Medieval historian says Kingdom Come: Deliverance combat is too realistic

Warhorse Studios faces a sharp critique regarding the design philosophy of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. A medieval historian argues that the game's commitment to historical accuracy in combat actually harms the player experience. This viewpoint is significant as it questions the widespread industry belief that realism inherently improves the quality of action games. Gamers who value entertainment over strict simulation might consider this analysis when deciding whether to buy the game.

Historian argues motion-captured combat fails to engage players

The criticism comes from Andrea Maraschi, a medieval historian who reviewed the title's mechanical systems. Maraschi notes that the motion-captured combat sequences were technically accurate to historical records. However, the historian contends that this accuracy resulted in a slow and unengaging gameplay loop. The review highlights a disconnect between historical fidelity and interactive entertainment value.

Maraschi spent significantly more time playing Chivalry, a title known for simplified and arcade-style combat. The historian describes a paradox where they appreciate realism but prefer the accessibility of Chivalry. In Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the historian found their best moments occurred during periods of inactivity. These moments involved exploring the world and interacting with non-player characters rather than fighting.

This feedback suggests that the game's core combat loop may alienate players seeking immediate engagement. The historian enjoyed the exploration and social mechanics more than the battle systems. We previously covered the last Kingdom Come: Deliverance update, where balance and stability were key themes. The current critique adds a layer of design philosophy to those earlier technical discussions.

Source: IXBT