18 Best Video Games Of 2016 (So Far)

11. The Banner Saga 2

The Banner Saga 2 is developer Stoic's sublime sequel to an already pretty innovative take on the strategy genre. See, all combatants' health is their attack value, which sits alongside a defence that doubling as armour. Do you chip away at health, knowing enemy armour will soak up most of the damage? Or do you play the long game, get their armour down and then going in for the killing blow?

Such is the foundational switch-up for The Banner Saga and its sequel, yet alongside this, a permadeath-driven story gives all your actions immense weight in and out of encounters. Characters will forge alliances and supplies need to be maintained to ensure your troupe makes it across the increasingly hazardous wasteland.

Across the board it's clear this is the middle chapter of what should turn into a fantastic trilogy, but still, as a strategy game with a very unique and inviting art style, The Banner Saga 2 is well worth your time.