I really love the fact that you review games deeply with a lot of details. I'm tired of 2 minutes reviews of all the big reviewers. Keep posting! Thank you!
Banner Saga is my second favourite strategy game. Can't wait to pick this up. Shame that some of those sections I thought they may have improved on, haven't been.
have to disagree on the sound...it can feel canned compared to other games, but once you get into the battle system the sound tells you a lot about what's actually happening in the battle
Great review, very critical but fair. I will say from my understanding of Banner Saga 1 and was most likely the issue with 2 in terms of voice acting, is that it would cost twice the budget of the game to voice act that many lines. As you mentioned, it was because of budget, and sadly it just wasn't feasible.
+Patrick Stannard Yeah, i don't mind about that at all, i even appreciate it as something unique. I mean both the lack of voice and animation in dialogue. Too bad the tactical system is still so flawed and boring. I love the setting, art and caravan system. But the actual gameplay part is just tedious.
+UchihaDualStorm To each their own. I found the combat deep, engaging, and unique. Especially after the addition of new objectives, battlefields, and units, I never had a dull moment on the combat boards.
Patrick Stannard Interesting, i just find the core concept flawed, as the best thing you can do is not kill the enemy but weaken him, since you alternate your turns regardless and strenght=health.
I was playing BS1 just yesterday trying to finish it for BS2 launching today (I got 1 chapter left). I also like that you can import your saved game with your choice. Wasn't expecting a review on BS2 this early so appreciate it Karak!
I still haven't finished the first one, but I really enjoyed the part I did play, so I will probably pick this up. Gotta support indie devs that do good work. Nice review as always, Karak.
huh. My biggest complaint here (finished the first game and going into the second now) is the horseborn. I expected them to be four squares. Apparently they're all ponies. Oh well. Hell I would have been ok with them making the varl and equivalents to be even bigger (3x3) to allow the horseborn to be realistically large. Maybe that ruined the gameplay too much but I feel like it wouldn't have. Just make the stages bigger.
I really respect your reviews. it's pleasant to watch, easy to listen to, and informative all at the same time. they are so well crafted. can you do a video on the issues of making a review? how much game time and testing do you need to create a fair review... bucking opinion tends...
Played first part few days ago, absolutely loved it. It creates awesome atmosphere, beautiful art style etc..but imo it's specific, not lots would enjoy it. I read a lot of books so it didn't bother me that much but it would be even nicer if it had voice acting imo. Btw ty for great reviews man. Visited couple of channels, subscribed only to you and Angry Joe.
I don't really want to watch this just because I want to go in blind (although I really like your reviews), but I would really like to know how importing your saves go or if you are given choices at the beginning?
Banner Saga 2 is a game that I will definitely be picking up. It looks like a lot of fun. However, there are numerous issues, a couple of which you already pointed out. Sound effects are poorly done (although the music is pretty solid). The loading times are unbearable. It reminds of Folklore on the PS3 (entering a house, exiting a house, going through a gate, exiting a gate, etc) all resulted in loading times. Admittedly, that game was running on an older piece of hardware but it was still irritating nonetheless. Graphically, the game looks pretty good and I like the aesthetic. However, why do the characters' eyes move but not the rest of their bodies (with the exception of clothing that sways around, etc). Its as if the characters got their entire bodies paralyzed which makes the cutscenes look a bit jarring. Its also odd to not have any dialog during cutscenes but rather onscreen text. As always you have made another solid video. Thanks and God bless!
Out of curiosity, how do you decide upon doing these lesser known titles (love it as you expose your followers like me to new titles)? Do you just buy games you think you would like, get them sent to you or take suggestions? Anyway, love your review style and always tune in to watch your videos before buying or not buying a game. Keep the content coming, please!
+Darin (TigersfanOU) Banner Saga is actually really well known in the PC community at least. To answer your question though, I usually just take a look at the Steam new release and upcoming release tab. Click on things that look interesting and you'll find a new treasure in no time ;p
Thanks again, I like your reviews alot! But I would love if you cover gameplay part in review first before graphics/sound... But that's just me and my opinion :)
Awwwwwwwwww, yeeaaaaaaahhhhhhhwwwwwww. Man, I have to play this, this game looks beautiful. The gameplay of the last one was kind of meh, but here's hoping they have improved it. Thanks for the review man. You're awesome.
