Oh man, where do I even start with this year’s game lineup? It’s been wild, like a buffet of digital goodness with everything from those giant-budget blockbusters—yeah, I’m talking DOOM: The Dark Ages and Death Stranding 2—to the little indie gems that sneak up on you, like Blue Prince and The Atlers. But seriously, the top dog for me, the one wearing the crown right now (figuratively speaking), is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. By the way, there’s a sweet deal happening, snag it for $43.49 instead of the usual $60 at CDKeys. Who doesn’t love a bargain, right?
I know, I know, everyone’s buzzing about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Seems like it’s everyone’s sweetheart this year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan too. Heck, I gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars! But there’s just something about KCD2—it just hits differently, you know? It’s like this medieval RPG dream, wrapped in everything my younger self could’ve wanted when I was daydreaming about knights and castles. Sandfall Interactive really did something special with Clair Obscur, but KCD2 kinda bulldozed its way to my top spot anyway.
Right, so why exactly is KCD2 the game of choice for me? Let me ramble a bit. If Clair Obscur wasn’t pitted against it, it might’ve been an easy choice. It’s got that sweet real-time dodge mixed with turn-based combat. And the storytelling? Man, it’s the kind of narrative that lingers. But KCD2 grabs you with its own killer story and gameplay. It’s like, Warhorse Studios somehow crammed an epic medieval experience filled with cause and effect like those Rube Goldberg machines, if you know what I mean.
Speaking of cause and effect, the detail is mind-blowing. Your clothing, how clean you are, or if the local rumor mill’s got you pinned as a scoundrel—all of it changes how folks treat you. Imagine walking into a shop and the prices change because someone whispered behind your back. Wild! It’s immersive, makes you think on your toes. Like, do I sneak around at night dressed in black, or just charm my way out of trouble? Usually, I just end up mucking it up and get caught. Maybe pickpocketing isn’t my thing…
Then there’s the bit about getting branded if you mess up too much. Imagine walking around with townsfolk giving you the stink eye until your scars heal. Or worse, running the risk of the gallows. It’s kind of exhilarating, not gonna lie, in that heart-pounding way where you don’t actually want anything bad to happen, but the thrill is there.
The developers didn’t skimp on realism with Bohemia’s open world either. It’s practically a postcard from the past, what with civil wars and power-hungry kings mixed in. Even protagonist Henry’s journey, it’s like a medieval soap opera—revenge against the guys who torched his village. It’s gritty, gripping, and packed with characters that stick with you long after you’ve logged out. The voice acting? Can’t get enough of it.
And let’s not forget the combat. It’s like this intricate dance with swords and armor—layered with real techniques. I can almost smell the sweat-soaked armor (pleasant, right?). But it makes the whole experience feel raw and authentic, elevating it to those high places alongside the likes of Mass Effect 2 or Fallout: New Vegas. Speaking of which, it’s not just a PC master race moment; you can snag a deal for it on Xbox and PS5 too.
Phew, okay, that was a lot, but seriously, if you’re into RPGs with depth, check out KCD2 while that deal’s still kicking.
