Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review – A phenomenally in-depth experience

Minimal spoilers lie ahead, but there are a few nonetheless (though not about the main narrative).

The road less travelled is the best way to summarise the unfortunate series of events that befall Henry of Skalitz. No matter how carefully laid out his plans are, rarely does Henry get the chance to follow them. Instead, he’s thrown into perilous battles, oftentimes uncertain of which side he’s on. It’s thrilling but also incredibly unforgiving for a novice Kingdom Come player such as myself.

When I first stepped into Henry’s shoes, I wasn’t fully prepared for what I’d face. Nor was I convinced I’d enjoy my time with it. Despite writing a glowing preview, which I wholeheartedly stand by, I felt out of my element for several more hours before I clicked with the game. I recognised its brilliance but wasn’t sure it was an RPG I’d grow to love. Once that switch was flipped, however, I found myself longing to mount my horse and ride off in search of new quests.

The way the game suddenly captivates you creeps up like a skilful predator – one minute you’re annoyed because you can’t time your blocks right, and the next you’re determined to knock an arrogant bandit on his arse. You’ll also find yourself running towards danger as if you’re as brave as Henry.

As mentioned in my preview, I haven’t played the first game, and while research helped me fill in some of the blanks, I still worried I wouldn’t appreciate the poignant moments of Henry’s journey. Without spoiling those scenes, which are best experienced first-hand, I can say that being a newcomer to the franchise didn’t dull the significance of these sections.

I’ve yet to finish Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. In an act of lunacy – there’s no other way to describe it – I’ve spent a lot of time completing side quests rather than powering through the story. Truthfully, this is how everyone should play an RPG, for you can miss intriguing subplots by ignoring side quests. However, when one’s reviewing a game, time is usually limited. Thankfully, I’ve been able to steadily work my way through the game over the last few weeks, which has properly allowed me enough time to become immersed in this excellent work of historical fiction.

A new chapter in the franchise begins in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

There’s so much to love about this Warhorse Studios game. That being said, some issues have ultimately impacted my playthrough. One of the main problems is visual glitches that hinder what’s otherwise a breathtakingly beautiful game. The level of realism and attention to detail is glorious, only to then be marred by pixelated, glitchy blocks that instantly pull you out of the experience. There are also moments when an item of clothing that shouldn’t move does so, seemingly dancing in a nonexistent breeze. That sounds like such a minor gripe, but once you spot it, you begin to notice it in every cutscene. I assume these details will be dealt with via patches soon after release, however, I would have preferred for such obvious bugs to be ironed out prior to launch.

In addition to this, there are also issues with some of the recorded voice acting, specifically how one character has two different, very noticeable, actors reading the lines. Betty the innkeeper will have one accent during a cutscene, only for a different voice to be used during general dialogue. It wouldn’t be so bad if the voices sounded similar, but they don’t, and therefore it makes for an awkwardly funny interaction every time.

Performance issues are somewhat expected, especially with such an ambitious game, and so, while their presence is annoying, you can forgive them. Nor do I wish to diminish what’s been accomplished here because Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is undoubtedly the sequel fans have been waiting for. Furthermore, its devotion to creating such a diverse and expansive adventure naturally provides plenty of entry points for problems to rear their ugly heads.

What I’m less forgiving about is the save system. It’s by far the most infuriating aspect of the game, in my humble opinion, because it’s unforgiving. Most of the time you’re manually saving, either by utilising a bed specifically assigned to Henry, or having drunk a Saviour Schnapps. Autosave is in play here, however, it seems fairly selective on what it deems worthwhile progress during a quest. In defence of this creative choice, I must admit that it makes tense moments, such as a random altercation with bandits, a lot more thrilling. And nerve-wracking. In that regard, the removal of easy saving adds an element of realism; we only get one shot to make it out alive.

All of the aforementioned bugs, personal preferences, etc do little to lessen my passion for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. I’ll gladly take all of its problems if it means I can keep experiencing such in-depth gameplay. Few RPGs are this exhaustive; Henry needs to remember to eat, sleep, bathe, bandage his wounds, and mind his alcohol consumption. He even needs to be mindful of the freshness of the food he carries, for it will go off and can subsequently poison him. I only realised this after I forced him to eat meat with a zero freshness rating. Due to his poor health at the time, this bout of food poisoning killed him within a matter of minutes.

Food poisoning doesn’t automatically spell death, though. If you’ve got time to reach an alchemy bench, and have the recipe to hand, you can brew a potion to ease these ill effects. Just ensure you have adequate time available to create the concoction you need. Unlike in other RPGs where you select the potion you want to brew and it prepares it as if by magic, Henry isn’t so lucky. He must read the instructions carefully, prepare the ingredients, boil the mixture for the right amount of time, grind certain ingredients, and then choose whether to distil or pour.

