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CRITIK

The Banner Saga 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Banner Saga 3
Item: The Banner Saga 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Simulation, Turn-Based, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableJul 26, 2018

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperStoic

Overview

Banner Saga 3 is the final dramatic chapter in the mature, story-driven Viking RPG series which has won over 20 awards and has been nominated for 4 BAFTA awards. As the world continues to crumble around you, who can you trust, how will you protect your allies and what choices will you make as the Darkness draws near?

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of The Banner Saga 3 for its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and satisfying conclusion. NintendoWorldReport commended the game for evolving the combat and delivering a story with numerous killer moments, offering varied choices that added to the overall satisfaction of the narrative. Destructoid highlighted the impactful storytelling focused on themes of loss, endurance, and camaraderie, capturing the desperation of the characters effectively. TheXboxHub described the story as epic and deeply emotional, comparable to great fantasy sagas, evoking feelings of sadness and tension through character experiences. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the story of The Banner Saga 3. Gamer.no mentioned elements that detracted from the experience, such as an abrupt and unsatisfying ending that left much to be desired. USgamer criticized the lack of proper fleshing out of characters, making it difficult for players to care about them amidst the survival-focused narrative. PlayStation Universe noted that while the story had a compelling cast of characters and engaging narrative, the ending may have felt rushed, potentially impacting the overall satisfaction of the conclusion for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of The Banner Saga 3. Multiple reviewers praised the game for its intense, emotional, and narrative-driven experience, with high stakes, impactful decision-making, and consequences that resonated with players. The game's ability to wrap up character arcs effectively, deliver a sense of finality, and provide closure to the trilogy was widely appreciated. The blend of Norse legends, desperate themes, and character-driven storytelling contributed to a memorable and engaging narrative that resonated with fans of the series. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics found The Banner Saga 3's story to be a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, solidifying its reputation as a standout narrative-driven experience in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics raved about The Banner Saga 3's compelling narrative, emotional depth, and satisfying conclusion. The game was praised for its evolving combat, killer moments, and impactful storytelling on loss and camaraderie. Some critics noted shortcomings like an abrupt ending and underdeveloped characters, but overall, the game was lauded for its intense, emotional, and narrative-driven experience that resonated with players. The majority found it to be a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, solidifying its reputation as a standout narrative-driven game.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The Banner Saga 3's gameplay has received praise for its engaging tactical turn-based battles and strategic depth. Critics like God is a Geek and Trusted Reviews appreciate the intense and challenging combat, with new mechanics like the Wave system and Heroic Titles enhancing the gameplay experience. NintendoWorldReport highlights the improved variety in character classes and enemy types, making battles more interactive and challenging. The addition of new elements like environmental hazards and the Valka Spear, as mentioned by DualShockers, adds a fresh twist to the familiar Final Fantasy Tactics-esque combat system. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the lack of innovation and repetitive nature of the gameplay in The Banner Saga 3. Metro GameCentral and IGN criticize the rote combat and lack of variety in battles, suggesting that the combat could have been more nuanced and engaging. PlayStation Country and RPG Site mention that battles can become tedious, especially longer ones involving waves of enemies. Impulsegamer and The Overpowered Noobs point out that while the gameplay has some tweaks and improvements, it still feels similar to the previous games, leading to repetitive and uninspired combat experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed regarding the gameplay of The Banner Saga 3. While some appreciate the depth of the tactical combat and the introduction of new mechanics, others feel that the gameplay lacks innovation and becomes repetitive over time. The game seems to excel in providing challenging decision-making opportunities and strategic battles, as noted by GameSpace and GameSpot. However, the lack of significant improvements in combat mechanics and the repetitive nature of battles, as highlighted by IGN and Impulsegamer, may deter some players from fully enjoying the gameplay experience. Ultimately, The Banner Saga 3's gameplay is a blend of engaging tactical elements and familiar mechanics that may appeal more to fans of the series rather than newcomers seeking innovative gameplay features.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

