Game Overview

Why are we reviewing this game if it doesn’t fall into the fantasy category? Because it’s a fun, medieval good time. I’ve been watching Kintsugi do a playthrough over on YouTube, and it’s really entertaining to watch.

Besides, most fantasy RPGs have a base in the medieval realm, so it fits the bill, just without the monsters and other fantasy elements.

Now let’s go over what makes this game so damn popular.

Realistic RPG

Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out as a realistic medieval RPG. Players immerse themselves in survival mechanics that push the boundaries of authenticity. This game demands attention to detail, from maintaining your character’s cleanliness to ensuring they wear the right attire for different situations. When I found out you had to take the time to bathe in the game, I was a little put off, but the storyline and the battles more than make up for what may be seen as some monotonous bits.

The game’s realism extends beyond simple aesthetics. Players must manage their stats carefully, reflecting real human needs such as hunger and fatigue. This level of detail supports the game’s aim to deliver an experience true to the medieval era, making every decision and action impactful.

Immersive World

The world of Bohemia is brought to life with detailed towns and expansive landscapes, all presented without loading screens. This seamless design enhances immersion, allowing players to truly feel part of this historical setting.

Exploring this vast world reveals not just its beauty but also its complexity. Players encounter a variety of NPCs, each with their own stories and reactions to the player’s actions. The dynamic nature of these interactions adds depth to the gameplay, making every hour spent in this world meaningful.

Survival Mechanics

Survival in Kingdom Come: Deliverance goes beyond combat. Players must navigate social hierarchies, adhere to laws, and even dress appropriately for different occasions. These elements combine to create a game where survival means more than just staying alive; it involves thriving within a society.

At one point in the playthrough Kintzugi had to complete an objective in a specific town in a specific monetary, only to recall that he had angered everyone in that town and last he was there they were out to get him. It’s consequences like this that will follow you through the game and you have to keep in mind as you burn bridges from time to time.

This focus on survival mechanics encourages players to think critically about their choices. Whether it’s deciding which type of equipment to carry or how to approach a particular NPC, these decisions have tangible effects on the player’s journey through Bohemia.

Historical Setting

15th Century Bohemia

The game Kingdom Come: Deliverance takes players back to the 15th century, specifically in a region known as Bohemia, located in the heart of Europe. This era is meticulously recreated in the game, showcasing the richness of medieval life. Players find themselves in a world where villages dot the landscape, each with its own unique character and stories. The attention to historical detail is evident in every aspect of the game, from the architecture of buildings to the clothing of characters.

The setting is not just a backdrop but plays a crucial role in shaping the gameplay and narrative. As players navigate through this medieval tapestry, they encounter various historical figures and events that add depth and authenticity to their experience.

Political Conflict

At the heart of Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s storyline is a fierce political conflict between two half-brothers fighting for control over Bohemia’s throne. This struggle for power provides a compelling context for the game’s quests and challenges. Players are thrust into a world where allegiances are uncertain and every decision can tip the scales of power.

This conflict is not just a plot device but reflects real historical tensions that existed during the period. It influences how characters interact with the player, often forcing them to choose sides or navigate complex diplomatic situations. The game does an excellent job of weaving these political intricacies into its quests, making each player’s journey feel unique and impactful.

Quests and Interactions

The historical setting significantly influences Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s quests and character interactions. Players must adapt to the social norms and expectations of 15th-century Bohemia, engaging in activities ranging from sword fighting to diplomacy. The game challenges players to think like someone living in the Middle Ages, making decisions that align with historical realities.

Quests often involve solving problems for villagers, dealing with bandits, or navigating court politics—all reflecting issues that would have been relevant during the time. These missions are more than just tasks; they’re opportunities to dive deeper into the fabric of medieval society, understanding its complexities and nuances.

Gameplay Mechanics

Survival Elements

Players must manage hunger and fatigue, making the experience more immersive. Eating and sleeping are not just optional; they’re essential for survival. Neglecting these needs affects health and performance.

