Kingdom Come: Deliverance continues to release more DLC to lengthen the lifespan of this already amazing game, one where I spent countless hours exploring or completing quests. While I was not overly impressed with the 2 previous DLCs, giving them a 5/10 each, I did feel they added somewhat into the game itself. With a gap of 4 months, some players expected this to release a lot sooner, with a little hope that it would last longer than the 2-3 hour length of the previous DLCs.
Band of Bastards has us once again return to Sir Radzig Kobyla as he has yet another mission to hand off to us. Henry willing accepts, as he is to guide a band of mercenaries as they make the rounds within Kobyla’s province. Riding alongside the 7 men of arms, we will be treated to a lot of conversation between them all, going on a total of 3 patrols ending with a climactic battle.
Besides the patrols we will also be able to have another game of dice, some fist-fighting, a short investigation of an attacked farm and even some pickpocketing among the band. A lot of these feel inconsequential, and more of a time waster than anything else, but they provide a nice distraction that just riding around or having a short encounter.
Just like the previous DLCs, disappointingly, Band of Bastards will only last you around 2-3 hours, possibly even less if you great at combat or have plenty of fast-travel locations unlocked. The side attractions only add a couple more minutes to this total, so don’t go expecting 4 hours out of this DLC unless you run through it again with another save to see some of the different endings on offer, as the final battle does give you a choice.
There are no new mechanics or systems put in place with this DLC, and even less of an importance placed on the side mechanics like the previous ones. You have 1 Dice game and that is pretty much it for minigames, aside from the already mentioned pickpocketing. This DLC is mostly setup as a combat one, with 4 engagements in total, 2 of which can be done mostly by yourself, whereas 2 are forced into a group encounter with the Band themselves. It is also possible for the band to die, so completionists or heroes may reload to make sure they all survive.
Overall, Band of Bastards gets a 5/10, yet again following the same amount of content and work that was placed within the last 2 DLCs. It is too short for £8 and could have easily been added as an update, or even a mod from the community. A good portion of the DLC is just riding your horse around listening to the men, while the rest of either fighting or talking. If you were ok with the last DLCs length then you will probably be fine with this, but it doesn’t add nearly enough to warrant a purchase at full price.
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