The Banner Saga 3's gameplay impresses with engaging tactical battles, new mechanics like the Wave system, and improved character variety. Critics applaud its depth but criticize lack of innovation and repetition. While some find the combat challenging and strategic, others feel it becomes tedious and uninspired. Overall, opinions are mixed on whether the gameplay offers enough freshness to captivate players, with some praising its depth while others lamenting its lack of innovation.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of The Banner Saga 3, highlighting its hand-drawn art style, vibrant animations, and striking artwork. Destructoid described the animation as vibrant and beautifully illustrating despair, while IGN mentioned the darker feel of the visuals that complement the storyline's journey. PlaySense and PlayStation Country both commended the magnificent artistic style, well-crafted animations, and atmospheric cutscenes that immerse players in the game's world. TheXboxHub and TrueAchievements appreciated the epic and haunting visuals, with TheXboxHub specifically longing for more cutscenes to witness the majestic scenes play out. The attention to detail, beautiful character designs, and effective use of color were also highlighted by New Game Network and Trusted Reviews, further emphasizing the game's visual excellence. On the flip side, some critics pointed out minor drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of The Banner Saga 3. IGN Japan noted that the artwork was slightly toned down compared to previous games, although it still managed to impress overall. Additionally, Easy Allies mentioned the visual novel style presentation due to budget constraints, which may have limited the full potential of the visuals in certain scenes. These criticisms, however, were few and far between, with the overall sentiment leaning heavily towards admiration for the game's aesthetics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Banner Saga 3. Critics such as GameSpot, GameSpace, and The Games Machine praised the stunning hand-drawn artwork that immerses players into the game's world and enhances the storytelling experience. The visuals were described as beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, and immersive by various critics, showcasing the game's ability to captivate players with its artistry. The diverse and numerous scenes, attention to detail, and the unique art style influenced by classic animation all contributed to the game's visual appeal, making it a standout title in terms of graphics. The majority of critics found the Graphics and Visual Design of The Banner Saga 3 to be exceptional, reinforcing the notion that it is a visually stunning and artistically impressive game that successfully brings its world to life.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praised The Banner Saga 3's graphics and visual design, hailing its hand-drawn art style, vibrant animations, and atmospheric cutscenes. Some minor drawbacks were noted, but overall, the game's aesthetics received overwhelming admiration. The stunning artwork immerses players in the game's world, enhancing the storytelling experience and earning accolades for its beauty and immersive quality. Critics found the attention to detail, character designs, and use of color to be exceptional, making The Banner Saga 3 a visually stunning and artistically impressive title.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Banner Saga 3 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Austin Wintory's composition was a standout element, with many reviewers praising the captivating and immersive soundtrack that perfectly complemented the game's Nordic-inspired setting and epic storytelling. Critics like PlayStation Universe, GameSpot, and Nintendo Life highlighted the strong soundtrack that enhanced the overall experience and brought the game's world to life. The use of live orchestral recordings, ethereal choral numbers, and haunting melodies added depth and emotion to key moments, creating a memorable audio experience. Additionally, the sound effects during combat were noted to be satisfying and contributed to the overall atmosphere, as mentioned by App Trigger. On the flip side, while the majority of critics lauded the Sound Design and Music of The Banner Saga 3, there were a few minor criticisms. Some reviewers, such as Gamer.no and Metro GameCentral, mentioned occasional shortcomings in maintaining engagement during lengthy battles or the lack of voice-acting impacting the storytelling. These critiques, however, were in the minority and did not detract significantly from the overall positive reception of the game's audio elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Banner Saga 3. The majority of reviewers, including DualShockers, Easy Allies, and Vandal, praised the game for its top-tier sound and music design, with Austin Wintory's score being a standout feature that elevated the emotional impact of the narrative and gameplay. The atmospheric sound design, epic orchestral scores, and immersive experience created by the music were widely appreciated, contributing to the game's overall success and enhancing the player's journey through the final chapter of The Banner Saga trilogy. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of The Banner Saga 3 were considered exceptional by the majority of critics, playing a crucial role in immersing players in the game's world and heightening the emotional stakes of the story.