At first glance, Kingdom Come: Deliverance bears more than a passing resemblance to other medieval RPGs, particularly the Elder Scrolls series. Both share a first-person viewpoint and take place in a sprawling, European-inspired world inhabited by an extensive cast of characters going about their daily lives. Beyond those superficial similarities, however, Kingdom Come is an entirely different experience, carving out its own identity by removing fantasy elements entirely in favor of a historically accurate setting and gameplay.
Where most other medieval RPGs populate their worlds with magic and dragons, Kingdom Come eschews all of the fantasy trappings typically associated with the genre for a story that's firmly rooted in history. The game takes place in 15th century Bohemia, with players assuming the role of a lowly blacksmith's son as the country becomes embroiled in a brutal civil war. This emphasis on realism extends into the gameplay systems; combat has a steep learning curve, and you must learn how to bandage up wounds to keep from bleeding out if you happen to get struck by an arrow.
Unfortunately, as is often the case with such ambitious titles, Kingdom Come is also burdened by its share of bugs, which will undoubtedly turn some players away. In the video above, GameSpot's Peter Brown, Jean-Luc Seipke, and Rob Handlery discuss their experience with the title, particularly their initial impressions and how, despite its many technical issues, they eventually came around on the game after spending more time with it.
Kingdom Come is available now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Critic Brett Todd called it "a rewarding, one-of-a-kind game" in GameSpot's Kingdom Come review. "It's an impressive and unflinching look at the medieval era that transports you inside the compelling story of a real person caught in the middle of a civil war. As such, this is one of those rare, memorable games that stays with you long after you stop playing," he wrote.
If you're interested in seeing more footage from the medieval RPG, you can watch us play through the opening portion of Kingdom Come, giving you a look at how the tutorial unfolds, along with a glimpse at the game's demanding combat system. You can also watch footage of us fleeing from a band of attackers on horseback and learning how to use a sword and bow for the first time.
