Having read a bunch of reviews it is clear that a lot of people are playing a different game to what I played. KCD is more closely related to an immersive sim and is not an "action RPG". KCD is a 'solid' game. It's far from perfect. But no other game can immerse you into a striking medieval environment like this game can. Combat is not perfect and there are (balance) issues with it, but clunky-ness I would not agree with. I can't believe I have to say this but it's not a hack and slash; practicing and getting a handle of the mechanics will allow you to enjoy combat significantly more. You have to engage with it, it doesn't play itself and you can't just mash your controls. Always assume that the opponent can and will destroy you. It's like complaining that Sekiro is too hectic but not being willing to engage in the parry system. Or that Rocket League sucks because you don't practice flying. Know what you're playing. Having said that, the game could have pushed more to have you complete the combat training to actually unlock all the moves at your disposal- this is an oversight. Sometimes the game will task you with acquiring something but does not tell you where or how. This is a CORE COMPONENT of an "immersive sim"; akin to that of Deus Ex, System Shock, etc.. There are many systems in play, and your interaction with those systems drives the immersive gameplay. Instead of relying on the dullness of a pointer carrying you through the game, pause, think, explore and you will find what you seek. Saving as well- I agree it can be a little strange at first needing a consumable- but the game saves after you sleep... so... The game has a solution to everything if you are just patient and take a step back. Once you accept that Henry is just some pillock who doesn't know how to swing a sword (like the rest of us) and you embrace the immersive JOURNEY this game is, it WILL click for you, and you will love your experience if you remotely enjoy RPG's and immersion.
The game is not perfect (what game is?). There are a few 'issues', but none that I have personally noticed that are game-breaking. Most of the complaints I have read are LARGELY avoidable or fixable (future patch). Unfortunately it may not be so intuitive to the every-day computer game person to make the most of their experience by tweaking some settings. TECHNICAL ISSUES: For example, there are some performance issues. If not using an SSD the load times can be a bit annoying- we're talking console annoying. The game will OCCASIONALLY drop many frames- the instances are very specific though. Turn changes, etc. The stories about cooking GPU's are because people turn on "High Quality UI" and don't cap FPS. The visual difference is negligible and for most not even noticeable, but the performance hit is ridiculously stupid. The visual quality is NOT 2007/8. The environments and mechs are VERY detailed.... but unfortunately difficult to see (zoom)- so it doesn't do itself justice. If you take the opportunity to look closely it's there. I have never lost any saves or had any CTD's. The game has been stable (as can be using Unity). It does get a little 'sluggish' after 5-6 hours of continuous play, but that's it. Restart game. GAME-DESIGN It's a fun game. There's no question. I have never engaged in the tabletop version: I come from a love of Mechwarrior games from the early 90's onwards. I also have a soft spot for tactical games like XCOM, Fallout Tactics, etc. Sure you can't move the camera around during a turn animation. Sometimes the missions are a little 'samey'. But the gameplay (combat) is never-the-less satisfying. Earning money and salvage is gratifying. Story ark: decent. Plus, keeping your own mercenary company running, outfitting your lances, etc, it's addicting, it's fun. If you like Mechwarrior and XCOM, you'll enjoy this. No question. Technical issues (mostly) get patched. Don't be afraid. Try it yourself.
The game is not perfect (what game is?). There are a few 'issues', but none that I have personally noticed that are game-breaking. Most of the complaints I have read are LARGELY avoidable or fixable (future patch). Unfortunately it may not be so intuitive to the every-day computer game person to make the most of their experience by tweaking some settings. TECHNICAL ISSUES: For example, there are some performance issues. If not using an SSD the load times can be a bit annoying- we're talking console annoying. The game will OCCASIONALLY drop many frames- the instances are very specific though. Turn changes, etc. The stories about cooking GPU's are because people turn on "High Quality UI" and don't cap FPS. The visual difference is negligible and for most not even noticeable, but the performance hit is ridiculously stupid. The visual quality is NOT 2007/8. The environments and mechs are VERY detailed.... but unfortunately difficult to see (zoom)- so it doesn't do itself justice. If you take the opportunity to look closely it's there. I have never lost any saves or had any CTD's. The game has been stable (as can be using Unity). It does get a little 'sluggish' after 5-6 hours of continuous play, but that's it. Restart game. GAME-DESIGN It's a fun game. There's no question. I have never engaged in the tabletop version: I come from a love of Mechwarrior games from the early 90's onwards. I also have a soft spot for tactical games like XCOM, Fallout Tactics, etc. Sure you can't move the camera around during a turn animation. Sometimes the missions are a little 'samey'. But the gameplay (combat) is never-the-less satisfying. Earning money and salvage is gratifying. Story ark: decent. Plus, keeping your own mercenary company running, outfitting your lances, etc, it's addicting, it's fun. If you like Mechwarrior and XCOM, you'll enjoy this. No question. Technical issues (mostly) get patched. Don't be afraid. Try it yourself.
