Meh Face.

I just posted mere hours ago, but already I have finished my slog through The Banner Saga 3.  It makes me sad when I feel as overjoyed as I do at finishing a game that I'm truly not enjoying (the question might remain in your head..."but why do you keep playing?"  Cuz I paid for it, I guess?  I'm a masochist?).  Even though I didn't write a review for games one and two, I feel compelled to write a review now.

If you're unfamiliar with The Banner Saga, it's an indie darling that has gotten some very positive reviews.  It has a unique, Norse mythology/Viking style that stands out among many games who tend to plug away at old, familiar stories and settings.  The gameplay involves decision making that does very deeply impact the story; tons of beautiful art; fun, 80's cartoonish animation; and turn-based strategy style combat.

The first two games in the series see your ragtag group of clansmen and varl fighting to survive and learn about the cataclysm spreading across the world.  You gather many notable and unique characters along the way and have to make some staggering decisions.  I *mostly* enjoyed the first two games.

The Banner Saga 3 starts off exactly where you left off in TBS2--what, you don't remember?  Well, I didn't either and throughout most of the game was very confused.  The premise is that your group has finally arrived at the last remaining stronghold; the only safe place that holds out against the encroaching darkness.  You probably also don't remember that part of your group split off with the goal of finding the cause of the cataclysm and ending it.  The story follows both groups as they desperately fight to survive.

Pros:
+Ability to import your save from the previous two games.  I always love it when games tie everything together.  Since TBS is a game about making tough decisions, having them impact the entire story is a big plus.

+Maintains artistic style and flair from the previous games.

+The story has advanced to a point where the situation is extremely desperate.  TBS3 does a great job of making you feel like you're literally balancing on the edge of the end of the world.  Every choice impacts your ability to hold out and survive...for better or worse (worse in my case).

+New, wave based combat.  This new feature adds a timer that will see multiple sets of baddies appear if you haven't defeated the current crew.  If you do defeat them, you are given the option of fleeing or staying to face more waves.  There's more challenge and the possibility of earning unique items.

+Replayability.  Since there are so many decisions, and in TBS3 they have a strong effect on how long you can hold out, there's a ton of replayability.  I made a bunch of poor decisions and things didn't turn out well for one of my groups.  (I'm probably not going to replay it, but someone who has more positive feelings about it could definitely get multiple endings)

+ or - (depending on your views) There are purchasable DLC options that include an endless wave mode and a new survival mode.

Cons:
-There is a recap option for the previous game, but it provides very little information that is useful.  I spent much of TBS3 very confused about what exactly was happening.  If I had been more motivated, I could've looked up a refresher--but one of the downsides of all your impactful choices is that there's really not a great way to recap all of them.  It has been almost 3 years since the last game!  Unless you plan to do some extra reading and research, you should expect to be confused.

-I've always hated the combat in TBS.  It's turn based, but it's not very fun.  I might be dense (very likely) but I have never understood it.  There are no changes to the way combat works in TBS3--it's exactly the same as in the previous two games.  If you're hoping that it has been improved...nope.

-Soundtrack?  I wasn't as awed by the music as I had been in the past and can think of few times that I really heard anything that fantastic.  This is a bummer, because the music in the series has always been a high point.

-Felt wrong!  Since much of your focus in TBS3 is on defending one place, the entire aspect of leading your followers on an epic journey doesn't work well.  There are several scenes where they include your banner and your followers trekking to the gate, but it's just not the same.  It's true that one of your groups is taking more of the traditional journey, but there are few opportunities for dialogue or rest.  Part of the fun and challenge of the previous games was trying to keep people in your group fed and happy.  That mechanic is virtually gone.

-Story felt underwhelming.   It does resolve itself, but barring the absolute desperation of the situation, it's not very exciting.  It was a bit draggy.

I was fairly disappointed in TBS3 and really had to work to get myself through it.  In my opinion, the previous games were much better.  I'm very glad I bought it on sale.

Ideally, playing all three games in a row would be your best bet.  Part of my dislike could very much have to do with the fact that I couldn't recall much of the previous two games.

Recommended for:
+Fans of the series who want to see the story end.  I didn't find the story to be especially satisfying, but if you've made it through the first two games, chances are you want to see things resolved.

Not Recommended for:
-Newcomers to the series.  It did appear that you can play it with a fresh character, but it would probably make very little sense.  (I would wait until it starts being offered in a package deal with the other two games)

-People hoping the third game would mark some improvements in things like, say combat.  Nay, good man...nay.