Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review: A Worthy Sequel?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance surprised many with its gritty realism and immersive medieval setting. The sequel, however, is a different beast entirely. This review dives deep into whether Kingdom Come 2 lives up to the hype, delivering a worthy successor or falling short of its predecessor's legacy.
A Historical Sequel? More Like a Historical Evolution
While not a direct continuation of Henry's story, Kingdom Come 2 (assuming there is a sequel, as no official announcement has been made – this is a hypothetical review) could potentially explore a different historical period within the Holy Roman Empire, perhaps even branching out geographically. This opens exciting avenues for new gameplay mechanics and narrative possibilities. Imagine:
- New Conflicts: Instead of the Hussite Wars, the sequel could focus on other significant historical events like the Black Death, the Great Schism, or even the early stages of the Renaissance, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for storytelling.
- Expanded Gameplay: Building upon the already robust combat and RPG systems, Kingdom Come 2 could introduce new elements like naval warfare, sieges on a larger scale, or even more intricate political intrigue. Imagine managing entire provinces, negotiating alliances, and engaging in espionage.
- Character Progression: While Henry's story might be concluded, a new protagonist could offer fresh perspectives on the era. We could see a completely different character arc, perhaps focusing on a noble, a peasant struggling for survival, or even a member of a religious order, further enriching the historical context.
What Makes a Successful Historical RPG Sequel?
A successful historical RPG sequel needs to build upon, not simply repeat, the strengths of its predecessor. Simply adding more of the same won't cut it. Key elements include:
- Enhanced Realism: While Kingdom Come: Deliverance was lauded for its realism, the sequel could push the boundaries further. More detailed environments, lifelike character animations, and more sophisticated AI could truly immerse players.
- Improved Narrative: The story needs to be compelling, engaging, and historically grounded. Strong character development, impactful choices, and a well-paced narrative are crucial.
- Refined Gameplay: Kingdom Come: Deliverance had its fair share of criticism regarding its mechanics. The sequel should address these issues, streamlining gameplay without sacrificing depth or realism.
The Verdict: Potential, But Uncertain
The potential for a strong Kingdom Come sequel is undeniably there. However, success hinges on Warhorse Studios' ability to evolve the formula rather than simply rehashing it. If they can successfully deliver an even more immersive, historically accurate, and engaging experience, Kingdom Come 2 could stand as a true testament to the power of historical RPGs. But if they falter, it risks becoming just another historical setting with a repetitive gameplay loop. Only time will tell if Kingdom Come 2 delivers a worthy successor to its celebrated predecessor. We remain hopeful.