Stamina is also a huge factor in the game as is mentioned many times in the playthrough. You have to have enough stamina in a fight to be able to fight, or you will go down quickly. This means having the right potions and food on your to boost your stamina, and deciding how much armor to wear to not only protect you, but also not to weigh you down and deplete your stamina faster.

The game also simulates realistic social interactions based on appearance. Dressing appropriately can influence how NPCs react to the player, impacting quests and negotiations.

Gear Choices

Choosing the right gear is crucial for success in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Each piece of armor offers protection but comes with trade-offs. Heavier armor provides better defense but reduces mobility and stamina, affecting how long you can fight or run.

Maintaining gear is equally important. Worn-out armor not only looks bad but also offers less protection, emphasizing the need for regular maintenance.

I always wonder how much gear can fit inside a player’s pants in these games, as the amount of stuff you can carry seems (and may be) endless. Kintzugi pointed out that it would be funny if they made the game so real that you could only carry what was on you at the time and a small bit of money in your pocket. Obvious this won’t happen in this game or the sequel, but it’s a funny bit of impractical realism.

Exploration

The open-world exploration in Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out for its realism. The layout of towns and farms accurately reflects the historical setting introduced earlier, providing a logical and immersive map to explore.

The game encourages players to roam freely, discover hidden treasures, and interact with various characters. Each location has its unique story, closely tied to the historical context of Bohemia. There is also quick travel, which helps you get from place to place without endless travel (looking at you beginning of Zelda Windwaker; ie. SO MUCH SAILING!).

Quests and Choices

Quest Diversity

In “Kingdom Come: Deliverance,” players encounter a vast array of quests. These missions range from engaging in espionage to the peaceful, yet equally challenging, task of attending Sunday mass and reciting sermons. This diversity adds depth to the game, offering players a rich tapestry of activities that reflect the era’s lifestyle.

There are also various ways you can complete a quest as well. I watched as Kintzugi attempted to sneak into a camp for a mission, realize it wasn’t going to happen, and ended up attacking and killing everyone in the camp, still meeting his objective. This variation of how you can accomplish goals adds to the customizable charm of the game.

The game’s quest design is remarkable for its variety. Players might find themselves solving a murder mystery in one quest and negotiating peace between warring factions in another. Each mission feels unique, contributing to a feeling of living within the kingdom. The developers have meticulously crafted each quest to offer a glimpse into the medieval times, ensuring that no two missions feel alike.

Player Choice

Player choice stands at the forefront of “Kingdom Come: Deliverance.” Decisions made during dialogue and mission execution significantly influence the story’s direction and outcomes. This level of autonomy allows players to shape their character’s journey through the kingdom, making each playthrough uniquely their own.

Choices matter in this game. The impact of player actions extends beyond immediate consequences, affecting how characters perceive and interact with the player throughout their adventure. A decision made early on might return to aid or haunt the player later, adding weight to every action taken.

World Impact

The world of “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” dynamically responds to player decisions, creating a living environment that evolves based on actions taken. This dynamic interaction enhances the immersion, as players see their influence ripple through communities and across landscapes.

Characters remember your deeds or misdeeds, adjusting their behavior accordingly (going back to needing something at a monastery where everyone loathes you). Help someone in need, and they might return the favor when you least expect it.

Cross others, however, and you may find doors closed to you that were once open. This system instills a sense of consequence for every decision made, embedding players deeper into the fabric of the game’s world.

Combat System Deep Dive

Kinetic Precision

The combat system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out for its kinetic precision and realism. Players find themselves immersed in a world where every sword swing, block, and dodge matters. Unlike many other RPGs, the game demands more than just button mashing to succeed in battle.

It introduces players to a steep learning curve from the get-go. Mastering the combat requires patience, as well as a deep understanding of its mechanics. The system rewards those who take their time to learn the intricacies of timing and positioning. Yes, I always talk about Zelda, but it reminds me of Skyward Sword where you have to block and strike in very specific ways to take out your enemies and protect your hearts.

