Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Initial Reactions

With the recent release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, it's time to evaluate whether Warhorse Studios' second attempt at showcasing Czech history through video games is worth your time. I've spent 10 hours exploring the game, and I can honestly say that I'm eager to dive back into Kingdom Come instead of working, which speaks volumes about its appeal. Before I succumb to that temptation, let's delve into a detailed analysis of the game.

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Table of Contents

• 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 places a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and realism in its mechanics. Players can assume the roles of a valiant knight, a stealthy thief, or opt for diplomatic solutions to conflicts. Essential activities like eating and sleeping are crucial for maintaining efficiency, and tackling three bandits single-handedly remains a formidable challenge.

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The most striking improvement is in the graphics. The landscapes are even more breathtaking than before, yet the game runs smoothly on both PCs and consoles without causing excessive noise. This kind of optimization is rare among modern AAA titles.

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The combat system has received minor yet impactful enhancements. The reduction of one attack direction, smoother enemy switching, and a more rhythmic parrying system have made combat more intuitive without making it easier. The game now offers greater tactical variety, with enemies displaying more intelligent behavior.

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When facing groups of enemies, their tactical advantage is more pronounced than in many other games. They actively try to surround and attack from behind, and if one of them is severely injured, they retreat behind their allies to regroup.

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In addition to alchemy, dice, and other mini-games, players can now engage in blacksmithing. This new craft not only generates income but also allows for the creation of quality equipment. The variety of items to forge keeps the process engaging, and the unique controls make forging a horseshoe more challenging than crafting swords and axes.

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Bugs

Many remember the technical issues that plagued the launch of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, the sequel has been released in a more polished state, which is impressive for a large-scale RPG.

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In my 10 hours of gameplay, I've encountered only minor bugs. Early on, the dialogue selection buttons flickered and became unresponsive, but a simple restart resolved the issue. In another instance, a tavern maid climbed onto a table before teleporting back to the floor. These are small visual glitches that, while not perfect, do not significantly detract from the experience.

Realism and Difficulty

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance II strikes a balance, avoiding excessive realism that might make gameplay tedious. The believable mechanics enhance immersion without overwhelming the player.

The game does not offer a difficulty selection, which may pose a barrier for those who prefer less challenging experiences. However, it's not as punishing as Dark Souls. If you've completed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on any difficulty, you should be able to handle Kingdom Come—provided you steer clear of obviously challenging situations, such as attacking a group of enemies head-on and alone.

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The historical aspect is meticulously crafted. While I'm not a historian, the game's approach to history is engaging and encourages players to explore the subject further rather than simply presenting facts.

Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?

Importantly, even those who haven't played the first game can jump right into Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. The prologue gradually introduces the events of the original, ensuring newcomers understand Henry's backstory.

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The epic opening not only sets the stage but also blends solid tutorials with an engaging pace. Within the first hour, players will fight, laugh, and immerse themselves in medieval Bohemia.

It's still too early to fully evaluate the story and quests, but what I've seen so far is impressive. Whether this quality will hold throughout the game's 100-hour duration remains to be seen.

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These are my initial impressions after spending 10 hours in this medieval life simulator. I appreciate the improvements across every aspect compared to the first game. It's shaping up to be a fantastic RPG. Whether it will maintain its strengths throughout the full playthrough? Only time will tell.