The Banner Saga 3
By Neilie Johnson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Nordic fantasy role-playing game presents tough choices.
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The Banner Saga 3
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What’s It About?
THE BANNER SAGA 3 completes a three-part tale inspired by Viking lore. It involves a world in jeopardy from both an ancient race called the Dredge and a gathering darkness of indeterminate origin. The final chapter involves two main story threads: one where the human and Varl races (Varl being a race of horned giants) are besieged by an army of Dredge; the other where two powerful mages (called Valka) are trying to undo the source of the darkness. Turn-based combat sequences alternate with dialogue and character interaction. Players select and equip a group of upgradeable warriors and use them in regular and gauntlet-style battle. In gauntlet mode, waves of enemies appear, and players can flee after the first wave or bring reinforcements in and continue fighting. In dialogue sequences, players are presented with choices that profoundly alter loyalties and other critical circumstances. In addition to these choices, players must manage resources to keep their followers safe and fed.
Is It Any Good?
This engrossing Viking tale finally comes to a close, with characteristic style and tension. The Banner Saga 3 ups the tension of the game's crucial events by making players manage two parallel storylines, both against a constantly ticking timer. The fate of the world hangs in the balance, and your choices have serious consequences. The stress is hard to take sometimes, but only because The Banner Saga 3 makes you care about its characters. Fortunately, its intermittent combat lets you off the emotional hook to destroy opponents.
This final chapter adds gauntlet-style gameplay to the existing turn-based combat system. Rather than fight a single battle, you're faced with multiple waves of enemies. After the first wave, you have the option to flee or fight again; should you risk going further, you can bring in reinforcements. But the reinforcement mechanics happens to be the game's one big misstep. It just isn't well explained, and using it is very confusing in the midst of battle. You might even have to look online to figure it out, or to see how to best take advantage of this feature. That said, once you do get it, it works well. Other than that one hiccup, The Banner Saga 3 does a fine job living up to its predecessors. It presents new characters and enemies, has incredible sound and graphics, and wraps up with a finale that puts a crazy amount of weight on your shoulders as your clan's primary decision-maker. Without doubt, it's one of the year's strongest role-playing games that strategy fans and Viking lore hounds shouldn't miss.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Is the impact of the violence in The Banner Saga 3 affected by the cartoonish look of the game's graphics? Would it be intensified if the game had more realistic, graphic imagery?
Have you ever had to make a choice that would change your life forever? How do you make those choices? Do you seek advice, or do you just make the decision on your own?
Game Details
- Platforms: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
- Pricing structure: Paid (Legendary edition with base game, additional items, digital graphic novel, and soundtrack also available for $39.99.)
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Versus Evil
- Release date: July 26, 2018
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- ESRB rating: T for References to alcohol and drunkenness, mild language: "bitch," "dammit," and "asses," violence and blood.
- Last updated: September 30, 2021
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