If you liked the first game, you'll probably enjoy this one too. This game is about the story of a medieval family that rules a small kingdom, it is set right after the events of the first game and let's you indicate what events occur in the first one. That changes the story a bit and the game have different endings that also depends on those choices I believe. But many choices have really no impact, only in dialogues and such. I love the concept of the game because is about being a ruler that takes decisions, such as trying to get an alliance or help their citizens, however, the execution, as happens in the first game, is lacking. It is not really about managing a kingdom, but following a linear story with predetermined events that forces things between chapters. You only manage a few resources and follow the narrative. Also, playing this game felt like you had less agency than the first one, like the path was more clear and predetermined. This game is also more cut and dry, is more clear how to use the resources and what the objective is. The dialogues and the story are interesting, though the overall story and endings are a bit jarring and forced imo. The art and music are an upgrade from the first game.
This game is truly an experience everyone should try. Most important part of this game is how it's written, it an intriguing story that does not disappoint when the puzzle is solved. It makes a lot of sense and evokes emotion. Like an amazing book/movie. The visuals are amazing, just as the soundtrack, you'll love to explore and go around. Gameplay is turn based, with a reaction mechanic that can be frustrating and get you killed often if you don't time it right. Game could be improved in some aspects, but considering the company size and that is their first game, it is hard not to give an 11/10 Worst thing about this game, spoiler warning, is that it ends.
As the previous game, this one is a pleasant experience that immerses you in an old medieval setting. I found myself enjoying every piece of detail, like buildings not being symmetrical or every piece of brick and wood being different in walls and spent a good amount of hours forging stuff and create potions. The best thing of the game is the storytelling, the characters, the quests, the dialogues....There's tons of them and you can see they put a good effort into it, following the story of Henry from the previous game and his journey to maturity. Many events and characters surprise you, feels blunt, feels real. If I can name bad things about this game, is that I wanted more about everything. Like slice of life things that would let me get lost into it, fishing, more crafting with different things to do besides hammering a rod of put herbs in a bowl. Would love to see DLC of that. More quests, more stories... I would definitely improve commerce, there's not much to do with coin in mid-late game, and merchants don't even have money to buy your stuff, so looting becomes a waste. Got to say it's refreshing to see a lot of old european culture and it's diversity, different accents, behaviours....and not truly selling moral messages, even your enemies feel like regular people with similar goals and views, just at the opposite side of the table. There is some controversy, like the addition of a black character that do not match the times, and got to say, it's justified, after playing all the game, his addition feels cheap and adds little to nothing. His presence is to talk about racism and selling him and peers like smart and good, it's like seeing modern messages a mile away. You can remove him and the game stays the same. Overrall, very good game that I hope they keep improving and polishing because I want more.
The cost benefit of this game is high. It's a pretty cheap game with beautiful scenary and very nice gameplay. I love the little details like the snow coming off when your machine starts moving. Along with the expansion I got out of this over 15 hours of enjoyment. I'm not the most fond with roguelikes, but this one was straightforward enough to be a lot of fun. Hope the creators release another one
