Summary
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2is an undeniable masterpiece and has set a new standard for open-world RPGs going forward. From the tiny details and myriad of rare interactions to the larger systems and a beautifully vast landscape, this is an experienceperfect for fans of the Middle Agesand lovers of immersion alike.
Given its immense success, quality, and continued engagement, it therefore stands to reason thatKingdom Come: Deliverance 2could win Game of the Year for 2025, although it will face fierce competition in a year that is shaping up to be one of the best for gaming. While newcomers to the franchise are likely to have been most impressed, it’s worth pointing out that the core gameplay was first brought to life in the original game, but each of these immersive systems has been perfected and improved upon in the sequel.
1A Living World That Reacts To Everything Henry Does
It Truly Feels Like You’re A Part Of The World
Beautiful and detailed open-world games are one thing, but the way in which the world and characters react to the player’s every move is truly staggering inKCD2. For example, just walking the streets, inhabitants will remark on Henry’s smell (good or bad), his clothes (or lack of), his cleanliness, and if he’s been beaten up, they will ask him what happened.
The player’s actions also merit reactions. For example, it’s frowned upon to draw a weapon, and people will complain if Henry nearly runs them over with his horse. Speaking of horses, some are known to scatter upon hearing a gunshot, prompting their owner to run after them and bring them back. It is small, immersive details like that which make the game special.Via the reputation system, Henry’s actions will also have more profound effects, resulting in him being treated differently.
2A Soundtrack To Fit Every Moment
From Moving Orchestral Pieces To Bawdy Tavern Beats
Jan Valta and Adam Sporka had already delivered a legendary soundtrack for the first game back in 2018, butKingdom Come: Deliverance 2’smusic arguably surpasses it. TheSaint Barbara Themeof the main menu by itself is enough to showcase the emotions that can be conjured by these compositions.
Throughout the main story, and while roaming the countryside, players can expect more orchestral masterpieces. There are also more bawdy songs to bop to while playing dice at a local Tavern. Some standouts includeNuptialsduringthe Wedding Crashers questand theKuttenberg Marketmusic. While this soundtrack could helpKCD2win Game of the Year, it will undoubtedly also pick up musical awards in its own right.
3Hilarious & Realistic Dialogue On Top Of Multiple Languages
Dialogue That Is Known To Drop Jaws In Shock
Few games are able to surprise players with such unexpected and hilarious dialogue asKingdom Come: Deliverance 2. From moments of high tension eased with a joke during the main story to passing comments heard in the streets, there is no end to the humor inKCD2. Some of the best examples are from when Henry tries totalk his way out of punishment with a high Speech skill. Of course, given the mature nature of some of the funniest dialogue, it cannot be repeated here.
The dialogue also feels realistic, with characters often responding brusquely amid conflict or engaging in gallows humor. On top of all this, a standout feature is the diversity of languages present within the game. Most prominently, many merchants and citizens of Kuttenberg speak partly in German, but thanks to characters from around Europe, there is also Polish, French, Hungarian, Latin, and Italian, as well as languages for the Romani and Jewish people represented in the game. Even the silver miners have their own dialect. This makes for an incredibly vivid experience, and it creates even more droll moments as a result of language barriers for Henry.
4Meaningful Decisions
Moral Dilemmas & Impossible Choices With Consequences
Another reason whyKCD2deserves to win GOTY is that it presents players with truly meaningful decisions, similarly to how the 2023 winner,Baldur’s Gate 3, did. In part, this is thanks to excellent character design, with players forming bonds and attachments to people who they may have to send into battle or abandon in order to save others.
Not only do some of the decisions feel impossible and pose moral dilemmas, but their effects ripple throughout the rest of the playthrough. Saving someone’s life may come back to haunt Henry at a later date, but killing them may cost Henry a friend. Players also get to choose how to complete objectives, with most problems often having multiple solutions, such as the unethical secret way to get Sir Hans out Maleshov Castle during theTaking French Leave quest.
5The Graphics, Environmental Design, & Details
KCD2 Is One Of The Best-Looking Games Ever Made
Even those who don’t enjoy the gameplay cannot deny the beauty ofKingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Just looking at the forests and fields alone, it’s hard to imagine more natural beauty in a game. Whileplayers can fast-travel, it’s much better to ride through the countryside or around the large ponds in the Trosky region, taking in the scenery. With such great graphics, it’s hard to not stop every few moments to make use of the photo mode.
