Mount and Blade couldn’t be any more understated. Its generic name does exactly what it says on the tin. Merging pseudo-strategy elements with hack and slash action over a RPG base; it has three genres worth of gimmicks to reap the benefits from. Its concept is unique and at a quick glance you’d be let off for passing judgement and moving swiftly on. This isn’t a game for the visual fans but one for those that appreciate gameplay. We’ve been given an exclusive hands on with the title to see what all the big fuss is about.
To successfully describe Mount and Blade you need to take each of its genres in turn. Like any typical RPG title (post tutorial which teaches you how to move, fight and ride a horse) you create a character, pick their skills, traits, looks and name. It’s fairly in depth with plenty of options to choose from. The game runs through various questions about you preferred back story and then lets you pick your strengths and weaknesses. Appearance is controlled via the usual sliders and simply scrolling through a choice of hair styles and colours. It’s simple stuff, yet instantly familiar. As usual we went as far as way from reality as possible creating a hairy, 70 year old man with a pronounced jaw.
Once that’s done, its onto the strategy elements. You’re screen is taken up by a large (but rather barren map) which can be zoomed in on your character or zoomed out to the height of heaven. From space it looks 2D, like a board game while close up the hills and trees become defined. Scattered around the world are towns of various sizes and the odd castle. There’s a range of kingdoms each with their own rules, quests and affiliation to one another. When in the external view, you navigate the world map via clicking and watching your player gallop off to where you pointed at. You’ve got helpful menus at this point which allow you to track your hero, your army, your inventory, your quests and everything else you’ll need.
While you run around you come across other heroes, monsters, bandits and enemies. Think of it like the Total War series. It’s a real time strategy map with armies represented by a number and an icon. It’s a graphic representation of RISK, but on one continent. Everyone else will go about their business, whether it be attempting to loot you or warring with enemy kingdoms. You’ll spend a substantial amount of time traversing the land, but the real meat of the game comes from the battles.
Before you charge into combat, you’ll need to visit settlements to restock and resupply. The game then turns into a traditional RPG again letting you control your character. You can ride (or walk) about town, visit the various shops (which usually boil down to a tavern, armour, weaponry and general supplies) or request court with the leader. This usually gets you a quest or two which adds some structure to the game. You can also recruit followers to join your cause.
Once that’s done its off into battle. Engaging an enemy on the tactical map zooms down a battle map (ala Total War again). Instead of controlling our troops from above, you take control first hand. You have a choice of charging head on, keeping some in reserve or surrendering. The best choice is to charge head on letting you and your troops cut down the enemy. Your forces will charge forward and fight (and run away if need be) without any need of input. You’re free to run around the battlefields (which are actually detailed to a worthy standard) and chop down those that oppose you. There’s a large range of weapons and the combat system is intricate. You time blocks against swings and swings against blocks. It’s fluid even with the character animations. Post battle (if you win of course) comes a summery, looting and levelling up yourself and your men. It’s a satisfying experience. It reminds us of Oblivion’s encounters but without the pointless trekking between them.
Even at this stage, the gameplay seems to be all there. It’s an extremely satisfying blend of the best of the best. It’s a shame because its graphics engine is internally developed and won’t be winning any awards. You need to check it out and give it a chance. It won’t get the recognition that its due, even if you consider what it’s attempted to do. More on it when it breaks. Check out the screenshots below to get an idea of how it’s coming along.
Comments (14)
1. 10-07-2008 16:39
This review is total crap. Did you ever play beyond the tutorial?
Okay, get this: "While you run around you come across other heroes, monsters, bandits and enemies."
It's a game based on the medevial world. I REALLY don't think that monsters existed. What did you see? A bed that came alive???
"Think of it like the Total War series. It’s a real time strategy map"
I'm sorry, you got the answer wrong. I'm pretty sure that the Total War series has a real time strategy map. It's a TURN based strategy map or whatever. You cant compare this to the TW series or RISK. It's nothing like them! Oh 'cept for the icon thing of course, but you can't expect each and every person in the game world to come walk around the map.
And as for the level 6 thing? Maybe if you BOUGHT it, you'd have something better to base your preview on.
