14 DAY TRIAL // I had the pleasure to try out the third and last installment in the Banner Saga series before it gets released later this month, and while the game maintains all the traits and feats that made me fall in love with it, I couldn't miss the fact that Stoic Studio added a few tweaks.
Before going into details, I'd like to highlight the fact that this is a spoiler-free preview, so feel free to read it, I'm not going to spoil any story bits for you. It's worth noting though that players who did finish the first two games but, for whatever reason, don't have their saves any longer, will be offered some the chance to make some choices before starting the Banner Saga 3.
Moving on to the actual gameplay, I'm happy to say that this series hasn't lost a charm and its painterly art style still amazes me even after spending so much time with the first two games. This time, however, the tone is more bleak and solemn after the happening in the second game.
The Banner Saga 3 doesn't really bring any new players into the intrigue game, but you'll be facing with even more heartbreaking choices that you'll have to make to save the world from the Darkness. Rook, the protagonist of the series, is now caught in the struggles between various political factions vying for power.
If you haven't yet got used to the Banner Saga games, let me tell you that whatever decision you'll make, something bad will happen, so the catch is to choose the least worst thing for you and your people.
Once again, the story follows two armies with different objectives, but a common goal: stop the Darkness from eating the world. Rook and his people finally arrive in the last bastion not touched by the Darkness, humanity's power seat and the place perfect for a last stand.
But the Banner Saga is not just about the story. You'll be spending a big chunk of your gameplay time making tactical decisions in turn-based battles. Overall, there aren't major changes to the combat system, but there are some nice additions that add another layer of complexity to the battles.
When your heroes reach level 11, you'll be able to choose a so-called Heroic Title that once chosen can't be undone. Each title is unique to a hero, so you can't have two heroes with the same title. There are 14 titles that players can choose from, each giving your hero very powerful abilities.
Reinforcements is also a new addition to the series, which is meant to challenge players even harder. Many of the battles are now fought in waves, but you're not coerced to continue to fight after you beat the first wave, especially if you want to save injuries that your heroes might get while trying to take on more enemies.
However, if you decide to go on, you'll be rewarded with more renown and possibly an item that you can equip to one of your heroes. Thankfully, you can swap your heroes between waves, so those with low HP can be replaced by fresh heroes. The catch is it takes time for your heroes to recover for injuries, so you won't be able to use them for a while.
These are all interesting new mechanics that add to the complexity of the combat; a great decision considering that many players wished the battles would be slightly harder and more intricate than they were.
All in all, the third installment in the Banner Saga series shapes up to be a great tactical RPG, which I can wait to finish when it comes out. Speaking of which, The Banner Saga 3 is slated for release on July 26, so expect a full review from us around that time.
