Fans of strategy action RPG games must be familiar with the Mount & Blade series. The first installment was released in 2008, followed by the announcement for Bannerlord in 2012. However, it took TaleWorlds Entertainment several years to officially launch the game in October 2022.
Before the official release, an early access version was added on Steam in 2020, giving us a taste of medieval life on PC. But now, the game is accessible on all major platforms, including PlayStation and Xbox.
If you are intrigued to find out more about this action-packed title, we have the details lined up for you. So, let’s begin!
Understanding The Gameplay
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a prequel to Mount & Blade: Warband, released in 2008. It is a blend of strategy and action role-playing, featuring the same gameplay as the previous entry. Players gather a team of soldiers and embark on quests shown on a campaign map. They engage in battles where they can personally join the fight alongside their troops.
Despite the core gameplay being the same, Bannerlord introduces significant enhancements that make it better than its predecessors.
In Bannerlord, sieges are more intricate compared to Warband. Players can build different siege engines and place them before battle to target specific parts of enemy forts. On the campaign map, players can choose to bombard walls, possibly creating openings for battle. However, during battle, only certain elements like siege engines, merlons, and gatehouses can be destroyed to avoid prolonged bombardment.
Character relationships are also improved in Bannerlord. Players use a more advanced dialogue system to convince non-player characters to support their objectives. If charm doesn’t work, players can use the game’s bartering system to persuade characters, which can affect relationships positively or negatively.
In multiplayer, Bannerlord carries on the tradition of battles across various modes and maps separate from the campaign. The game uses a class system, giving players options between cavalry, infantry, and ranged roles, each with unique traits influenced by faction characteristics. Players distribute points to choose classes, replacing the monetary system of Warband.
Return Of The Multiplayer Mode
The multiplayer mode makes a comeback in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, bringing with it a mix of old and new additions.
The game reintroduces its Custom Server List and traditional modes like Siege and Team Deathmatch. Alongside these classics, players can explore new features like a Quick Play option for swift server joining, a revamped party system, exciting game modes such as Skirmish and Captain, and a structured class system. Players also have access to an armory that provides insights into each class’s equipment.
Improvements Made In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
There are significant improvements in Bannerlord, which adds to the overall excitement of the title. The new features include:
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Enhanced Character Progression
In Bannerlord, your character’s skills improve as you use them. You earn focus points with every level up. You can use your points to invest in your skills and unlock perks.
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Influence
Bannerlord introduces Influence, a new currency earned through your actions in the game. You can spend Influence to sway factions, convincing lords to join you in battle with their troops.
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Clans
In Bannerlord, you can establish a clan around your companions to aid your conquests. By recruiting companions, you can integrate them into your clan, assigning them distinct roles to support your pursuit of glory.
Clans offer the advantage of expanding as they grow, allowing you to field allied armies on the map.
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Minor Factions
Aside from the major nations, Bannerlord showcases smaller factions unique to specific regions. For instance, the Vlandians host minor factions like the Company of the Golden Boar and the Brotherhood of the Woods. You must consider these mercenary groups when dealing with the nation.
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Death and Legacy
In Bannerlord, your character can meet their end, but the game need not conclude. You can have offspring, who, if you are captured and killed, can inherit your empire. Alternatively, a clan member can take the reins, ensuring continuity even if you’re no longer controlling the same character.
Final Words
To sum it up, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a fantastic strategy action RPG title set in a medieval world. While it has the same gameplay as its predecessor, the developers have improved the gameplay quite a lot. The new enhancements are worth checking out, and you can do so on your console or PC.