I value your opinion. The code was supplied from the PR blokes to preview the game, not a review sample. Please be aware of that.
My comparisons are loose comparisons that you took wrongly. It's a map you explore, just like TW. It's a multikingdom map, just like Risk. You're reading too far into the comparisons. There's nothing you can compare it identically to which is why it's such a good experience.
You caught me on the monsters though. Thanks for drawing that to my attention. Writing autopilot must have been on.
Well, how can you say it's a preview if gamers are playing the beta-versions for a couple of years now... It would ave been best just to talk to some random guy on the official forum and he could have made a better job.
I hope you are well. Just to let you know that preview code for Paradox Interactive's forthcoming PC medieval action RPG, Mount & Blade which is releasing at the end of September is now available to download from GamersGate following the same procedure as below. Also attached is a brief walkthrough, a few facts on the game and packshot. If you need any screenshots let me know although feel free to grab your own.
Cheers,
Simon
That's what I got sent with the code. A review would be the retail version, not beta code.
Halol3 [URL=http://13.impudence.pila.pl/1277.html]december flights to larnaca ae4d[/URL] play free online game slots [URL=http://16.canal.warszawa.pl/399.html]old railway pocket watches 0b637d60[/URL] kava free video slots [URL=http://10.impudence.pila.pl/340.html]international discount flights 03d[/URL] antique accutron watches [URL=http://16.impudence.pila.pl/115.html]cheap flights from l.a to bangkok 350ab511[/URL] video penny slots [URL=http://3.restraint.wroclaw.pl/269.html]bonus games video slots with java 7df8[/URL] flights from larnaca to cardiff [URL=http://14.impudence.pila.pl/1103.html]cheap flights from london luton airport to malaga a64f[/URL] pave womens diamond watches [URL=http://10.canal.warszawa.pl/562.html]solar atomic watches bf6d8[/URL] low cost flights to orlando [URL=http://13.impudence.pila.pl/341.html]florida flights bmi 9ed98cd14[/URL] gold ring diamond simulated cubic jewelry watches [URL=http://13.impudence.pila.pl/725.html]kinda of valid photographic id for domestic flights 00d[/URL] cheap flights to honolulu, hawaii [URL=http://17.canal.warszawa.pl/382.html]70's montgomery ward mens wrist watches 5ea7c[/URL] slots machines close to san francisco [URL=http://9.impudence.pila.pl/320.html]delta airline one way tickets d24855e21[/URL] cheap flights to tenerife in feb 08 [URL=http://2.restraint.wroclaw.pl/899.html]winning at hilton slots 923[/URL] cartier watches paris 2000 [URL=http://1.canal.warszawa.pl/500.html]mens watches elgin blue dial b102af[/URL] cheap flights from the usa to naples italy [URL=http://13.impudence.pila.pl/1287.html]cheap flights from rome to alicante 41417e0[/URL] how to win on nickel slots at choctaw casino
Halol3 [URL=http://14.dialyse.az.pl/434.html]ladies bulova gold jewelry watches 96752d8[/URL] online gamble video slots [URL=http://3.maroon.az.pl/271.html]2004 nissan frontier brake system b0db1[/URL] nissan 200 sx nl [URL=http://7.maroon.az.pl/346.html]nissan altima 3.5 incentives 663000918[/URL] what can i carry on australian domestic flights [URL=http://14.maroon.az.pl/1103.html]nissan quest review 732b84[/URL] vintage timex watches jewelry watches [URL=http://119.lunger.az.pl]bmw alpina zeichen b4bd2f5c[/URL] cheap airline ticket for any day in dec [URL=http://7.aridity.az.pl/876.html]cheap flights for france 0a645f23[/URL] veilside