Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Romance Lacks Depth and Consequences

The sequel to “Kingdom Come: Deliverance,” titled simply “Kingdom Come 2,” has been a resounding success, selling more than two million copies within its initial fortnight. I’ve been captivated by this meticulously crafted simulacrum of Bohemia, appreciating the intricate details and the historical tidbits scattered throughout the game menus. The experience of delving into this world and uncovering quests is incredibly engaging. Although the game boasts numerous appealing aspects and a plotline that can be both enigmatic and thrilling, I must admit that its romantic system isn’t quite winning me over.

In the sequel of “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2,” Henry finds himself once more entangled in a series of hardships and challenges while assisting Hans and King Wenceslas. As was the case in the initial game, the story begins turbulently as Henry’s group is ambushed by bandits, putting his life at risk had it not been for the timely aid of a kind stranger. Over time, he rebuilds his physical prowess and abilities, and collaborates with Hans to accomplish their objectives. During this journey, Henry encounters several potential romantic interests, both women and men, who may become part of his story. He has the option to pursue relationships or casual liaisons with these individuals. Furthermore, he can choose more than one companion for a romantic entanglement.

The Romance System Of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Building A Relationship And Having Flings

From my perspective as an enthusiast, there are five romantic paths you can embark upon in the game, should you choose not to engage in fleeting relationships. Among these five, Hans and Katherine stand out as the main romances. Unlike some stories where romance is confined to certain parts of the game, with these two characters, you can flirt and interact throughout the storyline. However, they are both slow-building relationships that require careful dialogue choices over several stages to cultivate. Before Henry embarks on a perilous mission, you have the chance to invest in both main romances, but can only commit to one.

In simpler terms, some characters like Rosa, Margaret, and Klara are not your main love interests but can still be romanced throughout different parts of the game. As you progress, you may find that these relationships become complicated as you discover more about each other. Unlike the main romances, they don’t need a lot of dedication, and romance can be initiated with just a few decisions. However, these relationships might not last forever either. They fall somewhere between short-term flings and deep, lasting love. Also, it’s possible to pursue these secondary romances even while focusing on the main one. There aren’t significant consequences for your romantic choices in this game.

Ultimately, you engage in fleeting relationships referred to as flings. These are brief and casual romantic encounters. When interacting with a fling character such as Lousy Mary, Doubravka, Black Bartosch, or Widow Johanka, you have limited options during the conversation. Unlike traditional romances, Henry shares an evening of intimacy with the chosen fling character, and that concludes their relationship. The encounter awards the Time Well Spent buff and you move on. Similar to short romances, you can pursue multiple flings. However, a unique aspect is that the fling with Bartosch and Johanka only occurs once a night.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Includes Consequences, But Not For Romance

Romance Doesn’t Matter

In the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, you are faced with choices that bear consequences, such as enhancing or diminishing your reputation, which in turn affects how non-player characters (NPCs) interact with you. However, one area where this doesn’t hold true is romance. Unfortunately, the outcomes of your romantic choices, whether positive or negative, seem to have minimal impact on the overall experience, making it feel less engaging when playing as Henry. While there are scenes tailored to each romantic interest, they don’t contribute significantly enough to make your decisions seem consequential or justify the pursuit of a romantic relationship.

In summary, regardless of your choices in romantic encounters within KCD2, you may find that there’s little reward at the end. While these romantic elements are secondary to the main plot, they still set a certain standard. Unfortunately, when compared to other role-playing games, the lack of depth or closure in KCD2’s romances can be underwhelming.

The Romance System Should Look To Other RPGs For Inspiration

Romance Doesn’t Have To Be The Focus

One reason why the romances in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 might seem underwhelming is due to our high expectations from exceptional and moving romantic relationships in other RPGs. This applies even to older games, such as the Mass Effect series, where romance possibilities are available across all three games. In these games, you can continue your relationship with the same character throughout multiple installments, and there are unique moments tailored to your chosen romance during the run-up to the final mission in Mass Effect 3. Although romance isn’t the main focus of that game, it is executed effectively enough to enhance the overall storyline.

In other words, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers the opportunity to develop romantic relationships with multiple characters. These romances can become complicated as you may engage in casual relationships (or flings) with others, and these transgressions will influence your relationship differently based on who you are romancing. For instance, if you pursue Mizora, Wyll might wish to end things between you, while characters like Shadowheart and Halsin may be more receptive to non-monogamous relationships. However, it’s feasible to complete the game without pursuing any romantic entanglements at all. The romance elements in the game enrich the storyline in a way that makes it a regret not to experience this additional content.

In simpler terms, while I don’t necessarily require the romance system in KCD2 to be as intricate as those in other RPGs, it seems disappointing that a game with repercussions for actions lacks similar consequences for romantic decisions. Enhancing the impact and rewards of romantic interactions could significantly improve their value. At the moment, there’s not much reason to engage in romance from a narrative perspective.

In the storyline of the upcoming game “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2“, Hans could be the sole exception where friends transition into lovers. This unique dynamic arises due to their prior friendship established in the previous game. Consequently, most other romantic options do not seem to follow this friends-turned-lovers narrative. At this stage, it appears that the primary function of the romance options is to grant Henry the “Time Well Spent” buff, which enhances his statistics within the game.

2025-02-20 05:17