Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword Review Summary

Engaging and fun gameplay: The game offers a highly engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience with fun combat mechanics and high replayability. Players find the gameplay addictive and challenging.

Unique historical setting: The game features a unique and interesting historical setting, particularly focusing on 17th-century Eastern Europe. This setting is atmospheric and appealing to history enthusiasts.

Variety of factions and storylines: The game offers a variety of factions to join or play independently, along with multiple engaging storylines and quests. This adds depth and replayability to the game.

Immersive and atmospheric world: The game provides an immersive world with a high level of immersion and atmospheric setting. The storytelling and plot setting are attractive and engaging.

Satisfying combat mechanics: The combat mechanics are satisfying and demanding, offering a variety of combat options and good rhythm in combat. Players enjoy the combat mechanics and find them engaging.

Frequent bugs and crashes: The game suffers from a variety of bugs, including minor technical issues, mission bugs, and frequent crashes. These issues significantly impact the gameplay experience.

Less freedom than Warband: Compared to Warband, the game feels more restricted and less free due to its attachment to the plot and powerful factions.

Missing features and mechanics: The game lacks several features and mechanics that were present in other titles in the series. This includes missing mod support and certain gameplay mechanics.

Quest and storyline issues: Quests are critically bugged and poorly guided. The main storyline is also considered boring and lacking.

Outdated graphics: The graphics are considered outdated and below current standards. Players have noted that the visual quality does not meet expectations for the year of release.

Historical 17th century Eastern Europe setting: The game is set in a historical context, specifically in 17th century Eastern Europe. This setting includes real-world locations, events, and factions, providing a rich and immersive historical backdrop.

Faction-specific quests and storylines: The game features faction-specific quests and storylines, providing narrative-driven gameplay. Players can choose from a variety of factions, each with its own unique quest lines and narrative arcs.

Innovative gameplay mechanics: The game introduces several innovations, including full customization of the army, three main storylines tied to factions, and new siege options. Firearms and improved AI also enhance the gameplay experience.

Political intrigue and diplomacy: The game includes elements of political intrigue and diplomacy, adding depth to the narrative and gameplay. Players can engage in diplomacy and betrayal mechanics, as well as warfare and political struggles.

Character progression and customization: Players can customize and develop their characters through a progression system. This includes character customization options and a variety of gear and equipment.

Poor graphics quality: Many players have noted that the graphics are subpar, with comments describing them as not very good, average, simple, dated, or poor. The models, textures, and effects are also criticized for feeling outdated.

Frequent crashes and stability issues: The game is reported to crash frequently, with many players experiencing crashes to desktop and general instability. Some players have noted that the game may not launch without DirectX 7 and runs stable only on DX7.

Bugs affecting gameplay: There are various bugs reported by players, including minor persisting bugs, bugs affecting gameplay, and bugs during dialogues. Some bugs are specific to certain areas like battlefields.

Performance and optimization issues: The game has optimization issues, with some players reporting that it is worse than the original. There are also reports of high VRAM usage and always video memory errors.

Mixed loading times: Players have reported very short loading times in some instances, while others have experienced long loading menus.

Historical context and interest: The game is suggested for players interested in the historical period, particularly those who enjoy the historical context and storyline of the 17th century and Eastern Europe.

Recommended for Mount & Blade fans: This game is highly recommended for those who enjoy the Mount & Blade series, particularly fans of medieval games and the specific gameplay mechanics found in Mount & Blade.

Mixed purchase recommendations: Opinions on purchasing the game are mixed. Some recommend buying it highly, while others suggest thinking twice or waiting for a sale.

Gameplay variety and quality: The game is praised for its variety in gameplay, including trade, city development, character equipment, and strategic, action-packed combat.

Specific audience recommendations: The game is recommended for specific audiences, such as history enthusiasts, fans of the pike and shot era, and those interested in Polish history.

Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00.

Game completion: 535.0h.

The game's multiplayer mode is highly enjoyable and fun from the start, but the player base is not as active as it used to be. Playing with a close community and using mods can enhance the fun.

Reported time to anchor: 5m.

Friction: Small player base; Lack of active players.

Unlock drivers: Close community; Mods.

Multiplayer Combat Enthusiast: Focuses on multiplayer battles, enjoying the unique combat mechanics and large-scale engagements. Motivation: Engaging and dynamic multiplayer combat. Stance: sale.

Sandbox Explorer: Enjoys exploring different roles and activities within the game's sandbox environment. Motivation: Freedom and variety in gameplay. Stance: buy.

History Buff: Enjoys the historical setting and the specific gameplay mechanics tied to the era. Motivation: Historical context and unique gameplay elements. Stance: buy.

External video link mentioned: Some reviews mention an external video link, which may not be directly related to the gameplay experience.