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In venom of the small size of the team behind it , The Banner Sagahas made a huge printing . The Stoic Games series was ab initio a perfect example of just how sensational a crowdfunded game could be , with the ex - BioWare designers fork over a passion project high on lineament from both a design and game linear perspective .
The firstBanner Sagawas a triumph , a beautiful game with a real emotional impact , and it was no surprise to see the game see enough success to allow Stoic Games to expand into a trilogy . Thankfully , that degree of timbre continued into the sequel , with Stoic pulling no punch with another guttural descent into a harsh yet profoundly compelling existence .
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Because of this , outlook were gamy for the net part of the trilogy . The Banner Sagahad the rarified title of being a serial where decisions made in - secret plan had a genuine impact on characters , much more so than peers likeMass Effect , and as such pulling off a satisfactory finale was of uppermost grandness . Thankfully , The Banner Saga 3follows on from its predecessors and asseverate the high tone that was expect .
AlthoughThe Banner Saga 3does feel very familiar , there are some changes here to make it feel different from the other parts of the tale . In especial , the statute title paints a picture of a Nordic mankind on the blink of oblivion , the looming Revelation of the late entries now very much apparent . Parties are carve up between different part of this dangerous surroundings , with seemingly unsurmountable betting odds about stopping the impending destruction of the world .
In part , this is showcased by the title ’s stunning artistic production direction . The design quality ofThe Banner Sagahas always shone , with an art elan reminiscent of Ralph Bakshi and Don Bluth that yield the serial publication a truly unique feel . WithThe Banner Saga 3 , this is once again on tip , with lush animated sections and character designs that make it a much more otherworldly experience than even the recentGod of War .
Because of the thin change in step , The Banner Saga 3also has a newfangled dimension from a design perspective . The secret plan world this meter around is that much darker , in a world that is morph into something terrific . WhereasThe Banner Sagaand its continuation were sometimes thin and devoid of life , there ’s a smoky density to much ofThe Banner Saga 3 , and its twisted tool and locales .
It ’s a subtle change , but one that matches the illusion and imagination of the serial publication so far . Keeping the intensity going across all three games is a challenge that is unmanageable for every trilogy , butThe Banner Saga 3barely lets up when it comes to the overall plot . Quite simply , those who ask a breather when take off the game up could be surprised .
From the kickoff , The Banner Saga 3is full - on . It ’s a relentless marching music of battle and drama , with the player having to look out in both the turn - base engagement and the crossroad - eccentric decisions that turn up every so often . The Banner Saga 3is about more than just being a inviolable tactician ; it ’s also about being a thoughtful leader and acting instinctively , put those skills learned in the the like ofTelltale’sThe Walking Deadto the run .
Part of this comes down to the use of goods and services of characters , and once again Stoic Games has balanced it perfectly . The Banner Saga 3is a game for those that have become entrenched in its lore and mold , and it does keen things to build upon its recondite roll of characters . It ’s this relationship direction that also makes up one of the best parts of the plot , and those who revel that element from the previous titles will find it just as strong here .
However , since the title is such a good continuation of the story that it ’s improbable to change the intellect of those who have n’t enjoyedThe Banner Sagathus far . Those who have n’t gelled with the serial wo n’t find much to gain ground them over , and its turn - found tactical RPG combat wo n’t be for everyone . It ’s perhaps an area whereThe Banner Saga ’s uniqueness could be a flaw , as it is very much a trilogy made up of three similar parts .
Nonetheless , The Banner Saga 3is a game that RPG fans should definitely represent . It ’s a tremendous send - off for the trilogy as a whole , hit all the right notes from a storytelling perspective and birth that uncommon video gaming experience : a trilogy that actually delivers a substantial conclusion .
4.5/5
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The Banner Saga 3is uncommitted now for microcomputer , PS4 , Xbox One , and Nintendo Switch . Screen Rant was provided with a PS4 codification for the purposes of this review .
