It’s like Viking Chess. In the pub
So we’ve seen about how the travel system works in the upcoming title The Banner Saga but now we’ve got a good look at how the turn-based combat will work. Whilst turn-based on a grid isn’t a new mechanic it’s good to see how stats will affect the way your viking warriors will bash each others’ heads in. I love how you see a battle unfolding in an ale house, with people standing around holding their pints watching these massive guys smash each other. Like a typical pub fight.
Combat will either take place in one of two forms: a battle or a war. The former is a small skirmish involving six of your heroes and the latter is a conflict between larger groups. Armour, Strength, Willpower, Exertion, and Break are all stats that must be juggled to maximize your heroes’ abilities during a battle.
Whilst it all looks fairly overwhelming in this short trailer, I didn’t find the combat too hard to get to grips with in the free multiplayer variant The Banner Saga: Factions. Hopefully there’s a bit more depth in the single-player campaign.