Player immersion in RPGs can be a tricky dynamic for developers to nail, but it’s an essential piece of the puzzle to making what can categorically be called a great game. That’s one of the reasons Rockstar’sRed Dead Redemption 2has continued to dominate the scene years after its release, aging like fine wine despite the highly competitive environment. As such, it represents the glowing standard in several facets of what to replicate. This rings particularly true in the case ofKingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the latest installment in Warhorse Studio’s signature franchise (initially pitched as amedievalRed Dead Redemption). With this in mind, a handful of parallels can be drawn between both games, althoughKingdom Come: Deliverance 2has some distinguishing swagger in its pockets.
Given the remarkable success and maintained relevance ofRed Dead Redemption 2, it’s only natural for new and incoming RPGs to look to be the spiritual successor of sorts to the acclaimed title. It’s a tough ask, especially when taking the number of variables that mesh harmoniously into account, from graphic design to the intangibles that go into narrative building. IfKingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s record-breaking commercial numbers and reviews are anything to go by, it does many things similar to the Rockstar legend, even with its unique medieval premise. Although it remains to be seen whether these metrics will stand the test of time, the resemblance could inspire fans of Arthur Morgan’s journey to dive into Warhorse Studio’s historically driven tale.
RDR2 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Share the Same Love for Realism
While there are many areas in whichRDR2is exemplary, its protagonist, Arthur Morgan, is one of the primary reasons the title essentially became legend due to the depth of his character. Despite his criminal lifestyle, his story and character progression throughout the plot worked wonders for immersion.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2follows this same path with Henry, an ordinary blacksmith in the Kingdom of Bohemia in 1403.
The main draw with Henry is that players get to experience a grounded perspective of the late Medieval Age through his lens without the comfort of nobility (or what some consider to be a played-out “chosen one” narrative).
Withrealism front and center ofKingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s plot, it leaks into the gameplay similarly toRDR2. Keeping up with inventory and horses in the Rockstar title required some form of attention and care on the player’s part, engaging in tasks such as cleaning equipment and upgrading stables.KCD2takes this to an even deeper level, as players must eat, sleep, and maintain weapons and armor regularly to stay alive. Neglecting these measures means Henry will be considerably weaker in combat and vulnerable to death, which is the developer’s way of keeping players focusing on the not-so-little things.
Character Choice Depth and Player Agency Are Standout Strengths of Both Games
WhereKCD2starts to shine is in the decision-making it forces players to commit to.Arthur Morgan’s humanity bleeds outtowards the end ofRed Dead Redemption 2’s plot in chance interactions with family members of NPCs he has murdered throughout the game.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, on the other hand, is more deliberate with its repercussions, morally and socially. There are no “small” choices, as each decision made rolls over in terms of NPC reactions to Henry and can even lead to death in some situations.
This contrastsRDR2’s approach, where Arthur could commit murder in broad daylight and still walk through the town without any visceral reactions to his presence. Henry, on the other hand, can be remembered in any area he wanders into, even by chance, so witnesses to perceptibly minor offenses can report his presence to the guards.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s intentionality in this area of player agencyis perhaps the biggest distinguishing factor between it and Rockstar’s blockbuster, but the basis of realism and character relatability makesKCD2a viable option for fans ofRed Dead Redemption 2.
