5/5 ★ – vassm's review of Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

If I had to describe "Kingdom Come: Deliverance" in one word, it would be "peak". And I'm not exaggerating--this is one of the greatest games I've ever played. As a huge fan of historical games, I was blown away by its refreshing setting in medieval Central Europe and its commitment to authenticity. It surpassed all my expectations by far! I could write an entire essay about "Kingdom Come: Deliverance" and still not run out of things to say, but here is a somewhat shortend review of it. Henry, the protagonist, has become one of my all-time favorite characters--watching and actively shaping his journey from a lowly peasant to an honorable knight was incredibly rewarding. I spent 76 hours with Henry, and when I beat the game, it was so bittersweet seeing him ride off to the next game. Not only was Henry a fantastically written character, but so were the majority of the other main characters like Sir Radzig, Hans Capon, Sir Hanush, etc. They were all so different from one another and made them all memorable. The story was phenomenal, packed with gripping twists rooted in a harsh reality. Playing as a "detective", serving lords, and solving murders added such a unique layer to the experience. But my favorite part of the whole entire game? Exploring the world and helping people all while becoming a stronger person. The sheer immersion, the depth of mechanics, and the wealth of content made me feel like I was truly living in medieval Bohemia--one of my favorite historical periods. Strategizing the order of main and side quests wasn't just fun; it was oddly therapeutic. That said, the combat was the worst offender. Not going to lie, at first it was borderline insufferable. The devs tried to make it as realistic as possible, meaning that mobs of enemies can come at you and you are bound to insta die since you're just a peasant...and I will say it's commendable, but it was really frustrating at first. As time went on, I practiced and gained combat skills, and it became more tolerable, but I was constantly thinking of other ways to kill enemies which sometimes took a while to plan. Lastly, I have to applaud the level design and branching narratives--the sheer number of outcomes and intricate details is staggering. The team behind this (Warhorse Studios) deserved major recognition for crafting such a rich, player-driven experience. OH, and the MUSIC?? Absolutely, insane. I listened to the soundtrack on loop during my entire flight to and from GDC. I would love to see an orchestra play that live, I would be content forever. "Kingdom Come: Deliverance" is a masterpiece--deeply immersive, historically rich, and endlessly rewarding. There is so much more that I could've said about this game, but I will end with this: If you love RPGs that have taken realism to its heart and have a bit of clunkyness, this is a must-play XD. Now....time for the sequel. 9.6/10