The Banner Saga: A New Home on the Switch

If you like to battle with tactics, if you like role-playing games, if you like the Nintendo Switch, then this is the game for you. The Banner Saga is getting a release for Nintendo’s current powerhouse the Switch. It comes out in just a few short days. This game was initially brought out for PC and Mobile Phones, but now has been released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, now Nintendo finally gets a turn with this fantasy game. This is our review of The Banner Saga.

From Developer Stoic Studio and Publisher Versus Evil, comes a renewal of The Banner Saga onto the Nintendo Switch. With its beginnings on PC and Mobile Phones, it soon had ports make its way all the way to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This game comes from humble beginnings as the first game to come from Stoic, which is led by three former BioWare designers.

You begin your interactive story in a Viking inspired land which has been cursed so that the sun stopped in the sky, this has left the world in never-ending twilight. Your objective in this game is to join the two main ally races together into an alliance. The Humans you already know, but there is also the giant-like creatures called Varls. You play as a character named Eirik, along with you your Varl companions you have been tasked with transporting a Human prince to the capital of the Varl people. Once there you are to forge the alliance that will be needed to fight a returning ancient enemy the Dredge.

Not to be confused with the energy-based lifeforms from the movie Titan A.E. these Dredge are ancient warriors who are geared head to toe in strong armor. You will be tested at every turn, your strategy for taking them down will be the only thing that keeps you alive in these fights. Your party is met with peril at every turn, and not just your main party, that’s right you have two parties which do eventually meet up. Lead your team in an epic battle of good versus evil and save the Viking world.

The game is set up as a tactical strategy role-playing game. You will be going into battle and you battleground will be a hex-shaped map. Each of your characters has a set distance (blue color floor) that they can travel to reach your enemies. There are extensions (yellow color floor) that you can travel to as well but at the cost of willpower. Once you get close to the enemy with your melee characters you have normal attacks and special attacks to hurt the other guys. Some of your characters have an AOE attack that allows you to hit multiple people in arcs that are all around you. You also have ranged characters that can attack from a distance with their bows and this is very helpful in certain situations.

The Banner Saga is a game for anyone that loves interactive role-playing games and that little bit of tactics added in. Releasing on May 17th, 2018 for the low price of $19.99 USD, this game is one for the collection. You will get hours and hours of gameplay out of this and it will be well worth it.

Note: Our copy was reviewed on Nintendo Switch with a code provided by PR.

Summary
The negatives aren't that big of a negative for me, however, I do love role-playing games where you actually control your character and can move freely around the map. This game is one of the best tactics rpgs I have played in my life. I would recommend this game to anyone who wants to try it out whether you get it for Switch or not.
Good
  • Interactive Role-Playing Story
  • Drawn Art Graphics Give a Feel of Nostalgia
  • Ability To Direct The Story
  • Low Price For Hours Of Fun
Bad
  • No Open World
  • You Can't Control Your Avatar
9
Amazing
Written by
Long time game enthusiast and writer. I have beta tested a lot of Mmorpg's since I was thirteen including Star Wars Galaxies, Lord of the Rings Online, and Star Wars The Old Republic. Currently attending The Art Institute of Pittsburgh for a degree in Game Art and Technology.

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