Mount and Blade - bit-tech.net Forums

Tim S · 18th Sep 2008, 07:47

http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/2008/...nt-and-blade/1

Mount and Blade may have modest indie origins, but we reckon there's a hell of a lot of fun to be had in this open world, free-roaming medieval simulator. Check out our thoughts as we send Andy to conquer a kingdom with nought but a steed and a broadsword!

The boy 4rm oz · 18th Sep 2008, 08:49

Looks interesting. It has been on Xfire for a while, I may have to download it.

cebla · 18th Sep 2008, 09:12

I have been playing Mount & Blade since the early betas. I have to say it is a lot of fun and has kept me up till 4 in the morning on many an occassion. To me the best part of the game is the combat. Riding around on hourse back and wacking people has lots of apeal. The only anoying thing is that the combat isn't so great when it comes time to take a castle. Basically if your not on hourseback things don't handle so nicely.

Adnoctum · 18th Sep 2008, 11:28

Holy crap!
The shock I just had in opening up Bit-Tech and seeing a review of Mount & Blade.
The reason is a friend of mine from games design classes was working on this a few years ago and I was under the impression it wasn't a "commercial" game. As in, it was "a bunch of like-minded people got together online and decided to make a game we like" kind of game where the thing gets made in spare time in different time-zones across the globe, no-one gets paid and is never finished.

If you think the story line is thin now, you should have tried the early version he gave me to play. When I played it, it was super craptacular. And it's nice to see that being heavily attacked at the beginning hasn't changed.
In fact it was so craptacular that I, even as a dedicated game player who like to experiment with genres, couldn't put any more than four hours into it before uninstalling it. Trying to play it with no instructions and no idea of objectives wasn't a happy experience.

Graphics = Woeful. If the port was possible, I bet my Amiga could have displayed it!
Audio = Basic. As in "Defender Of The Crown" basic. And I love Defender Of The Crown.
Combat = Confusing and choppy.
Engine = Buggy as hell.

But all that is why games aren't released as Pre-Alphas (unless you're GSC and you're releasing a S.T.A.L.K.E.R game), because from the screenshots and description it has come a LONG way.
It actually looks like a decent game instead of a half-baked mod.

thEcat · 18th Sep 2008, 12:27

Defiantly worth a try. Thanks for the review

Dreaming · 18th Sep 2008, 13:48

I've already bought it hehe. It's fun but the repetitive game route got tiring after a while. Basically become a mercenary for an empire, then become a vassal, then conquer castles and towns until you capture the world! I went rebel for a while but everyone attacks you all the time. (Think when you play medieval 2 total war and there are rebel provinces - everyone wants them!)

Also the economy isn't perfect, if you go and kill sea raiders you can sell their kit for a lot of dosh, which makes you several thousand dinars very quickly - but try and fight for fame and fortune in the arena and you get something daft like 1 dinar per opponent beat. There are tournaments which are a bit different if you bet on yourself the whole way through (you can make a good bit of cash) - but its very random not in the sense of the challenge but you might make it to the last round only to find you've been given a bow and you're on foot vs a mounted knight.

Bear in mind though that it's still beta, the 1.0 release is coming very soon.

Flibblebot · 18th Sep 2008, 16:33

Nope, no multiplayer. I imagine it'd be more of an MMO if there were multiplayer and it'd be more like RISK online.

It does get a tad repetitive, but there is the possibility of user mods which could help to extend the playability.

Still, the game should be applauded as (a) an indie game; and (b) a game which bucks the trends by not forcing players down any particular path.

EmJay · 18th Sep 2008, 17:14

Very nice. I like their distribution method - 'try before you buy', download the full game and play as you wish, but you're capped at level six. If you like it, buy a license and the cap's taken off.

I'll certainly try it. There's a very good chance I'll get hooked.

Lockinvar · 18th Sep 2008, 18:26

I bought my licence about two years ago, and play periodically. Great fun. Nothing beats riding around with a huge lance skewering peasants.

CowBlazed · 19th Sep 2008, 02:37

Will it run on GMA950 + Atom?

docodine · 19th Sep 2008, 05:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowBlazed

Will it run on GMA950 + Atom?

Eee PC 901?

I actually like the looks of this game. Reminds me of Morrowind with better graphics.

Dreaming · 19th Sep 2008, 11:46

1.0 is being released today and I can't wait!!

And it's not a lot like morrowind its more based around combat (which is excellent) rather than adventuring caverns and such. Although that sounds like an interesting mod idea...

1ad7 · 19th Sep 2008, 19:07

I tried it thanks to bit tech, I loved it... but I two think with a light multiplayer it could be amazing, ie risk online maybe 8 players max in one world so it doesnt become base rape 1257, and stays rp and strategic.

docodine · 21st Sep 2008, 07:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ad7

I tried it thanks to bit tech, I loved it... but I two think with a light multiplayer it could be amazing, ie risk online maybe 8 players max in one world so it doesnt become base rape 1257, and stays rp and strategic.

We can all re-enact movies together.

