Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Surfaces with Early Looks

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: A First Look After 10 Hours

With Kingdom Come: Deliverance II's recent launch, it's time to assess Warhorse Studios' second foray into interactive Czech history. After 10 hours of gameplay, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The game's compelling nature has me itching to play more, even at the expense of work! Let's delve into a closer examination.

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Comparison with 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 path – valiant knight, cunning thief, or diplomat – with survival elements like eating and sleeping impacting effectiveness. Combat, while still challenging, feels more refined.

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Visually, the game is stunning. Landscapes are breathtaking, yet the performance is surprisingly optimized for both PCs and consoles, a welcome change from the first game's demanding system requirements.

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Combat improvements include a streamlined attack system, smoother enemy switching, and a more tactical parry mechanic. Enemy AI is noticeably enhanced, making group encounters significantly more challenging and strategic. They actively try to flank and exploit weaknesses, exhibiting a level of tactical awareness rarely seen in other games.

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New additions include blacksmithing, adding another layer of depth to crafting and resource management. The process, while initially challenging due to unique controls, is engaging and rewarding.

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Bugs:

Unlike its predecessor's troubled launch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II appears well-polished. Minor graphical glitches were encountered (flickering UI elements, minor object clipping), but nothing game-breaking. A simple restart resolved the UI issue.

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Realism and Difficulty:

The game strikes a good balance between realism and enjoyable gameplay. The difficulty, while demanding, isn't insurmountable for experienced RPG players familiar with titles like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim. Strategic thinking is key; head-on assaults against multiple enemies are ill-advised.

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The historical setting is well-realized, immersing the player in medieval Bohemia without feeling overly didactic.

Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?

Newcomers to the series can easily jump in. The prologue effectively bridges the gap, providing necessary context for Henry's backstory. The opening hour is a masterclass in onboarding, seamlessly blending tutorials with captivating gameplay.

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While a full judgment on the story and quests awaits further playtime, my early impressions are extremely promising. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II shows significant improvement over its predecessor, shaping up to be a truly exceptional RPG. The long-term appeal remains to be seen, but the initial experience is highly encouraging.