Here’s how combat will work in The Banner Saga

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.