Mount & Blade

Mount and Blade is almost here and I have been playing around with the almost-finished version for a little while now. As expected, there are a couple of finishing touches, and I could only adventure until my character reached level six, but I did enjoy my adventures and travels, so please read on to see exactly why I am expecting big things from Mount and Blade.

OK, so, I realize this is only a preview, but M&B starts things off a little more like an old-school choose-your-own adventure book than anything. But I am getting ahead of myself, M&B has a nifty training mode to get you in the mood for some medieval action. Four training modes get you ready for melee combat, shield training, archery and mounted combat (on a horse). The modes are easily spelled out and come complete with some actual live combat to get you more attuned to what needs to be done in the game.

 
Shooting from horseback is a trait you will want to learn.

Once your training is finished, you can create a character, and, I will say, this is one of the more enjoyable character creators I have played with in a while. Pick between a male or female, and then begin working on skin, hair and other facial features including nose positioning and eye depth. Yes, I know this doesn't really effect how the game is played, but it was surprisingly fun and easy to experiment with. From there, things get really interesting, you pick a background for your character and then begin reading how you arrived where you are today. Did you become a squire or a pickpocket, attend a university or become a smith? There are all sorts of things you may have done in your youth including why you are setting out as an adventurer, revenge? Wunderlust? You pick it.

Did I mention the almost eerie way the game allows you to spread character points, attribute points and other character development like the Fallout RPG titles? Well, I didn't, but now I just did. If you are a fan like me, then you will smile with the ease and familiarity of the setup. There is no smarmy humor injected into the different attribute descriptions, but the flow is still the same. I like it.

 
This luxurious 12,000 square foot castle boasts 17 bedrooms and one bathroom..."

Graphically, M&B is pretty spry looking, there is a certain look the game that evokes a simple charm. Characters look a bit wooden, but this isn't a finished product. What does look nice is the design of the castles and architecture overall. There are plenty of places to go and find yourself neck deep in trouble. Don't be starting no trouble with the castle guards in the beginning, you will die very easily, wait a while and maybe collect some friends to form a party.

I like how the game controls at this point, with the right and left mouse buttons used for fighting and defending, the wheel for different weapon selection and the standard W,A,S,D  keys for movement and strafing. Since combat is real time, it helps to be quick and agile, which is all made feasible in the character development and improvement screen when you level up.

In conclusion, I suspect Mount and Blade to be a large and sprawling adventure that addicts countless gamers. There is plenty of adventuring and people to meet. Look for Mount And Blade next month.