years later, finally a review

[WildDogsGaming]

I just realized that I have never left a review of this game, and what a crime that actually is. I am biased in my opinion of this game in a way, because I was an early backer of the project on Kickstarter. I saw the Kickstarter, and I knew it had great potential, so I backed as high as I could. In some people's view, that makes me biased. I have been extremely harsh on games I backed on KS, so I don't think it affects my review of the game itself.

I can't say enough good things about this game. I don't actually know where to begin. I am on my third playthrough now, and every time I play, I am reminded how awesome the game is.

Alchemy - Use the alchemy table. The thing is so well designed. You add oil, you boil. there is a sand timer. you grind your materials.

Blacksmith - OK, here I am a little disappointed. You are the son of a blacksmith, you grew up in the forge. Yet all you can do is sharpen your weapon.

The story - This game's story feels so realistic. When I am eating dinner, I sit here and read the notes that are added to your profile. Some items on it, I do a full historical lookup. But who knew while I was killing bandits I would be learning history, and enjoy doing it? You start out as a peasant boy, and you end up, well, as still just a peasant boy, maybe with more respect from the rulers than the average peasant. I do wish after you restore a village and take it over, you would get a higher title than son of a blacksmith. I also wish after that point you could take your relationship with Theresa to the next level.

Yes, there are some bugs still. However, for a small studio, this game is amazing, and I can't wait to see what is next on the horizon.

[MacSuibhne]

Nice review. i agree, mostly.

Re: blacksmithing. The devs have said that Henry is a teenager and since in the middle ages, 14-16 was considered and adult and since he is still living at home.... it is doubtful that Henry has learned enough about blacksmithing to do more than stoke the forge and hold the metal while his father hammers and quenches.

Blacksmithing is a lot more complicated than just beating on iron or steel. So, for my part, I'm not surprised.

The one thing is would disagree with is that Henry doesn't really end up a peasant. First, after restoring Pribyslavitz, he is made baliff--which is at least a step or two above peasant.

And secondly, he is recognized... if not legally... as Ratzig's son. And in those times blood counted for more than it does today. Even if he had no inheritance rights, he still would have been seen and accepted as a 'cut above.'

[WildDogsGaming]

MacSuibhne eredeti hozzászólása:

Nice review. i agree, mostly.

Re: blacksmithing. The devs have said that Henry is a teenager and since in the middle ages, 14-16 was considered and adult and since he is still living at home.... it is doubtful that Henry has learned enough about blacksmithing to do more than stoke the forge and hold the metal while his father hammers and quenches.

Blacksmithing is a lot more complicated than just beating on iron or steel. So, for my part, I'm not surprised.

The one thing is would disagree with is that Henry doesn't really end up a peasant. First, after restoring prib, he is made baliff--which is at least a step or two above peasant. And secondly, he is recognized... if not legally... as Ratzig's son. And in those times blood counted for more than it does today. Even if he had no inheritance rights, he still would have been seen and accepted as a 'cut above.'

Thanks. I don't remember the last part about Ratzig, maybe this playthrough I will be reminded, lol.

[bb 80]

I would have prefered it if Henry was an actual commoner and then were knighted. The whole father son mystery is also doesn't make much sense. Apart from that the story is far superior compared to most games. The first part is the more interesting one, though.

[MF]

There's a reason I played this game 5 times. It's that good.

[Roberto]

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

I would have prefered it if Henry was an actual commoner and then were knighted. The whole father son mystery is also doesn't make much sense. Apart from that the story is far superior compared to most games.

Playing the game through once you know your real lineage you realise Runt would have killed you in the ruins of Skalitz if you weren't of noble blood. All the lords give you preferential treatment where an actual commoner would be left for dead or severely punished for your early actions in the game.

You'll even notice how all the "right hand men" of the lords hold you to a level of contempt. As they're not in on the secret and are angry at how well you're being treated. I think Lord Capon voices this fairly well throughout the game.

So for those reasons I'd say the story would make even less sense if you really were a commoner. Though I'd say it's hinted at enough times for it not really to be a surprise. Even before you see Henry for the first time your (blacksmith) father calls you a blue blooded idler. Then all the scenes with Radzig worried about your safety. To the point someone says something along the lines of "Radzig must be a good lord to care about his serfs so much."

[bb 80]

Roberto eredeti hozzászólása:

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

I would have prefered it if Henry was an actual commoner and then were knighted. The whole father son mystery is also doesn't make much sense. Apart from that the story is far superior compared to most games.

Playing the game through once you know your real lineage you realise Runt would have killed you in the ruins of Skalitz if you weren't of noble blood. All the lords give you preferential treatment where an actual commoner would be left for dead or severely punished for your early actions in the game.

