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The Banner Saga 3

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4, Android • 2018

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Quick resume

Banner Saga 3 is the epic conclusion to a sweeping viking saga six years in the making. This strategic RPG, acclaimed for its strong story and compelling characters has won over 20 awards and been nominated for 4 BAFTA awards.

Global score

80/100

Genres

Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Simulator

Pros

  • Deep and impactful story with meaningful choices
  • Beautiful art style and music
  • Engaging turn-based tactical combat
  • Strong emotional and atmospheric immersion
  • Character progression and customization

Cons

  • Technical issues including crashes and bugs
  • Some players find combat repetitive
  • Story ending feels abrupt or incomplete to some
  • Lack of full voice acting and occasional translation issues
  • Additional content behind dlc paywalls

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players make meaningful choices affecting story and character fates, with freedom to direct actions and decisions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Turn-based tactical combat with skillful use of abilities and strategic planning, though some find it repetitive."

  • Competition
    -1

    "Focus is primarily on story and personal progression; some online arena mode exists but is optional and separate."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players often binge the trilogy and replay to explore different choices; strong attachment to story and characters."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay is mostly single-player focused with individual party management; limited multiplayer modes are DLC."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players customize character builds and choose heroic titles; limited world-building but strong narrative creativity."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize shared story and balanced combat rather than exerting control over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive fantasy world and story provide strong escape from reality and emotional engagement."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest in story and gameplay; no sense of obligation reported."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players explore different choices and combat tactics; some routine elements but also new mechanics introduced."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Exploration mostly narrative and strategic rather than physical; some discovery of story secrets and lore."

  • Expression
    2

    "Character customization through titles and builds allows personal expression within defined parameters."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly rooted in a mythological fantasy world with Vikings, giants, and supernatural elements."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Community engagement exists but gameplay is primarily single-player; some social features in DLC modes."

  • Growth
    3

    "Character progression and learning combat strategies provide opportunities for skill development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires sustained attention during combat and story; not designed for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Emotional connections with characters and narrative relationships foster deeper engagement."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead and manage a party and make strategic decisions affecting group survival."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong emphasis on leveling characters, acquiring titles, and collecting items to enhance abilities."

  • Relaxation
    -1

    "Tense and stressful atmosphere with survival pressure; some players find it immersive rather than relaxing."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Beautiful art and music provide rich sensory experience; emotional highs and lows in story."

  • Status
    -2

    "Recognition mostly internal or within community; no strong social status or leaderboard focus."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative-driven game with deep lore, character development, and impactful player choices."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Turn-based tactical combat and resource/time management require planning and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Tension from survival stakes and difficult choices creates suspense and emotional thrill."

  • Value
    3

    "Players report good value for time invested, especially when playing the full trilogy."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves tactical battles with enemies; violence is stylized and integral to gameplay."

  • Survival
    4

    "Strong survival theme with resource/time management and pressure to keep characters alive."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026