Kingdom Come: Deliverance Gets a Next-Gen Polish: What Does it Mean for the Future of Historical RPGs?
Rumors have been swirling for a while, but now it’s official: Kingdom Come: Deliverance has received a Next-Gen Edition. While not a complete overhaul, this update brings enough improvements to build it the definitive way to experience Henry’s adventure on consoles.
A Visual Upgrade, Not a Revolution
Given that the original game is eight years vintage, a full-scale remake or remaster akin to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion wasn’t expected. Warhorse Studios has confirmed this isn’t a redesign of the core systems, mechanics, or story. Instead, it’s a visual refresh, boasting graphics comparable to Ultra PC settings, FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) upscaling, high-resolution textures, native 4K resolution, and a consistent 60 frames per second. Additional voiceovers have also been included.
Free Upgrade for Existing Owners
Importantly, this upgrade is entirely free for those who already own the game. Latest players can purchase the Kingdom Come: Deliverance Next-Gen Edition for €29.99 (without DLC) or €39.99 with all DLC included – Treasures of the Past, From the Ashes, The Amorous Adventures of Bold Sir Hans Capon, Band of Bastards, and A Woman’s Lot. This represents a excellent value, especially considering the game easily offers 100+ hours of gameplay.
Performance and Polish
The Next-Gen Edition delivers solid performance. The game maintains a stable framerate, and the enhanced graphics – improved lighting, shadows, and detail – make it feel almost like playing a sequel. While not a complete overhaul, the visual improvements are significant enough to make this the best way to experience Henry’s story on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S.
Some visual elements and animations still betray the game’s age, but these are minor quibbles. The upgrade doesn’t include the combat improvements found in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, a decision that may disappoint some, but understandable given potential backlash from fans who preferred the original combat system.
What Does This Mean for Historical RPGs?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out for its commitment to historical accuracy. The game’s story unfolds within real historical events, with the fictional story of Henry, a blacksmith’s son, woven into the fabric of 15th-century Bohemia. Henry himself is not a historical figure, but his world is deeply rooted in reality. This approach, blending fiction with fact, has resonated with players seeking a more immersive and authentic RPG experience.
The success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and now the continued support with the Next-Gen Edition, demonstrates a growing appetite for historically grounded RPGs. Developers are increasingly recognizing the potential of this niche, and we may see more games that prioritize historical accuracy and immersive world-building in the future.
FAQ
- Is Henry of Skalitz a real person? No, Henry is a fictional character created for the game.
- Is the Next-Gen Edition free? Yes, it’s a free upgrade for existing owners of Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
- What are the key improvements in the Next-Gen Edition? Enhanced graphics, native 4K resolution, 60fps, FSR upscaling, and high-resolution textures.
If you enjoy immersive, historically-driven RPGs, the Kingdom Come: Deliverance Next-Gen Edition is a must-play. Or, if you’ve never experienced Henry’s saga, now is the perfect time to dive in.
What are your thoughts on the Kingdom Come: Deliverance Next-Gen Edition? Share your opinions in the comments below!