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the Sound Design and Music of The Banner Saga 3, with Austin Wintory's captivating soundtrack being a standout element that perfectly matched the game's Nordic-inspired setting and epic storytelling. The live orchestral recordings, ethereal choral numbers, and haunting melodies added depth and emotion to key moments, creating a memorable audio experience. While some minor criticisms were noted, the majority of reviewers hailed the top-tier sound and music design for enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in the game's world.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The Voice Acting in The Banner Saga 3 has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. PlaySense and PlayStation Country both highlight the improvements in voice acting, with PlaySense noting a significant enhancement that contributes to the overall experience of the game. Trusted Reviews also praises the sombre voice acting during key moments, adding an extra level of depth to the storytelling. Nintendo Life appreciates how the voice acting enriches the storytelling and enhances the overall experience, showcasing a positive sentiment towards the voice work in the game. On the other hand, App Trigger expresses disappointment in the lack of voice acting during emotional scenes, feeling that it detracts from the impact of the storytelling. This sentiment is echoed by Metro GameCentral, who feels that the absence of voice-acting hinders the overall narrative experience. Vandal's critique of the Spanish translation further adds to the negative aspects of the voice acting, pointing out a discrepancy in capturing the original English version's literary flair. These criticisms suggest that while the voice acting has its strengths, there are notable shortcomings in terms of consistency and emotional delivery in certain scenes. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the voice acting in The Banner Saga 3, with many acknowledging its contribution to the immersive storytelling experience. Critics like PlaySense, PlayStation Country, and Easy Allies appreciate the voice work for adding depth to important scenes and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, the criticisms from App Trigger, Metro GameCentral, and Vandal highlight areas where the voice acting could have been more consistent and impactful, particularly in emotional moments and language localization. Despite some shortcomings, the general sentiment suggests that the voice acting in The Banner Saga 3 plays a significant role in shaping the game's narrative and world-building aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in The Banner Saga 3. Some praise it for enhancing the storytelling experience and adding depth to key moments, while others criticize its inconsistency and lack of emotional impact in certain scenes. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a positive aspect of the game, despite some shortcomings in delivery and localization.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, several positives were highlighted by the critics. The Banner Saga 3 was praised for its solid performance on Xbox One, with minimal technical issues and smooth transitions between loading screens, cutscenes, and dialogue, as noted by New Game Network. Similarly, on PC, the game was deemed technically competent by Gamer.no, with smooth transitions and minimal technical issues. The PC version also received praise from Easy Allies for its overall stability, despite encountering a few bugs, showcasing a generally positive experience for players on this platform. However, there were some notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding technical performance on specific gaming platforms. The Nintendo Switch version faced challenges, with frame rate stuttering, heavy lag during battles if left idle for too long, and frame rate inconsistencies, as highlighted by DarkStation and Nintendo Insider, respectively. Twinfinite also noted issues on the Switch, such as long load times and bugs that prevented battles from activating, although these were easily resolved by reloading a previous save. On Xbox One, GamingTrend criticized the busy and unfriendly UI, impacting the overall experience, while Cubed3 mentioned minor technical issues like crowded battlefields and resource management challenges. Overall, the consensus among the critics indicates a mixed bag of technical performance for The Banner Saga 3 across different gaming platforms. While some platforms like PC were praised for their solid performance with minimal issues, others like the Nintendo Switch faced more significant challenges with frame rate problems and lag during gameplay. The Xbox One version fell somewhere in between, with minor technical issues affecting the overall experience for some reviewers. Despite these technical hiccups, the game's core mechanics and storytelling seem to shine through, as noted by some critics like Easy Allies, who mentioned that technical issues were rare occurrences during gameplay.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Banner Saga 3 earns praise for smooth performance on Xbox One and PC, but faces technical challenges on the Nintendo Switch. Critics highlight minimal issues on PC, while Nintendo Switch struggles with frame rate problems and lag. Xbox One falls in between, with minor technical issues affecting the experience. Despite some hiccups, the game's core mechanics and storytelling shine through for most reviewers.