Grab The Games: The Banner Saga

This is a game that I think most of you guys have played. Either on iOS, android or right here on steam. If do have played it in the above mentioned ways then you will agree with me that this is definitely a must have game. If you haven't played it then let me start with the introduction. The Banner Saga is a multiple award winner indie game created by Stoic and published by Versus Evil. In this title you will live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization. Every decision you make in travel, conversation and combat has a meaningful effect on the outcome as your story unfolds. Not everyone will survive, but they will be remembered.

The first thing that impressed me and I am sure it will impress you guys as well is the graphics and the whole art style of the game. The cut scenes have a unique comic style and the whole art of the game is simply mesmerizing and definitely one of the strong aspects of the game. Another thing I loved is the narration and how the player is introduced to the whole world of the banner saga. It truly is like playing a movie and not a game. Another strong element is definitely that every decision you make in travel, conversation and combat counts and it has an effect on the outcome as your story unfolds.

Furthermore, I loved the fact that there is a huge variety of characters that you can play. There are over 25 playable characters from 2 different races, human and varl, the horned giants. Also, there are also 7 different classes, each with unique abilities and upgrade options to fit your play style. I love loved the whole atmosphere of the title, the caravan management, the turn based battles and also I shouldn't forget to mention the unique dialogue features in the game. However, there are some negative aspect in the game that I should mention. The game is awesome but the battles are a little bit repetitive because you fight the same characters over and over with only a few new enemies emerging along the way.

Another negative of the game that when a character dies, this is only briefly mentioned there is no big impact or at least a cut scene about them in order to make the loss more important. Furthermore, even that your choices affect somehow the game and its ending which is amazing unfortunately it is not enough. I decided to restart the game in some point and see what will change if I make different choices. The result? Only a few things changed especially in the deaths of the characters (the same negative also exist in other choice-tailored games like game of thrones, walking dead etc.)

To sum it all up, this is definitely one of the must have titles of the year. The negatives aspects even that they do exist didn't stop me from enjoying the game and live me speechless sometimes in this award winning title that you should definitely try in all the available platforms. The Banner Saga is totally recommended by me and the whole Grabthegames team.

Verdict: 8, 5/10

+ Graphics, art style, narration

+ Every decision counts

+ a lot of characters, classes and abilities

+Turn based combat

- When a character dies it is briefly mentioned or has effect in the game

- Choices don't have as big impact as I was expecting in the game

Dionysis Spinos