Blackguards vs The Banner Saga
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Blackguards is a turn‑based strategy RPG that puts you in the shoes of a band of misfits fighting for a threatened world. Explore over 180 hex‑based battlegrounds and make story‑changing choices in a mature tale of crime, drugs, and murder. Play as a warrior, mage, or hunter and fully customize your skills while navigating a challenging single‑player campaign filled with doubt, treason, and loss.
Your decisions in conversation and battle determine the survival of your party, offering a mature, emotionally driven experience reminiscent of Game of Thrones. The game eschews traditional loot and hero‑centric tropes, focusing instead on the collective fate of the caravan against the relentless Dredge threat.
- Extensive hex‑based battlefields offer tactical depth.
- Rich, mature storyline with impactful choices.
- Three fully customizable classes provide variety.
- Indie production delivers a unique artistic style.
- Deep tactical combat with meaningful choices
- Stunning hand‑drawn art style
- Mature, emotionally engaging story
- Wide platform availability
- Limited to single‑player mode; no multiplayer.
- Steep learning curve for new turn‑based players.
- Graphics may feel dated compared to newer titles.
- Limited multiplayer content
- No loot or gear progression may deter some RPG fans
- Linear map exploration compared to open‑world titles
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Epic tactical RPG where every choice shapes a war-torn kingdom
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are 2014 turn‑based tactical RPGs, but Blackguards offers deeper hex‑based combat and more customization at a higher price, while The Banner Saga delivers a higher‑rated, more polished experience with better art and broader platform support for half the cost.
Key differences
- •Combat grid: Blackguards uses hex‑tiles with terrain effects; Banner Saga uses square tiles with a more classic tactical feel.
- •Story tone: Blackguards focuses on crime, drugs, betrayal (M rating); Banner Saga presents Viking drama (T rating).
- •Price & critic reception: Blackguards $39.99, 67/100; Banner Saga $19.99, 82/100.
- •Platform reach: Banner Saga lists consoles, PC, mobile; Blackguards only listed as single‑player with no platform detail.
- •Multiplayer: Blackguards none; Banner Saga includes optional multiplayer modes.
Gameplay & fun factor
Blackguards' 180+ hex battlegrounds and three deep class trees give richer tactical variety than Banner Saga's square‑grid battles.
Platform availability
Banner Saga explicitly supports consoles, PC, and mobile; Blackguards provides no platform list, implying limited availability.
Price & value
Banner Saga costs $19.99 and scores 82/100, offering better critic value than Blackguards at $39.99 with 67/100.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Banner Saga includes optional multiplayer modes; Blackguards is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Blackguards' 180+ unique hex maps and branching story provide more content than Banner Saga's linear map exploration.
Difficulty & accessibility
Banner Saga's T rating and smoother learning curve are more accessible than Blackguards' steep learning curve and mature themes.
Graphics & performance
Banner Saga's hand‑painted, stylized visuals are praised; Blackguards' graphics may feel dated.
Choose Blackguards if…
Players who prioritize deep tactical combat, extensive maps, and mature storytelling, and are willing to pay more.
Choose The Banner Saga if…
Players who want a higher‑rated, visually striking game with broader platform support and optional multiplayer at lower cost.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
The Banner Saga costs $19.99; Blackguards costs $39.99.
Do either games support multiplayer?
Only The Banner Saga offers optional multiplayer; Blackguards is single‑player only.
Which has a higher critic score?
The Banner Saga has a critic score of 82/100, compared to Blackguards' 67/100.