Let's just have one of the so few games without any elves and dwarves.

Fair enough, but remember that the value of these concepts (and why they are used) is because they well known. It's just that few writers actually use established concepts (like Elves) and then build on them, they just use them stock standard.

I just think Norse mythology (which this game is kind based around) has some great stuff which could have a unique touch:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B6kk%C3%A1lfar_and_Lj%C3%B3s%C3%A1lfar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81lfheimr

There is a pen & paper RPG named Yggdrasill, focused in the Norsemen (not Vikings) in the IVth to VIth centuries' era, with historical accuracy and some fantasy (not High Fantasy like LOTR, D&D, Warhammer, etc, but more in way of mysticism, where the Norse mythology is actually true). There are Dökkálfar, Álfar, Dvergar, Jötunn and Huldr among mystical creatures, but not playable (yes, there are some optional rules but the main goal of the game is about making the adventure of a norsemen party a saga that will be heard in the whole Scania, or even other countries).

The Banner Saga explores the norse mythology too, but if there are Álfar or Dvergar (I don't know), I don't really want to interact with them many times, I think it would be punctually. If they are only in the background, or even not mentioned in the game, it could be fine, I hope that The Banner Saga will be a great IP, it is just the beginning, and developpers could explore more their setting in future games.

But at least, if Álfar or Dvergar aren't planned to be in that setting (maybe because some people could misunderstand them and taking them as Elves and Dwarves - that they are definitely not), another IP in the norse mythology could emerge because of the new interest in that kind of settings.

A new article from Rock Paper Shotgun.

Update 41: Let's Play: The Banner Saga part 3!
YT video: here

Update 42: Let's Play: The Banner Saga part 4!
YT video: here

As great the video they are, I am always reluctant to watch entirely let's play video, especially from games not released yet, because it spoils to much!
But from what I can quickly watch, I should find the game amazing. Waiting for the release now!

A bit late...

Update 43: <span class="bold">The last part of The Banner Saga Let's play!</span>
YT video: here

Last day to upload crest designs for this game tomorrow. Has anyone else from GOG uploaded any? Mine is attached below, created by one of the awesome guys on the Banner Saga forums based on a idea I had.

Gog is missing out. The game is now availible for preorder on several places but not here yet, altough the description say it will be.

http://youtu.be/2zIGKnL9RPI

Wow. Looking forward to this!

It would be a shame if others couldn't pre-order this on gog.

I'll be asking for a gog key when it's released.

Despite some people whinging (in general) not liking pre orders, it does make sense for GOG to do some pre orders.. im wondering why there isnt (ill be getting the game from here via KS anyway)

I don't mind pre-orders, it's the exclusives that give me pause.

Have a question. What is wrong with exclusives if they don't impact on story or gameplay?

I don't like them.