Mount & Blade has been sleeping for too long. Chronicles: Medieval challenges the iconic historical series

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For years, I’ve pondered the question of why fewer developers haven’t directly taken on the Elder Scrolls series, and today, as I delve into Chronicles: Medieval, I find myself grappling with a similar conundrum in relation to Mount & Blade. It’s been five years since Bannerlord was released (even though it spent half of that time in early access), yet TaleWorlds studio’s sandbox continues to draw large crowds, as no direct counterpart to this game has emerged thus far. However, this will not remain the case by 2026.

Later on, the game titled “Chronicles: Medieval” (previously available in early access on PC) will join the competition, created by Raw Power Games, a team established in 2022 and boasting over a hundred developers. Among them are several seasoned industry veterans, including senior gameplay designer Andrzej Zawadzki, who was with CD Projekt RED from 2013 to 2021. He was the one who presented the project during the demonstration I attended at the end of May.

Chronicles & Blade

Although the developers of “Chronicles: Medieval” didn’t explicitly mention “Mount & Blade” during their presentation, I found many similarities between the two games. For instance, when they described their game as a blend of action and RPG with a strategic perspective, it brought “Mount & Blade” to mind. One example is the gameplay structure, which has two levels. The first level offers a tactical exploration of a dynamic map (depicting Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries) from an overhead view, while the second level allows you to control your character in specific areas like settlements, cities, castles, and particularly on battlefields, in third-person perspective.

In the beginning of our journey, you’ll have the chance to design your unique character. This character isn’t limited to being a mere worker or outlaw; they could also be a skilled artisan or a prosperous merchant. The creators of Chronicles: Medieval emphasize that a significant aspect of the game is the liberty to mold the destiny of your character. If you prefer, you can opt for a humble lifestyle, such as being a blacksmith or a soldier serving under a noble’s command.

In essence, we’re meant to ascend the ladder towards our personal kingdom, amassing followers, engaging in conflicts, laying siege, and conquering lands until we reach the pinnacle. Raw Power Games emphasizes that the gameplay primarily focuses on an individual’s journey, which sets it apart from titles like Chronicles: Medieval and Mount & Blade, as highlighted by the developers during a journalist’s query. The Danish game is intended to provide a more intimate and engaging experience.

History

It’s important to note that cultural references can significantly impact the game experience. I suspect that numerous players might find the allure of Calradia less captivating if it doesn’t offer a more authentic European ambiance. This distinctive feel will be shaped by the incorporation of real historical figures and ongoing events in the backdrop, such as the Hundred Years’ War, contributing to a more immersive gaming experience.

The game’s scope over the continent is still uncertain, but I’ve observed a bird’s-eye view of a miniature version of the British Isles, and the press release hints at including territories such as France and German lands.

The developers underscored their dedication to realism, explaining that there are no magical or fictional aspects involved, and hinting that the battle system is being refined by specialists in medieval martial arts. Yet, they prioritize gameplay over absolute authenticity. I’ve glimpsed footage of intense battles with adversaries wielding swords, shields, and halberds. Moreover, we will command historical troops during engagements.

It’s likely that the graphics will be a major selling point for players in the upcoming game “Chronicles: Medieval”. This game leverages Unreal Engine 5 technology, along with Raw Power Games’ own Asgard engine, and the preliminary gameplay footage appears significantly more impressive than that of “M&B”. Here’s hoping that the stunning graphics won’t lead to performance problems, a common issue with games using UE5.

Mods and co-op

The Raw Power Games team recognizes why the game, Mount & Blade, has become so widely loved, and in response, they’ve pledged to offer support for mods from the get-go and foster their community of developers. They’ve also made it clear that the Middle Ages are merely the starting point for Chronicles, with the ultimate aim being to transform the game into a versatile platform capable of hosting various universes and historical periods.

Similarly, just as the cooperative mode benefits players, it is crucial for developers too. Initially, during the early access phase, you might only experience this feature in an unusual multiplayer setting. However, upon its full release, which will be accessible on consoles yet to be specified as well as computers, you’ll have the opportunity to complete the entire campaign alongside your friends.

Strong claims

Medieval”. It appears that players may have to wait a while before they can play it, as there’s been minimal demonstration of the game engine and the developers are keeping tight-lipped on topics like character progression, religious influence, and the endgame dynamics.

It remains uncertain if Chronicles: Medieval will ultimately outshine the Mount and Blade series, given its potential success today is hard to predict. However, it’s evident that Raw Power Games has a robust concept, lofty aspirations, and an ample budget at their disposal. In fact, they secured Tom Hardy for narration in the “cinematic” trailer, which premiered during the Summer Game Fest. Yet, whether this will be enough to capture players’ interest over the long term is something we’ll discover when early access begins in 2026.

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2025-06-07 01:04