Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: A First Look After 10 Hours
With Kingdom Come: Deliverance II now available, it's time to assess Warhorse Studios' latest foray into historical Czech video games. After 10 hours of gameplay, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The game's captivating nature has me itching to play more, even at the expense of work! Let's delve into a detailed analysis.
Image: ensiplay.com
Comparison with the First Game:
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II retains the open-world action RPG formula of its predecessor, emphasizing historical accuracy and realistic mechanics. Players can choose their playstyle – knight, thief, or diplomat – with survival elements like eating and sleeping impacting effectiveness. Combat remains challenging, particularly against multiple opponents.
Image: ensiplay.com
Visually stunning landscapes surpass the original, yet the game runs smoothly on both PCs and consoles, a commendable achievement in modern AAA game development.
Image: ensiplay.com
Combat is refined, with a more intuitive system and smarter enemy AI. While not easier, the streamlined mechanics and increased tactical options enhance the experience. Enemy behavior is particularly noteworthy; they effectively utilize flanking maneuvers and strategic retreats, creating a more challenging and realistic fight.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
New additions include blacksmithing, adding another layer to gameplay and providing both income and high-quality equipment. The crafting system, while initially challenging, promises long-term engagement.
Image: ensiplay.com
Bugs:
Unlike its predecessor's troubled launch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II appears polished. Minor bugs, such as flickering dialogue options and a minor animation glitch, were encountered but easily resolved with a simple restart. These are minor visual issues and don't detract significantly from the experience.
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Realism and Difficulty:
The game strikes a balance between realism and engaging gameplay. The difficulty, while challenging, is not insurmountable for players experienced with RPGs like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim. Strategic thinking is key to success; frontal assaults against numerous enemies are ill-advised. The historical setting is immersive, subtly encouraging player interest in the era without overwhelming them with facts.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Newcomers are welcome; the prologue effectively bridges the gap for those unfamiliar with the first game, providing necessary context for Henry's backstory. The engaging opening sequence seamlessly integrates tutorials and captivating gameplay, immersing players in medieval Bohemia within the first hour.
Image: ensiplay.com
Image: ensiplay.com
While the long-term story and quest quality remain to be fully assessed, initial impressions are highly positive. The game represents a significant improvement over its predecessor in all aspects. Whether this quality endures throughout the full playthrough remains to be seen, but early signs are exceptionally promising.