Kingdom Come: Deliverance II GBAtemp review
Computer
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): February 4, 2025
- Release Date (EU): February 4, 2025
- Publisher: Deep Silver
- Developer: Warhorse Studios
- Genres: RPG
- Also For: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Game Features:
Whenever I hear of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, I am reminded of T-hug’s scathing review of Warhorse Studios’ first game. The experience appeared to be unpolished, unforgiving and out of scope. As such, I was cautious when the opportunity arose to review the sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (KCD2); but I was still curious as to whether the developer managed to learn from its past experience and deliver on its vision.
The return of Henry of Skalitz
Picking up after the events of the first game, KCD2 puts you back in control of Henry of Skalitz. Our protagonist is acting as bodyguard to Sir Hans Capon who is leading a small group on a seemingly simple errand to Trotsky Castle to rally support for their resistance.
However, the mission takes a turn for the worse when the group is ambushed, with only Henry and Hans barely escaping alive. With no means of identification or official support, the duo has to find a way to get their message to the intended destination. This task spirals into a complex web of duty, revenge, and moral quandaries, that leads to a close to Henry’s personal quest. But it is up to you, the player, to define how this journey unfolds.
Your own medieval journey
While KCD2 follows the story of the first game, with recurring characters and references to past events, it is still accessible to newcomers. Warhorse Studios even has a handy 10-minute recap video to get you up to speed, should you have skipped the first game (T-hug’s review notwithstanding):
This new tale retreads similar themes as the prequel, such as revenge and honor, with Henry still haunted by the slaughter of Skalitz, his hometown. You’ll often be faced with morally ambiguous decisions that have far-reaching consequences; and the narrative design rewards those willing to engage with its complexities. I found myself empathizing with characters whose struggles felt all too real, and following their own side quests would surprise me with unexpected rewards and interactions.
To my pleasant surprise, KCD2’s narrative is also sprinkled with humour. Despite its harsh and often unforgiving world that serves as a constant reminder that the scars of war are not easily healed, the occasional lighthearted aspect is well executed; giving some originality to the tale.
Also adding originality to the experience is the game’s universe. KCD2 brims with cinematic quality thanks to excellent voice acting and motion capture that elevate every dialogue and duel. The complementing soundtrack and the detailed open-world environments, rendered in CryEngine, further transport you to an authentic early 1400s Bohemia. Authenticity is one of Warhorse Studios’ core philosophies and it is especially evident in the gameplay; but more on that later.
KCD2’s characters also make the experience memorable. It features a diverse cast of characters from Roma people to local farmers, several of whom will send you on quests of their own. An easy personal sign that side quests are well designed is that I actually feel compelled to follow them through. This sequel’s side quests blow my subjective test out of the water, as they are intricate and multilayered.
Like the main quest, you can take several approaches to complete a side quest and it will unfold based on your chosen path. Would you kill a villager who wronged someone or will you try to make peace between them? Your choice will influence your reputation not only with the related NPCs but the community at large. Such levels of player-driven consequences add an amount of immersion that I can only compare to Baldur’s Gate 3. However, you can easily get lost in undertaking side quests after side quest (KCD2 isn’t lacking in this department!), resulting in a drift from the main plotline; but it’s a telltale sign of well-crafted side narratives.
Medieval life simulator
This game is as much a story-driven narrative as it is a systems-driven simulation. Warhorse Studios has crafted a world where nearly every action has consequences and is layered with realism.
For instance, when you use an alchemy bench to brew potions, you are not only selecting inventory items and creating the desired potion. Instead, you’ll have to actively partake in the brewing process based on the specific recipe. This includes meticulous processes such as grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle, bringing the cauldron to a boil and precisely time the boiling of the ingredients; failing which you’ll end up with a weak or useless brew.
Combat takes an equally hands-on approach. You will have to monitor your stamina, aim your swings, and direct and time your blocks precisely to emerge victorious. Each battle feels like a true test of skill, rewarding those who take the time to master its unforgiving mechanics. It’s as if every system in the game—be it potion brewing, blacksmithing, or swordplay—could stand alone as its own simulator, a testament to the developers' dedication to historical accuracy and immersive detail.
Thankfully, true to the realistic premise of the game, you won’t be duelling NPCs every 10 minutes. You might encounter the odd vagabond but even then you can best them by improving your skills and equipment in true RPG fashion.
While the game is open-world in design, you also have to heed to social norms. You cannot simply barge into anyone’s house and start breaking pots or claiming items. Doing so will raise the alarm and you will pay dearly. You will need to find ways to purchase items, such as by undertaking odd jobs, or be clever as to when to “acquire” goods, such as under cover of the night or when no one is in sight. Furthermore, it matters how you dress and talk to certain people, based on individual circumstances.
Warhorse Studios has attempted and successfully executed gameplay mechanics that feel “realistic” and immersive; almost to a fault. While this extreme hands-on approach adds a satisfying depth to the experience, it can also feel off-putting, especially when you’re eager to progress. Some aspects did test my patience. For example, the need to apply sufficient bandages to prevent Henry from bleeding to death, the requirement of Saviour Schnapps to save at will (you can save on quitting and at beds your own), and lockpicking often soured my experience, especially when I am low on resources.Such mechanics can feel like they are dragging the experience but KCD2 isn’t a game that should be rushed through. Every encounter and activity is practically a lesson in discipline, and it is best enjoyed by taking your time with it.
Warhorse Studios’ magnum opus
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is undoubtedly Warhorse Studios’ magnum opus. Its blend of story-driven narrative and simulator-level mechanics compels exploration and fuels intrigue. However, the game's commitment to realism comes at a price: a non-negligible learning curve that can be both daunting and, at times, frustrating. Yet, for those willing to invest the time, the result is an unparalleled medieval experience that is as rewarding and immersive as it is brutal and unforgiving. It is a clear statement of how the studio has matured and sets the bar for themselves and immersive RPGs.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Official Launch Trailer
Verdict
- Incredibly immersive and meticulously detailed medieval world
- Engaging main and side quests with branching design
- Nuanced and memorable characters
- Significantly steep learning curve and unforgiving combat mechanics
- Demanding hands-on mechanics slow down the narrative pace