HOLD THE LINE

lp1988 · 22nd Sep 2008, 18:11

I have just started playing this game however when i start the game everything becomes red..... any with this problem???
running a ATI 4850; K9A2 platinium; 4 GB 800 RAM, and vista 64 bit

Redbeaver · 14th Oct 2008, 20:36

this game is the shiznit lol

was away on business trip for the long weekend and manage to grab my hand on a copy and play it on the laptop....

.... my boss actually had to pry me away from my laptop lol

Bungle · 27th Apr 2009, 11:28

Thread revival time.

Just bought a copy of this and enjoying it so far. Getting a bit frustrated with some of the quests though.
One quest in particular is annoying me, whereby a lord asks me to join him with as many troops as i can muster, but i can never seem to find him in the 4 days allocated.
I check the reports and it says something along the lines of last seen in the wilderness near (location). I go there and ride around for days not being able to find the beast.
Hopefully one of you brainy people can help an old serf out.

UncertainGod · 27th Apr 2009, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bungle

Thread revival time.

Just bought a copy of this and enjoying it so far. Getting a bit frustrated with some of the quests though.
One quest in particular is annoying me, whereby a lord asks me to join him with as many troops as i can muster, but i can never seem to find him in the 4 days allocated.
I check the reports and it says something along the lines of last seen in the wilderness near (location). I go there and ride around for days not being able to find the beast.
Hopefully one of you brainy people can help an old serf out.

That can be a right **** if you don't get there sharpish, it's because the quest gets triggered while the lord is on the way to his scouting destination, I generally just take an educated guess on direction by heading to the nearest enemy factions territory and searching in grids

Bungle · 27th Apr 2009, 13:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncertainGod

That can be a right **** if you don't get there sharpish, it's because the quest gets triggered while the lord is on the way to his scouting destination, I generally just take an educated guess on direction by heading to the nearest enemy factions territory and searching in grids

Thanks buddy. I guess it's time to put a few more points into spotting and tracking

18th Sep 2008, 07:47	#1
Tim S Pewlius Caesar bit-tech Staff Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Ascot, Berks Posts: 18,021	Mount and Blade http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/2008/...nt-and-blade/1 Mount and Blade may have modest indie origins, but we reckon there's a hell of a lot of fun to be had in this open world, free-roaming medieval simulator. Check out our thoughts as we send Andy to conquer a kingdom with nought but a steed and a broadsword! __________________ Tim on Twitter \| Tim's Blog \| Tim's Flickr The bit-tech Blog \| bit-tech on Twitter \| Join the bit-tech & Custom PC folding team (#35947)

18th Sep 2008, 11:28	#4
Adnoctum Smeghead Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 89	Holy crap! The shock I just had in opening up Bit-Tech and seeing a review of Mount & Blade. The reason is a friend of mine from games design classes was working on this a few years ago and I was under the impression it wasn't a "commercial" game. As in, it was "a bunch of like-minded people got together online and decided to make a game we like" kind of game where the thing gets made in spare time in different time-zones across the globe, no-one gets paid and is never finished. If you think the story line is thin now, you should have tried the early version he gave me to play. When I played it, it was super craptacular. And it's nice to see that being heavily attacked at the beginning hasn't changed. In fact it was so craptacular that I, even as a dedicated game player who like to experiment with genres, couldn't put any more than four hours into it before uninstalling it. Trying to play it with no instructions and no idea of objectives wasn't a happy experience. Graphics = Woeful. If the port was possible, I bet my Amiga could have displayed it! Audio = Basic. As in "Defender Of The Crown" basic. And I love Defender Of The Crown. Combat = Confusing and choppy. Engine = Buggy as hell. But all that is why games aren't released as Pre-Alphas (unless you're GSC and you're releasing a S.T.A.L.K.E.R game), because from the screenshots and description it has come a LONG way. It actually looks like a decent game instead of a half-baked mod.

18th Sep 2008, 13:48	#6
Dreaming Supermodder Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The University of York Posts: 501	I've already bought it hehe. It's fun but the repetitive game route got tiring after a while. Basically become a mercenary for an empire, then become a vassal, then conquer castles and towns until you capture the world! I went rebel for a while but everyone attacks you all the time. (Think when you play medieval 2 total war and there are rebel provinces - everyone wants them!) Also the economy isn't perfect, if you go and kill sea raiders you can sell their kit for a lot of dosh, which makes you several thousand dinars very quickly - but try and fight for fame and fortune in the arena and you get something daft like 1 dinar per opponent beat. There are tournaments which are a bit different if you bet on yourself the whole way through (you can make a good bit of cash) - but its very random not in the sense of the challenge but you might make it to the last round only to find you've been given a bow and you're on foot vs a mounted knight. Bear in mind though that it's still beta, the 1.0 release is coming very soon. __________________ Dreaming C2D E6300 @ 2.8 \| \| Abit IP35 Pro \| \| 4GB Corsair XMS2 800 \| \| BFG 8800GTS OC2 320MB \| \| 500GB Western Digital for OS + 1500GB Seagate for Storage \| \| Antec NeoHE 550 \| \| Lian Li PC A05B \| \| Samsung 226BW 22"

