I usually try to assess games entirely on their own merits, but this review going to contain a lot of comparisons to The Banner Saga. There’s really no way around it, as Ash of Gods: Redemption mimics nearly every aspect of Stoic Studio’s Viking-imbued RPGs, including their dark fantasy tone, general story structure, rotoscoped 2D visuals, and unique tactical combat system. I’m not being accusatory when I say this — some of the makers of The Banner Saga have acknowledged and endorsed Ash of Gods, so if they’re not mad, I’m not mad. That said, the comparison is unavoidable.

So, does Ash of Gods: Redemption live up to its inspiration? Or, better yet, does it actually address and improve on some of The Banner Saga’s flaws? Worthy homage or fodder for the fire? Time to find out…