While the video game world has been focusing on Occulus and pre-E3 info leaks, Warhorse studios has been putting out monthly updates for their upcoming CRPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Undaunted by the chaos around them, they seem to be making excellent progress on what is, admittedly, a very hard design document to live up to.
Though the additions may seem small, these represent large leaps in form for the Crytek-Engine-powered game. First mentioned among them is the Archery System, which appears to be their favorite part. In the video they show how the ragdolls react as well as give a short demo of NPCs using the skill without any difficulty. It is also mentioned that this system ties heavily into the hunting mechanic, since animal AI has been crafted with the archery system in mind as well.
Also, brief mentioned is made of shields, since it’s been known that melee combat and dueling is going to be a huge component of the game. Though NPCs cannot *use* them yet, it is jokingly remarked by the narrator of the video that at least they can hold them. Not bad considering how early along this game is.
Trying hard to avoid the pitfalls of Skyrim’s often-criticized Radiant AI, Warhorse also showed off how well their NPCs react to the environment and each other, using a line-up for a door as proof of their progress in that area.
Next up, and perhaps one of the most frequently named pet peeves of CRPG’ers everywhere, is the journal. According to the video, the journal is done and working fabulously. Though you can’t see much detail in the video, it’s good to know this was an early focus for the developers, since European CRPGs are well-known for having less-than-stellar quest journals.
Perhaps my favorite part though is the new gambling behavior they’ve added into the game. Shown in the video playing Backgammon, the NPCs will host a gambling mini-game much like the dice-rolling one present in the first Witcher. The player can in fact win money through this activity, though it isn’t mentioned if other games of chance will be added.
Kingdom Come looks to be slowly making its way to reality, and I for one can’t wait until it’s resting on my hard drive. Warhorse’s open world game is slated to arrive during the 4th Quarter of 2015, so these monthly updates on their youtube channel will have to hold everyone over for quite some time.
