Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Game mechanics

The overall premise of Mount & Blade II doesn't deviate from what we saw previously. Therefore, the story is just a background for extensive gameplay, once again split into two layers: strategy and action (with RPG elements). As you play you move around a vast map of a virtual realm spanning across 230 square kilometers. You recruit warriors and adventurers in local inns, and buy food and water for your party from villages. Apart from performing story-related missions and a whole bunch of side quests, the core of gameplay consists in waging multiple battles, in which you personally command an army in over-the-shoulder view.

The second part of the Mount & Blade series brings about numerous improvements and modifications, which further emphasise the sanbox structure of the game. The character editor was expanded to let you adjust almost every element of the face and appearance of your hero.

The game is introduced by a much better tutorial, The gameplay is now more dynamic and compelling than previously. A lot of work has been put into the combat and fortress capture systems. In battles, we can give more precise orders, and during attacks on castles, we can use siege machines to destroy certain elements of the walls with their help. A better experience is also provided by a tweaked artificial intelligence system, making our soldiers capable of making decisions on their own, so they move quickly across the battlefield, getting to the places where they are needed most in time.

Among other improvements that are worth mentioning, there is greater depth of individual characters – each of them has their own background story and profession, which may prove essential for the entire party. The game world has a life on its own – NPC you meet are busy doing their daily jobs or performing various activities. The map of Calradia also included additional interesting places outside the cities and fortresses.

The game significantly expanded the possibilities of managing our domains (imposing taxes, training warriors, directing people to build, etc.), as well as introduced an autonomous trade system, taking into account demand and supply, which allows the use of additional tactics (economic warfare, cutting off the besieged fortress from resources, etc.). The whole is complemented by an extremely extensive crafting system, thanks to which we can forge a unique sword for ourselves, deciding on its appearance and parameters.

Technical aspects

Mount & Blade II features significantly improved graphics and audio design compared to its predecessors, based on a brand new proprietary engine. The improvement can be seen both in the appearance and greater interactivity of individual locations, as well as during battles - especially those involving huge armies (such as sieges of castles). The course of battles is influenced by such factors as the season and changing weather. In addition, we can analyze each skirmish in detail, using an effective and impressive replay system. The developers also did not forget about modders, putting at their disposal an extremely functional, layer-based editor, offering great possibilities.