When I first attempted alchemy, I’ll admit I loathed the process; it felt too interactive. Yet, once I’d learnt where everything went and how to smoothly move between each step, I found it among the most enjoyable elements of gameplay. I started brewing, and before I knew it it was morning and Henry had toiled the whole night through. Similarly to food, check the freshness of your alchemy ingredients before using them because they can go off too. Ideally, you want to dry your herbs the moment they’ve been picked.

Alchemy is easily the most detailed of the quote-unquote “mundane tasks”. When cooking, you just watch Henry stir something then taste it, even if he’s only frying an apple. It’s the same as when you smoke or dry food – you find the racks or huts where you place the appropriate food items, then ta-da, they’re ready to tuck back into your inventory.

It feels slightly at odds with the depth found elsewhere, like with alchemy, yet it’s arguably done through necessity. Conceivably, if every single process was so meticulous, it would ultimately hinder the sense of urgency one needs to feel during certain quests. Warhorse has found, at least as far as I’m concerned, the perfect balance between too much and too little. It may not always implement each feature perfectly, but care has been taken to ensure that Henry’s experience feels authentic.

Deep Silver

With so much plate spinning, even the most advanced RPG player may find themselves struggling to keep on top of everything. It’s both a blessing and a curse being able to control so many aspects of the gameplay. If you’re an avid Sims fan, you’ll likely feel right at home, though be warned, playing Big Brother won’t be as comical for Henry. Visiting a local lord’s abode while stinking of dung is hardly going to win you any favour, and will most certainly be remarked upon.

Unlike some games in which the NPCs take little notice of you, Henry’s actions are always being scrutinised. No matter whether you’re in a small settlement or a bustling village, all eyes are on you. This is why it pays to be as polite and helpful as possible. If you have to engage in some nefarious activities, be sure to use the cover of darkness to your advantage. Once you’ve been spotted committing a crime – which can be as small as sleeping in someone else’s bed – your reputation is damaged. Even when you can charm your way out of it, some reputation points will be lost.

Sometimes all is forgiven with ease, but after a while, the only option is to pay the Indulgence Chest fee or go on a pilgrimage. As it's the least costly of the two, I opted to trek across the land to a shrine noted down on my map by a local priest. Once I reached the shrine, I had to kneel and pray for a specific amount of time. I wouldn’t say the end result is a revolutionary one, however, the hamlet I’d offended (though I’m not sure how) was a lot nicer to me after I repented at this sacred site.

To ensure you have as many options available to you when dealing with an NPC, it pays to have an arsenal of tools at your disposal to prepare for any eventuality. Personally, I always try to go the pacifist route whenever possible, which is why I spent the first several hours of the game bolstering my speech skills. However, just like with any other title that allows you to pick and choose the perks you desire, it’s wise to keep everything balanced. As wonderful as it is when Henry can smooth talk his way out of a nasty ambush, if his persuasion tactics fail, Henry is going to get an arse whopping because he neglected his strength perks.

Another handy piece of advice, don’t end up getting over 20 hours in before realising those perk points you’ve amassed can be spent in the Skills section. I wish I was kidding about this. I found the secondary section of the player menu with ease, but for some unfathomable reason, I never continued scrolling across. If I had, I’d have realised that all those perks I’d unlocked were waiting patiently for me there. Benefits like your dog, Mutt, searching for nearby items, or improved stamina are just two of the many generous and helpful quality-of-life upgrades. I was in two minds about sharing this detail, however, it seems only right you get to laugh at my stupidity alongside me. What is more, it further emphasises just how much you can fine-tune Henry’s attributes.

The player section, which encompasses all the skills, perks, etc, also details the buffs you have active, as well as your reputation in each settlement. An incredibly handy tool that will allow you to get back into the good graces of a community should you have angered them in some way. You’ll also find the sidekicks page in this part of the in-game menu, which notes your horse and Mutt’s wellbeing. Mutt, while your loyal best friend, does have a tendency to become a tad wilful unless you pay him enough attention, such as praising and feeding him. Therefore, it’s worth keeping an eye on his obedience level, otherwise you may find yourself unable to keep control of your hound.

Being able to rely on Mutt during times of peril is important, not least of all because he can fight by your side. His aid can make all the difference. Still, Henry needs to be on top of his game as well. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II isn’t a game where you can button-mash your way out of a tough spot. Believe me, I tried and failed in swift succession.

Blocking incoming attacks, as well as parrying, are key components of battle. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and make it through by the skin of your teeth without taking any notice, but that is rare. You need to watch for the little green shield symbol like your life depends on it because, for Henry, it does. You also need to think about the angle you’re attacking from, especially when completing moves like the Master Strike. You won’t remember it all in one go, if ever, which is why I’m forever grateful that guides are available from the main menu. Even when I think I’ve got it down, I go back and re-read those notes whenever I notice my swordwork getting sloppy.

