Up until a week ago, I hadn’t played a Chivalry game, however, I have played a decent amount of Mordhau which shares a number of similarities. Whilst I enjoyed playing Mordhau I often found its combat a little finicky. Sure it still plays like a hack and slash game. But there seemed to be more of an emphasis on angles of attack and feinting attacks etc… However, with Chivalry 2 I found it to be more about just swinging and having fun. Sure, there is still an element of skill to the gameplay. You can’t just constantly wildly swing and win – although sometimes it does work. But with Chivalry 2 I found that I was quickly getting the best out of the game.
Show me the fun
It took no time at all for me to be having a great time playing, finding some success with my limited ability. I was brawling on the front line with my whole team and taking names. You don’t feel the need to start slowly, or try and pick your battles carefully. Yes, you can take that approach and it can work for you. However, if you just get stuck in that works too. The fun of Chivalry 2 becomes instantly realised and it kept me wanting more the whole time I was playing the recent closed beta.
The Chivalry 2 closed beta showed off two game modes in Team Deathmatch and Team Objective. Both of these modes had two maps each to try out. Additionally, with 4 different classes each of which with a number of weapons to unlock. There was plenty to try out. By the end of the weekend, the Knight Officer became my go-to class. Using the combination of the warhammer and shield. Its balance of defense and speed seemed to suit me just right. That being said, I found success with all the classes and enjoyed trying all of them out.
Big Battles
Fights, especially on the Team Objective maps did a great job of feeling like big battles. There were multiple occasions where both teams would clash with the majority of the players of the server being involved. Certain maps had very well-placed choke points that made some of the pushes of defenses feel like a slog. Winning those battles felt rewarding, especially when they’re getting down to the wire with mere seconds remaining. The crashing and clanging of weapons on shields when you’re surrounded by friends and enemies really helped with the immersion of the game. With up to 64 players on a server, it’s easy to see why it can feel hectic and as if a big battle is taking place.
The combat is brutal and pretty unforgiving at times. With limbs and heads being chopped off you need to keep your wits about you to ensure you don’t end up on the wrong end of a swinging sword. Whilst you can take a few hits and do have the ability to apply a bandage. You will quickly be felled if you end up being surrounded. Trying to play near a couple of others and finding targets out of position or on their own is a good way to get some kills. Ultimately, however, the most enjoyment comes from getting stuck into larger fights.
That being said, there are moments when you can find yourself one on one with another opponent in something akin to a standoff. These fights can also be really good fun and can be where a more tactical approach or making use of the more nuanced strategies come into play.
Oh, also you can pick up chickens and fish – amongst other random items strewn across the maps, and throw them at people. Which makes this an instant classic.
Full release
Whilst the full release is still a month or so away – 8th June. I’m eagerly anticipating getting to play some more. From the moment I started playing to the end of the beta my friends and I had a great time.
-Will
