With the recent release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, it's time to figure out whether Warhorse Studios' second attempt at presenting Czech history through video games is worth diving into. After spending 10 hours immersed in the game, my enthusiasm is palpable—I feel a strong urge to launch Kingdom Come instead of working, which speaks volumes. Before I succumb to that temptation, let's delve into a detailed analysis of the game.

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Comparison with the First Game

Like its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an open-world Action RPG that emphasizes historical accuracy and realism in its mechanics. You can embody a valiant knight, a stealthy thief, or engage in diplomatic resolutions. Essential activities such as eating and sleeping are crucial for maintaining efficiency, and tackling three bandits alone remains a formidable challenge.

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The first noticeable improvement is the graphics. The landscapes are even more breathtaking than before, yet the game runs smoothly on PCs and consoles without excessive noise. This balance between visual splendor and performance is a rare gem in modern AAA titles.

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The combat system has undergone minor but significant enhancements. With one less attack direction, smoother enemy switching, and a rhythmic parrying system, combat feels more intuitive yet retains its challenging nature. The game introduces more tactical variety, and enemies display smarter behaviors, making battles more engaging and realistic.

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When facing a group of enemies, their advantage is strikingly evident. They strategically try to surround you and attack from behind. If an enemy is seriously injured, they retreat, allowing their allies to continue the fight, adding a layer of tactical depth to encounters.

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In addition to familiar mini-games like alchemy and dice, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II introduces blacksmithing. This craft not only provides income but also quality equipment. With numerous items to forge and unique controls, the process remains engaging. I found forging a horseshoe more challenging than crafting swords and axes due to the intricate mechanics involved.

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Bugs

Many remember the first game's launch plagued with technical issues. However, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has been released in a remarkably polished state for a large-scale RPG.

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In my 10-hour playthrough, I encountered only a few minor bugs. Early in the game, dialogue selection buttons flickered and became unresponsive, but a simple restart resolved the issue. Once, a tavern maid climbed onto a table and then teleported back to the floor. These are minor visual glitches that, while not perfect, do not detract from the overall experience.

Realism and Difficulty

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II strikes a perfect balance with its realism, enhancing immersion without making gameplay tedious. The absence of a difficulty selection might deter those who prefer less challenging games, but it's not as punishing as Dark Souls. If you've managed to complete The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on any difficulty, you should be able to handle Kingdom Come, provided you steer clear of obviously challenging situations like soloing multiple enemies.

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The historical accuracy is commendable. While I'm not a historian, as an average player, I appreciate how the game encourages interest in historical facts without force-feeding them.

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Should You Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?

Even if you haven't played the first game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II welcomes newcomers. The prologue gradually introduces the events of the original, ensuring everyone understands Henry's backstory.

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The epic opening sets the stage masterfully, blending solid tutorials with an engaging pace. Within the first hour, you'll experience combat, humor, and immerse yourself in medieval Bohemia.

It's too early to fully judge the story and quests. What I've seen so far is impressive, but whether this holds true for the full 100 hours remains to be seen.

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These are my first impressions after 10 hours in this medieval life simulator. The improvements across every aspect compared to the first game are evident. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is shaping up to be a fantastic RPG. Whether it maintains these strengths throughout the full playthrough is something we'll soon discover.