In the three decades I have been playing games, I’ve seen my fair share of sequels that fail to live up to their predecessors. However, I’m thrilled to report that Kingdom Come: Deliverance II not only meets expectations but soars beyond them, delivering an immersive medieval adventure that had me utterly captivated.
In fact, I’ve had to drag myself away from it to write this.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, I approached this sequel with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Would it build upon the strengths of the original and deliver something even better? I’m pleased to say that after a week of intense gameplay, the answer is a resounding yes. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes this game a true gem in the world of historical RPGs.
A Captivating Narrative
The story picks up almost immediately where the first game left off, thrusting our protagonist Henry back into the tumultuous world of 15th-century Bohemia. While familiarity with the original isn’t strictly necessary, it certainly enhances the experience. The writers have done an excellent job of weaving in enough context and backstory to keep newcomers up to speed without bogging down the narrative for returning players.
What truly sets this game apart is the depth and complexity of its storytelling. The main quest line is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with political intrigue, personal vendettas, and moral dilemmas that kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself genuinely invested in Henry’s journey, cheering his triumphs and feeling the weight of his setbacks.
The cast of characters is wonderfully diverse and well-realised. From your boisterous liege lord to the enigmatic historical figures that make their appearances, each interaction feels meaningful and adds layers to the overall narrative. I was particularly impressed by the game’s antagonist, whose motivations and actions challenged my perceptions of heroism and villainy in ways I didn’t expect.
A Living, Breathing Medieval World
One of the standout features of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is its stunningly realised open world. The attention to historical detail is nothing short of remarkable, with landscapes and settlements that feel authentic to the time period. While the geography might not be as varied as some fantasy RPGs, the rolling hills, dense forests, and sprawling meadows of medieval Bohemia are brought to life with breathtaking beauty.
The crown jewel of this world is undoubtedly the city of Kuttenberg. I can’t overstate how impressed I was by this virtual recreation of a medieval urban centre. The scale, detail, and sheer liveliness of Kuttenberg make it a joy to explore. From bustling marketplaces to quiet alleyways, every corner of the city feels purposeful and lived-in.
What truly sets Kuttenberg apart is the level of interactivity and the wealth of urban adventures it offers. I found myself easily sidetracked from the main quest, drawn into intriguing side stories like mediating disputes between rival sword schools or unravelling the mystery of a gruesome serial killer. These smaller narratives not only provide engaging gameplay but also contribute to the overall sense of a living, breathing world.
Quests That Keep You Coming Back for More
One area where Kingdom Come: Deliverance II truly shines is in its quest design. With around 100 quests to tackle, I was initially concerned about potential repetition or filler content. However, I’m pleased to report that the vast majority of these quests are thoughtfully crafted, unique experiences that go far beyond the typical “fetch this” or “kill that” objectives.
What impressed me most was the variety and creativity on display. Whether I was navigating complex political negotiations, solving intricate mysteries, or embarking on heart-pounding adventures, each quest felt like its own self-contained story. The writing is consistently strong, with well-developed characters and unexpected twists that kept me engaged throughout.
Even the side quests, which in many games can feel like afterthoughts, are given the same level of care and attention as the main storyline. I found myself eagerly seeking out these optional adventures, knowing that each one would offer something memorable and worthwhile.
Combat: Refined and Rewarding
The combat system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, offering a more refined and accessible experience while still maintaining depth and challenge. The skill-based melee combat remains a highlight, requiring careful timing, positioning, and strategy to emerge victorious.
I particularly appreciated the improvements made to archery, which feels more intuitive and satisfying than in the first game. The addition of new combat techniques and a wider variety of weapons adds further depth to encounters, encouraging experimentation and strategic thinking.
That said, I did notice that at higher levels, the balance between player skill and character stats seemed to shift more towards the latter. While this progression feels natural, part of me missed the punishing difficulty of the early game, where every encounter felt like a true test of skill.
Crafting and Skills: A Mixed Bag
The introduction of a blacksmithing minigame is a welcome addition, allowing players to craft their own weapons. While I found the process a bit clunky at times, there’s an undeniable satisfaction in wielding a sword you’ve forged yourself in combat. The alchemy system has also seen improvements, becoming more intuitive and user-friendly.
The new perk system is a definite step up from the original game. Each level-up feels meaningful, offering choices between substantial bonuses that can significantly impact your playstyle. Gone are the perks that felt more like trade-offs than upgrades, replaced by options that genuinely enhance your character’s abilities.
Technical Prowess and Polish
From a technical standpoint, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a marked improvement over its predecessor. Running on a 4070 Ti, I was able to enjoy the game at 4K resolution with very high settings, maintaining smooth performance throughout. This level of optimization is particularly impressive given the scale and detail of the game world.
That’s not to say the experience is entirely bug-free. I encountered my fair share of glitches and oddities during my playthrough, but most were of the harmless, amusing variety rather than game-breaking issues. The occasional visual quirks or AI hiccups didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the game.
A Few Stumbling Blocks
While my experience with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few areas where the game’s ambitions occasionally clashed with its execution. The tension between the linear narrative and the open-world sandbox sometimes led to moments of dissonance, where my actions in the world didn’t always align with the story’s progression.
One particularly frustrating example occurred late in the game, involving a military camp I had previously cleared out. Being asked to infiltrate this same camp as part of the main quest, with no acknowledgement of my prior actions, felt jarring and broke my immersion. These moments were thankfully rare, but they did highlight the challenges of balancing player agency with a tightly scripted narrative.
Final Thoughts
Despite these minor quibbles, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II stands as a remarkable achievement in historical RPG gaming. It successfully builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while addressing its few weaknesses, delivering a rich, immersive experience that is going to give me at least 100 hours of enjoyment, but probably much more.
The attention to historical detail, the depth of its storytelling, and the sheer scale of its beautifully realised world make this a must-play for fans of the genre.
For those who loved the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, this sequel offers everything you enjoyed and more. And for newcomers to the series, it presents an excellent entry point into a meticulously crafted medieval world full of adventure, intrigue, and unforgettable experiences.
In the end, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II isn’t just a worthy sequel; it’s a landmark title that sets a new standard for historical RPGs. It’s a game that will stay with me long after the credits have rolled, and one that I wholeheartedly recommend to any fan of immersive, story-driven gameplay.
