Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: A First Impression 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 the details.
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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 path – valiant knight, stealthy rogue, or diplomat – with survival elements like eating and sleeping impacting effectiveness. Combat remains challenging, particularly against multiple opponents.
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Visually, the game is stunning. The landscapes are breathtakingly detailed, yet the performance is surprisingly optimized for both PCs and consoles – a welcome change from the first game's demanding system requirements.
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Combat is refined, with a streamlined attack system, improved enemy switching, and a more nuanced parry mechanic. Battles are more tactical and engaging, with enemies exhibiting increased intelligence and a tendency to flank and utilize cover.
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Facing multiple foes feels significantly more challenging than in other games; their coordinated attacks and strategic retreats create a true sense of danger.
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New additions include blacksmithing, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay beyond alchemy and other mini-games. Creating items offers both economic and equipment advantages, and the unique controls add an extra layer of challenge.
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Bugs:
Unlike the first game's troubled launch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II appears remarkably polished. I encountered only minor, easily resolved glitches, such as temporary UI issues and minor visual anomalies.
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Realism and Difficulty:
The game's realism enhances immersion without sacrificing gameplay. The difficulty, while lacking a selectable setting, is fair and rewarding. Players familiar with games like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim should find it manageable, provided they approach combat strategically.
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The historical setting is well-executed, presenting historical details in an engaging manner without overwhelming the player.
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Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Newcomers are welcome! The prologue effectively introduces the backstory from the first game, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with Henry's journey.
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The opening hours blend tutorials seamlessly with engaging gameplay. Within the first hour, players will experience combat, humor, and the immersive atmosphere of medieval Bohemia.
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While a full assessment of the story and quests requires more playtime, my initial impressions are very positive. The improvements over the first game are significant, and it’s shaping up to be an exceptional RPG. The long-term experience remains to be seen, but the early signs are excellent.