Kingdom Come: Deliverance II [Xbox Series X] | REVIEW

When Kingdom Come: Deliverance launched in 2018, it set itself apart from other titles in the RPG genre thanks to its dedication to historical accuracy, realistic combat, and a world that offered authenticity across pretty much all aspects of its design. Now, with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, developer Warhorse Studios has expanded on that concept, delivering a sequel that’s bigger, deeper, and even more ambitious in scope.

And honestly? It probably won’t be for everyone, with the game demanding patience and perseverance if you hope to see the adventure through to its conclusion. However, if you can appreciate its sense of of realism and embrace its sophisticated gameplay mechanics, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 really shines through as a unique and brilliant experience.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 picks up where the first game left off, with protagonist Henry, the blacksmith’s son turned squire, accompanying his noble companion Sir Hans Capon on a diplomatic mission to Lord von Bergow at Trosky Castle. It should be a simple task, but of course, things end up going terribly wrong, and whilst they were looking to deliver a message of peace, it leads to more bloodshed. With Henry ending up alone, battered, and back to square one, he faces the daunting task of trying to reach Lord von Bergow, rebuild his status, and navigate the perilous political landscape of medieval Bohemia.

The story maintains the grounded and historical tone of the first game, though everything feels more expansive in scope this time around. It helps that Henry’s tale has already been established in the previous game, and by building on the foundation that were set, it’s easier to feel more invested in his plight, the relationships that he builds with others, and the urgency for power as he looks to stand amongst the elite of Bohemia. It’s all wonderfully written, and whilst the pacing can drag at some points of the story, it brings with it more than enough hooks to ensure there’s always something intriguing to uncover. The journey is filled with tough and emotional choices, and with the narrative branching based upon the decisions the player makes along the way, it’s easy to find yourself wholly invested in this captivating, medieval world.

Any believe me, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 absolutely nails its world design, with large open-world areas to explore across the rolling countryside surrounding Trosky Castle and the sprawling city of Kuttenberg. Both areas feel unique in design, with a range of small villages, dense forests, and vast fields to venture across, whilst the roads you tread are dangerous, with a constant threat of attack from enemies ensuring that you’ve always got to be prepared to fight for your life. The bustling streets of Kuttenberg offer something a little different, with the city packed with traders, craftsmen, nobles, and beggars that each have something to say. It’s here where Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feels the most immersive, with Kuttenberg feeling like a breathing, living city where its inhabitants go about their everyday lives in a manner that feels organic and believable. Honestly, it’s staggering just how authentic the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feels, and it’s delivered in a manner that makes it a treat to explore.

There’s so much to do across the world too, with an array of side quests to delve into that’ll certainly keep Henry busy. What’s most interesting is how detailed some of these quests can be, with the simplest of tasks often branching out into mini-adventures that’ll keep you clawed in for a lot longer than expected. The expert storytelling of the game makes each venture feel worthwhile though, and with multiple branches to follow across them, they always feel like they’re perfectly placed in Henry’s overarching story.

“Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 won’t be for everyone, but if you immerse yourself in its world and mechanics, it will stand out as one of the most unique and compelling RPGs you’d have played.“

Like its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 delivers one of the most complex melee combat systems that I’ve seen in any RPG. It’s methodical, weighty, and deeply rewarding – but it’s also brutally unforgiving, and believe me, even returning players will find themselves suffering plenty of deaths as they deal with each foe in their path. On paper, its sounds simple enough, with players carefully aiming their strikes, managing stamina, and blocking or parrying at the right moments. But in practice? It’s tough as nails and demands perfect precision. But damn, when you get into an intense battle that sees you battered and bruised but overcoming the odds, it feels SO good.

You have to be strategic, so rushing in without a plan or without figuring out how many foes you’re facing off against will usually get you killed. Your choice of weaponry and armour can make a difference too, with not only your power but speed affected. Do you fight up close and personal with a sword, or do you try to pick off foes from afar with a bow? Do you use a light armour to be nimble to deal with enemy threats, or will you sacrifice your speed for better protection with heavy armour? Again, it’s something you’d have seen in plenty of other RPGs, but the weightiness and need for accuracy makes preparation all the more significant with the high-stakes showdowns of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.

It’s probably one of the most divisive aspects of the game, and a lot of players’ enjoyment of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will come down to how much they like the combat. I’ll admit, there were times where it could feel incredibly tedious for me early on in the game, but when everything clicked, I found myself loving it, with even the simplest of encounters with foes bringing with them an alluring sense of tension that never subsided even after spending over fifty-hours with the game.

That sense of realism that’s brought with the combat ties into other aspects of the game too, whether it’s simple things such as running to increase stamina, reading to improve intellect, sneaking around to improve stealth, or drinking alcohol to build up a resistance to hangovers (seriously), with players genuinely having to put the time into… well… LIVING in the world if they want to improve their capabilities. When I play an RPG, I typically work towards the objectives that are put in front of me and find my character naturally progressing along the way, but Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expects more from the player. They have to invest in themselves and essentially live out a life for Henry where he practices his skills and takes the time to learn. Again, it’s something that may prove divisive amongst players, but I found it brilliant.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Honestly, the game simply has so much going on and so many systems in play that it’s difficult to try and cover all of it here. The dedicated realism of blacksmithing, the commitment to taking the time to travel, the healing process of injuries, maintaining your equipment… there is a LOT going on at any given time, with players having to put the effort and time into every aspect of the experience. There’s nothing quite like it out there, and with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 building on everything from the first game, even seasoned veterans might find themselves overwhelmed at times. But you know what? It makes the whole experience all the more captivating. You know what you sign up for with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and if you embrace all of its mechanics, it makes for a special and memorable experience that’s unlike anything else you would have played.

That being said, it does have some issues. The long-winded nature of the tasks of the game can be a little overwhelming at times, especially when you’re jumping in for shorter play sessions and you might not have the hours to invest in a long quest or journey. Whilst it’s a bit more forgiving than before, I still don’t like the save system of the game, whilst the UI and menus can be a little cumbersome to navigate. Add to that a few technical hiccups and the occasional clunky moment in combat that just feels a little off, and it’ll be clear that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 does have a few flaws that can cause frustration.

Developer: Warhorse Studios
Publisher: Deep Silver
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S (Reviewed), PlayStation 5, PC
Website: https://kingdomcomerpg.com