Mount&Blade
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| Mount&Blade | |
|---|---|
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| Developer(s) | TaleWorlds |
| Publisher(s) | N/A |
| Designer(s) | Armagan and Ipek Yavuz |
| Release date(s) | N/A (Currently in Open Beta (version .806) |
| Genre(s) | RPG |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | N/A |
| Platform(s) | PC |
| System requirements | Minimum : Pentium 766 MHz or Compatible Processor; Windows 98/ME/2000/XP; Direct3D 3D accelerator |
Mount&Blade is a 3D, open-ended, single-player, third- or first-person, computer role-playing game in beta stage of development, created and distributed by the Turkish development house TaleWorlds. It is currently available only for 32-bit Microsoft Windows. Mount&Blade has a medieval setting, without any fantasy elements. Mount&Blade is notable for its emphasis on realistic cavalry combat, which was common in the era, but is largely absent in most RPG titles.
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[edit] Character
The player can directly control only one player character, which is created when a new game starts. A character class only serves as a template for future character developments. Each class differs only in its starting attributes, skill points and equipment.
There are no in-game restrictions on equipment or skill use based on class and gender, although the maximum level of skill is linked to attributes, which means some classes will find certain roles easier. The player character's facial features are customizable, similar to the system found in The Sims. The player character may take sides with either the Vaegir or Swadian armies, or hunt down bandits and rogues in the world of Calradia.
[edit] Gameplay
The gameplay is open, similar to games such as Elite or Darklands. Once the game starts, the player is free to decide what to do with the character. Combat is optional and can be avoided in most situations, allowing the player to concentrate on trade if desired, although less experience is gained this way.
The player's party can be formed by recruiting unique characters (known as a hero or companion) or more generic soldiers. The maximum party size is determined by the player character's charisma attribute and Leadership skill; although the total number of party members can go beyond 100, on-screen battles are limited to 40 at any one time. This number can be increased up to 1000 through the use of modifications (see below)although few computers can actually run this many troops on the field at the same time. This is partially due to the advanced AI which allows each soldier to act as a complete individual leading to extremely convincing battles if played on a computer which can support such large numbers of troops. Soldiers only take part in combat, while companions can also use their skills to assist the party. No multi-player option exists, nor is one planned.
[edit] Combat system
The combat system comprises a mix of action and tactical elements. Battles take place on randomly generated 3D terrain, featuring hills, plains, trees and rivers with weather effects such as fog and snow. The combat mode terrain is influenced by where the action is taking place, e.g. around mountains, near a river, etc.
The player directly controls only his or her character's actions. All other party members, if any, participate in battle and can be controlled through simple commands. Unlike most other RPG titles, there are no fantasy elements such as healing potions or magic, and no on-hand inventory of items for direct access during combat. However, a box is placed at the feet of the player at the start of the battle. The player can access his or her inventory from this box during battle and equip or unequip items.
Mount&Blade places special emphasis on mounted combat. In general, mounted troops have higher mobility and are therefore able to do relatively higher damage with melee weapons than those on foot. Moreover, the horse itself can damage enemies by charging into them. However, horses are also vulnerable to enemy weapons, so a mounted soldier can be unhorsed by a skilled footman.
Another feature is the inclusion of prisoners. They can be captured as slaves when defeated enemies are knocked out and can be sold in specific locations. Also, enemy-kept prisoners can join the player's party after being liberated.
[edit] Story and background
Even though there is no storyline implemented yet, the background is already in place. The story takes place in the land of Calradia, where war has broken out between the kingdoms of Vaegir and Swadian. This war has attracted many outlanders to seek fortune and adventure. Your character is one of them, just starting off in the neutral town of Zendar. Zendar is unique in offering a basic combat training facility. Though there is a more comprehensive combat tutorials existing in the "Training Grounds" as it is known in the game. There is also an arena in every town, where the player can compete for money and experience.
The currency used in game is known as the Denar.
[edit] Developer
Mount&Blade is developed and distributed by TaleWorlds, an independent developer starting as a Turkish husband-and-wife team.[1][2]
[edit] Modifications
The engine powering Mount&Blade is open to modifications and enhancements by users, and the developers have shown support for the community by building a module system into the game launcher to facilitate this. Currently a number of third-party mods are available, ranging from visual enhancements to full games with entirely different settings. A set of Python scripts were released to be used as development kit. Also more user friendly unofficial tools are released by fans.
An updated list of Mount&Blade mods and modding tools can be found on the Taleworlds.com forum.
There are many mods for Mount&Blade, ranging from the Last days mod, (a Lord of the Rings total conversion) to Storymod (Which adds a storyline to the game). These mods add diversity and a real feel for variety. Mods range from total conversions, to gameplay mechanics to expansions : expansion in progress
[edit] Distribution
Mount&Blade is shareware, freely available from the official site. True to the traditions of shareware, trial players are given unrestricted access to a large portion of the game. In this case the entire game world and all of its features are fully accessible; other than cheat codes being disabled the only limits are that the trial ends when the player character reaches level 6 or after 30 days. The game then exits, and the player is directed to the ordering page. If they purchase a license key they can unlock their copy and continue from where they left off.
The cost of the game, although constantly increasing as the game nears completion, is not yet at full price. As new versions come out the price of the game increases, although only marginally. The current cost is around 80% at version 0.800 however once the next version is released the cost will again increase. However it must be noted that, even if the cost is increasing, it is still well below the average price of games on the market and many users feel is well above the average quality of games on the market, despite the low cost.
[edit] References
- ^ Kidd, David (7 October 2005). Harkening for Turkish delight. atomicmpc.com.au. Retrieved on 29 August 2006.
- ^ Underdogs. Mount&Blade. Home of the Underdogs. Retrieved on 29 August 2006.