+Rogerio I've just finished the game. The gameplay is enhanced but still same. You have new abilities, extra ability when you level up, and some new passive abilities called talents but the core system remains very flawed. You know what im talking about? Lack of initiative coupled with health = strenght leading to best strategy of not killing your enemy, but just damaging them. And it's so slooooow, no chance to skip anything, i was tearing my beard out how slow everything flowed. I struggle through it cause art + caravan choices are great, but the tactical system is still lame. I really would have appreciated a skip button or something. I still like the game a lot, love it even but it's flawed.
gana do a dirt rally review? not a hugely popular game but im loving it! its super hard but really rewarding when you do well. not a perfect game but i would like to see what you think =)
I dont believe that it is fair to judge the sound of an inde game when they dont have the same budget but otherwise the complaints are good ones overall great job
Dying in battle can have huge story repercussions tho. Not to spoil anything but i actually failed the last battle due to a miscalculation and OOOH BOOOYY SHIT JUST GOT REAL.
ACG That's really too bad. Other than that the setting and gameplay look fantastic. I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. I can just put on some other music if it really bothers me.
Ivan Games I don't mind reading. but in a game I feel like there should be a minimum of emotions on the character faces if they're not going to put any voices.
***** I tried the second one but wasn't really feeling it. Mainly because I had no idea what was going on. I'll do the first. See if I like the story and combat enough to get past the poor cutscenes.
I kickstarted Banner Saga for 50 bucks, and it pains me to say, but I don't like it too much. Graphics and the tactical system per se are very good, but the game lacks a more evolved story and enemy diversity simply kills the joy after 2 or 3 encounters.
+Roboterpunk Can't confirm but I believe fighting a lawsuit. King back before Activision bought them were suing anyone with the name "Saga" in their name. Stoic won the case but I'm sure it cost them a pretty penny just to fight the behemoth that is King.
I've watched a couple reviews now and nobody seems to talk about the introduction of chance-based mechanics in combat. In the first game the only time you relied on chance was when attacking an enemy with higher armor, which you were supposed to avoid doing, or if using one of the few crit items. But now they've added special talents to improve all the stats and EVERY SINGLE TALENT is chance-based. In a tactical turn-based game where the simple math of Armor vs Strength is supposed to govern gameplay, this huge introduction of random chance completely ruined my enjoyment of combat. Am I the only one?
Wait for a sale. Combat is antiquated, pretends to give players choice but it doesn't matter what you do, it hasn't improved at all over the previous game, lazy effort. The amazing new barricade feature just makes the game longer, you spend 2-3 turns stuffing around to get units into position. I had a lot of bugs, crashed quite a few times, units kept flashing and disappearing. The last battle of the game is pointless, it doesn't matter if you win of loose same outcome. Lame, lazy game design.
Of course Angry Centaur Gaming recommends the usage of horse-men.
+Robert Koh you have now caught on
I really love the fact that you review games deeply with a lot of details. I'm tired of 2 minutes reviews of all the big reviewers. Keep posting! Thank you!
Banner Saga is my second favourite strategy game. Can't wait to pick this up. Shame that some of those sections I thought they may have improved on, haven't been.
have to disagree on the sound...it can feel canned compared to other games, but once you get into the battle system the sound tells you a lot about what's actually happening in the battle
Great review, very critical but fair. I will say from my understanding of Banner Saga 1 and was most likely the issue with 2 in terms of voice acting, is that it would cost twice the budget of the game to voice act that many lines. As you mentioned, it was because of budget, and sadly it just wasn't feasible.
+Patrick Stannard Yeah, i don't mind about that at all, i even appreciate it as something unique. I mean both the lack of voice and animation in dialogue. Too bad the tactical system is still so flawed and boring. I love the setting, art and caravan system. But the actual gameplay part is just tedious.
+UchihaDualStorm To each their own. I found the combat deep, engaging, and unique. Especially after the addition of new objectives, battlefields, and units, I never had a dull moment on the combat boards.
Patrick Stannard Interesting, i just find the core concept flawed, as the best thing you can do is not kill the enemy but weaken him, since you alternate your turns regardless and strenght=health.
Just sounds like you don't know how the combat works.
I only discovered your channel lateley and I must say I love your reviews. They're in depth, entertaining, funny and critical.
Keep on going!
Great review as always! I also really like how you respond to people. Even with a few word response, it means a lot.
+alpinestarsssss Thanks man appreciate that and glad people notice
I was playing BS1 just yesterday trying to finish it for BS2 launching today (I got 1 chapter left). I also like that you can import your saved game with your choice.
Wasn't expecting a review on BS2 this early so appreciate it Karak!
+Darkholow you bet
Thanks for getting on this so quick Karak, you solidified my trust in pre-ordering this nicely. Keep it up!
+Iwan you bet
Great review, can wait to play this baby! Lets hope some publisher with the $$$ picks them up in the future so they can make this even better!
I think you're one of the only reviewers I've seen who actually knows what he's talking about when he judges a game's music. That's a good thing.