Strategic Elements

Gear choices play a crucial role in how you approach combat. Each piece of armor and weapon has its own set of attributes that can significantly impact your performance on the battlefield. Choosing the right equipment for the situation at hand is vital for survival.

Mounted combat adds another layer of challenge and strategy to battles. Fighting from horseback requires a different skill set than ground fighting, including controlling your mount while trying to land hits on opponents. It’s a unique aspect that enriches the game’s combat experience.

Mastery Required

Achieving proficiency in Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s combat system is no small feat. It demands technical skill and strategic thinking from players. You must understand not only your own capabilities but also how to read your opponent’s moves and counter them effectively.

Patience is key to mastering this system. Rushing into fights without proper preparation or understanding will often lead to defeat. The game encourages players to think before they act, making each victory all the more satisfying.

Combat System Deep Dive

Kinetic Precision

The combat system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out for its kinetic precision and realism. Players find themselves immersed in a world where every sword swing, block, and dodge matters. Unlike many other RPGs, the game demands more than just button mashing to succeed in battle.

It introduces players to a steep learning curve from the get-go. Mastering the combat requires patience, as well as a deep understanding of its mechanics. The system rewards those who take their time to learn the intricacies of timing and positioning. Yes, I always talk about Zelda, but it reminds me of Skyward Sword where you have to block and strike in very specific ways to take out your enemies and protect your hearts.

Strategic Elements

Gear choices play a crucial role in how you approach combat. Each piece of armor and weapon has its own set of attributes that can significantly impact your performance on the battlefield. Choosing the right equipment for the situation at hand is vital for survival.

Mounted combat adds another layer of challenge and strategy to battles. Fighting from horseback requires a different skill set than ground fighting, including controlling your mount while trying to land hits on opponents. It’s a unique aspect that enriches the game’s combat experience.

Mastery Required

Achieving proficiency in Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s combat system is no small feat. It demands technical skill and strategic thinking from players. You must understand not only your own capabilities but also how to read your opponent’s moves and counter them effectively.

Patience is key to mastering this system. Rushing into fights without proper preparation or understanding will often lead to defeat. The game encourages players to think before they act, making each victory all the more satisfying.

Graphics and Sound

PC Optimization

Players have noted that Kingdom Come: Deliverance requires some tweaking on PC to get the most stable performance. Even with a powerful setup, one might need to adjust the graphics settings to lower levels.

The game is dark. Very dark. At night, it’s like, WAY dark. It’s hard to see some of the gameplay, it’s so dark. But that’s just like real life when the moon isn’t out, and the devs were definitely going for realism.

The graphics issue doesn’t mean the game looks bad. Far from it. The detailed environments still shine through, even if you dial down some of the visual effects. It’s clear that the developers put a lot of effort into creating a visually appealing medieval world that appears as real as possible.

Detailed Design

The design of Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out in many parts. From sprawling forests to small villages, every location is packed with details that bring the 15th-century Bohemia to life.

The combat animations are particularly polished, adding an extra layer of realism to sword fights and archery. Every clash feels impactful, partly thanks to these smooth animations.

We can expect even more polish and shine in the sequel as it’s been many years since the release of the first game.

Atmospheric Sound

The sound design in Kingdom Come: Deliverance deserves special mention. Whether you’re walking through a bustling market or sneaking in the shadows, the atmospheric sounds immerse you deeply into its medieval setting.

Sounds of nature, chatter among villagers, and the clinking of armor contribute significantly to the game’s immersive experience. They complement the visuals perfectly, making you feel like you’re truly part of this historical period.

Alcohol Effects

An interesting feature in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is how it handles alcohol consumption within the game. Drinking can affect your character in various ways, impacting vision and movement but also serving as a tool for social manipulation.

This mechanic adds another layer of depth to the game’s realism, reflecting the importance and effects of alcohol in medieval society.

