Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord. The best games of March 2020

Release date: March 31 (Early Access)

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord in a nutshell

The long-awaited (and delayed way too many times), full-fledged follow-up to the hybrid of strategy and RPG originally released in 2008, and most recently revisited in 2010. This game will take us to a fictional continent, allowing to independently shape your destiny and the political shape of the kingdom, conduct exciting battles and develop the hero.

What’s gameplay like Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord?

The fun will be divided into two main stages. In the first, quasi-RTS, we must travel the land, hire soldiers, talk to NPCs, perform tasks for them, and trade. The second module are strategic battles, where the player will command troops and lead them into battle. Bannerlord will offer many improvements to the known mechanics, including a powerful character development system, a fortress siege system, and an introductory tutorial.

1. Can a Camel be the Roach? Interview with Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord Dev
2. Learn more about Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord

OUR EXPECTATIONS

I'm aware that Mount & Blade 2 – especially among fans of "cool" games, with Fortnite at the forefront – may not look like the sexiest launch of the year (especially compared to, like, Cyberpunk 2077 or Dying Light). Nevertheless, I, and other fools like me, have been waiting for this particular game for over seven years, and playing the still riveting original for almost twelve. Why?

The first M&B was visually crude, and in many aspects obsolete already on the day of its launch. However, I was willing to let that slip thanks to the atmosphere, grand battles (probably the closest TPP games ever got to Total War) and support for the modding scene. Hence, it shouldn't be a surprise I'm holding my breath for Mount & Blade 2 – it will be bigger, better and prettier than the 2008 original.

Michael "Pajdos" Pajda