Mount & Blade, developed by Turkish company TaleWorlds Entertainment, is a combat, strategy, and role-playing game. After the first and highly criticized installment of the Mount & Blade series in 2008, several others have been released.  Mount & Blade was initially lauded for its sophisticated character skills and combats. However, it was also criticized for its poor graphics, as well as its repetitious chat and territories. Since then, Mount & Blade; Warband (2010), Mount & Blade; with fire & sword (2011), and recently released Mount & Blade; Bannerlord (2020) have all expanded on the original game.

Bannerlord is a prequel series set roughly 200 years before Warband at Calradia. Players start off on their own without any support, and they are saddled with the responsibility of raising their own troops, confronting adversaries in battles, and partaking in the political network. Bannerlord proves to be exciting and more developed more than its previous series. The gameplay in Bannerlord is similar to Warband. Few dramatic changes were made, and some recent features such as more tactical battles to fight, new territories to conquer, and new characters to associate with were added. These extra features are what sets Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord apart from other games in the Mount & Blade series.

The game’s graphics is better than Warband’s, and it gives players a better view than other games as well. Part of the reason the view is better in this game is the remarkable map that allows players to move freely while providing a strategic view. Also, players can either invade caravans, combat as a mercenary for a strong lord, or even establish their own province. The personality models and armor configurations are delightful, even if they are still some steps behind current trends. While it’s not the most classic game at the moment, it’s enjoyfable and engaging. The contrast, makeups, and geography are also exceptional, and its sensibility is commendable.

The series continues to impress with the battlefield. The hitboxes on the soldiers’ weapons are practical, building a high mastery and a satisfying feeling of authenticity. For example, if a soldier throws a spear and misses, the spear may pass between your opponent’s shoulder or their helmet. Apart from the spear being visible, you can understand why it missed its target.

From the captain’s point of view, the battleground looks quite different. Leading and instructing your troops is a systematic undertaking, and it compels players to use their wit to outplay and outsmart their foe. The multiplayer feature is also now bigger and better than other series. There are basically two unique online multiplayer modes; Captain and Skirmish multiplayer mode. Captain mode is more like taking control of the flag. The flags are constantly changing positions. Participants are charged with a company of NPC soldiers, and they discuss with several allies to develop strategies of gaining victory. In Skirmish mode, players are not given any NPC soldiers. Participants are permitted to use their points to buy several extras and groups before enthralling in any battle. The story plays out simply, and I enjoyed replaying some matches despite my chosen campaign.

Communication is quite satisfactorily with its new stimulating system where a character can start arguments, allure a partner, or make good statements. Also, users can get married and start a family. This is an added feature of the new relationship system. It has great resemblance with Crusader kings II where a character’s child can take ownership of the position, armies, and manors after the demise of their father.

There’s a lot to commend in this game, but it isn’t completely faultless. The combat strategy in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is somewhat tricky. Players are to attack their opponent where they are weak. This is quite difficult because of the different properties of different armors, which can be confusing. For example, a sword has different parts, and the physical weight of the sword or weapons can change its function.

Even though it took about eight years to release this version, they are still some complaints of poor graphic quality. Players don’t want to have to wait for too long for the game to load, especially when you want to initiate battle or want to interact with your allies. However, you have no choice but to wait through 3 loading screens to do those things.

Another pain point in the game is that you can be killed easily when you first begin and have no proper weapons. 

There are some bugs and glitches here and there, but the developers relentlessly attend to them, and the patches ensure it plays better every time I open it. Overall, it comes off as a polished game; even if there is still some work to be done.