My next piece of advice is to seek out skill teachers and use them. I often found them, yet chose to turn down improving my skills because I didn’t want to waste money. This is fair enough if your funds are limited, however, once you learn to barter with traders, you’ll soon rake in the coins. And, unlike a Dragon, Henry has no business sitting atop a mountain of gold. He may just be a “humble blacksmith”, but he’s one whose input is appreciated by nobility and therefore he needs to be a learned fellow.

To do this, he must travel. Initially, you’ll do this by foot, which is a rather beautiful but tedious affair when wanting to venture more than a few miles from the nearest hamlet. Consequently, finding Henry a horse is vital. Once you’ve visited a place that unlocks a fast travel option, you can simply select it on the map and Henry will make his way there. However, the trip isn’t instantaneous, nor is it without potential threats. You’ll watch as a little figure of Henry travels across the map, the hours of the day ticking away while he does so. Sometimes, he’ll arrive at his destination without incident. Other times, Henry will encounter an unknown figure; these individuals can be friends or foes. It’s not always easy to work out, so keep your wits about you even when conversing with a humble beggar.

Deep Silver

Some may miss being able to see the sprawling landscape as you fast travel from one place to the next, but I actually like the way this has been executed. For one, it adds a traditional tabletop dynamic to the game, reminiscent of the RPGs we used to play before we could turn on our console and immerse ourselves that way. Secondly, it makes traversing the map much quicker and easier, even though it’s less visually stimulating.

Rest is needed, though. As are recreational activities. There are several ways Henry can unwind after a hard day, one of which is far more titillating than others. Despite rarely seeing nudity upon visiting the bathhouse even when you’ve partaken in all its services, Henry will still leave happier than when he arrived. He will temporarily gain the ‘Time Well Spent’ buff. While this is active, Henry will receive an increase in his agility, strength, and vitality. You don’t have to pay to spend time with one of the maids, though it has obvious benefits if you do. In total, bathhouses offer four things: bathing (obviously), tending to wounds, washing your clothes, and sex. Even though you won’t witness Henry’s trysts, you’ll hear them. What is more, the bathmaids will comment on his performance.

For those curious if you can purchase the company of men, given the time period and how frowned upon that would have been, there is no such option. Even though there’s the odd opportunity to be more romantically inclined with select male NPCs, as of yet, nothing beyond mild affectionate dialogue has been exchanged. As for romance in general, I’ve not seen any offering beyond carnal pleasure, though Henry is always a gentleman. He can enquire about his previous love, Theresa, though you can choose to treat her as a lost love rather than it still being a budding romance. Romantic moments are part of the journey only if you wish them to be, and even if you choose to explore said opportunities, it isn’t a key feature of the main narrative.

During Henry’s downtime, far removed from the seductive notions of other NPCs, Dice is the game of choice when keeping your clothes on. I’m rubbish at this game, yet I keep on playing it. Its rules are relatively simple, and every tavern has a Dice player keen to take your coins. I think I’ve won two games. Much like how I approach many activities, I rush in instead of considering all outcomes. In a game of Dice, that can lead to you going bust and losing all of your points in one round. You need to learn when to keep rolling and when to give your opponent a chance to join in. Although you can play with the dice provided by the NPC, you can play with your own, which can work out in your favour. Unless you’re me, then luck has abandoned you, much like my hope of winning a game for a third time.

Warhorse has put Henry’s life in your hands. You can be as explorative or as single-minded as you want to be; the emphasis is on your personal preferences when it comes to the RPG experience. His world can open up on a grander scale than just attempting to deliver a letter, or it can remain zeroed in on the main mission and little else. To truly experience the breadth of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, you need to embrace all avenues. I don’t wish to pooh-pooh how people game, for it's a pastime you have control over like nowhere else. Still, to follow only the well-beaten road is to waste the effort taken to develop this ambitious sequel.

Henry has been waiting for a chance to reclaim some of what was lost during his first adventure. He’s older and a little bit wiser, though still hot-headed when he wants to be. His is a tale meant to be expanded upon as you take control of his actions. Embrace being the narrator of his story, don’t shy away from it. Henry of Skalitz is yours to command, do him justice and give him an adventure filled with the complexities befitting this honest, hardworking man. There’s a lot of loss and bloodshed during this hostile period, so make sure Henry sees the world before he’s forced to endure the hardships he’s unwittingly set in motion.

Pros: Stunning graphics, gripping story, numerous side quests, in-depth gameplay, you can pet your dog and horse

Cons: Autosaving is minimal, audio and visual glitches, steep learning curve for newcomers

For fans of: Kingdom Come: Deliverance, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, Red Dead Redemption 2

Score: 8/10 - Excellent

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is available on PlayStation, Xbox Series, and Steam. Review code provided by the publisher. Find a complete guide to GAMINGbible's review scores here.