Mount & Blade
Way of the Sword
Release Date: September 16, 2008
RPG, the middle ages, elements of strategy, action RPG, singleplayer
Steam
A unique combination of RPG mechanics with a strategy game, created as the debut project of an independent developer, TaleWorlds. The player assumes the role of an adventurer who arrives to Calradia, a realm divided into several rivaling kingdoms. What he does next depends completely on him. Mount & Blade does not offer a story campaign, rather giving the player the freedom of shaping his adventures.
Mount & Blade is a game that combines strategy with action-based combat and strong RPG elements. This is a debut project of an independent Turkish developer TaleWorlds.
Plot
The player assumes the role of an adventurer that arrives to the realm of Calradia, divided into several rivaling kingdoms. Such cumulation of independent nations sharing one land sparks regular conflicts and heated wars. As a result, the once mighty, prosperous Calradia, now after decades of inner struggle, stands on the verge of collapse. However, Mount & Blade does not offer a story campaign. Instead, it gives the player full freedom of shaping the adventures.
Mechanics
Mount & Blade combines elements of action game, RPG, and strategy. Gamepley is two-fold: you journey around the world in the map view, but when you enter towns and villages or fight battles, the game goes into TPP/FPP action view, in which you have direct control of your character. The party that fights along you in battles can be recruited from among villagers or hired mercenaries, whom you can find in city taverns.
Army management is an important aspect of Mount & Blade gameplay. You have to take care of logistics and finances, as well as decide whether to attack an enemy army at the moment or run away, thus saving your men’s lives. Unlike other games of the genre, combat in Mount & Blade is based on reflexes and timing. In order to make the game more realistic the developers did not include healing potions or anything of the kind. It takes just a couple of well-aimed strikes by an enemy sword to take you down, therefore an essential move in combat is blocking incoming strikes. Like in actual medieval combat, a horse rider has an advantage over a foot soldier. Besides, the game features equally realistic archery – you can even shoot from horseback.
Combat is the heart and soul of Mount & Blade, but the game does not end there. You can also talk to denizens of Calradia, trade with merchants in cities, or take various assignments. As you progress in the game, both your hero and his soldiers gain experience and learn new skills.
Technical aspects
Mount & Blade features 3D graphics, however, its quality and level of detail never was the game’s strength. The atmosphere of a medieval world is enhanced by apt music.
Last updated on March 17, 2016
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Videos and Screens
[1:51] Mount & Blade #2
[2:19] Mount & Blade #1
The main pros of the game
- Sandbox Freedom: Players appreciate the ability to create their own stories and engage in a vast, open world with numerous activities like diplomacy, trading, and warfare.
- Deep Strategy and Real-time Combat: The game offers a combination of strategic elements and dynamic combat, allowing players to control every action during battles, which adds to the satisfaction of victories.
- Replayability: Many users mention the game's replayability due to its open-ended nature and varied scenarios.
- Army and Kingdom Management: Players enjoy building their own armies and managing kingdoms, which adds depth to the gameplay.
- Engaging Battles: Large-scale medieval battles with hundreds of soldiers contribute to an immersive experience, and the combat system is described as realistic and demanding.
- Customization: There are options for character customization and the ability to customize battles.
- Companions and AI: The presence of companions who can?t die (only knocked unconscious) and smart AI enhance the gameplay experience.
The main cons of the game
- Outdated Graphics and Mechanics: Many reviews note that the game feels outdated compared to newer titles in the series, particularly in terms of graphics and some gameplay mechanics.
- Repetitive Gameplay: Some players feel that the game can become repetitive over time, despite its initial appeal.
- Bugs and Glitches: Users report encountering bugs, particularly related to horse riding and AI behavior.
- Limited Character Customization: There are complaints about the lack of extensive options for character customization.
- Difficult Army Commands: Players find it challenging to give instructions to their armies and manage them effectively during battles.
- Sieging Issues: The sieging mechanics are described as irritating, with limitations on how sieges can be conducted.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved Customization Options: Users desire more options for character and army customization.
- Better Siege Mechanics: Suggestions for more varied and strategic siege options were mentioned.
- Hunting and Exploration: Players expressed a desire for hunting features and more exploration opportunities within the game.
- Faction Creation: The ability to create and manage one's own faction is seen as a missing feature.
- Boats and Naval Combat: Some users noted the absence of boats and naval mechanics, which could enhance the gameplay experience.
- Enhanced Graphics and Modernization: Many reviews suggest that the game could benefit from a graphical overhaul and updates to modern gaming standards.
Summary
- Overall, while "Mount & Blade" is praised for its unique gameplay and depth, it also faces criticism for its age and some gameplay limitations that newer iterations have addressed.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 3996 votes.
5
GAMES
in Mount & Blade Game Series
Game Series
Mount & Blade Series
A series of action-RPG games with arcade and strategy elements. The brand was created by Turkish studio TaleWorld with publishing support from Swedish company Paradox Interactive.
5 video games
Mount & Blade Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: TaleWorlds
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Mount & Blade System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium 4 2 GHz, 512 MB RAM, graphic card 64 MB (GeForce 4 Ti4200 or better), 700 MB RAM, Windows XP