Chris Inglis[Editor’s note: You can read our final review for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II here.]
Having played the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance at its release in 2018, I have vivid memories of grappling with the game’s demanding graphics and the challenge of achieving smooth gameplay. The combat system, while intricate and realistic, always felt just out of reach for me to fully master. The story was epic and felt like playing in a movie at times, so I was excited when a sequel was announced by Warhorse Studios. Thanks to Plaion ANZ, I have been playing through the game’s first hours and am able to talk about my first impressions ahead of release on February 5.
Upon booting up the game for the first time, I was immediately struck by the leap in graphical fidelity. My now ageing PC, equipped with an RTX 3080 Super, managed to handle the game impressively well. The noticeable visual updates, especially to facial features and the breathtaking environments, offered a new level of immersion. Gone were the days of stuttering frames and graphical hiccups; the sequel runs smoother than I could have hoped for.
As I delved into the story, the first hour or so being the tutorial, I noticed it started off at a measured pace, with certain plot points feeling somewhat predictable. However, the interactions between Henry of Skalitz and Hans Capon provided a delightful counterbalance. Their camaraderie added depth and a sense of genuine friendship that kept me engaged, even through the slower segments of the narrative.
The developers at Warhorse Studios have made thoughtful quality-of-life improvements to the inventory system. The addition of better tooltips and icons for poison, item quality alongside clearer stats, made inventory management a far more pleasant and intuitive experience. These changes, though seemingly minor, significantly enhance the overall gameplay flow and user experience.
The improvements extend beyond just visuals and inventory mechanics. The world feels more lived-in and dynamic, with NPCs exhibiting more lifelike behaviours and interactions. This not only enhances immersion but also makes the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II feel more responsive and authentic.
Combat, always a challenging aspect of the original, has seen refinements as well. While still retaining its realistic and intricate nature, the new iteration feels more accessible without sacrificing the depth that fans have come to appreciate. One particularly welcome change is the shift from pressing Q to block in the first game, to using the right mouse button in the sequel. This simple alteration is a godsend, making the combat mechanics feel more intuitive and less cumbersome. The parrying and timing mechanics are smoother, making each encounter feel fairer and more satisfying.
In summary of my first several hours, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II showed how the game manages to build upon its predecessor’s strengths while addressing many of its weaknesses. The game delivers a visually stunning and smooth experience, even on older hardware. The story so far, while slow at times, is enriched by compelling character dynamics. The improvements in inventory management and combat mechanics are enriching this sequel that is both familiar and refreshingly refined.
For those who enjoyed the original but were frustrated by its technical demands and steep learning curves, my first hours in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II shows it offers a more polished and accessible experience. It’s a journey worth embarking on, and I can’t wait to see where Henry’s story leads next. Keep an eye out for my final review early next month ahead of the game’s release on February 5 on Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox and PlayStation.
[Editor’s note: You can read our final review for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II here.]
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Johnny
