No one has rated this review as helpful yet
Not Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 0.0 hrs on record
Posted: Dec 16, 2014 @ 9:14am
Updated: Dec 16, 2014 @ 9:20am

In it's current state - this DLC mod is very buggy and lacking in content.

Machine Specs: i5 OC @ 4.4 Ghz - Nvidia 660 - 16gb 2400 Mhz
FPS (High Settings): 60+
Hours played do not accumulate to DLC - they are in the main M&B:Warband game - I have about 36 hours ingame with the mod at the time of this writing.

Summary
The number of bugs and lack of content as compared to vanilla warband makes this come up empty. The concept is great.. the map is huge, and the story isn't that bad - but the execution is terrible.

UI Bugs:
There are numerous bugs related to button clicks, dialogues, etc... that make the game hard to enjoy. I've found myself ALT-F4'ing out several times to reload the game just to fix these UI bugs. You will likely find yourself stuck at screens where you cannot interact with the game (even the main character generation screen hangs on the continue button at times..)

Alot of people have noted performance problems - however, I haven't really seen that.. The game does allocate 2gb of ram - so ensure you have atleast enough to spare 2gb + run your os, etc.. It shouldn't be an issue except on low end machines.

The larger map stutters at times for me ingame - its annoying, and doesnt appear to be a CPU/GPU bottle neck - just something in the background re-pathing/not moving your boat. This has the smell of inexperienced programming/concurrency issues.

AI Bugs:
In most battles, the enemy AI just stands there throwing rocks at you, while you ride through and destroy them.. It's so glaringly obvious that the developers should be ashamed for releaseing it in this state.

Dialogue Bugs:
This is the most forgivable issues, but it still hurts gameplay & immersion in a mod that prides itself on 'realism' - It's likely that you will find yourself stuck when conversing with the occasional NPC - unable to cancel out of the menu or reset it due to some restriction, check, etc.. I've experienced this on several of the side quests. Its annoying as you have to exit the game, google to figure out what your missing, then re-enter and attempt to complete the dialogue.

Content:
This game has far less content in regards to weapons, armor, horses, etc.. The armor choices are very basic and while I understand this may have been a choice to improve realism.. would it have really hurt to add more than five types of armor and six weapon choices? In the very least.. make various types of chainmail, splint mail, etc.. (No.. adding the word 'strong' or 'old' to the same armor does not make it unique..)

Then we get to the issue that the world is much larger than Warband.. but it's empty for the most part! Where are the roving bands of robbers, various types of evil gray mobs to slay? A few roving bands of thieves doesn't add much to gameplay. This mod needs variety in the non-empire npc's!

Troop tree's.. This has been dummied down - I assume in the name of realism? Come on, be creative.. you can have realism and content in the same product!

Overall.. I have enjoyed the previous content from TaleWorlds and even the Brytenwalda mod.. but this DLC reeks of rushed, inexperienced development. It has done nothing more than hurt the reputation of an otherwise solid indie developer.

The only saving grace is that the developers are very good about fixing past mistakes, so it is likely they will continue to clean this up.
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny Award
7 Comments
Brytenwalda Studios  [developer] Jul 28, 2015 @ 7:44am 
Ah ok, two options:
- you need to update your Warband to 1.168 and your VC to 2.0
- You are playing storyline and sometimes you have permanent death there (4 or 5 times only)
DigitalLuvin Jul 27, 2015 @ 8:53pm 
Sorry, this wasn't a CTD issue.

When I stated the game closed, it simply returned to the main menu. No explanation.. no closure. I went from losing a battle to staring at the start menu.

I don't know if that was intended, but you may want to review the consequences of losing that battle, as it appears to simply place the user back at the start menu.
Brytenwalda Studios  [developer] Jul 27, 2015 @ 8:39am 
Generally, CTD problems are related to textures on demond or other configuration issues.
Could you try opening your rgl_config.txt (you can find this in warband main folder and in your documents\warband folder)

1.
use_ondemand_textures = 1

2. (If that dont is enough)
texture_detail = 70
render_buffer_size = 15
max_framerate = 120
use_pixel_shaders = 0
use_vertex_shaders = 0
fake_reflections = 1

use_ondemand_textures = 1 #if crash move to 0 depend on your pc
use_ondemand_textures_mt = 1 #if crash move to 0 depend on your PC

force_single_threading = 1
debug_mode = 0

force_vsync = 1
postfx_dof = 0
postfx_hdr = 0

use_instancing = 1
number_of_ragdolls = 4
number_of_corpses = 4
blood_stains = 0
DigitalLuvin Jul 26, 2015 @ 7:05pm 
I've spent a bit more time with the game.

Today, I spent four hours playing and it looks like alot of the bugs are gone.

However, I began through the campaign and after entering the battle with Thaerdian (Beginner area?), I ended up losing and the game just closed.

It was recommended that I take 15 men, I came with double the recommended amount.

I might suggest a retreat and regather for game ending events as opposed to just going to the start menu with no explanation.. it's not very fun to just watch the game close after playing a few hours.
Brytenwalda Studios  [developer] Jul 16, 2015 @ 5:32am 
Thank you. Reforged Edition is in open beta if you want to join:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/48700/discussions/0/523890528706140381/

If you have some problem lets to us know here:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/48700/discussions/0/615086038674913928/

I hope you like VC and we can change the negative impression we have on you first.

Have fun!
DigitalLuvin Jul 15, 2015 @ 7:30pm 
Brytenwalda,

I have not taken a second look at the release, as the original one had quite a few glaring bugs. The lack of AI in the original release made it tough to enjoy the game.

I'm glad you guys are making mods and I'm eagerly awaiting M&B 2's release/beta.

I'll take a second look at it and update my review in the coming weeks though, as you have said - it's free content, so no lossing in giving it another try.
Brytenwalda Studios  [developer] Jun 11, 2015 @ 10:41am 
Hi Budeholly

VC initial release had problems with many pcs, specially 32bits sytems where windows dont let use more than 2GB for a game, sorry for that. Have you tried 1.04? It is working great. You will see that 1.04 improved game experience too.

We took note about community request. Now we are working on improved global experience with Reforged Edition.
http://steamcommunity.com/app/48700/discussions/0/615085406676732022/
http://forums.taleworlds.com/index.php/topic,332049.0.html

It is free content that will add a lot new features!

You have a support threat if you need our help:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/48700/discussions/0/615086038674913928/

thank you for your report.