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Preview: Chivalry 2 is most fun when sat on a benchIt revealed the true nature of medieval combat
It revealed the true nature of medieval combat
Then I was enlisted into the Siege of Rudhelm. I’d need to stoically defend a fortress with all the moves I’d learned, and I was stressed out. So when the gates opened and I roared my battlecry, naturally, the little I remembered escaped from my mouth and into the breeze. I swung wildly with zero hip-action expecting to get cut down, only to find it worked quite nicely. I even sat down mid-battle and remained unscathed. Then I realised no-one knew what they were doing at all, and I relaxed.
Chivalry 2: Wait for itWatch on YouTube
Chivalry 2: Wait for it
Having played a Chivalry 2 preview with a host of influencers and journos for a solid three to four hours, I’d say it expands on the first game in many ways. For one, it looks nicer, and battlefields are now crammed with fun stuff to pick up and lob at enemies. I particularly enjoyed chucking lopped-off heads and watching them thunk off chainmail. And of course, there are lots of new moves with which to carve up your opponents.
“Don’t get a-head of yourselves there lads, eh?” They remained silent.
Cor, there were so many moves Icouldhave employed. There’s this complex combat system; this intimidating sequence of moves to checkmate your enemies with. You know, the ‘ol feint and dip; the hip swingarooney; the riposte into counter slash; the jab to throw off an enemy’s rhythm - so many possibilites. And I used precisely zero of these maneuvers, which sort of sums up Chivalry 2, for me at least. I - and I’m pretty sure everyone else - swept all the pieces off the board, picked it up, and battered each other with it.
Occasionally allies and enemies would spot me sat on my bench mid-fight. They’d tussle for a bit, spill some blood, then realise a curious individual with his palms resting on his knees had been watching them the whole time. They’d call a temporary truce, wander over and give me a nice yell, perhaps a little jig, then either resume their fight, or sprint back into the blue and red static of death.
No-one joined me on my bench, though. Sometimes a straggler would wander over, almost press their spear against my chestplate, but back off after I gave them a big, friendly wave. Incredibly, the whole time I was sat down (a long stretch), I remained totally unscathed. Not a single soul scratched me. Most were friendly.
Would be a shame to let it go to waste.
I guess I had discovered the duality of man while sat on that bench too. Chivalry 2 isn’t some super serious medieval simulator. This is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and in doing so, the fights that break out are joyful. There’s a sense that everyone is pals, and slinging swords for a laugh. Raptor claws are bared, but after the blood is let everyone sheds their tails and resumes being buddies. It was like I had the privilege of watching a Walking With Dinosaurs reboot episode before it aired to the rest of the world.
Chivalry 2 is a fun time. It’s like the first one, but facilitates the silliness better with shiny graphics, and more moves, and maps, and emotes. This will be familiar territory for fans, but it’s territory that supports more goofy medieval antics. There’s even space for you to take things seriously if you want, just be sure no-one steals my bench yeah?