You'll even notice how all the "right hand men" of the lords hold you to a level of contempt. As they're not in on the secret and are angry at how well you're being treated. I think Lord Capon voices this fairly well throughout the game.

So for those reasons I'd say the story would make even less sense if you really were a commoner. Though I'd say it's hinted at enough times for it not really to be a surprise. Even before you see Henry for the first time your (blacksmith) father calls you a blue blooded idler. Then all the scenes with Radzig worried about your safety. To the point someone says something along the lines of "Radzig must be a good lord to care about his serfs so much."

Ok, then why keep it a secret if everybody knows already? Apart from being a far less than shocking reveal late in the story? Why didn't Radzig make it official that you are his son after you parents were killed? Radzig has no other sons, doesn't he want an heir?

[WildDogsGaming]

LOL, I just did the "enter the bandit camp" mission last night. Before he said it, he said he didn't want me taking any unnecessary risks and entering it, then in the next sentence, he asks me to sabotage the camp. Which is it, you don't get both, lol.

[n0mad23]

Hal being Radzig's son works in terms of The Great Chain of Being. In that model, it helps to explain how Hal gets so damned good at melee combat so quickly.

It's in his blood. His birthright so to speak.

[bb 80]

WildDogsGaming eredeti hozzászólása:

LOL, I just did the "enter the bandit camp" mission last night. Before he said it, he said he didn't want me taking any unnecessary risks and entering it, then in the next sentence, he asks me to sabotage the camp. Which is it, you don't get both, lol.

Yeah, it makes sense for the game but considering that Radzig constantly sends his flesh and blood on these suicide missions one really wonder why he never told Henry...

n0mad23 eredeti hozzászólása:

Hal being Radzig's son works in terms of The Great Chain of Being. In that model, it helps to explain how Hal gets so damned good at melee combat so quickly.

It's in his blood. His birthright so to speak.

The Force is strong in the young Seegull (meaning of Radzig's name)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRcUdD5nthc

[Roberto]

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

Ok, then why keep it a secret if everybody knows already? Apart from being a far less than shocking reveal late in the story? Why didn't Radzig make it official that you are his son after you parents were killed? Radzig has no other sons, doesn't he want an heir?

Everybody being 3 people. How do you break to someone who just lost everything that their life was a lie?
As for Radzig's heir, the game never says if he has any other children or not. Funny enough the person Radzig is based on (Racek Kobyla of Dvorce) when he was murdered his wife inherited his land and not his kids.

While the missions and how quick you improve are video game cliches that throw away realism for gameplay. You could make the argument it was part of feudalism that they believed that lords were ordained by god so their bloodline was important so that's why you seem so much "better" skill wise than those around you. It's a stretch I know but it's an idea.

[bb 80]

Roberto eredeti hozzászólása:

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

Ok, then why keep it a secret if everybody knows already? Apart from being a far less than shocking reveal late in the story? Why didn't Radzig make it official that you are his son after you parents were killed? Radzig has no other sons, doesn't he want an heir?

Everybody being 3 people. How do you break to someone who just lost everything that their life was a lie?
As for Radzig's heir, the game never says if he has any other children or not. Funny enough the person Radzig is based on (Racek Kobyla of Dvorce) when he was murdered his wife inherited his land and not his kids.

While the missions and how quick you improve are video game cliches that throw away realism for gameplay. You could make the argument it was part of feudalism that they believed that lords were ordained by god so their bloodline was important so that's why you seem so much "better" skill wise than those around you. It's a stretch I know but it's an idea.

How did Toth find out then?
Radzig was probably in his late 40s, maybe early 50s during the game. He probably married later and as far as we know his line died with him. He had a capable bastard son, what nobleman would risk the survival of his bloodline like that? William the conquerer was a bastard, and his father, the duke of Normandy, made him his heir fairly early on. In the event of Radzig having legitimate children, those would always come first. There is really no reason for Radzig to endanger his bloodline like that.

About bloodlines.
The nobility was not ordained by god/ruling by divine right, only the king/queen was. The king/queen or emperor/empress was not part of the aristocracy/nobility. That's why a king could make anybody a nobleman but only the church can make somebody a legitimate king/emperor. Legally a feudal lord is just a proxy ruler.

[Roberto]

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

How did Toth find out then?

... Okay we're now reaching the point I have to ask. Have you played the game? Radzig tells Toth, he was 1 of the 3 I said knew. The others being the 2 local lords.

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

Radzig was probably in his late 40s, maybe early 50s during the game. He probably married later and as far as we know his line died with him. He had a capable bastard son, what nobleman would risk the survival of his bloodline like that? William the conquerer was a bastard, and his father, the duke of Normandy, made him his heir fairly early on. In the event of Radzig having legitimate children, those would always come first. There is really no reason for Radzig to endanger his bloodline like that.

