A hands-on preview of *Kingdom Come Deliverance II* reveals significant improvements in stability and gameplay, with the game running smoothly on a high-end setup. Set in 1403 Bohemia, players control Henry, who seeks vengeance after a mercenary attack. The sequel offers a rich open world, intricate RPG mechanics, and a nuanced combat system that emphasizes player choices. Although accessible, it retains depth, making for a challenging yet engaging experience. Enhanced side quests and historical accuracy further enrich the adventure.
In this preview, we had the opportunity to experience a complete version of the game on Steam, utilizing an impressive setup: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, and an AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT. If you’re apprehensive about the game’s stability, especially considering the launch issues of the original Kingdom Come Deliverance, we can confidently assure you that the current version is in a much better state.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that Warhorse and Plaion have graciously moved the release date up by a week, allowing us access to the game a whole month ahead of its launch—a rare occurrence indeed. While there are still some minor issues acknowledged by the studio in a document shared with us, the game’s condition a month before its official release is quite promising. Additionally, a substantial day one patch is anticipated to address these concerns. We will certainly revisit these points during our final evaluation, but there’s every reason to feel optimistic about the game’s progress.
Transitioning to Henry
For many players, Kingdom Come Deliverance II will serve as an introduction to the franchise, leading to the question of whether it’s necessary to have played the first game to fully enjoy the sequel. While it’s not essential, it is advisable, as this installment directly follows the events of the previous title. Fortunately, the game kicks off with a helpful overview of the key story elements. You step into the shoes of Henry, the son of a blacksmith in the Bohemian year of 1403. His life takes a dramatic turn when mercenaries loyal to King Sigismund attack his village, Scalice, leading to the tragic loss of both villagers and family members. In his quest for vengeance, he aims to reclaim his father’s stolen sword and resolve to never succumb to despair again.
Henry finds himself under the wing of Sir Radzig Kobyla, a nobleman fighting against Sigismund’s tyranny. As the narrative unfolds, Henry develops his skills and rises through the ranks. The story begins with a diplomatic mission where Sir Hans Capon, accompanied by Henry as his bodyguard, heads to Trosky Castle to unite other nobles against the usurper. Even if you missed the first game, the adventure stands on its own, although some political intricacies may require clarification as they are introduced through the main quests. This includes the evolving relationship between Henry and Sir Hans Capon, which is fleshed out over the course of the first game.
Similar to its predecessor, the atmosphere initiates on a light-hearted note before the mood shifts dramatically. However, Henry is no longer the naïve peasant he once was. Despite this necessary “reset” in his character arc, Warhorse has ensured continuity: Henry now displays behaviors reflective of his past experiences. For instance, he possesses the ability to read right from the start of this sequel, unlocking new opportunities related to scholarship. His dialogues reveal a newfound maturity, though players can choose different stats to highlight various skills.
Without divulging too much about the main storyline, you will find yourself at the pillory, preparing for an introduction at a wedding where you hope to meet the king and convey an important message. Meanwhile, the lurking presence of Cumans mercenaries hints at impending chaos within the kingdom. However, after spending several hours exploring the first major region of the game, it becomes clear that the captivating open world, rich in detail, is what truly draws you in, even before you have a chance to explore the expansive city of Kuttenberg.
Mastering the Gameplay
One aspect that may bewilder newcomers is the intricate gameplay mechanics and the plethora of information to digest. Yet, this complexity is what adds to the game’s allure, positioning it as a genuine RPG that doesn’t coddle players. From its authentic combat system—rooted in medieval techniques and stances—to its reputation system and survival mechanics concerning hunger, cleanliness, and sleep, the realism of Kingdom Come Deliverance II is both challenging and exhilarating.
Henry’s behavior is shaped by player choices, allowing you to adopt the persona of an altruistic hero, a ruthless villain, or take a more balanced approach based on the circumstances. This flexibility extends to gameplay, where conflicts can be resolved through various means, whether it be brute force, persuasive dialogue, or leveraging your reputation. While still a work in progress, the crime system appears significantly enhanced; NPCs now remember your actions, meaning if you’ve been involved in a brawl, guards will caution you against stirring trouble again in future encounters.
Additionally, the game improves the realism of consequences—no longer do guards appear out of thin air when you commit an offense unnoticed. Although the open-world genre has seen its share of releases, Kingdom Come Deliverance II has effectively grasped what makes this genre appealing, offering an immersive universe filled with unexpected twists and well-crafted side quests. The developers seem to have heeded feedback about the first installment, which suffered from repetitive side quest designs. While side quests exist, they are now rich in dialogue-driven guidance, allowing players to resolve them without relying on markers. The educational aspect, backed by historical accuracy, is also commendable.
A Triumph in RPG Design
Despite the steep learning curve, Warhorse has made strides to refine the combat system, enhancing accessibility without sacrificing depth. The combat relies on precision and timing: you lock onto enemies and choose from various attack or parry directions while managing your stamina—a vital resource for effective strikes, blocks, or dodges. The swordplay now features four attack angles (reduced from five), which varies by combat style.