Summary
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has a unique "Long Time No See" feature to help returning players get reacquainted with the game.
- The feature turns on tutorials automatically, offering a softer re-entry point for players after being away.
- By recognizing the need for a refresher, the game sets a new standard for accessibility in RPGs and respects players' time.
With its Brushes With Death DLC now released and its expansive nature, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues to prove it has staying power, which means players are likely to return to it, not just for the DLC and any that come after, but also simply because there is so much to discover in the game. However, given how sizable of an experience it is, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is likely to leave some players with RPG amnesia after they've been away from it for a long period. This is especially true considering its unorthodox gameplay, meaning some players are likely to feel a bit of culture shock upon returning to it.
Fortunately, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has a unique accessibility feature in place for this very problem — a feature that many players who left the game after completing it only to return to it for Brushes With Death have likely already borne witness to. With this feature, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 not only helps players find their footing again after being away for an extended period, but it doubles as a very thoughtful way for the game to communicate its love for players who once called it their home.
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's 'Long Time No See' Mechanic Might Be Its Most Thoughtful
The Problem With RPG Amnesia
RPGs are often the most immersive and complex games on the market, but they can also be the most punishing to return to. While stepping away from a first-person shooter might just mean shaking off a little rust upon returning to it, coming back to an RPG can feel like waking up with actual amnesia. Lord of the Rings' Gandalf the Grey comes to mind as he steps into Moria and quietly says, "I have no memory of this place." In these cases, players may not only forget the controls, but also what they were doing and why it mattered.
RPGs are often the most immersive and complex games on the market, but they can also be the most punishing to return to.
This is especially true of open-world RPGs, which generally offer players expansive worlds and layered systems. In more linear games, a clear waypoint can usually get players back on track. In open-world RPGs, however, especially those with multiple questlines, journals can become cluttered with vague objectives that are hard to contextualize. As an expansive open-world RPG itself, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 would likely suffer from the same issue if not for its "Long Time No See" feature.
How 'Long Time No See' Changes That
Once players log in after being away for a while, whether for the new Brushes With Death DLC or to resume an old save, they may be greeted by the "Long Time No See" feature. With this feature, tutorials are automatically turned on, and a notice gives players the option to immediately disable them. This is unique in the open-world RPG space, which includes games that are often too large to accommodate returning players in this way. It's especially important for a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which has hardcore systems that require more than just muscle memory.
It's unclear how long players need to be away from Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 for Long Time No See to trigger, but it's presumably at least a few weeks.
By recognizing that even the most dedicated players sometimes need a refresher, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 arguably sets a new standard for RPG accessibility. The "Long Time No See" feature may seem like a simple tool, but it's also a subtle gesture of respect for the player's time and investment, offering a softer re-entry point into its complex world.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- February 4, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- CryEngine
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
