Review of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is, quite frankly, one of the most amusing games I’ve come across in recent times. Let me just put that out there from the start. It’s a game that revels in being crude, audacious, and downright gritty. Now, don’t mistake its comedic side for a lack of depth. It’s just as eager to throw you into a whirlwind of political maneuvers, steeped history, and genuinely touching moments. Forget any notion of ‘Eurojank’—this is a true ‘Eurogem’.

When you dive into Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (KCD2), what you experience is all about your choices. Fundamentally, it’s an open-world historical RPG where you step into the boots of Henry, an amiable apprentice smith. Alongside the charming Hans Capon, you’re tasked with delivering a crucial letter. But give it a few hours, and once you’re set loose, it morphs into an enchanting sandbox—as every worth-its-salt RPG should. Whether you choose the life of a poacher, hunting game and trading hides, a scholarly noble, debating your way out of sticky situations, or a roadside rogue, drunk and pickpocketing, the game encourages and facilitates it all through thoughtful skill progressions and narrative elements. Each path is engaging in its own unique way.

In my earlier preview, I highlighted KCD2’s appeal as a sandbox for mischief-makers, and how much fun it was to indulge that side of the game while it skillfully penalized me. That was my jam—poisoning wine, shaking folks down, and constantly needing a good scrub. Without giving too much away, the rewards and repercussions for this lifestyle are only heightened as the game progresses, especially after you break away for Kuttenberg. The game ramps up significantly once you reach this point, reaching new peaks of enjoyment.

What makes me harp on about this aspect of the game is how rare it is. Crafting a game as open-ended as KCD2 while deftly intertwining moral choices into its core narrative is a challenging feat. Warhorse Studios has achieved something noteworthy; they haven’t just given you the freedom to shape Henry’s destiny but have also integrated your decisions into the broader storyline, leading to a fulfilling experience. Not everyone might catch these subtleties, but their presence highlights the developers’ meticulous nature in crafting this RPG.

This careful attention to detail is woven throughout the game. While games like Assassin’s Creed rightly earn accolades for their Discovery Tour, which lets players explore their rich settings, KCD2 doesn’t need a separate mode. The historical information is seamlessly incorporated, with a dedicated tab to explore. Imagine Henry being wowed by a water fountain, unlocking a related info sheet. I feel confident that showing this game to a history teacher would be quite impactful, assuming they’re still around to appreciate it.

As you navigate the landscape on horseback, taking in the surroundings, it’s as if you’ve been transported to a European countryside. The authenticity of the villages you stroll through is unmatched; I can’t recall another game that captures world-building—or should I say, world-replication—quite like Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. Its popularity in the Czech Republic is absolutely warranted.

The humor in this game is also distinctly Czech, comparable to the witty and slapstick charm cherished in British comedies. One minute Henry’s in a deep philosophical discussion about morality and faith, and the next he’s brawling or slogging through pig muck—all within half an hour’s play. These shifts in tone are harmoniously executed, crafting a blend that continues to surprise. As the game’s stakes elevate, so does the comedic aspect, creating a roller coaster of tense moments, romance, and sheer absurdity.

That said, I anticipate a chunk of players might not gel with the game’s style. KCD2 isn’t shy about throwing complex tasks at you. Tasks that might take mere minutes in other RPGs could last much longer here. Take blacksmithing: unlike other games where you just gather resources and voila, a new weapon, KCD2 has you forging the sword in a meticulous mini-game. It’s detailed and time-consuming, reflecting real life. Mess it up, and you’re stuck with a poorer quality sword.

Archery too demands patience. Without a crosshair, loading a bolt takes time and foes won’t stay put. Mastery requires skill. Lockpicking is another challenge, perhaps one of the trickiest I’ve encountered. The rewards are grand, but when a lock says it’s tough, it truly means it. Players more accustomed to a simpler RPG approach (looking at you, Fallout) might find this a bit intense. This complexity stems from Warhorse’s distinct vision for the Kingdom Come series.

Moreover, the game isn’t afraid to reduce the pace, occasionally involving you in mundane tasks. Early on, there’s a quest to move bags between a wagon and an inn all by yourself. Initially, I imagined it’d stop after a couple of runs—nope. You’re at it until the last sack before the scene continues. Surprisingly, this is one of the more endurable tasks. For me, it enriches the immersion and captures the reality for someone in Henry’s position back in the day. Others might find it tedious. The game will quickly help you assess if this is a deal-breaker.

Even if it feels like busy work at times, I’d advise persevering until you clear the game’s first map. If you’re still into it by then, I promise the game flourishes magnificently in its later stages. The best quests, the standout narratives, the hilarious beats, and unforgettable side characters await you there. There’s a Polish character set to steal many hearts. Stick with it. There’s treasure here, and it doesn’t take a Herculean effort to unearth it.

This review was conducted on PC with a code provided by Warhorse Studios. Look out for the game when it launches on February 4 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.