Video Game Review: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Warhorse Studios has done it again. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a remarkable sequel that builds upon the ambitious foundations of its predecessor, delivering a richer, more immersive medieval RPG that draws you into its world with stunning visuals, an engaging story, and an incredible level of detail. While it still carries some of the jank and rough edges of the original, this sequel refines much of what made the first game special and remains one of the most unique RPG experiences out there.
A Riveting Tale of Revenge and Intrigue
The story picks up where Kingdom Come: Deliverance left off, following Henry’s journey as he carves his place in a war-torn Bohemia. The narrative is a high point of the game, packed with political intrigue, betrayal, and heartfelt moments. The writing delivers some truly memorable characters, and Henry's development feels natural and compelling. However, not all dialogue sequences are as gripping as they should be. The game has a tendency to overindulge in long-winded conversations that could have been trimmed down. Some moments are weighed down by excessive exposition, making certain quests feel unnecessarily drawn out. Then there’s the controversy regarding a player choice, the gay love scene. Personally I think this has been massively overblown. In all my hours with the game I was not forced to go down such a path, I mean I made my Henry into a total ladies man who bedded every woman he came across so it’s all down to player choice. If you want him to be gay, that’s all down to the player.
A Medieval World Like No Other
Few games capture historical authenticity quite like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Every village, castle, and muddy road feels alive with detail. The game world is a breathtaking achievement, with dense forests, bustling towns, and atmospheric landscapes that make exploring a joy. NPCs follow daily routines that make settlements feel truly lived in, and the attention to realism is second to none. Whether you’re drinking in a tavern, hunting in the woods, or getting lost in a monastery’s labyrinthine halls, the world of Bohemia is one of the most convincing open-world settings in gaming.
Orchestral Brilliance and Immersive Sound Design
The music is another triumph. The orchestral score is beautifully composed, adding depth to both grand battles and quiet countryside moments. Warhorse has nailed the atmosphere with period-accurate tunes and ambient sounds that bring medieval Bohemia to life. From the clashing of swords to the subtle creaks of wooden tavern doors, the sound design pulls you into the experience completely.
A Surprisingly Funny Game
Despite its serious historical setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doesn’t shy away from humour. Henry remains an endearing protagonist with a knack for awkward situations, and many side quests are packed with wit and unexpected comedic moments. Whether it’s a bizarre monastery infiltration or a drunken night gone terribly wrong, the game knows when to lighten the mood, and it does so brilliantly.
Combat: Improved but Still a Struggle
Combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has seen noticeable refinements. It feels more fluid, strikes land with better weight, and parrying is more forgiving than before. However, it remains a system that requires patience and precision, and at times, it can still feel frustrating. Facing multiple enemies remains a daunting challenge, and occasional clunky hit detection can make fights more irritating than immersive. That said, for those who master the mechanics, the sense of satisfaction in executing a well-timed riposte is unmatched.
Some Jank and Broken Quests
While the game is significantly more polished than its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 isn’t free from technical hiccups. Some quests are still prone to breaking, NPCs can behave oddly, and occasional glitches remind you that Warhorse is still an ambitious but imperfect developer. These issues aren’t game-breaking, but they can disrupt the immersion of an otherwise phenomenal experience.
Verdict
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a fantastic sequel that refines and expands upon what made the first game special. Its breathtaking world, compelling story, and deep role-playing mechanics make it one of the most immersive RPGs available today. The writing can be overly wordy, combat is still a bit frustrating at times, and some technical hiccups remain, but the sheer level of detail and authenticity makes up for these flaws. If you loved the first game, you’ll adore this one. If you’re new to the series, prepare for a historical RPG like no other.
Final Score: 8/10
