I'll keep the review short. Unnecessarily complex gameplay that leads either to fights that are too easy, or incomprehensibly difficult. Unlike it's inspiration The Banner Saga, Ashes of Gods fails to capture that 'satisfying' feel when you win a fight. The music is a weird amalgamation of many different popular games' styles, such as the ululating women of The Witcher 3. Most disappointing was the story; confusing and sprawling, and often peppered with very poor writing, such as from the title of this review. That's when I stopped playing and uninstalled it- when an innkeeper walked into my room and said: "Sorry sir, the noise from your room was so frightening I dropped a jar of water and shat my britches, and now I want you to wash them." It's just unbelievable and crass. I feel like less of a desperate hero, and more like an itinerant babysitter. Ashes of Gods isn't a bad game. It's just that for the short time we have on this earth, there are so many others that do what this does better.
Gameplay is satisfying, fights are challenging and true to the series decisions for the caravan, for the city and for the Ravens are all dubious, moral grey areas where few outcomes make you a winner. Something seperate from the previous two games, Banner Saga 3 has an underlying theme of hope and triumph. Every fight you win feels like a step closer to victory, each new rank, title and item feels well-earned not hard won. The story writing was done medium-rare; there's enough to chew into that you really enjoy the meat of the narrative, but not too much that you get bored. Conversations with characters can be far and few between, but the familliarity you gain with them is rewarding by the end. Many of their stories, anecdotes or observations are fun to read. You really begin to feel, like in any crisis, that it's the people around you that can make or break it. Most importantly, the choices you make through Sagas 1 & 2 are accounted for; everything comes full circle, which is incredibly exciting. The new 'waves' system of combat is fun and well-balanced. I played through on Normal, eager to finish the saga, though I've finished both Sagas 1 & 2 on Hard before. Normal is well balanced, though there are a few fights where it can feel the odds are stacked against you. Persevere, reload a couple times, and you'll finish this beautiful saga. My first playhtrough took about 18 hours, including gratuitous examining of the scenes inbetween fights (tip: click and drag). There are definitely other playthroughs to enjoy, with all the different choices you make from Skogr through to Arberrang. As always, music from Austin Wintory is spellbinding and chillinh at the same time. Phenominal work from himself, and all the talented musicians too.