Praise and Critiques

Historical Accuracy

People often seek games that not only entertain but also educate. Kingdom Come: Deliverance excels in this regard. Its attention to detail in recreating 15th-century Bohemia is unparalleled. Players find themselves immersed in a world where every building, costume, and custom feels authentic. This dedication to historical accuracy helps players feel like they’re truly stepping back in time.

The game’s storyline follows Henry, a blacksmith’s son, whose journey intertwines with real historical events and figures. This grounding in reality makes the experience more engaging for players who appreciate a good history lesson alongside their gameplay.

Immersive World

We’ve already talked about how immersive this game is, and the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance is vast and filled with life. From bustling towns to serene forests, every location is crafted with care. The game’s world invites exploration and rewards curiosity.

Players can spend hours simply wandering the landscape, hunting game, or interacting with NPCs. Each person you meet has their own story, making the world feel alive and dynamic. This level of immersion is something many games strive for but few achieve.

Complex Combat

Combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is both a highlight and a challenge. It eschews traditional hack-and-slash mechanics for something more deliberate and strategic. Players must pay attention to their stance, timing, and the type of attacks they use.

This complexity makes each encounter thrilling. Winning a fight feels like a genuine accomplishment because success depends on skill rather than button-mashing.

Optimization Issues

It’s not all praise for Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The game suffers from optimization problems that can detract from the experience. Some players report frame rate drops and long loading times that disrupt the flow of gameplay.

These technical issues are particularly noticeable on lower-end systems but can affect anyone regardless of their setup.

Bugs

Another point of critique is the presence of bugs throughout the game. While some are minor and merely amusing, others can halt progress or force players to reload earlier saves.

Despite patches to address these issues, some bugs persist, frustrating players who just want to enjoy the game without interruption.

In balancing praise and critiques, it’s clear that Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a unique and rewarding experience marred by technical shortcomings. Its historical accuracy, immersive world, and complex combat system set it apart from other RPGs.

However, optimization issues and bugs remind players that even great ambitions can have small hiccups. Players willing to look past these flaws will find a deeply engaging adventure that respects their intelligence and challenges their skills.

Play or Watch the Original Now

Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out as a unique blend of historical accuracy and immersive gameplay. You’ve seen how its quests, combat system, and graphics create a compelling experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.

The game isn’t just about swinging swords; it’s about living in a medieval world where your choices matter. Whether you’re drawn to the authenticity of its setting or the depth of its mechanics, there’s something here for every gamer.

Don’t just take our word for it. Dive into the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance and see for yourself why it’s garnered praise and critique alike.

Your first step is to take a look at the gameplay from Kintzugi over on YouTube and subscribe to his channel, because he’s a really fun watch (no, this post isn’t being sponsored by him or anyone else). Then, head on over to Steam and get the game for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kingdom Come: Deliverance about?

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a first-person RPG set in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia with a strong focus on historically accurate content and realistic gameplay.

How does the historical setting enhance the game?

The game’s meticulous attention to historical detail immerses players in the 15th century, enriching the gaming experience with authentic environments, attire, and events reflective of that era.

Can you describe the gameplay mechanics?

Gameplay in Kingdom Come: Deliverance revolves around open-world exploration, non-linear storytelling, and branching quest lines influenced by player choices, offering a deeply immersive medieval life simulation.

How do quests and choices impact the game?

Player decisions significantly impact story progression and world dynamics, leading to multiple endings. Choices made during quests can alter relationships with characters and factions, making each playthrough unique.

What makes the combat system unique?

The combat system prioritizes realism and skill, focusing on historical techniques including sword fighting, archery, and warfare tactics. It requires strategic planning and practice to master.

Are the graphics and sound quality good?

Yes, both are impressive. The game boasts high-quality graphics that beautifully render its expansive landscapes and detailed character models. The sound design complements this with an authentic medieval soundtrack and realistic ambient sounds.

What are some common praises and critiques of the game?

Praise often highlights its historical accuracy, deep storytelling, and complex combat system. Critiques typically address technical bugs at launch and a steep learning curve for new players.