With Fire & Sword is a gem of game. Although I do like Warband, an absolute masterpiece in its own right, the fantasy world - concerning the factions, lords and the map - is for me quite the deal breaker. A game, much like literature, must create a setting, with which the player/reader can familiarise themselves with. Calradia didn't do that for me, sadly... However, pop in With Fire & Sword, and you are transported to Eastern Europe, back to the tumultuous year of 1655, when Swedes, Russians, the Zaporozhian Cossacks, Poles and the Crimeans (with the help of the Ottomans) were at eachothers throats. Combining the amazing melee system from Warband, simultaneously adding firearms, grenades, new weapons and armor; and a small (but noticeable) graphical upgrade, this makes up for an amazing experience. Although the game is great, I implore all fans of With Fire & Sword to read the historical novels, written by Henryk Sienkiewicz, which are the inspiration for this game release. After having read his works, I found the game to be even more enjoyable. Definitely pick it up!