18th Sep 2008, 16:33	#7
Flibblebot Free from artificial flavourings Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Right here, right now Posts: 2,227	Nope, no multiplayer. I imagine it'd be more of an MMO if there were multiplayer and it'd be more like RISK online. It does get a tad repetitive, but there is the possibility of user mods which could help to extend the playability. Still, the game should be applauded as (a) an indie game; and (b) a game which bucks the trends by not forcing players down any particular path. __________________ My uber-system: 66Mhz 486DX2, 8Mb RAM, 20Mb hard drive, 256 colour VGA adaptor (goes all the way up to 800x600!), keyboard AND serial mouse

18th Sep 2008, 17:14	#8
EmJay Supermodder Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 315	Very nice. I like their distribution method - 'try before you buy', download the full game and play as you wish, but you're capped at level six. If you like it, buy a license and the cap's taken off. I'll certainly try it. There's a very good chance I'll get hooked. __________________ Current status: Modding on

18th Sep 2008, 09:12	#3
cebla Multimodder Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 107	I have been playing Mount & Blade since the early betas. I have to say it is a lot of fun and has kept me up till 4 in the morning on many an occassion. To me the best part of the game is the combat. Riding around on hourse back and wacking people has lots of apeal. The only anoying thing is that the combat isn't so great when it comes time to take a castle. Basically if your not on hourseback things don't handle so nicely.

18th Sep 2008, 12:27	#5
thEcat Modder Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 68	Defiantly worth a try. Thanks for the review

18th Sep 2008, 18:26	#9
Lockinvar What's a Dremel? Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: FNQ, Australia Posts: 7	I bought my licence about two years ago, and play periodically. Great fun. Nothing beats riding around with a huge lance skewering peasants.

19th Sep 2008, 02:37	#10
CowBlazed Multimodder Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 110	Will it run on GMA950 + Atom?

19th Sep 2008, 11:46	#12
Dreaming Supermodder Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The University of York Posts: 501	1.0 is being released today and I can't wait!! And it's not a lot like morrowind its more based around combat (which is excellent) rather than adventuring caverns and such. Although that sounds like an interesting mod idea... __________________ Dreaming C2D E6300 @ 2.8 \| \| Abit IP35 Pro \| \| 4GB Corsair XMS2 800 \| \| BFG 8800GTS OC2 320MB \| \| 500GB Western Digital for OS + 1500GB Seagate for Storage \| \| Antec NeoHE 550 \| \| Lian Li PC A05B \| \| Samsung 226BW 22"

19th Sep 2008, 19:07	#13
1ad7 Multimodder Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Texas, United States Posts: 187	I tried it thanks to bit tech, I loved it... but I two think with a light multiplayer it could be amazing, ie risk online maybe 8 players max in one world so it doesnt become base rape 1257, and stays rp and strategic. __________________ E8500@ 4.3ghz on air->ASUS P5Q-E->4gb of OCZ DDR2 @1069-> 4890 @ 958 1080 ->ASUS Xonar D2->Win7 Ultimate 42" Polaroid LCD @ 1920x1080

22nd Sep 2008, 18:11	#15
lp1988 Multimodder Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Varde; Denmark Posts: 106	I have just started playing this game however when i start the game everything becomes red..... any with this problem??? running a ATI 4850; K9A2 platinium; 4 GB 800 RAM, and vista 64 bit

14th Oct 2008, 20:36	#16
Redbeaver Hypermodder Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ontario, CANADA Posts: 718	this game is the shiznit lol was away on business trip for the long weekend and manage to grab my hand on a copy and play it on the laptop.... .... my boss actually had to pry me away from my laptop lol __________________ Monita DFI NF4 Expert - X2 3800+ 2.925Ghz - 2x1Gb OCZ Gold XTC DDR500 - 2x eVGA 7900GT SLI - 2x80Gb Seagate 7200.9 [RAID-0 4k] - Enermax Liberty 500 - Vista Ultimate x86 - Silverstone Kublai [Modded] Keisha DFI BloodIron P35 - Q6600 3.6Ghz - 4x1Gb OCZ Gold XTC2 DDR2-800 - eVGA 8800GTS 640MB - 2x80Gb Seagate 7200.9 [RAID-0 4k] - OCZ GameXstream 700 - Vista Ultimate x86 - Silverstone TJ-06 [Modded] www.pecelayam.com

27th Apr 2009, 11:28	#17
Bungle Rainbow Warrior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 999	Thread revival time. Just bought a copy of this and enjoying it so far. Getting a bit frustrated with some of the quests though. One quest in particular is annoying me, whereby a lord asks me to join him with as many troops as i can muster, but i can never seem to find him in the 4 days allocated. I check the reports and it says something along the lines of last seen in the wilderness near (location). I go there and ride around for days not being able to find the beast. Hopefully one of you brainy people can help an old serf out. __________________ The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense. " Tom Clancy Last edited by Bungle; 27th Apr 2009 at 11:33.