Banner Saga is a mammoth project and undertaking that has,
impressively, made its home as a mobile title. It's an adventure game
with real depth, characterization, and gorgeous graphics that's made a
seamless transition to iOS. It's truly a title that practically begs to
be examined, especially if you're looking for a mobile adventure game
that truly breaks the mold.
Banner Saga is absolutely gorgeous in every sense of the word, with plenty of tragic beauty in each scene. You follow two separate and simultaneous plot lines that unfold much like the best Western fantasy you've read in some time. Your conversation choices matter, but it's not always obvious which path you should take to ensure a positive result. You feel as though the pathways you end up taking make sense rather than some arbitrary mechanical decision, and following through, you'll have several memorable experiences with your party, especially when it comes to loss and acceptance of such. Coupled with a fantastic interface, intuitive battle system, and entertaining quests, you've got the recipe for a great time here.
The Bad
The narrative can be taken as a bit derivative, and truly if you've played through a sci-fi tale or fantasy before, you'll recognize many of the tropes. But that's hardly an issue compared to the many, many things this game does right.
The Verdict
Banner Saga is one of the greatest adventure games, mobile or otherwise, that's come around in quite a long time. Not only is it interesting and accessible, but it's clean, ornate, and enjoyable through and through. If you only pick out one adventure game this year on iOS, make it this one.
5/5
