With the recent release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, it's time to delve into whether Warhorse Studios' second venture into Czech history through video games is worth your time and attention. Having spent 10 hours immersed in the game, my enthusiasm is palpable, as I find myself tempted to dive back into the world of Kingdom Come instead of working. Let's explore what this sequel brings to the table.
Image: ensiplay.com
Table of Content
- Comparison with the First Game
- Bugs
- Realism and Difficulty
- Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Comparison with the First Game
Like its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an open-world Action RPG that prides itself on historical accuracy and realism in its gameplay mechanics. Whether you choose to embody a valiant knight, a stealthy thief, or opt for diplomatic solutions, the game offers a rich tapestry of roles to explore. Essential aspects like eating and sleeping continue to play crucial roles in maintaining your character's efficiency, and facing three bandits alone remains a formidable challenge.
Image: ensiplay.com
The first thing that strikes you is the enhanced graphics. The landscapes are more breathtaking than ever, yet the game runs smoothly on both PCs and consoles, a rare feat in today's AAA gaming landscape. The combat system has seen thoughtful tweaks, reducing the attack directions by one, simplifying switching between enemies, and refining the parrying mechanics to be more rhythmically engaging. Combat remains challenging but feels more intuitive, with a greater emphasis on tactical variety and smarter enemy AI.
Image: ensiplay.com
When facing a group of enemies, their strategic advantage is palpable, as they attempt to surround you and strike from behind. If one of them is critically injured, they cleverly retreat behind their allies, allowing others to continue the fight.
Image: ensiplay.com
Beyond combat, the game introduces blacksmithing alongside returning mini-games like alchemy and dice. This new craft not only provides a source of income but also allows you to forge high-quality equipment. With a variety of items to create, the forging process remains engaging and challenging, especially when crafting something as intricate as a horseshoe.
Image: ensiplay.com
Bugs
Many players recall the initial technical issues of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, Deliverance II launches in a notably polished state for a game of its scale.
Image: ensiplay.com
In my 10 hours of gameplay, I've encountered only minor bugs. Early on, dialogue selection buttons flickered and became unresponsive, but a quick restart resolved the issue. Another amusing glitch involved a tavern maid who momentarily climbed onto a table before teleporting back to the floor. These are small visual hiccups that don't detract from the overall experience.
Realism and Difficulty
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II strikes a balance in realism that enhances immersion without making the gameplay tedious. The game does not offer a difficulty selection, which might deter those who prefer less challenging games. However, it's not as punishing as Dark Souls. If you've managed to complete The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on any difficulty, you should find Kingdom Come manageable, provided you steer clear of recklessly engaging groups of enemies alone.
Image: ensiplay.com
The historical authenticity is commendable. While I'm not a historian, the game's approach to history feels authentic and engaging. It doesn't force facts upon you but rather piques your curiosity to learn more.
Image: ensiplay.com
Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Importantly, even those new to the series can easily jump into Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. The prologue smoothly introduces the events of the first game, ensuring that newcomers grasp Henry's backstory without feeling lost.
Image: ensiplay.com
The epic opening seamlessly blends tutorials with an engaging pace, allowing you to fight, laugh, and fully immerse yourself in medieval Bohemia within the first hour. While it's premature to fully evaluate the story and quests, the initial impressions are promising. Whether these elements hold up throughout the game's full 100 hours remains to be seen.
Image: ensiplay.com
These are my initial thoughts after spending 10 hours in this medieval life simulator. I'm impressed with the improvements across all facets compared to the first game. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is shaping up to be an exceptional RPG. The real test will be whether it can maintain its strengths throughout the entire playthrough. Time will tell.
