With the recent release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, it's time to delve into whether Warhorse Studios' second venture into the realm of Czech history through video games is worth exploring. After spending 10 hours immersed in the game, my enthusiasm for launching it instead of working speaks volumes. Let's dive into a detailed analysis of this captivating title.
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Comparison with the First Game
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the tradition of its predecessor as an open-world Action RPG, focusing on historical accuracy and realism. Players can embody a valiant knight, a stealthy thief, or opt for diplomacy to resolve conflicts. Essential mechanics like eating and sleeping remain crucial for maintaining your character's efficiency, and engaging with multiple bandits solo remains a formidable challenge.
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The visual upgrade is immediately noticeable; the landscapes are more breathtaking than ever, yet the game runs smoothly without overtaxing hardware—a rare feat among modern AAA titles.
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Combat has been refined with subtle but impactful enhancements. The reduction of one attack direction, improved enemy switching, and the rhythmic nature of parrying make combat more intuitive, though no less challenging. Enemies exhibit smarter tactics, making group encounters feel more daunting and realistic.
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In group battles, the sense of being outnumbered is palpable as enemies attempt to flank and attack from behind. Injured foes strategically retreat, allowing their comrades to continue the fight.
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Beyond combat, the game introduces blacksmithing alongside returning mini-games like alchemy and dice. This new craft not only offers income but also access to high-quality equipment. The variety of items to forge keeps the process engaging, with unique controls making even simple tasks like crafting a horseshoe a test of skill.
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Bugs
Unlike its predecessor, which launched with significant technical issues, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II arrives in a more polished state. I've encountered only minor bugs during my playtime. For instance, early on, dialogue selection buttons flickered and became unresponsive, easily fixed by restarting the game. Another time, a tavern maid teleported from a table to the floor—a small visual glitch, but not game-breaking.
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Realism and Difficulty
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II strikes a balance between realism and gameplay, enhancing immersion without making the experience tedious. The game does not offer difficulty settings, which may deter casual gamers. However, it's less punishing than Dark Souls. If you've managed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim at any difficulty, you should find Kingdom Come: Deliverance II manageable, provided you approach challenges strategically.
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The historical elements are meticulously crafted, though I'm no expert to judge their accuracy. As a player, the game's approach to history is engaging, encouraging curiosity without overwhelming you with facts.
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Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Newcomers to the series need not worry; the game's prologue effectively recaps the events of the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance, ensuring everyone understands Henry's backstory. The opening sequence masterfully blends tutorials with an engaging narrative, immersing players in medieval Bohemia within the first hour.
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While it's premature to fully assess the story and quests, the initial impression is promising. The game promises over 100 hours of content, and whether it sustains its quality throughout remains to be seen.
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These are my first impressions after 10 hours of experiencing this medieval life simulator. The improvements across the board from the first game are evident, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is shaping up to be an exceptional RPG. The journey ahead will reveal if it can maintain its high standards throughout the full playthrough.