In villages, castles, and the city of Kuttenberg, players will instead see the true color and richness of the medieval period, as well as countless small details. The interiors of castles, in particular, are stunning, from the elaborately painted walls to the intricately woven cushions. This is a far cry from typical video game depictions of medieval architecture, which normally amount to bare stone walls.
6Great Performance & Optimization
An Impressive Feat Of Game Engineering For A Game Of This Scale
In an ideal world where all games run well, performance and optimization wouldn’t be a factor in determining Game of the Year. However, given the poor state of so many modern games that are released with unplayable framerates, game-breaking bugs, and other problems, well-optimized games need to be praised.
In this regard,Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2is a wonder to behold, with the game’s performance surprising even optimistic expectations. Even on dated hardware, the game runs buttery smooth while being one ofthe best-looking gameswith so much going on. During large battles and when exploring the large city of Kuttenberg, the performance remains great across all platforms. This is a huge step up from the first game in particular, especially with so few bugs for such a large game.
7The City Of Kuttenberg
A Character In Its Own Right & The Best Historical City Ever Made In A Game
While both of the maps inKingdom Come: Deliverance 2are beautiful and adhere to real geographical locations, the city of Kuttenberg deserves special attention. Going into the game, fans knew they would be able to explore the real medieval city of Kuttenberg, and they may have even seen images and videos of it beforehand.
However, nothing can prepare you forfinally reaching Kuttenbergand walking the streets. The detail, life, and size of the city are truly staggering. Streets upon streets of painted buildings populated by merchants of all kinds, and each tavern has its own characteristics. It is quite possible to stay in Kuttenberg for days in a row, completing side quests, boozing, taking part in the tournament, and shopping.
8Direction & Acting
The Cinematics Feel Like Part Of A Movie
While there are countless moments of hilarity andMonty Python-esque humor throughout the story, the war-torn backdrop of medieval Bohemia at civil war also makes for incredibly moving and dramatic scenes. On top of the aforementioned soundtrack and visuals, the acting and directing of these cutscenes are simply sublime.
The camera angles, cuts, and sweeping shots all feel perfectly placed, and thanks to state-of-the-art motion capturing, the emotions portrayed by the actors have so much more life in them than the first game. In terms of voice acting performances, it’s hard to narrow down specifics, but special mention needs to be given to Tom McKay and Luke Dale, who play Henry and Hans, respectively.
9First-Person Crafting & Minigames
Blacksmithing, Alchemy, & Dice
Minigames and crafting wouldn’t normally be among the top reasons to win Game of the Year, butKCD2’simplementation of these features deserves a special mention. While alchemy, sharpening swords, and dice were all in the first game and blew players away in first-person, they have all been significantly improved upon in the sequel.
Blacksmithing inKCD2, however, is the newcomer, allowing players to heat up metal and then hammer it out on an anvil, ideally with well-timed hits that Henry can whistle along to. It follows on from alchemy, where players physically carry out each action, using their eyes and ears to know when to move onto the next step. How well players do is reflected in the quality of the product.
10The Best Crime & Punishment System In Any Open-World Game
Intelligent NPCs Means Henry Has To Be Careful Or Feel True Consequences
In many games, it often feels like players can do as they like without any other repercussions aside from being attacked by guards.KCD2, on the other hand, has a truly immersive and impactfulcrime and punishment system. First of all, the victims and witnesses to crime are far from stupid. If they see an open door that was previously closed, or they spot Henry leaving their property, they will be suspicious and check their belongings. If something is missing, they knew who.
If Henry is caught and apprehended by a guard, he can pay his way out or try to work his silver tongue. If not, it’s off to the bailiff for punishment, and the effects of this will be felt. For lesser crimes and first sentences, Henry will be humiliated in the stocks, resulting in strained relationships with the local population. If he continues, the next step is canning, which will physically weaken Henry, and beyond that is branding, which will mark him as a criminal. After being refused service by most traders, if Henry commits another serious crime while branded, he will be hanged.