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of The Banner Saga 3 highlight several positive aspects. Critics like TrueAchievements, DualShockers, and FANDOM appreciate the game's multiple endings, tough decisions, and consequences that encourage players to explore different outcomes through replayability. DualShockers specifically mention the rich array of characters and new playable characters that offer diverse strategies, enhancing the replay value. Additionally, CGMagazine praises the ability to import saves from previous entries, allowing for different outcomes based on past decisions, catering to series veterans and newcomers alike. On the flip side, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. PlaySense notes a high entry barrier due to the lack of a tutorial and the need to play previous games, which could limit the impact of player choices. GameSpot highlights that starting from The Banner Saga 3 alone may result in missed context and less meaningful enjoyment, suggesting that experiencing the entire series enhances the replay value. GameStar also mentions that the lack of clear outcomes for choices may hinder replayability, indicating that the ambiguity in decision consequences could be a downside for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards The Banner Saga 3 offering substantial replay value through its decision-making mechanics, multiple endings, and consequences that shape the narrative differently with each playthrough. Critics like Easy Allies and Hooked Gamers appreciate the consequences of player decisions and the diverse outcomes, prompting players to explore alternative paths and endings. While there are concerns raised by some critics regarding entry barriers and ambiguous outcomes, the majority of reviewers find the game's replay value to be engaging and rewarding, especially for those invested in the trilogy's story and strategic gameplay.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about The Banner Saga 3's replay value thanks to its multiple endings, tough decisions, and consequences that urge players to explore different outcomes. Importing saves from previous entries adds depth, but some critics warn of potential drawbacks like high entry barriers and ambiguous outcomes. Despite these concerns, overall consensus is that the game offers engaging and rewarding replay value, especially for fans invested in the series' story and strategic gameplay.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Banner Saga 3 received high praise from the majority of critics for its compelling story, emotional depth, and satisfying conclusion. Critics such as Easy Allies and Cubed3 appreciated the game's heavy and beautiful conclusion, with Easy Allies specifically highlighting the vulnerable characters and desperate struggles that contribute to a compelling experience. The game was lauded for its phenomenal storytelling, exploration of tragedy and death, and impressive graphics and music, as noted by FNintendo and DualShockers. The addition of meaningful gameplay elements, such as tougher strategies and higher stakes, was also commended by COGconnected, adding to the overall positive reception of the game. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of The Banner Saga 3. Metro GameCentral and IGN highlighted repetitive and insubstantial battle systems, as well as technical issues and performance drawbacks on certain platforms like the Nintendo Switch. The lack of evolution throughout the trilogy and the feeling of sameness in gameplay were mentioned by PlayStation Country and PlaySense, indicating a need for more innovation and progression across the series. Additionally, IGN Japan mentioned subpar Japanese localization as a minor flaw that affected the overall experience for some players. Overall, The Banner Saga 3 was widely regarded as a satisfying and worthy conclusion to the trilogy, with critics praising its engaging narrative, strategic gameplay, and immersive visuals and music. The game successfully tied up loose ends and delivered a cathartic end for players who have followed the series from the beginning, as highlighted by GameSpot and TrueAchievements. Despite some minor criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and technical issues, the majority of critics agreed that The Banner Saga 3 excelled in delivering a memorable and emotional finale that resonated with fans of the series. The game's ability to evoke strong emotions, offer meaningful choices, and provide a fitting end to the epic journey contributed to its overall positive reception among reviewers.

TL;DR

The Banner Saga 3 earns high praise for its compelling story and emotional depth, delivering a satisfying conclusion that resonated with fans. Critics lauded its phenomenal storytelling, exploration of tragedy, and impressive graphics and music. While some pointed out drawbacks like repetitive battles and technical issues, the majority agreed that the game excelled in providing a memorable and emotional finale. Overall, The Banner Saga 3 was widely regarded as a worthy conclusion to the trilogy, offering engaging gameplay and immersive visuals.

CRITIK

Reviews

109 reviews found

100

XBLA Fans

Xbox One

Aug 16, 2018