Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Review
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers a rich narrative, refined combat, and stunning visuals, my full review.
Warhorse Studios has returned with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, an ambitious sequel that builds upon the original’s strengths. The result is an immersive medieval action RPG that offers players a deeply engaging experience filled with historically accurate settings, refined mechanics, and a strong narrative. This sequel delivers a seamless blend of performance and fidelity, offering one of the most visually impressive medieval RPGs to date. Sharpen your sword and saddle up your steed, it’s time to jump back into the Middle Ages with my full review of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 Pro Developer: Warhorse Studios Publisher: Deep Silver Genre: First-Person Historical RPG Game Modes: Single-player ESRB Rating: Mature 17+
A Tale for the Ages
Set in early 15th-century Bohemia, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II picks up right where its predecessor left off, following the story of Henry, the blacksmith’s son-turned-warrior. While the game continues Henry’s journey for justice and revenge, Warhorse Studios has ensured that newcomers can jump in without confusion, thanks to well-crafted flashbacks and exposition.
"The narrative is a shining example of medieval storytelling done right, blending historical accuracy with rich character development."
The narrative is a shining example of medieval storytelling done right, blending historical accuracy with rich character development. The game’s story feels like it belongs in a Hollywood movie, filled with political intrigue, personal vendettas, and the harsh realities of medieval life. The emotional depth of Henry’s journey kept me invested throughout. At over 100 hours of playtime, the game provides a sprawling adventure that rarely drags. Every main story beat, side quest, and character interaction is crafted carefully, pulling you further into the world.
All Killer, No Filler
RPG fans know that side quests can make or break immersion. Thankfully, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is packed with meaningful side content that feels just as compelling as the main story. The game makes you want to venture off the “beaten path” with unique characters, well-developed stories, and tangible rewards, making them feel like worthwhile adventures rather than distractions.
"Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is packed with meaningful side content that feels just as compelling as the main story."
The only minor drawback is the occasional recycling of NPC models and voice actors, which can be a bit jarring when encountering different characters who sound the same. However, given the sheer scope of the world, this is a minor issue in an otherwise incredibly detailed experience.
Hand Me My Sword, Squire
One of the standout improvements in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is its refined combat system. While the original featured a deep but occasionally clunky melee system, this sequel streamlines directional combat, reducing the attack zones from five to four for a smoother and more intuitive feel. Combat remains challenging, requiring skill and patience rather than brute force. You’ll be able to upgrade various elements like strength to eventually become a walking tank, but in the early going, the game can be a fun challenge. Managing stamina, timing attacks, and learning enemy patterns are crucial for survival. The addition of improved ranged combat—especially with crossbows—provides more tactical options and a greater sense of realism. However, some mechanics, like lockpicking, still feel somewhat frustrating at times. While improved from the original, it remains a bit finicky and can occasionally break immersion.
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble
The game’s dedication to historical realism extends beyond combat into detailed but also streamlined crafting systems. As the son of a blacksmith, Henry can forge and repair weapons, an expanded mechanic that now offers a deeper, more rewarding experience. The blacksmithing process involves heating, hammering, and tempering metal, requiring precision and patience to master. While crafting smaller objects can be tricky, the sense of accomplishment from forging your own sword and using it in battle is immensely satisfying and something found in very few other games.
"...the sense of accomplishment from forging your sword and using it in battle is immensely satisfying and something found in very few other games."
Alchemy remains one of the most immersive mechanics in the game, requiring players to gather ingredients, grind herbs, and carefully follow step-by-step brewing processes. Warhorse Studios has refined alchemy from the first game, making it slightly less complex while maintaining its depth. Whether brewing potions for battle or poisons for more clandestine means, this system adds another layer of realism and immersion.
Excellent Visuals and Performance
On the PlayStation 5 Pro, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II looks and runs beautifully. The game features stunning environments, from dense forests to bustling medieval towns, all brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. Warhorse Studios has optimized the game well, offering different performance modes:
PS5 Base Model: Performance mode runs at 1440p and 60fps, while fidelity mode offers a sharper 2160p resolution at 30fps.
PS5 Pro: Combines the best of both worlds, running at a crisp 2160p at 60fps for the best home console experience.
Load times are minimal, and the overall performance is smooth, with only occasional minor graphical glitches, such as armour clipping through objects. Given the game’s sheer scale and ambition, these issues are minor and don’t detract from the experience.
A Medieval Symphony
The audio design is another standout feature. The soundtrack, composed by Jan Valta and Adam Sporka, perfectly captures the medieval atmosphere, blending orchestral themes with period-appropriate melodies. Ambient sounds, from the rustling of leaves to the distant pounding of horse hooves on the ground, further enhance immersion. Voice acting is generally very well executed, particularly for main characters, adding emotional weight to key moments. The only drawback is the reuse of voice actors for minor NPCs, which, while understandable for a game of this scale, can be slightly distracting. Especially having them reappear in larger roles connected to the main story arc.
Final Verdict – A Must-Play for RPG Fans
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an exceptional RPG that builds upon its predecessor’s foundation while addressing its flaws. With a gripping narrative, refined gameplay, and breathtaking visuals, it offers one of the most immersive medieval experiences in gaming. While some mechanics remain a bit unintuitive, and minor bugs persist, these are small blemishes on an otherwise outstanding adventure. Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a must-play for anyone who loves deep storytelling, historical authenticity, and rewarding gameplay.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II PROS
+Rich and immersive narrative
+Meaningful side quests
+Stunning visual and audio design
+Improved combat mechanics
+Deep crafting and alchemy systems
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II CONS
-Some mechanics, like lockpicking, remain unintuitive
-Minor graphical glitches
-Steep learning curve for newcomers
Overall Assessment of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability/Last Appeal: 9/10
Overall Rating: 36/40 = 90%
The publisher provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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