Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: A First Impression After 10 Hours
With Kingdom Come: Deliverance II recently launched, it's time to assess Warhorse Studios' second foray into interactive Czech history. After 10 hours of gameplay, I'm compelled to share my initial thoughts. The game's captivating nature is already pulling me away from work, a strong testament to its appeal. But before I succumb completely, let's delve into the details.
Image: ensiplay.com
Comparison with the First Game
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, like its predecessor, is an open-world action RPG prioritizing historical accuracy and realistic mechanics. Players can adopt various roles – knight, thief, or diplomat – navigating conflicts through combat, stealth, or negotiation. The importance of eating, sleeping, and strategic combat remains; facing multiple bandits alone presents a significant challenge.
Image: ensiplay.com
Visually stunning landscapes surpass the original, yet the game runs smoothly on both PCs and consoles, a welcome balance in modern AAA titles. Combat improvements include a streamlined attack system, easier enemy switching, and a more nuanced parry mechanic – more tactical depth without sacrificing difficulty. Enemy AI is enhanced, with foes exhibiting intelligent flanking maneuvers and strategic retreats.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
Group combat feels particularly challenging, with enemies effectively surrounding and exploiting vulnerabilities. Injured foes strategically withdraw, allowing allies to continue the assault. Beyond alchemy and dice games, blacksmithing has been added, offering a rewarding and varied crafting experience. While initially challenging due to its unique controls, forging proved surprisingly engaging.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
Bugs
While the original game faced criticism for its technical state, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II launches in a significantly more polished condition. Minor glitches have been encountered (flickering dialogue buttons, minor animation anomalies), but these haven't been game-breaking.
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Realism and Difficulty
The game's realism enhances immersion without hindering gameplay. The absence of a difficulty setting may deter some, but it's not excessively punishing. Players familiar with titles like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim should manage, provided they approach combat strategically.
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The historical detail is impressive, subtly enriching the experience without overwhelming the player.
Image: ensiplay.com
Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Newcomers can easily jump in; the prologue effectively integrates the first game's narrative, providing necessary context for Henry's backstory. The engaging opening sequence seamlessly blends tutorials with compelling gameplay, immersing players in medieval Bohemia within the first hour.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
While a full judgment awaits a complete playthrough, my initial 10 hours suggest a significant improvement over its predecessor. It's shaping up to be an exceptional RPG. The long-term assessment remains to be seen.