Some games set new standards of ambition, depth, and immersion in their genre. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is just such a game. I can't say I awaited its release with much anticipation, but after playing it, I definitely have no regrets. The sequel not only builds on the strong foundation of the first part but also elevates it to a new level.

This is a game where a night of revelry may end with you being late for an important battle, staggering with blurry vision. The next moment, you find yourself in the center of political intrigue that could change the fate of an entire kingdom. It is this chaotic, unpredictable, yet detailed world that is the main highlight of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.

Game Foundation: A Successful Continuation of a Successful Game

The events of the game unfold immediately after the finale of the first part. Henry of Skalitz still seeks to retrieve his father's stolen sword and avenge those who burned down his home. Now he serves as squire to Lord Hans Capon, and together with him, plunges into the whirlpool of new conflicts.

If Kingdom Come: Deliverance was a tale of revenge against the backdrop of a civil war, the sequel significantly expands the scale. The game focuses not only on Henry's personal story but also on political intrigues, social upheavals, and the hero's internal conflicts. An interesting detail is the dream sequences where Henry speaks with his deceased father, which adds emotional depth to the plot and allows exploration of how war and loss change a person.

Despite the plot directly continuing the events of the first game, Kingdom Come 2 is designed so that newcomers can easily grasp all important details of the backstory.

A Lively and Story-Rich World

The world of the game is vibrant and realistic. Henry is no longer a simple peasant, and his ties with the nobility, particularly with Hans Capon, further draw him into courtly intrigues threatening the kingdom. The game is filled with vivid characters, including real historical figures like the commander Jan Žižka.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is not just about wars and conspiracies. It is also filled with numerous minor stories that add depth to its world. One moment you're involved in dangerous political intrigues, the next you're getting drunk with cumans, almost drowning, playing matchmaker for soldiers, and even talking to a dog... which, of course, you just imagined.

The game contains 2.2 million words of dialogues, making it one of the most extensive RPGs in terms of textual content. Every conversation, every decision, and even the minutest interaction matter, making you feel like you truly live in the 15th century.

The Developed Locations and Game Atmosphere

The main star of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is its world. The level of detail is astounding: dense, foggy forests, cobbled streets with merchants, dynamic cities with a real economy, and social hierarchies.

A true highlight of the game is Kuttenberg—a city setting a new standard for urban locations in RPGs. It is not just a backdrop for events but a living metropolis where craftsmen work, merchants trade, and beggars ask for alms. Each city and village has a unique atmosphere that clearly emphasizes historical accuracy.

The crime system has improved significantly. If you're caught stealing, the consequences are real: from a pillory of shame to imprisonment or even branding, affecting NPCs' attitudes towards you. Your clothing also plays a role—if you wear luxury attire, people will treat you differently than if you appear in dirty and bloodstained garb.

And not only cities look convincing. The countryside is a wild and dangerous territory filled with bandits, hunting grounds, abandoned ruins, and hidden treasures.

All of this is complemented by excellent musical and ambient components that you will enjoy throughout the game. The musical accompaniment here is truly soulful, dynamic when needed, and when balanced, calming and uplifting.

Combat System: Evolution of Combat Mechanics

The first part of Kingdom Come received much criticism for its complex combat system. In the sequel, it has been brought to near perfection. Battles remain tactical and brutal, but they have become smoother and more intuitive. There are now four attack directions instead of five, slightly simplifying the system.

Fencing still has a high learning curve, but after mastering it, fights become truly enjoyable. Counterattacks, parries, and combinations make duels tense and exciting. Moreover, enemies have become smarter and more aggressive.

Additionally, firearms have been added to the game—slow to reload but extremely lethal.

Freedom of Choice

Henry's reputation, abilities, and social status depend on your actions. Depending on your deeds and relationships with the surrounding world, characters' attitudes towards you will form. You can develop your skills in various directions:

• Want to become a diplomat? Improve eloquence.
• Prefer a life of crime? Learn how to steal and pick locks.
• Desire to craft? Forge weapons and brew potions.

The character progression system makes you truly live in this world: read books—become smarter, train in fencing—improve combat skills. Moreover, the save mechanics remain unchanged—you can save only during sleep or after consuming "Savior Schnapps."

Game Downsides

No game of this scale is without its flaws. Some players may find its slow pace too exhausting, and some mechanics too realistic. The balance between the open world and linear storyline sometimes creates contradictions, with certain NPC moments undermining the logic of the main story.

There are times during some missions when NPCs may not behave as needed, causing you to reload to continue your quest. However, these issues are minor compared to what the game offers.

There may be small bugs in the game, but their presence does not affect the perception of the game or overshadow its positive aspects. As for performance, it's generally quite good, but it will depend on the PC configuration.

Conclusion

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is not just a good game. It is a new benchmark for medieval RPGs. A game that offers a unique combination of historical accuracy, deep narrative, and complex combat system. Minor issues with the balance between the open world and the linear storyline cannot overshadow its greatness.

However, this game is not for everyone. Its slow pace, complex mechanics, and high difficulty may deter less patient players. But for those who appreciate realism, historical accuracy, and a deep role-playing system, it is a true masterpiece.

This is not just a game about history—it is a game that makes history.

Rating: 9/10