A Medieval Romp With Some Cheeky Lads – Our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review

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The long-awaited sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance is finally here and does not disappoint.

Warhorse Studios has significantly enhanced the elements that made the initial game popular, while polishing its gameplay, narrative, and environment creation to deliver a challenging yet fulfilling gaming experience.

If you’re under the impression that this is an ordinary Role-Playing Game with traditional combat scenes involving sword-wielding like a medieval hero, you might want to reconsider your expectations.

In the sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you’ll find yourself back as Henry from Skalitz, accompanied by Hans Capon, navigating the tumultuous landscapes of Bohemia once more. Despite devoting numerous hours to the initial game, I never grasped its intricacies or developed a deep connection with it; repeatedly, I attempted to cultivate affection for it, but the passion seemed elusive to me.

Since I adore open-world RPG games such as Skyrim and given its colossal scale, I opted to delve into this game for a review, hoping it would spur me through. Did I end up smitten by the end, or did I angrily throw down my controller due to its challenging nature?

This game necessitates perseverance, dexterity, and a keen eye for its complex nuances. Unlike many other games, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doesn’t coddle you but instead plunges you into the harsh, unyielding world of medieval living.

This game requires patience, skill, and a keen understanding of its intricate elements. Unlike most other games, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doesn’t babysit you but instead drops you right into the thick of it, showing you the raw, unforgiving aspects of medieval life.

In terms of visuals, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 surpasses the original game significantly. It presents a meticulously crafted and historically accurate world, filled with picturesque landscapes, thick woodlands, and bustling medieval cities. The enhancements made to character animations and lighting this time around create an immersive cinematic experience in every scene.

The assessment I’m providing here pertains to the PlayStation 5 edition of the game. Although there were occasional moments where performance dropped, the general gaming experience continued to be seamless and engaging.

As someone who’s deeply immersed in this world, let me tell you upfront: combat isn’t for the timid. Even though it has been polished compared to its predecessor, don’t be fooled into thinking you can storm into battle and outsmart numerous opponents like a seasoned pro. You’ll find yourself on the losing end—repeatedly. It’s wiser to wait patiently, hone your abilities, and select your fights tactfully rather than rushing headlong into conflict.

As I progressed in the game, it became apparent that relying solely on raw power wasn’t enough. The combat system required skillful mastery, which took considerable time to learn. Even after numerous hours of practice, an ill-timed move or hasty encounter could still lead to a embarrassing loss.

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, it frequently challenges your pride; when you believe you’re maintaining your ground in battle, a sudden duel in the newly-arrived town serves as a humbling reminder that, despite your efforts, you remain just human.

Just as Henry from the original story rose from being a blacksmith’s son to navigating a turbulent world filled with shifting loyalties, your journey in this game will require you to forge your unique path through challenges, hard work, and wise choices. This isn’t a game about transforming into an invincible fighter—it’s about surviving and finding the role that best suits your chosen identity.

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, it’s not just the captivating main plot that shines, but rather the enchantment stemming from its side quests and immersive world that really sets it apart. One instant I found myself unearthing bones to respect a deceased hermit’s final request, and in the next, I was helping a tipsy gamekeeper locate my missing dog. The richness and authenticity of these experiences make the game feel incredibly vibrant and engaging.

Every task contributes to enriching the storyline of the world and your character’s personal growth, regardless of its size. Here, there are no trivial errand-running tasks; instead, everything appears significant, offering a sense of accomplishment.

If you have a limited focus or prefer less political intrigue at first, be aware that this narrative delves deeply into politics and history right away. You’ll become embroiled in the maneuvers of nobles, the ebb and flow of war, and numerous power struggles. The ongoing struggle among factions, reminiscent of Game of Thrones, held my attention from beginning to end.

In general, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 effectively immerses you into its setting, making it seem like a real world. The villages bustle with activity as folks work in fields, socialize at taverns, or chat idly. Your actions significantly influence how others view you, and the game pays meticulous attention to ensure each encounter carries significance.

