner Saga for its captivating Norse-inspired narrative, mature tone, and impactful decision-making. While some criticize its early narrative pacing and lack of voice acting, most agree that its deep story, strong character development, and tough choices make it a standout feature. Overall, critics find the story to be a major highlight of the game, with positive opinions outweighing the criticisms.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
80
Critics praise The Banner Saga's turn-based combat system for its depth and strategic elements, likening it to popular strategy games. The game offers challenging battles with clever positioning and resource management, but some critics note a lack of variety in enemies and terrain. Overall, The Banner Saga provides an engaging gameplay experience with immersive decision-making and tactical nuance, despite some flaws in leveling up and combat progression.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
80
Positive (80-100)
64%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics praise The Banner Saga's turn-based combat system for its depth and strategic elements, likening it to popular strategy games. The game offers challenging battles with clever positioning and resource management, but some critics note a lack of variety in enemies and terrain. Overall, The Banner Saga provides an engaging gameplay experience with immersive decision-making and tactical nuance, despite some flaws in leveling up and combat progression.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
88
Critics raved about The Banner Saga's stunning graphics and unique art style, reminiscent of classic animated films. Characters were praised for their detail and landscapes inspired by Nordic mythology were described as visually appealing. While some critics noted issues like lack of variation in designs and clunky UI, the majority agreed that the game's visuals were beautiful and evocative, making it a standout indie production.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
88
Positive (80-100)
81%
Mixed (50-79)
19%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics raved about The Banner Saga's stunning graphics and unique art style, reminiscent of classic animated films. Characters were praised for their detail and landscapes inspired by Nordic mythology were described as visually appealing. While some critics noted issues like lack of variation in designs and clunky UI, the majority agreed that the game's visuals were beautiful and evocative, making it a standout indie production.
Music and Sound Design
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83
The Sound Design and Music of The Banner Saga received high praise from critics for its immersive soundtrack by Austin Wintory, which enhanced the game's atmosphere and epic scale. While some critics noted limitations like sparse dialogue and forgettable tracks, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with commendations for the orchestral score and sound design's contribution to the gameplay.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
83
Positive (80-100)
82%
Mixed (50-79)
16%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
The Sound Design and Music of The Banner Saga received high praise from critics for its immersive soundtrack by Austin Wintory, which enhanced the game's atmosphere and epic scale. While some critics noted limitations like sparse dialogue and forgettable tracks, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with commendations for the orchestral score and sound design's contribution to the gameplay.
Voice Acting
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63
Critics are divided on the voice acting in The Banner Saga. Some praise its limited use for enhancing key moments and character depth, while others criticize the lack of extensive voiceovers, finding it a weak point that hampers character distinction. Overall, opinions vary on whether the sparse voice acting adds to or detracts from the game's experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
63
Positive (80-100)
15%
Mixed (50-79)
81%
Negative (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics are divided on the voice acting in The Banner Saga. Some praise its limited use for enhancing key moments and character depth, while others criticize the lack of extensive voiceovers, finding it a weak point that hampers character distinction. Overall, opinions vary on whether the sparse voice acting adds to or detracts from the game's experience.
Technical Performance
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73
The Banner Saga received mixed reviews on different gaming platforms. The Nintendo Switch version was praised for smooth performance and portability, while the Xbox One version faced technical issues like frame rate drops. The PC version had minor complaints but good overall performance and stability. Critics favored the Switch version, found the PC version decent, but criticized the Xbox One version for various problems.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
73
Positive (80-100)
44%
Mixed (50-79)
56%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
The Banner Saga received mixed reviews on different gaming platforms. The Nintendo Switch version was praised for smooth performance and portability, while the Xbox One version faced technical issues like frame rate drops. The PC version had minor complaints but good overall performance and stability. Critics favored the Switch version, found the PC version decent, but criticized the Xbox One version for various problems.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
74
Critics agree: The Banner Saga offers significant replay value thanks to its strong narrative, impactful player decisions, and branching choices. Fans of Strategy-RPG games will love exploring different paths and consequences. While some critics mention drawbacks like a lack of emotional connection to characters and challenges with the save system, the game's positives far outweigh the negatives. Ultimately, The Banner Saga is a must-play for those who enjoy replaying games to see the consequences of their choices.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
74
Positive (80-100)
36%
Mixed (50-79)
64%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics agree: The Banner Saga offers significant replay value thanks to its strong narrative, impactful player decisions, and branching choices. Fans of Strategy-RPG games will love exploring different paths and consequences. While some critics mention drawbacks like a lack of emotional connection to characters and challenges with the save system, the game's positives far outweigh the negatives. Ultimately, The Banner Saga is a must-play for those who enjoy replaying games to see the consequences of their choices.
Overall Verdict
78
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
78
Positive (80-100)
75%
Mixed (50-79)
25%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics hail The Banner Saga for its breathtaking art, strategic gameplay, and engaging storytelling, recommending it as a must-play for RPG fans. Despite some criticism for repetitive battles and high difficulty, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive for this unique and captivating game.
78
MONSTER
Reviews
119 reviews found100
USgamer
Jan 14, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Banner Saga is a blindingly lovely and intriguing game. It has a captivating story, solid gameplay, stunning graphics, and a captivating soundtrack. The game's focus on player choice and the animated storybook experience sets it apart from other tactical RPGs.
95
RPG Fan
Jan 30, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review highly recommends the game, stating that it is stunning and appreciates subtlety and nuance.
90
Digitally Downloaded
May 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is a dream on the Switch and tells one of the best stories on the console. It offers a unique and exhilarating experience, with choices that have deadly consequences and a constant fear of annihilation.
90
Slant Magazine
Jan 30, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Banner Saga is a brilliant game with deep challenge and quality writing, art, and combat.
90
RPGamer
Feb 14, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Banner Saga is a powerful and worthwhile game that forces players to think and feel. It may not always give gamers what they want, but it gives them what they need.
90
Post Arcade (National Post)
Jan 30, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Banner Saga is one of those rare games that exceed all expectations while still managing to surprise you with every chapter. It will keep you playing for a long time to come.
90
GamingTrend
May 24, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Banner Saga is an excellent tactical RPG for the Nintendo Switch, with a compelling story, strategic gameplay, beautiful graphics, and meaningful choices. It is one of the best tactical titles available on the platform.
90
Hardcore Gamer
Jan 14, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
An original work of epic fantasy in the truest sense of the term, The Banner Saga can only be called a triumph. Feature-quality production values make the world come alive, while weighty choices and deep combat with a real sense of consequence make for a story that feels both personalized and dramatically satisfying. If you’re getting tired of swords and sorcery, or just looking for meaty tactical battles, few RPGs will satisfy you better.
90
Gamer.no
Jan 14, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Banner Saga offers a compelling and immersive experience that combines stunning visuals, a gripping narrative, and strategic gameplay. It is highly addictive and keeps players engaged. Fans of tactical role-playing games may also enjoy it.
90
Eurogamer Spain
Jan 31, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Banner Saga is a promising start with a refined combat system, charismatic characters, and a captivating story that leaves players wanting more.