Recently started playing Mount & Blade (just Mount & Blade, none of the expansions). Honestly, first impressions weren’t great, but once I got past the tutorial and started running from town to town I felt the game convincingly portrayed the life of a mercenary, thrown out into the harsh unforgiving world, living by any means necessary to make a name for himself and became a nobleman.
Although at times it gets frustrating playing it in “reality” mode it really tests how much you’re willing to risk for glory.
The combat system is relatively simple and generally well pulled off. Fighting from horseback running around an armies flank, cutting down foot soldiers with your sword, with your soldiers close behind provides a really enjoyable (if basic) battle scenario. I am reminded of the Total War games, however instead of getting a largely turn based, real time strategy game, it closer resembles an rpg with rts elements.
In my journey I managed to build a small army, although when chased down by an army of much greater force I suffered a humiliating defeat and capture. A few days passed before I escaped my captors. However, unfortunately I wasn’table to build a strong enough army before being confronted once again by a strong army and once again lost all my troops and became a prisoner.
The noblemfeltan I served would either greet me with distaste over my surrender or with pity over my extended hardship. When I escaped being a prisoner a second time I managed to gather villagers from many villages from many different Kingdoms and after spending almost a week (game time) on a training field in sparring matches against my fellow men I felt confident this band of misfits and tribesman would provide a sufficient basis for my revenge.
After running errands for the King and participating in a number of battles and sieges I was finally granted the honour to become a vassal for the King I swore my oath to. As my reward I was granted lordship of a town (a town that is dangerously close to the front lines, but beggars can’t be choosers). My latest task seems to involve protecting this town from opportunistic enemy lords. Being matched 1:6 in numbers, I have to contemplate whether II would rather risk my soldiers to the last man defending the town, or escape the town, watching it be razed, before attempting to return to the town and make amends with a population that already despises me. Being attacked while visiting your serfs is not a reassuring experience to live.
Anyway, despite the rawness and very 90’s feel (especially with the amount of text) it provides a rather enjoyable gameplay experience, showcasing elements that you can’t find in many games.
