The wait is almost over: ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ lands Feb. 13

After a crowdfunding campaign, launched in 2014, Czech-based Warhorse Studios signed a deal with Deep Silver in 2016 to publish console and PC versions of its first release, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance”. With this particularly promising medieval first-person role-playing game (RPG), set in an open-world environment, the focus is firmly on realism and player freedom. The game is slated for release on Xbox One, PC and PS4 on Feb. 13.

Gamers step into role as Henry, a blacksmith’s son whose family suffers a tragic fate after their village is attacked by mercenaries sent by “Sigismond”. But there are no legends or fantasies here, no wizard or orcs, since Sigismond is the half-brother of the King of Hungary. Set in the historical region of Bohemia, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” is based on historical events that took place in the region in 1403, when King Wenceslas IV was taken prisoner by his half-brother Sigismond. In the midst of the chaos that ensues, Henry sets out on a journey to avenge his murdered family, building experience as he goes. He also ends up at the service of a Lord leading a resistance movement against Sigismund’s invasion.

While many RPGs (role-playing games) are inspired by historical events and rooted in a medieval aesthetic, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” differs from its predecessors in the gameplay, graphic quality and near-total freedom it offers players. Realism was clearly a watchword for Warhorse Studios when developing the game.

Here, gameplay is anything but linear. Gamers are free to play in any way they like, completing main and secondary quests in all kinds of different ways: with brute force, agility, diplomatic dialog or more underhand means. In fact, the living world of the game exists without the player, which means that NPCs (non-player characters) and the mechanics of the game continue to exist in real time. In other words, events will take place whether or not the player is present, constantly changing the experience of the game.

Adventures in a realistic and living world involve making choices, and each time the player makes a decision the world dynamically adapts in relation to that decision. Henry’s dialogs and actions (stealing, killing, acting aggressively, for example) influence the way in which NPCs treat him, and his state and appearance (being intoxicated or wearing grubby armor, for example) influence the way in which the characters perceive and interact with him. Moreover, the game’s combat system is inspired by realistic medieval duels. The developers brought in experienced swordfighters and used motion capture techniques to ensure the game reflects the historical reality of the time.

After several delays, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” is now slated for release Feb. 13, 2018, on Xbox One, PC and PS4. JB

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