nissan 350z [URL=http://11.maroon.az.pl/456.html]nissan altima 1998 gxe b828a7fe5[/URL] airline ticket to puerto rico [URL=http://702.reyes.az.pl]cheap flights from murcia airport 40bb2[/URL] nissan altima 2000 manual [URL=http://725.reyes.az.pl]non-stop flights from las vegas to austin 043f3[/URL] flights to turkey marmaris [URL=http://574.lunger.az.pl]bmw hamann e46 328 45bda[/URL] all free slots flash casino [URL=http://437.lunger.az.pl]find lowering kit for 1987 bmw 325 f5179954e[/URL] bmw serie 5 525 camioneta [URL=http://19.merging.az.pl/938.html]play sims slots forfree 0da[/URL] bmw x5 pacchetto m carbonschwarz [URL=http://551.misconduct.az.pl]southwest airline cheap ticket 4166197[/URL] deals on business class long haul flights [URL=http://450.lunger.az.pl]foto bmw z4 roadster 36a[/URL] philippine airline ticket price [URL=http://7.dialyse.az.pl/587.html]seiko watches mens 5237a96f[/URL] nonstop flights from new york to barbados [URL=http://19.maroon.az.pl/948.html]altima car nissan part 48fbd01a[/URL] turkey flights cheap flights.co.uk [URL=http://0.maroon.az.pl/760.html]s14 240sx nissan engine 4151d8b2[/URL] cheap flights air new zealand [URL=http://3.dialyse.az.pl/297.html]mens watches sports 580a6[/URL]
Halol3 [URL=http://www.actualmusic.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?p=69739]Pompini flagrantes eroticos 7ed fb9270[/URL] Piedi puzzolenti 5c0f5 [URL=http://forum.milliondollarbuzz.com/viewtopic.php?p=170399]Local public places to find sex in n.c. 30bb04 1ee2a[/URL] Pompini mamacitas putas ef2678 [URL=http://www.cronightlife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=212367]3d sex comics from adult compass c175 2fe9cc[/URL] Angelina jolie having sex naked 3a653 [URL=http://buzzerstheband.com/foro/viewtopic.php?p=53870]Cartoon incest sex movies 61e05 349[/URL] Pompini fotos infraganti c05ba8 [URL=http://www.myphonetattoos.com/viewtopic.php?p=69496]Women having sex in public places c70 af6f66[/URL] Piedi autoreggenti 8ddcf [URL=http://howtowastetimeatwork.com/home/viewtopic.php?p=163720]Advice on how to have great sex 134898 601e[/URL] Gay butt fucking sex pics 8a33b [URL=http://getemmagazine.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=69269]Pompini colaless 3213a7 50420[/URL] Angelina jolie having sex porn b3b92 [URL=http://www.reggaeland.eu/forum08/viewtopic.php?p=10104]Piedino sexi f9c 121baa[/URL] Download group free sex cartoon movies c491f [URL=http://kacarevo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=11101]Porca figa 04cb 136375a[/URL] Piu fresco dal vivo 12ee53 [URL=http://195.13.152.100/spiegs/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=45435]Porcone signore edc09f 240427[/URL] Pleasant infermiera masturbate 99cd0 [URL=http://www.romantism.ro/forum/viewtopic.php?p=295748]Black dick group sex movies af9 5546627e[/URL] Piccole troiette lesbiche a2b [URL=http://krazee.arc-focus.com/pirate-hangout/viewtopic.php?p=62624]Asian schoolgirl group sex 8ab 2b88112[/URL] Free sex hardcore pictures 69db3 [URL=http://www.vilnoja.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5835]Des video gratuite de sex hot c9a91 fee2ba[/URL] First time lesbian sex forum a572da [URL=http://teachers.edenpr.org/%7Ebturner/discuss/viewtopic.php?p=30949]How to have good sex without intercourse d3219b 34e[/URL] How to smell good when you have sex f67d [URL=http://triplefun.ws/forum/viewtopic.php?p=63932]First time having sex tips 3947 d8bd24[/URL] Pompino famoso 3b52a0 [URL=http://siiep.jal.sagarpa.gob.mx/foro/viewtopic.php?p=89737]Illustrated sex stories for free 7f324 ce0d7[/URL] Cartoon porn disney sex movies f0c7 [URL=http://handball-nabburg.de/forum/viewtopic.php?p=80878]Pompini escorts mexicali 6a5 521[/URL] Picture porn star war 1b47 [URL=http://pharewine.ro/board/viewtopic.php?p=11606]Drunk asian group sex party 8c2285 a2d1c74af[/URL] Pisciate rubate a37dd
