Kingdom Come 2: Early Gameplay Impressions

With the recent release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, it's time to delve into whether Warhorse Studios' second foray into Czech history through video games is worth your time.

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After 10 hours of gameplay, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The game's pull is so strong, it's challenging me to prioritize work over playtime! But before I succumb completely, let's analyze what makes Kingdom Come: Deliverance II tick.

Table of Contents

• Comparison with the First Game
• Bugs
• Realism and Difficulty
• Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?

Comparison with the First Game

Like its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an open-world action RPG prioritizing historical accuracy and realistic mechanics. You can play as a valiant knight, a cunning thief, or a diplomatic peacemaker. Survival elements like eating and sleeping are crucial for maintaining effectiveness, and facing three bandits alone is a significant challenge.

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Visually, the game is stunning. The landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful, a significant upgrade from the first game, yet without the performance issues that plagued some players. This balance of visuals and performance is rare in modern AAA titles.

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Combat has received subtle yet impactful improvements. The streamlined attack system, easier enemy switching, and a more rhythmic parry mechanic make combat feel more intuitive, though not necessarily easier. Enemies exhibit increased intelligence, adding a layer of tactical depth to encounters.

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Group combat feels particularly challenging and realistic. Enemies actively attempt to flank and surround you, and injured foes intelligently retreat to receive support.

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Beyond alchemy and dice games, blacksmithing adds a new engaging crafting layer. This offers both income and access to high-quality equipment. The variety of forgeable items ensures the activity remains engaging. Personally, I found forging horseshoes more challenging than swords and axes due to the unique control scheme!

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Bugs

Many remember the technical issues that plagued the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, the sequel launches in a significantly more polished state.

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In my 10 hours, I've encountered only minor glitches. A temporary dialogue bug resolved itself with a restart, and a minor visual anomaly involving a tavern maid was inconsequential. Overall, the game is remarkably stable.

Realism and Difficulty

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance II successfully balances realism and engaging gameplay. The game feels believable, enhancing immersion without sacrificing enjoyment.

The lack of a difficulty setting might deter some players. However, it's not brutally difficult like Dark Souls. Players familiar with titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim should find the challenge manageable, provided they approach combat strategically.

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The historical detail is impressive. While I can't verify its complete accuracy, the game subtly integrates historical elements without overwhelming the player.

Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?

Newcomers to the series can easily jump in. The prologue cleverly integrates the events of the first game, providing essential context for Henry's backstory.

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This engaging prologue seamlessly blends tutorials with exciting gameplay. Within the first hour, you'll experience combat, humor, and the immersive atmosphere of medieval Bohemia.

While it's too early to fully assess the overall story and quests, my initial impressions are very positive. The early game is excellent, but whether this holds true throughout the full 100+ hours of gameplay remains to be seen.

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In conclusion, after 10 hours, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II shows significant improvements over its predecessor. It's shaping up to be a fantastic RPG. Whether it maintains this high standard throughout the entire experience is something I'll discover as I continue my journey.