If Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Is Bad, Then I Don’t Want Good

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Let’s call it like it is—Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 might not be everyone’s idea of fun.

In contrast to many games that prioritize safety measures like seatbelts, King’s Crown II (KCD2) is the one that revs up the engine and urges you to brace yourself for the ride. If we are to believe the criticisms, it appears that this game might be more of a challenging, awkward experience rather than a smooth one.

Let’s pause our discussion for a moment about KCD2’s imperfections. While it does have its issues, it’s not the catastrophe that some might lead you to believe. In fact, if this level of mediocrity is what we classify as ‘bad’, then I’d be quite content with the superior quality!

At times, the controls are awkward and the storyline seems to struggle with its intricate plot, making some players question if a simpler RPG structure would have been more effective. The game world also appears excessively immersive, with NPCs carrying out daily activities and reacting not just to your actions, but even to your personal attributes like scent and reputation. (I’m serious about that scent part!)

Experiencing frustration is common when tackling a challenging battle system, where decisions have immediate results and the environment is vast, with each action potentially shaping the course of events in the future. The game’s reactivity might be an obstacle for some, but it’s precisely this feature that draws me in – even if it leads to situations like borrowing a horse or wearing armor that doesn’t belong to me!

Clunky? Sure. Frustrating? Sometimes. One of the best RPGs? Absolutely.

If you’re acquainted with the initial game, you’d recognize it didn’t offer any leniency. Its raw realism, authentic historical setting, and a combat system that veered far from the typical button-mashing style of play, were certainly not mainstream.

Moving on to the next installment, you’ll find a game that maintains its challenging nature, offers intricate details, and, let me tell you, amplifies the immersion level. If King’s Court II doesn’t deliver quality in the conventional sense, where you can effortlessly sail through for immediate satisfaction, then I’d argue we have an issue at hand. This game isn’t about easy victories or swift solutions; it’s about crafting a world so authentic that one misstep could set you back to the starting point.

In the realm crafted by Warhorse Studios for KCD2, I must say, is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s not merely the visuals—the game’s beauty is undeniable. Listen to the sound of raindrops tapping on your armor or feel the grass sway beneath your feet; it’s evident that this world was painstakingly crafted with attention to detail. However, what truly sets it apart is not just its scenery—it’s the fact that this world feels alive and reactive, responding only when you take actions seriously.

If you mess up your mission, sorry to say, life goes on. The consequences of your decisions remain. As expected from KCD2, the intricate crime system is more detailed than I ever imagined. Frankly, it leaves me questioning if I should test the limits just for fun. It’s challenging when a character you care about meets an end, but that’s the essence of the game. That’s what makes it exciting, at least in my not-so-humble opinion.

Let’s discuss the battle system in this game. Here, it sets a challenging standard. If you prefer a less demanding experience, this may not be the right game for you. The combat is designed to closely mimic real-life fighting situations. A sword’s effectiveness depends on your timing, endurance, and strategy—so mindless swinging isn’t an option. Initially, your character might seem inexperienced, but with sufficient training, they’ll become quite proficient.

In contrast to numerous other RPGs where fighting seems like a secondary concern, King’s Court II masterfully elevates combat to an expressive craft. It can be chaotic and draining, but once you grasp its nuances, it becomes immensely satisfying. And if you find yourself growing frustrated due to repeated deaths, remember that many others have experienced the same struggle.

This game isn’t meant to make you feel like a superhero – quite the contrary, it aims to let you experience being human: fragile, yet capable of growth. I believe that’s the kind of emotional engagement I’ve been yearning for. Ah, and the story is a crucial part of this journey. It continues from where the previous game ended, but without any airs or pretensions.

Step into a realm where my previous decisions, you could say, have a tendency to catch up with me, and characters from the initial installment remain mindful of my past actions. Some may question if this approach is too heavy-handed or that the game assumes we’re all nostalgic at heart, but I personally find it appealing—it’s an exciting aspect for me.

This tale takes you on an exhilarating, albeit slightly disorganized, journey that doesn’t offer much handholding. The characters aren’t passive; they respond to your actions instead of waiting for your instructions. To be fair, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 isn’t perfect, but it’s nearly so. It does have its glitches, and the sudden increase in difficulty might make some players feel a bit overwhelmed.

There’s no question about it – this game abounds in audacity. It challenges you and refuses to hold your hand, preferring instead to leave you puzzling out its mechanics. If you’re prepared to put in the effort and delve deeply into its workings, it will richly repay you. However, if you’re seeking a straightforward game where everything is clearly laid out for you, then this might not be the right choice for you; perhaps you should opt for another game instead.

In my gaming experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doesn’t need me hanging around. It’s designed for adventurers who crave exploration, encounter setbacks and triumphs, and appreciate a world that doesn’t pamper us every step of the way. Some might argue it’s not conventional because it strays from today’s standard RPG formula. If that’s the case, I’m fully on board with its unconventionality.

Since KCD2 is a game that prioritizes offering players a tough yet captivating experience, one that balances harshness with beauty, if ‘bad’ means lacking this, then I prefer ‘good’. I yearn for more of this. A world that feels authentic, a narrative that’s complex, and a game that isn’t afraid to be unique. It’s what sets KCD2 apart in my RPG collection, without a doubt.

This game may not fit everyone’s idea of a flawless role-playing game, but it certainly evokes the very reasons I initially became enamored with RPGs.

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2025-02-07 08:42