Halol3 [URL=http://8.cataplasia.az.pl/1062.html]bmw used parts new england ace[/URL] nissan gt-r red [URL=http://14.dicloxacillin.az.pl/533.html]nissan trucks 4x4 1993 cabin and a half in arlington a50771dab[/URL] nissan utah used dealers [URL=http://11.dicloxacillin.az.pl/494.html]2005 nissan altima se-r 3.5 ca4[/URL] 2006 bmw m roadster [URL=http://1.dicloxacillin.az.pl/5.html]2007 nissan altima engine f16cb8334[/URL] cd bmw e39 [URL=http://722.centimo.az.pl]nissan fairlady 350z a8489d[/URL] how to replace 2002 nissan maxima low beam bulb [URL=http://16.cataplasia.az.pl/285.html]bmw z4 coupe auto 157d17[/URL] 97 nissan altima blinkers [URL=http://2.pooch.az.pl/347.html]preparacao bmw 330d 65be7[/URL] bmw hartge 7 [URL=http://6.dicloxacillin.az.pl/823.html]2005 nissan note a9bb6[/URL] nissan xterra parts and accessories [URL=http://0.cataplasia.az.pl/296.html]body kits for e36 bmw 7548[/URL] bmw z4 m coupe csl [URL=http://1.dicloxacillin.az.pl/803.html]85 nissan 300zx turbo recall 715fa[/URL] auto nissan 300 zx [URL=http://12.hyperthermia.az.pl/745.html]bill nissan dealer 3557a3915[/URL] nissan silvia s12 tuning [URL=http://1.pooch.az.pl/217.html]palenie gumy bmw e30 08b29[/URL] 1992 nissan sentra xe [URL=http://9.cataplasia.az.pl/165.html]bmw wooden steering wheels 9ab2758[/URL] nissan pathfinder parts catalog [URL=http://3.cataplasia.az.pl/198.html]bmw 525 tds tank 608be1[/URL] price of 16 inch alloy rims for nissan pathfinder
Halol3 [URL=http://cellemotions.com/talk//viewtopic.php?p=80067]Harry potter and the order of the phoenix rumors b89053 72d40e[/URL] Underage girls have sex e964 [URL=http://alamirofcolumbia.com/viewtopic.php?p=193585]Sex toy party indianapolis indiana bf31 f7ed[/URL] Anal sex photos free cd9 [URL=http://www.tarracopaintball.com/ForoBoda/viewtopic.php?p=178848]Free people having sex videos c96 c6ce6afa6[/URL] Asian dp sex pictures d3b4 [URL=http://radiomoravac.com/ffoorruumm/viewtopic.php?p=10423]Listen children music online 5d157 611455235[/URL] Anal car sex photos 673cc [URL=http://webgamemanager.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=161077]South carolina sex offenders register e7a33b 92efc8b[/URL] Free sex offenders list independence missouri 49a [URL=http://jimmychamberlincomplex.com/board/viewtopic.php?p=53772]Free indian hardcore sex and anal photos b96d79 55ee[/URL] Anime hentai xxx sex hardcore 8b409 [URL=http://scripts.hi-guide.ch/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=71012]After hours sex toy party 9f4 3b8[/URL] Asian bondage sex pictures 253ad4 [URL=http://www.black7seven.com/foro/viewtopic.php?p=40449]How to have sex girls ba9d bdef6[/URL] Jessica alba nude and having sex 5e0 [URL=http://demifanclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=220242]Videos of people getting caught having sex 2a1510 e158[/URL] Indian sex 4 u passwords c29c [URL=http://www.writefight.org/board/viewtopic.php?p=182854]Mature fat oral sex 2a9 5342[/URL] Anime sex hardcore porn f38551 [URL=http://www.artedrez260.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=127591]Listen to hindi songs 746 c6a84fec[/URL] Hard pounding anal sex 8de68 [URL=http://blindingarrowmedia.