The Banner Saga Trilogy (2018)
Game Description:
In The Banner Saga Trilogy, embark on a gripping journey through a beautifully hand-drawn, Norse-inspired world teetering on the brink of collapse. As the leader of a caravan, you must navigate a landscape fraught with danger and uncertainty, making critical decisions that impact the survival of your people. Engage in strategic turn-based combat, where every choice and sacrifice shapes the fate of your followers. Manage resources wisely, forge alliances, and confront the looming threat of the Dredge, a relentless enemy. With a rich narrative and deep character development, your leadership will determine the outcome of this epic saga, where hope and despair intertwine in a desperate struggle for survival.
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What Parents Should Know About The Banner Saga Trilogy
Age Rating
Release Date
2018
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
The Banner Saga Trilogy is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Alcohol Reference, Blood and Gore, Language, and Violence. This is a strategy role-playing game in which players lead a caravan of warriors battling evil forces that threaten the world. From a ¾ overhead perspective, players can position characters around a grid-based area to fight enemies in turn-based combat. Characters use swords, axes, arrows, and magic attacks to defeat enemies (e.g., human soldiers/wizards, centaurs, stone warriors). Battles are highlighted by cries of pain, impact sounds, and blood-splatter effects. One battle sequence depicts a character getting his arm chopped off. Game text includes references to mead and drunkenness (e.g., “He would be drunk if there was more mead for him”; [L]ay off the mead while you're at it”); certain drinking items provide a morale boost for players' caravan. The words “a*shole” and “b*tch” appear in the dialogue.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol Reference, Blood and Gore, Language, Violence
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Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that The Banner Saga Trilogy contains elements that may not be suitable for younger kids. The game features mild profanity, with words like “a*shole” and “b*tch” appearing in dialogue. Violence is present in the form of turn-based combat, with blood-splatter effects and cries of pain, and one scene graphically depicts a character losing an arm. Themes of alcohol use are also present, with references to mead and drunkenness. Due to these elements, many parents recommend the game for teens 13 and older, as it involves mature themes and strategic decision-making that may be better suited for older players.
Why Your Kid Might Like The Banner Saga Trilogy
The Banner Saga Trilogy offers a unique blend of storytelling and strategy that resonates with teens. The game's hand-drawn art style and Norse-inspired setting create an immersive world that feels both epic and personal. Players are drawn to the deep narrative, where every decision impacts the story's outcome, making them feel like their choices truly matter. The strategic turn-based combat challenges players to think critically and plan their moves carefully, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment when they succeed. This combination of storytelling and strategy keeps teens engaged and eager to see how their journey unfolds.
Beyond the gameplay, the character development and moral dilemmas presented in The Banner Saga Trilogy offer a level of depth that appeals to a more mature audience. Teens appreciate the opportunity to explore complex themes such as leadership, sacrifice, and survival, which are woven into the game's narrative. The ability to forge alliances and manage resources adds another layer of strategy, encouraging players to think about the long-term consequences of their actions. This thoughtful approach to storytelling and gameplay makes The Banner Saga Trilogy a compelling experience for those who enjoy games that challenge both their minds and their emotions.