Kingdom Come: Deliverance" - A Medieval Misadventure?

 

I've just spent countless hours in the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and boy, do I have some thoughts. This game promised a medieval journey like no other, but let's unpack the reality behind the hype.

The Good, If You Squint:

• A History Buff's Dream? - Sure, the game takes you back to 15th-century Bohemia with a level of detail that's almost obsessive. But unless you're a die-hard medieval enthusiast, this attention to detail can feel more like homework than fun.
• Storytelling or Storytelling Chore? - The narrative centers on Henry, a blacksmith's son turned knight. The story has its moments, but the dialogue is often as stilted as a medieval peasant's back. And those choices? More like choosing between two types of mud to eat.
• Combat: A Love-Hate Relationship - The combat system is complex, but it's so difficult, it borders on frustrating. You'll spend more time learning how not to die from a simple bandit than enjoying any fantasy of being a knight.
• Explore at Your Own Risk - The world is big, but is it really that interesting? After the novelty wears off, you might find yourself wandering through yet another forest, wondering if this is where the game developers ran out of ideas.

Why This Game Might Disappoint:

• Bugs Galore: This game is like a medieval castle - beautiful from afar, but up close, it's crumbling. Glitches, NPCs with the social skills of a rock, and quests that might as well be called "quests to find the quest" due to how they break.
• Performance? What Performance? - Even with updates, the game still lags like it's stuck in the past. If you're hoping for a smooth ride, you might want to invest in a horse instead.
• Repetitive Chores: There's a fine line between immersion and tedium. Lockpicking feels like a mini-game from the 90s, and inventory management is more like inventory micromanagement. It's not "realistic"; it's just annoying.
• Inclusivity or Lack Thereof: The game's attempt at historical accuracy leaves it open to criticism for lacking diversity. It's one thing to be true to the times, but another to be tone-deaf to modern audiences. This isn't just about political correctness; it's about storytelling that resonates with more than a niche audience.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is like that one friend who tries too hard to impress at a medieval fair - there's effort, but it misses the mark on what makes gaming fun. Yes, it's ambitious, but ambition alone doesn't make a good game when it's bogged down by bugs, clunky gameplay, and a narrative that feels more like a history lesson than an adventure. If you're looking for buzz, this game certainly provides it, but for all the wrong reasons. Perhaps it's time for Warhorse Studios to take this critique not as an attack but as a call to arms for a sequel that truly delivers on the promise of medieval gaming.