Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: A First Look 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, I'm compelled to share my initial impressions. The game is captivating enough that I'm finding it difficult to focus on anything else! Let's delve into the details.
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Comparison to 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 playstyle: valiant knight, stealthy rogue, or diplomat. Essential survival elements like eating and sleeping remain, and solo combat against multiple opponents remains challenging.
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Visually, the game is stunning. The landscapes are breathtakingly detailed, yet the performance is surprisingly optimized, a welcome change from the first game's demanding system requirements.
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Combat has received subtle but significant improvements. The streamlined attack system, easier enemy switching, and more nuanced parrying create a more intuitive, yet not easier, experience. Enemy AI is noticeably enhanced, leading to more tactical depth.
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Group combat feels more challenging and realistic. Enemies actively try to flank and exploit weaknesses. Injured foes strategically retreat, adding a layer of tactical complexity absent in many other games.
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New additions include blacksmithing, adding another layer to the existing alchemy and mini-games. The crafting system offers both economic and equipment benefits, and the unique controls provide a satisfying challenge.
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Bugs:
Unlike its predecessor's troubled launch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II appears relatively polished. Minor graphical glitches have been encountered, such as flickering dialogue options and minor animation quirks, but these have not been game-breaking.
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Realism and Difficulty:
The game's realism enhances immersion without sacrificing gameplay. The difficulty, while lacking a selectable setting, isn't excessively punishing. Players familiar with titles like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim should find it manageable, provided they approach combat strategically.
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The historical setting is meticulously crafted, encouraging players to engage with the historical context without being overly didactic.
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Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Newcomers are welcome. The prologue effectively bridges the gap for those unfamiliar with the first game, providing necessary backstory. The opening hours are engaging, seamlessly blending tutorials with compelling gameplay.
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While the full scope of the story and quests remains to be seen, the initial experience is impressive.
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Conclusion:
After 10 hours, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II shows significant improvements over its predecessor. It's shaping up to be an exceptional RPG. Whether it maintains this high quality throughout the entire experience remains to be seen, but the early signs are incredibly promising.