I mean Henry is a fictional character while Radgiz is based on a real person following history. You do realise that a bastard son isn't something to be proud of and trying to get rid of them is always an option. Send them on a suicide mission and they die, oh well one less problem. They come back? well they're a good one to keep around. As well as legitimising a bastard being a big deal as it's admitting you've sinned... considering the real Radgiz was killed by peasants for being a heretic there'd almost be a degree of irony. Radgiz had children (Henry was not one of them as he's fictional) who didn't inherit as I've already said.

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

The nobility was not ordained by god/ruling by divine right, only the king/queen was.

Common misconception and again, did you play the game? It does go into rather a lot of detail about the three pillars of civilisation if you talk to the bishop. Nobleman were seen as better than a commoner and not because they owned/managed land. They were a cut above and it was because of that their bloodline became important. Nobles were the churches' protection (as well as the commoners) so they were acting on behalf of god.

Edit: A proxy ruler was a viceroy or a regent. Who had no (divine) right to rule so when they died the land returned to the king and was redistributed. If you were granted land to rule it became your duty to rule it. That's when bloodlines comes into it the same way it does for royalty. It's your duty, your (divine) "right."

I feel like I'm just repeating myself as you're not reading what's being said then shifting the goalpost when this was such a simple thing.

[Roberto]

Roberto eredeti hozzászólása:

considering the real Radgiz was killed by peasants for being a heretic there'd almost be a degree of irony.

Spoilers if there's a sequel btw lol. Fun bit of trivia though: Radzig was a public believer of Jan Hus; the preacher who you talk about and quote for the drunken priest (sinner) mission. It was seen as heresy and a few peasants who were at a tavern/inn Radzig was staying at as he passed through killed him and his guard.

So in the context of the game believing what you said during the sinner quest is what ends up getting your real dad killed

[Roberto]

Roberto eredeti hozzászólása:

... Okay we're now reaching the point I have to ask. Have you played the game?

I realise that might sound condescending that isn't my intent it's a genuine question as I'm just quoting the game at that point.

[bb 80]

Roberto eredeti hozzászólása:

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

How did Toth find out then?

... Okay we're now reaching the point I have to ask. Have you played the game? Radzig tells Toth, he was 1 of the 3 I said knew. The others being the 2 local lords.

"Why did Radzig tell Toth of all people??"

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

Radzig was probably in his late 40s, maybe early 50s during the game. He probably married later and as far as we know his line died with him. He had a capable bastard son, what nobleman would risk the survival of his bloodline like that? William the conquerer was a bastard, and his father, the duke of Normandy, made him his heir fairly early on. In the event of Radzig having legitimate children, those would always come first. There is really no reason for Radzig to endanger his bloodline like that.

I mean Henry is a fictional character while Radgiz is based on a real person following history. You do realise that a bastard son isn't something to be proud of and trying to get rid of them is always an option. Send them on a suicide mission and they die, oh well one less problem. They come back? well they're a good one to keep around. As well as legitimising a bastard being a big deal as it's admitting you've sinned... considering the real Radgiz was killed by peasants for being a heretic there'd almost be a degree of irony. Radgiz had children (Henry was not one of them as he's fictional) who didn't inherit as I've already said.

"Having Bastards was nothing to be ashamed of at the time. Kings and high noblemen often had many bastards. As I said William I of England was a bastard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_bastard"

bb 80 eredeti hozzászólása:

The nobility was not ordained by god/ruling by divine right, only the king/queen was.

Common misconception and again, did you play the game? It does go into rather a lot of detail about the three pillars of civilisation if you talk to the bishop. Nobleman were seen as better than a commoner and not because they owned/managed land. They were a cut above and it was because of that their bloodline became important. Nobles were the churches' protection (as well as the commoners) so they were acting on behalf of god.

It is actually a misconception to believe that kings were part of the nobility. The royalty was it's own social class. Here from the wiki page:"Nobility is a social class found in some societies that have a formal aristocracy and normally ranked immediately below royalty."

Edit: A proxy ruler was a viceroy or a regent. Who had no (divine) right to rule so when they died the land returned to the king and was redistributed. If you were granted land to rule it became your duty to rule it. That's when bloodlines comes into it the same way it does for royalty. It's your duty, your (divine) "right."

"Any noblemen in a feudal kingdom was a vassal of the king. Technically the king could take the land of any noblemen at any time. You understanding of divine right is equally wrong. Divine right describes the belief that god would choose a royal infant before birth to rule.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_right_of_kings"

"A nobleman did not have divine right."

I feel like I'm just repeating myself as you're not reading what's being said then shifting the goalpost when this was such a simple thing.

"you have a very limited understanding of the high middle ages."