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Banner Saga: Factions
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Developer(s) Stoic
Designer(s) Alex Thomas
Artist(s) Arnie Jorgensen
Composer(s) Austin Wintory
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, PlayStation 3 (PSN), Xbox 360 (XBLA)
Release date(s) *February 25, 2013 (Factions multiplayer game)
*2013 (Chapter 1 single player campaign)
Genre(s) Tactical role-playing

The Banner Saga: Factions is the multiplayer version of The Banner Saga. It is a turn-based game, in which players alternate turns after moving one unit, similar to a board game such as chess. Among other differences from classic board games, units in Factions move in an order set by the players before a match is played. The unit order can be changed by killing enemy units, using special abilities (Forge Ahead), or by reaching Pillage (a player has only 1 unit remaining, while the other player has at least 2 or more units remaining).

Before combat, a player chooses 6 units and their order for his/her team. All units have a limit, by class, per team.

For example, a player can have no more than 5 raiders at a time, on their team. This limit would include 5 of any combination of Raider(s), Backbiter(s), Raidmaster(s), and/or Thrasher(s).

The large Varl units have a slightly different rule, as a player can have only a maximum of 2 Varls on their team at a single time. This Varl limit includes all of the Varl classes, from Shieldbangers and Warriors, to their promoted classes, such as Provokers and Warhawks

Once a desired team is set in place, players leave the Proving Grounds and go to the Great Hall to be placed in matches with other players.

Basics[]

  • Renown - currency for recruiting & upgrading units
  • Units - those who do the fighting
  • Mead House - where units are recruited
  • Proving Grounds - where players arrange their teams and upgrade units
  • Great Hall - where players go to join a match

Combat basics[]

  • Units can move a set number of tiles.
  • Stats are important: Strength equates to both attack power and health, Armor mitigates damage, and Willpower can boost damage or movement but has to be used sparingly.
  • Unlike other games where units can mob single targets, players must choose their positioning carefully; decisions to be made include whether to focus on reducing a target's armor or strength, when to use willpower, and what passive and active abilities can be layered for greatest effect.
  • When only one enemy unit remains, players enter Pillage mode, allowing each unit to move in order, thereby shortening the endgame.
  • The Horn provides for additional willpower, but must be used wisely.

Videos[]

Helpful Links[]

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