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=134454]Rumors of harry potter and the deathly hallows ac7c1 d50f5[/URL] Tommy lee and pam sex tape 25688 [URL=http://www.ecoadere.com.br/forum/viewtopic.php?p=179979]Local sex offenders around kershaw south carolina a5c281 02ea0eb7c[/URL] Free pictures videos of people having sex e39 [URL=http://usedsportsonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=65729]Anal sex hard core porn 3171e 5c3419773[/URL] Want to listen to online music freely 8c0 [URL=http://maiteperronifans.net/foro/viewtopic.php?p=157713]Free video of black people having sex 6556c0 1e67aeb1[/URL] Registered sex offenders rising fawn georgia 264c61 [URL=http://www.countryvillagecloseouts.com/viewtopic.php?p=202080]Black people black people having sex 4be27 745[/URL]
Halol3 [URL=http://0.menthol.az.pl/335.html]torque settings toyota corolla 1600 1992 dfc4d5a3[/URL] nike air flights 90 black [URL=http://355.rankine.az.pl]free casino card games a7e21[/URL] kia rio5 reviews [URL=http://3.township.az.pl/607.html]cheapest flights to india from singapore ac8[/URL] kia car dealerships in sc [URL=http://106.motivate.az.pl]mens 14kt gold watches ffb0a7273[/URL] 2001 nissan altima engine noise [URL=http://10.maxim.az.pl/969.html]delta airlines flights arrivals 1df5a[/URL] kia rio lx green [URL=http://14.toyshop.az.pl/472.html]1989 toyota truck consumer reports e368627[/URL] play atlantic city casino slots online free [URL=http://10.toyshop.az.pl/1215.html]1996 toyota tacoma tranny parts 3010cbf[/URL] 2007 nissan frontier rear door handle cover [URL=http://821.rankine.az.pl]play casino slots for fun edf55a388[/URL] 2006 nissan sentra custom [URL=http://2.synthesize.az.pl/333.html]2000 kia sportage gas mileage a6fa[/URL] kia motors ghana [URL=http://7.motivate.az.pl]scrap gold watch chain jewelry watches 0e11[/URL] chronograph watches for men [URL=http://12.township.az.pl/291.html]discount kids airline tickets 9675faf[/URL] toyota corolla kombi adac [URL=http://8.menthol.az.pl/1028.html]camper toyota tacoma 6b1a0919[/URL]
Halol3 [URL=http://17.sloan.az.pl/553.html]gorgeous nissan altima coupe pics b37c4[/URL] idaho bmw motorcycle dealer [URL=http://2.asthenosphere.az.pl/632.html]how to replace air filter 2001 toyota corolla 884e6[/URL] 2005 nissan 300z [URL=http://5.asthenosphere.az.pl/496.html]toyota corolla 2009 le df2[/URL] grill for a 91 nissan pathfinder [URL=http://2.orthopristis.az.pl/233.html]toyota highlander 2008 fotos 24a3[/URL] reviews on 2002 nissan altima [URL=http://12.cuisine.az.pl/478.html]womens sleek two tone watches ecb[/URL] rose gold watch mens jewelry watches [URL=http://801.endocervicitis.az.pl]gebrauchter auspuff bmw e36 1bd3[/URL] 1987 toyota mini motorhome [URL=http://5.acervulus.az.pl/945.html]consumer statement fair credit reporting act 52b76cf[/URL] bmw z4 racer [URL=http://19.acervulus.az.pl/876.html]student with credit card 0fec[/URL] car stereo kit 2005 nissan 350zx [URL=http://0.reconstruction.az.pl/226.html]direct flights from alicante to lisbon bd80[/URL] airline flights direct from jfk to denver [URL=http://15.divestiture.az.pl/1105.html]nissan skyline gtr with body kit 95f997bc5[/URL] pictures of 2000 to 2007 toyota tacoma's [URL=http://6.cuisine.az.pl/462.html]watch or watches and jewelry and categoryid 6 324d9[/URL] toyota truck 16inch wheels [URL=http://2.affability.az.pl/282.html]indian domestic flights bookings dc21129[/URL] edward cullens silver s60r volvo from twilight [URL=http://6.orthopristis.az.pl/522.html]toyota landcruiser fj40 parts d79851c01[/URL] tadalafil search.com q bad credit mortgag [URL=http://1.orthopristis.az.pl/511.html]used toyota mr2 spyder 5ff85ef[/URL]
Latest News 
