Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: A First Look After 10 Hours
Warhorse Studios' Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has arrived, presenting another chapter in their historically-rich Czech setting. Is it worth your time? After 10 hours, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.
Image: ensiplay.com
The game immediately pulls you in; I found myself wanting to play instead of work – a strong indicator of its captivating nature. Let's delve into the specifics.
Comparison to the Original:
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II retains the open-world action RPG formula of its predecessor, emphasizing historical accuracy and realistic mechanics. Gameplay options remain diverse: knight, thief, or diplomat – the choice is yours. Survival elements like eating and sleeping are crucial, and combat against multiple opponents remains challenging but rewarding.
Image: ensiplay.com
Visually stunning landscapes surpass the original, yet the game runs smoothly without excessive system strain – a welcome balance in today's AAA titles.
Image: ensiplay.com
Combat is refined. The streamlined attack system, improved enemy switching, and more nuanced parrying create a more intuitive yet challenging experience. Enemy AI is significantly improved, leading to more tactical depth. Their coordinated attacks and strategic retreats add a layer of realism rarely seen.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
Blacksmithing joins alchemy and other mini-games, offering a new avenue for income and crafting high-quality equipment. The unique controls present a satisfying challenge, even for experienced players.
Image: ensiplay.com
Bugs:
Unlike its predecessor's troubled launch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II appears relatively polished. Minor graphical glitches were encountered (flickering buttons, a teleporting maid), easily resolved with a simple restart. Nothing game-breaking.
Image: ensiplay.com
Realism and Difficulty:
The game's realism enhances immersion without sacrificing enjoyment. The lack of a difficulty setting might deter some, but it's not overly punishing. Players familiar with titles like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim should find it manageable, provided they approach combat strategically.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
The historical detail is impressive, subtly integrated into the gameplay rather than forced upon the player.
Should You Play?
Newcomers are welcome. The prologue effectively bridges the gap for those unfamiliar with the first game, smoothly introducing Henry's backstory. The opening hour expertly blends tutorials with engaging gameplay, immediately immersing you in medieval Bohemia.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
While the long-term story and quests remain to be fully explored, early impressions are highly positive. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II shows significant improvements over its predecessor. It's shaping up to be a truly exceptional RPG, and I'm eager to see if it maintains this quality throughout the full playthrough.
