Mount&Blade

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Mount&Blade

Developer(s)	TaleWorlds
Publisher(s)	N/A
Designer(s)	Armagan Yavuz
Release date(s)	N/A (Currently in Open Beta (version .808)
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 (currently at version .808), 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.

1 Character
2 Gameplay
3 Combat system
4 Story and background
5 Developer
6 Modifications
7 Distribution
8 References
9 External links

[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. The maximum level of skill and use of certain equipments are linked to related attribute.

The player character's facial features are customizable, similar to the system found in The Sims. Improving this is the option to change the face or hair at any given time, should it appear odd or boring to the player. Some enterprizing users have even modified the basic face "skins", giving themselves and AI different options, such as warpaint. The newer versions (.800 and further) include a "randomize" button, which allows the player to instantly generate an entirely unique face. The player character may take sides with either the Vaegir or Swadian armies, or hunt down bandits and rogues in the world of Calradia.

A sample of the main character(appearance may change at player's will)

[edit] Gameplay

The gameplay is open, similar to games such as Elite or Darklands. Once the game starts, the player is free to decide the developments of character and alter during the course of game. 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 non-player characters (NPC), 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.

Player character and NPCs have skills. Certain skills affect the party as a whole, so recruiting NPCs is a way to compliment skills of player character. Skills are enhanced, or added through level increment.

Only the basic level of generic soldiers can be recruited from taverns. They can advance to more powerful and specialized combat units by gaining experience points through combat or training. Player can decide the path each soldier advances to.

No multi-player option exists, nor is one planned.

[edit] Combat system

The combat system comprises a mix of action and tactical elements. The battlefield is a randomly-generated 3D terrain with physical effect. There are rolling hills, plains, forest and rivers and the feature is influenced by location where combat takes place. Random weather effects, such as fog, rain, and snow, are present and also affects combat. There is a maximum battle size of 40 units on field,but can be increased up to 1000 with the battle size changer module.

The player directly controls his or her character's actions. All other party members joining the battle, if any, can only 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. A box is placed at the player starting point on the battlefield for player's access.

Mount&Blade places special emphasis on mounted combat. In general, mounted troops have higher mobility, they are able inflict more serious damages with mêlée weapons than those on foot, and the horse itself can knock down 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. Advanced combat units and certain soldier types can only be recruited this way. This is how you recruit your enemy faction's unique units.

[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 Vaegirs and Swadians. 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 a separate "town" known as "Training Grounds". 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 started by 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. More user friendly unofficial tools have been released by fans of the game as well.

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

Recently, more total conversions for Mount&Blade have begun. For instance, there is RPGmod, which adds spells and unique quests. There is also a unique story being implemented, although limited information has been released. Dungeons are also being implemented, giving, as the mod's title indicates, a more RPG feeling.

Then there is Pirates!, which has been modded around travelling mainly via water. Although already released for .751, many more features will be available in the upcoming version, such as improved water graphics, the ability to swing from ship to ship via rope during battles, and screenshots indicate some kind of skeletal apparitions to add a true pirate feeling.

Jousting is added to the arena in the MOD Arena Expansion, which is included in many other mods

[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 in-game "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. They can also, if they choose not to purchase the key, create new characters to play with the same restrictions.

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. The current cost is approximately 75% of the final retail price.