Gameplay Twist
While the Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands official FAQ mentions that Banners do not affect gameplay, I think they are not just there for the show and are actually part of the gameplay. While the different designs don’t have an impact, the Banners themselves are a different story. But first, let’s go over what the FAQ exactly mentions:
Q: What is a Banner Set?
A: As part of your hero customization, you also get to create your own cosmetic banner. It is displayed in the main hub and also shows up whenever you perform an emote. Banner Sets give you additional ways to customize your personal banner and do not affect gameplay.
Why do you need a banner?
Yes, it’s cool that you can design your own banner. It sounds like a new feature to express yourself but what do Banners add to the game besides looking fancy? Well, a part of good game design is making things feel like they belong in the world. Things need to make sense and don’t need to feel shoehorned in.
Yes, the FAQ mentions banners will be displayed in the main hub. But here’s the question, WHEN DO THEY SHOW UP IN THE MAIN HUB?
I think you have to go out into the world and claim specific locations on the map. If you look at this image above, you see a screenshot of the Gameplay Trailer. Yes, they show us the awesome slide&slash mechanic, however, when you look at the background, you can actually see an icon at the top of the structure.
This icon kinda resembles a flag in my eyes and with that arrow on the inside pointing up. It’s kinda like the Developers are saying; “You should put your flag up here”.
But Why?
Then we come to the question; “but why would you need to put up a banner?” Are we able to claim sections of the map? Are we send on a quest by Tiny Tina to restore peace to the world? Will something change in the environment? Will there be an end-game event that requires you to reclaim captured territories because of an endless innovation? Will we be able to use these points as fast travel beacons?
While I don’t have answers to this question, I can’t even tell you for sure this icon will be used for this mechanic. Yet, these are interesting questions to ask. So let me know what you think.
Update
Since the release of the Gameplay Trailer, we have seen more of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. I have spotted these small shrines in the other trailers and they featured different icons.
