So there I was, a gatecrasher for the dark ages. A story was beginning to form and, oddly, I found that the characters and kingdoms of the world, far from remaining weird puppets, were actually reacting to that story. But the more I played, the more invested I started to become in it. It is a 'janky' game in every sense of the word. I can't say I enjoyed my first few hours with it as much as I'd hoped - the fighting is clunky, the world is a disjointed mix of menus, maps, and battlefields, and everyone who talks to you says the same five sentences (although, to be fair, your own character is usually only capable of asking the same handful of questions). It is part RPG, part strategy and part medieval combat action. Mount & Blade: Warband is a strange game.

I was on my way to a feast and I figured the revelers would love whoever brought them eleven barrels of premium lager. Obviously, I had no intention of completing the job. 'I'm your man!' I said (I was an excellent liar at the time) and duly took the beer into my inventory. 'This cargo of ale needs to be delivered to the tavern in Khudan,' said the Guild Master. Terrible things.Īnd to think it all started with some stolen ale. I have done terrible things to get all that coin. Besides, I would rather rot in this dungeon than give these dogs any of my hidden wealth. That sound of clashing steel outside tells me everything - the castle is under siege, and I will be free soon enough, whether my captors want it or not. One of my captors comes in and tells me they will consider my release if I pay them a hefty sum. Read on, serf!Īt dawn I hear the sound of swords from my cell. And with a sequel somewhere on the horizon now is as good a time as any to revisit that world, which is exactly what Brendan has done. But despite its age and flaws it remains surprisingly popular among fans of medieval jousting and RPG politicking. Mount & Blade: Warband is an old game to be writing about.

Mount and blade warband story