+Brun_ thanks
How dependent is the sequel on having played the first? Does the story assume a continuation from where BS 1 left off? Thanks!
+Windemere RPG not a ton but it will make more sense
+ACG Got it, thanks.
I still haven't finished the first one, but I really enjoyed the part I did play, so I will probably pick this up. Gotta support indie devs that do good work. Nice review as always, Karak.
+Darkly Tranquil thanks man
Just wanted to say i love you reviews! They are so in-depth and you consider factors that every gamer enjoys! Nice review!
+Colby Flye Thanks so much! Spread the word please
Thank you , ill start this game tonight.
huh. My biggest complaint here (finished the first game and going into the second now) is the horseborn. I expected them to be four squares. Apparently they're all ponies. Oh well. Hell I would have been ok with them making the varl and equivalents to be even bigger (3x3) to allow the horseborn to be realistically large. Maybe that ruined the gameplay too much but I feel like it wouldn't have. Just make the stages bigger.
Again, thanks for reviewing this one too!!
sure!
I don't even care about this game yet i watch the video because your reviews are just so interesting
I really respect your reviews. it's pleasant to watch, easy to listen to, and informative all at the same time. they are so well crafted. can you do a video on the issues of making a review? how much game time and testing do you need to create a fair review... bucking opinion tends...
Already did sir a couple of them. in the discussions playlist and the WHY playlist
Played first part few days ago, absolutely loved it. It creates awesome atmosphere, beautiful art style etc..but imo it's specific, not lots would enjoy it. I read a lot of books so it didn't bother me that much but it would be even nicer if it had voice acting imo.
Btw ty for great reviews man. Visited couple of channels, subscribed only to you and Angry Joe.
came to ACG to check the review.. game will be free next month on xbox one games with gold
thanks man
Great review, is it worth playing the first before this one? Really like these style of games but just haven't got round to playing them :)
+Rohnus I think so and thanks
I don't really want to watch this just because I want to go in blind (although I really like your reviews), but I would really like to know how importing your saves go or if you are given choices at the beginning?
you can import saves
Banner Saga 2 is a game that I will definitely be picking up. It looks like a lot of fun. However, there are numerous issues, a couple of which you already pointed out. Sound effects are poorly done (although the music is pretty solid). The loading times are unbearable. It reminds of Folklore on the PS3 (entering a house, exiting a house, going through a gate, exiting a gate, etc) all resulted in loading times. Admittedly, that game was running on an older piece of hardware but it was still irritating nonetheless. Graphically, the game looks pretty good and I like the aesthetic. However, why do the characters' eyes move but not the rest of their bodies (with the exception of clothing that sways around, etc). Its as if the characters got their entire bodies paralyzed which makes the cutscenes look a bit jarring. Its also odd to not have any dialog during cutscenes but rather onscreen text. As always you have made another solid video. Thanks and God bless!
+Eiad Tarabulsi I hear you
Loved the first one. So excited this is coming out! Great review, Karak, as always!
My view would be - Buy if interested in strategy/intellectual/puzzle games, but wait for sale if average consumer or enjoy more action-packed games.
or play it for free if you have an xbox this month
How Do I Change My Name? Lol, That's exactly what I did. xD
Out of curiosity, how do you decide upon doing these lesser known titles (love it as you expose your followers like me to new titles)? Do you just buy games you think you would like, get them sent to you or take suggestions? Anyway, love your review style and always tune in to watch your videos before buying or not buying a game. Keep the content coming, please!
+Darin (TigersfanOU) Banner Saga is actually really well known in the PC community at least. To answer your question though, I usually just take a look at the Steam new release and upcoming release tab. Click on things that look interesting and you'll find a new treasure in no time ;p
didn't the first one release like last year?
+Nick Wiley yes
2014 on PC.
+MrSmartDonkeyLP sorry it was consoles last year now that I think about it
+ACG according to steam it released 14 Jan, 2014
+Jeroen S correct thats why I posted the correction above
Blew it with that thumbnail. That image Isn't of the sequel.
awesome as always
+Alex Meyers thanks
So weird to see this comment nowadays
Waiting for a sale on this due to the lack of depth. Crossing my fingers and toes for that Unsung Story srpg.
Thanks again, I like your reviews alot!
But I would love if you cover gameplay part in review first before graphics/sound... But that's just me and my opinion :)
+Jk S At times in the pat I used to and it absolutely hammered the watchablity of the videos. Tons of abandoned views and a good deal of issues.
again...nice review
Awwwwwwwwww, yeeaaaaaaahhhhhhhwwwwwww. Man, I have to play this, this game looks beautiful. The gameplay of the last one was kind of meh, but here's hoping they have improved it.
