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Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 presents a daunting experience for players. This sense of intimidation largely stems from the legacy of its predecessor. Similar to the original title, it offers a remarkably immersive depiction of medieval Europe, intertwined with a fairytale-like journey where you evolve from a humble peasant to a person of considerable power and influence, standing shoulder to shoulder with the nobility. The direction you take is entirely in your hands; you can choose to embody a completely honest and loyal citizen or resort to thievery and deception to accumulate riches. Regardless of the path you select, expect a formidable challenge ahead.

In my time with the game so far, I have spent two hours being killed by three bandits time and again because one of them was in plate armour. I was convinced I almost had him and his two friends, but in actual fact was barely damaging him at all with my pathetic little hunting sword. These are randomly occurring bandits who just happened to appear on the way of my quest objective – they don’t even have real names. Like I said, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is as intimidating as its name is odd.

The game places you back in Henry's role, picking up right after the conclusion of the first installment. This time, he and Sir Hans Capon set off to deliver a peace and alliance letter to Trosky Castle. However, things take a turn for the worse almost immediately, resulting in the loss of the message, your armor, your weapons, and the rest of Sir Hans' entourage. Without your impressive armor, gaining entry to the castle to meet the Lord becomes impossible, and even if you could, the official letter is gone. After a fallout with Hans, who throws a typical tantrum of a spoiled noble, you find yourself alone in Troskowitz village, tasked with reaching out to the Lord of Trosky Castle on your own. This proves to be more challenging than anticipated, especially when the Lord rides away with his entourage into the horizon.

Dressed in tattered rags, it was challenging to accomplish much, yet I managed to secure a position with a blacksmith who also offered me a place to rest, allowing me to save my progress without needing to use Saviour Schnapps. Eager to locate my missing dog, Mutt, I plunged headfirst into a series of unfortunate events. Initially, I roamed the vicinity where he was last seen and ended up being ambushed by wolves in the dead of night. Later on, through a series of mishaps, I discovered that Mutt was probably with those very wolves, completely oblivious to the fact while they were attacking me.

After ten hours of gaming, I returned to confront those wolves, now better equipped with armor, weapons, and skills. Unfortunately, I found myself battling the same trio of bandits again. After two hours of relentless defeats, I finally managed to take down the one clad in plate armor. Frustrated, I decided to leave and grab a hefty mace, which I plan to wield for my much-deserved revenge before reclaiming my loyal dog.

I still don’t own a horse, unless you count the one I took after witnessing its owner being killed by a bandit. Naturally, I sought revenge for his death and claimed the horse as my reward, but even the horse trader demanded over a thousand gold to make it officially mine and avoid any legal issues. Horses, as we know, are quite particular about their documentation and require everything to be in triplicate. So, I opted to sell the horse for 300 Groschen and resumed my travels on foot for now.

Fortunately, KCD2 boasts stunning visuals, especially during the daytime when visibility is clear. The attention to detail in facial expressions is remarkable, particularly for the character Henry. There are instances in the game where the scenery appears so lifelike that it’s hard to believe it’s not real. The beauty of the environment makes wandering through nature a delightful experience—until, of course, the bandits decide to ambush you.

One of the appealing aspects of this game is that many of its unique features are absent in other titles, often due to concerns about limiting their audience. This is a mature game that doesn't shy away from highlighting your failures or simplifying the experience for the player. Instead, it immerses you in a simulation reminiscent of medieval Europe. If you're not willing to embrace this concept and fully engage with it, you may find yourself facing constant challenges. However, if you appreciate a believable representation of reality and enjoy that level of complexity, this game is likely to be one of the finest options available to suit your preferences.

There are still a few minor issues that we anticipate will be resolved with a patch before launch. KCD2 reached its gold status in early December, and we received a review build about a month ahead of the release, allowing ample opportunity for additional polishing. One of the key elements that impacts the immersion of the game world is the inconsistent way characters respond to players. They frequently swing between being friendly and displaying anger just because you’re nearby, and this can happen even within the same dialogue.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 appears to be an exceptional achievement in the realm of gaming. Its unwavering commitment to realism and historical accuracy may limit its audience, as navigating its challenges demands significant focus and effort. However, this very aspect captivated millions in the first installment, and dedicated fans will confirm that the experience is immensely satisfying. I still remember the thrill of completing a combat quest without much hassle, celebrating with a triumphant fist pump. When I finally secured a position at the blacksmith and crafted my own sword, I couldn't help but beam with joy. This game offers a distinctive perspective, transforming the life of a medieval peasant into a surprisingly enjoyable adventure—ironically so, perhaps.