Games News and Reviews | High Def Digest
Film & TV All News Blu-Ray Reviews Release Dates News Pre-orders 4K Ultra HD Reviews Release Dates News Pre-orders Gear Reviews News Home Theater 101 Best Gear Film & TV
Games : Highly Recommended
Ranking:
Release Date: January 12th, 2016 Movie Release Year: 2016

The Banner Saga

Overview -

Nearly four years ago, a small studio called Stoic started a campaign on Kickstarter. Made up of former BioWare employees, the project was successfully funded, and 'The Banner Saga' was released for PC and mobile in January 2014. PS4 and Xbox One versions are now available, with a Vita release also being planned. Stoic has announced the second part of the series will release sometime in the first quarter of this year.

OVERALL:
Highly Recommended
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Release Date:
January 12th, 2016

Video Review

Ranking:

The art design is based on classic hand-drawn animation reminiscent of such classics like Disney’s 'The Sleeping Beauty'. In short, it’s gorgeous and nostalgic. Character models and movement are smooth and graceful, and colors are sharp and rich. It’s not just the cinematics, either - even the battles are done in this style. The overland backgrounds use a slightly different technique that allows for more detail and lighting.

Audio Review

Ranking:

The score was composed by Austin Wintory ('Journey', Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians') and performed by the Dallas Wind Symphony. It is one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard in a spell, from any medium. The voice acting is sparse, only heard during a few cutscenes, but also high quality.

Final Thoughts

It has been a few years in the making, but the Xbox version of 'The Banner Saga' is a wonderful experience. I sincerely hope that Stoic releases the sequel on this platform as well, because they have a good thing going here and the more people who experience it, the better.