Thanks for the review man. You're awesome.
+Rogerio I've just finished the game. The gameplay is enhanced but still same. You have new abilities, extra ability when you level up, and some new passive abilities called talents but the core system remains very flawed. You know what im talking about? Lack of initiative coupled with health = strenght leading to best strategy of not killing your enemy, but just damaging them. And it's so slooooow, no chance to skip anything, i was tearing my beard out how slow everything flowed. I struggle through it cause art + caravan choices are great, but the tactical system is still lame. I really would have appreciated a skip button or something. I still like the game a lot, love it even but it's flawed.
gana do a dirt rally review? not a hugely popular game but im loving it! its super hard but really rewarding when you do well. not a perfect game but i would like to see what you think =)
+Good one! Not another one no. The original one still stands really. Even though it was a bit earlier access it still covers enough
oh right sorry didnt know it came out so long ago on the PC. just picked it up on xbox =) watching review right now =)
do I need to play the first one in order to play this?
Hi Hi no but I would recommend it
Hi Hi you actually sorta do. people, conversations might be vague or down right confusing otherwise. plus you won't really know what is going on fully
Just about to finish BS1, from what I can tell from your review is that your character levels carry over to the next game? Do items as well? :)
Quin Polderman yes
I dont believe that it is fair to judge the sound of an inde game when they dont have the same budget but otherwise the complaints are good ones overall great job
Of course it is. You just adjust expectations. Which this was. Otherwise it would be a charity. Which reviews are not.
+ACG ok I understand now and keepup on the great work I love these reviews
meh......I subcribed! Very concise video reviews ACG
+redpepperdave thanks man
Already have it.Now I need to wait 3 more hours to play ;p
+havocgr1976 worth waiting for
Dying in battle can have huge story repercussions tho. Not to spoil anything but i actually failed the last battle due to a miscalculation and OOOH BOOOYY SHIT JUST GOT REAL.
Was that your first Nascar joke? LOL. I used to be a huge Nascar fan.
The lack of movement and voices in the cut scenes is really something that will put me off. I'm hesitant to pick this up.
+Andrew Cannon (Wedonotsow) agreed lots of use of negative space in the music section in particular.
ACG That's really too bad. Other than that the setting and gameplay look fantastic. I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. I can just put on some other music if it really bothers me.
+Andrew Cannon (Wedonotsow) It didn't bother me that much maybe is because i'm used to reading so i imagine what's happening in those scenes.
Ivan Games I don't mind reading. but in a game I feel like there should be a minimum of emotions on the character faces if they're not going to put any voices.
***** I tried the second one but wasn't really feeling it. Mainly because I had no idea what was going on. I'll do the first. See if I like the story and combat enough to get past the poor cutscenes.
seems like the game is in need of some polish and then you will have a shiny gem.
I kickstarted Banner Saga for 50 bucks, and it pains me to say, but I don't like it too much.
Graphics and the tactical system per se are very good, but the game lacks a more evolved story and enemy diversity simply kills the joy after 2 or 3 encounters.
Someone throw these people some actual money so they could properly pay the sound department - _ -
+Paul Staker agreed Paul completely
I thought the first one sold rather well. I wonder where that money went?
+Roboterpunk Can't confirm but I believe fighting a lawsuit. King back before Activision bought them were suing anyone with the name "Saga" in their name. Stoic won the case but I'm sure it cost them a pretty penny just to fight the behemoth that is King.
as a professional sound engineer for 2 national acts, u need to fix the hum in your audio. in my nice phones its blazingly apparent.
+Chris Schmidt lol why the certification hahahaha. Ya its there.
U da man! Def the best going these days sir!
staring contest lol
I've watched a couple reviews now and nobody seems to talk about the introduction of chance-based mechanics in combat. In the first game the only time you relied on chance was when attacking an enemy with higher armor, which you were supposed to avoid doing, or if using one of the few crit items. But now they've added special talents to improve all the stats and EVERY SINGLE TALENT is chance-based. In a tactical turn-based game where the simple math of Armor vs Strength is supposed to govern gameplay, this huge introduction of random chance completely ruined my enjoyment of combat. Am I the only one?
Wait for a sale. Combat is antiquated, pretends to give players choice but it doesn't matter what you do, it hasn't improved at all over the previous game, lazy effort. The amazing new barricade feature just makes the game longer, you spend 2-3 turns stuffing around to get units into position. I had a lot of bugs, crashed quite a few times, units kept flashing and disappearing. The last battle of the game is pointless, it doesn't matter if you win of loose same outcome. Lame, lazy game design.