Mount & Blade: Warband is a premium action title for PC coming from developer TaleWorld Entertainment. It is a standalone expansion for the popular Mount & Blade war game series. It introduces a new faction for players to control, more political options to choose from, and online multiplayer gameplay that allows for large-scale battles.

Building upon the core experience that the base Mount & Blade game offered, the Mount & Blade: Warband expansion is pretty much an upgrade across the board, from visuals to gameplay and the various multiplayer aspects that fans have been asking for.

Making improvements

The first Mount & Blade game came out to mostly positive reviews, with the majority of gamers praising its potential and replayability of gameplay. Many pointed out its poor production values, which were apparent from its subpar graphics, repetitive levels, and lifeless dialogue. In comes Mount & Blade: Warband, a standalone expansion, and by all intents and purposes, a sequel to the original in all but name.

The game starts with a graphical overhaul that uses better models, as well as improved textures and detail for its maps. It also introduces a sixth faction to the fray in the form of the Sarranid Sultanate. There's a bigger focus on the political aspect of the game, letting establish your own faction, assign vassals, and even take a wife as your queen.

A long-requested feature is online multiplayer gameplay that allows for large-scale battles with up to 64 players on random maps, with various game modes to choose from like Capture the Flag, Conquest, and more. All that said, newcomers will have to contend with a rather slow start to the main campaign. The experience can feel a bit dragging at the beginning, which will put off some players.

Tip of the iceberg

The things mentioned above just scratch the surface of what Mount & Blade: Warband brings to the table. It is a worthy successor to the original game and pretty much addresses a lot of the criticisms that it received. Whether you're a returning fan or a new player, there is something here for everyone. Give it a try and see for yourself. Recommended.