Is ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’ the Realist’s Choice for RPG Fans? [Review]

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed medieval RPG developed by Warhorse Studios. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, the game offers a historically grounded open-world experience focused on realism, challenging gameplay, and intricate storytelling. After clocking over 130 hours in the game, including completing most side quests, this review dives into the various aspects of the game to help potential players decide whether to invest their time and money into this ambitious title.

Gameplay and mechanics in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

The gameplay in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II stays true to its roots, emphasizing realism and immersion. Combat is a highlight, though it starts as a particularly punishing experience. However, this difficulty mirrors real-life learning, as players and their character, Henry, improve over time. Character progression feels rewarding, with stats, skills, and combat techniques leveling up naturally. For example, sprinting increases stamina, horseback riding boosts riding skills, and practicing swordplay enhances your combat abilities. Crafting and alchemy systems are rich but sometimes feel overly detailed.

Alchemy, for instance, is presented as a minigame, which some players may find time-consuming. While some mechanics require patience, the overall balance of challenge and reward is deeply satisfying. The game also incorporates survival elements like eating and sleeping, which initially feel challenging but evolve into meaningful and rewarding systems as players adapt. Bugs and technical issues are present but are largely minor. Visual glitches and a rare crash were experienced during the 130-hour playthrough, but the developers have already released patches to address many issues, with more support likely to follow.

Your inventory and equipment are similar to the first game, and the depth of it all is unparalleled. All the different stats can be overwhelming, but nobody is forced into taking the deep dive if they don’t want to. There are several layers the player can wear, but be aware that the world reacts to dirt, blood, and how sophisticated your clothes are overall. For this, however, only the outer layer is calculated. If your outer cloak is a potato sack, people will see only that, not your noble chainmail beneath. A great system that keeps you always trying to get the best possible gear that supports your playstyle, whether you sneak around, fight your way through, or have to show your silver tongue.

Story and characters

The narrative in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is compelling, with a main story that gains momentum as it progresses. Side quests are particularly impressive, often feeling meaningful and impactful rather than simple filler content. Players’ choices during quests frequently influence the world, its characters, and even the economy.

The protagonist, Henry, remains a well-developed and relatable character, but the ensemble cast truly stands out. Whether it’s allies you fiercely care for or individuals you might dislike, the game’s characters feel real, adding emotional weight to the experience. This focus on depth makes engaging with the story a genuinely fulfilling endeavor.

World and exploration

The open world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is richly detailed, though it feels more like an extension of the original game than a fully reinvented experience. That isn’t a criticism, as the first installment set a high standard for immersive, first-person medieval RPGs. The world is alive, with dynamic NPC interactions and beautifully crafted locations. Wandering off the beaten path is encouraged, with countless secrets and unique discoveries awaiting intrepid explorers.

Historical accuracy is another strength, with the world and its elements closely resembling the life and times of medieval Bohemia. This meticulous attention to detail enhances immersion and keeps players grounded in the narrative and setting. The biggest city in the game, Kuttenberg, might be the largest city I have ever seen in an RPG. Beyond that, it’s full of details and it really feels like you walk through a place that exsists, well, it does exist, but you catch my drift.

Technical and visual aspects

Visually, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II impresses with its overall artistic design rather than offering cutting-edge graphical fidelity. While textures might not be the most detailed, the cohesive presentation contributes to a wholesome experience. The performance was solid on Xbox Series X, with occasional frame rate drops and specific bugs, like owned beds being temporarily inaccessible. These issues, while distracting, are not game-breaking and will likely see further improvement with future patches.

The sound design and soundtrack are exceptional. The orchestral score enhances the medieval atmosphere, while sound effects make the world feel alive, from the clinking of swords to ambient village chatter. A hike in the forest truly feels like one as birds chirp and wildlife around you lives and reacts to you.

Comparison to similar games

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II stands apart for its historical realism compared to other medieval RPGs and open-world titles like The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring. While The Witcher 3 shines with its fantastical elements and visually stunning world, it feels more like an arcade game in comparison to the gritty realism of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

Similarly, Elden Ring’s difficulty curve and rewarding combat have similarities, but the loot system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II leans toward realism, offering practical rewards consistent with its setting. The closest comparison might be to a more grounded and historically accurate Elder Scrolls game, with its first-person perspective and attention to detail.

Replayability and DLC expectations

Replay value in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is limited. Players will likely stick to their preferred playstyle during repeat playthroughs, leading to similar decisions and outcomes. However, the sheer amount of content in the core game justifies its price and time investment. At over 130 hours, it rivals or surpasses similar large-scale RPGs’ playtime. For instance, I clocked 140 hours on Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, including all DLCs.

Future DLCs could significantly enhance the experience. Based on the first game, which included content like settlement building, there’s potential for meaningful expansions. Additionally, PC modding capabilities could bring new life into the game, although console players might miss out. The developers’ focus on single-player content ensures that DLCs will likely align with the game’s strengths rather than chase multiplayer trends.

Is Kingdom Come: Deliverance II worth it?

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a triumph in many ways, delivering a challenging and immersive medieval RPG experience. While it doesn’t radically innovate beyond its predecessor, it refines an already excellent formula and expands on it with careful attention to detail. The game’s engaging combat, meaningful storylines, and historically rich setting make it a standout in its genre.

It won’t be for everyone, as its slow pace, realism, and steep learning curve may alienate casual players. However, this is a must-play for those who enjoy deep role-playing mechanics, immersive storytelling, and a commitment to realism. The investment, both in terms of time and money, is well worth it, and the promise of future DLCs only adds to its appeal. If you’re ready to take on life’s challenges in medieval Bohemia, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II delivers a richly rewarding experience. You can download it from your favorite digital store or buy a physical copy from Amazon. The price is a very reasonable 69.99 USD.

YouTube: Let’s Play – Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Photo credit: All images shown are owned by Warhorse Studios.