Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord – A Comprehensive Overview

Developer and Engine

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord was developed by TaleWorlds Entertainment, a Turkish company known for the Mount & Blade series. The game was built on a proprietary engine created specifically to handle the game’s large-scale battles and complex, open-world mechanics. The custom-built engine allowed TaleWorlds to design realistic medieval combat, detailed environments, and an intricate economic system.

Announcement and Development Time

The game was first announced in 2012, much to the excitement of fans of the original Mount & Blade: Warband. However, development took far longer than anticipated. It wasn't until March 2020 that the game was released in Early Access, marking an eight-year development journey. This lengthy period of development allowed for significant refinements but also raised expectations within the community.

Early Access Release

Bannerlord launched in Early Access, which allowed fans to play the game before the final version was ready. While Early Access gave TaleWorlds the chance to receive feedback and improve the game based on community input, it also led to some challenges. Players experienced bugs and incomplete features, which drew mixed reactions. Early Access also meant that while players could access the game sooner, they had to wait for full updates over time.

Price

At launch, Bannerlord was priced higher than its predecessor, which was met with mixed reactions, especially given its Early Access state. The game was considered somewhat expensive for players accustomed to more affordable prices within the Mount & Blade franchise.

Updates and Improvements

Since its release, Bannerlord has received frequent updates, addressing bugs, enhancing gameplay mechanics, and gradually expanding content. TaleWorlds has been responsive to player feedback, implementing adjustments to the combat system, AI, and performance optimization.

Differences from the Previous Game

Compared to Mount & Blade: Warband, Bannerlord introduced a range of improvements. These include updated graphics, a more complex siege system, and enhanced AI. Bannerlord also brought in a more dynamic economy, deeper character customization, and expanded multiplayer modes, all of which enriched the experience for veteran players.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Bannerlord’s strengths lie in its rich open-world experience, improved graphics, and engaging large-scale battles. However, weaknesses include lingering performance issues, occasional bugs, and a steep learning curve, especially for newcomers. Additionally, some players expressed disappointment in the limited innovation beyond the graphical and technical updates from Warband.

Localization Issues

One major issue, especially for Russian-speaking players, has been the lack of complete localization at launch. This made the game less accessible for a significant part of the fan base in Russian-speaking countries, who struggled with the partial translation and waited for community-driven mods to help.

Mods and Customization

As with Warband, Bannerlord has a strong modding community that actively contributes to the game’s popularity. Mods have been developed to improve quality of life, add content, and address various player concerns, making the game more enjoyable and diverse.

Reception by Players

Veteran players who have followed the Mount & Blade series generally appreciated Bannerlord, seeing it as a worthy successor that builds upon familiar mechanics. However, newer players often found the game challenging due to its complexity and lack of tutorials, making it harder for them to fully appreciate the experience.

In summary, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a unique medieval experience with both its highs and lows. While veterans of the series largely enjoy the game, newcomers may find the steep learning curve and lack of polish a challenge.