Yet, an instance that significantly disrupted my immersion occurred quite early. Following a fierce encounter that seemingly claimed my life, I found myself back at the herb woman’s cottage – a sanctuary where she had once revived me, where I had interred deceased comrades on her behalf, and even rescued her daughter.

Until then, I’d been comfortably utilizing her bed, which was actually labeled as mine on the map. However, once the storyline ended, I was abruptly awakened by the daughter – the one I had miraculously saved from peril – who was now demanding payment or threatening to report me to the sheriff. This unexpected encounter served as a harsh reminder that, despite the game’s immersive feel, it does have certain constraints.

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, it’s not just about fighting that tests your skills – it challenges you across the board. Tasks like cooking, healing, horseback riding, and even surviving need effort and focus. Certain aspects, such as weapon crafting at the blacksmith or caring for your horse to increase its loyalty, are exceptionally engaging. However, other features, like lockpicking, can feel overly challenging and awkward. Skyrim mastered lockpicking years ago, but in this game, it feels clumsy and excessively punishing, particularly when you’re low on lockpicks and desperately trying to save a friend from imminent doom.

By the 40-hour point, I was still quite ineffective at fighting. At this stage, I opted to resolve conflicts through dialogue whenever feasible, enhancing my persuasive abilities rather than my combat skills. This didn’t diminish my enjoyment—instead, it gave Henry a more rounded personality, with his unique strengths and limitations.

After approximately 50 hours, something suddenly made sense. I managed to repel a pack of wolves during an optional quest. I felt like a warrior indeed. However, reality soon set in as I was not. Empowered by this newfound self-assurance, I charged headlong into a fight against a group of thugs, but was swiftly brought back down to earth with a harsh reminder.

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, it’s not about feeling like an almighty deity. Instead, the game positions you as just another inhabitant in its world. If you wish to excel at something, you must invest time and effort. Even with all that dedication, you won’t become invincible. Your character’s journey mirrors Henry’s transformation from a humble apprentice to a respected knight, marked by steady advancement, tough lessons learned, and achievements earned through hard work.

The game splits into two clearly defined sections, and the midpoint seems as though it might have served as the conclusion for a less comprehensive game. Without giving too much away, there’s an engaging conflict that acts as a pivotal moment, and following this event, the game evolves in unanticipated directions. If you move quickly through the primary narrative, you’ll still need at least 30-40 hours to reach this significant juncture.

For me, one particularly challenging part was a secretive escape mission from a castle that pushed my limits. By the time I reached this section, I had already spent 50 hours engrossed in the game, but the demanding task of sneaking undetected and evading capture left me reloading saved progress more times than I’d like to remember. If you’re not cautious with your healing potions, you’re in for a tough experience.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 isn’t a game for casual players. It shuns the typical power fantasy found in many games, instead choosing to challenge you without concern for your feelings of frustration. However, if you’re ready to invest your time, it offers one of the most satisfying and engrossing role-playing experiences ever crafted.

Initially, I struggled immensely with Kingdom Come Deliverance, despite giving it numerous attempts and investing countless hours into it. However, upon revisiting it this time, I found myself instantly captivated by its enticing narrative. Admittedly, my swordsmanship skills didn’t improve significantly by the end, but I managed to stay alive long enough to claim a few victories along the way.

Absolutely, it does have its issues, such as occasional interruptions, tough lock-picking sequences, intense battles, and its unyielding nature may be challenging for some. However, for those who persevere, this game is one that leaves a lasting impression even after the final credits have played.

Multiple game sessions will be necessary to explore all the potential quests and dialogue options, and I personally am eager for additional escapades with Henry and Sir Hans Capon. This game is skillfully crafted and merciless yet possesses a certain “one more task” charm that many modern games seem to lack.

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In terms of its rich narrative, vibrant environment, and challenging yet gratifying gameplay, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is establishing a high standard for role-playing games in 2025. For me, it’s already a serious candidate for Game of the Year.

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2025-02-03 19:14