Mount & Blade is an open-world action role-playing game series developed by TaleWorlds Entertainment with a medieval theme. The first game was released in 2008, and subsequent expansions and sequels have expanded its scope. The games take place in the fictional world of Calradia and offer players various mechanics, including political relations, war strategies, and economic management.
Development of the Series
Beginning: Warrider and Mount & Blade (2008)
The foundations of the series were laid by Armağan Yavuz and İpek Yavuz with an independent project called Warrider. The game was first released as a downloadable version in 2004, and as development progressed, it was renamed Mount & Blade and launched as a full version in 2008.
The first game features an open-ended structure rather than a linear storyline. Players can follow different paths as a mercenary, trader, vassal, or ruler. The real-time combat system is based on medieval warfare, incorporating melee combat and archery mechanics.
The game received positive feedback for its gameplay but was criticized for its graphical quality, repetitive quests, and limited content. Due to its modding support, players introduced different content, and the game continued to be played for years.
Expansion Packs and Spin-off Games
Mount & Blade: Warband (2010)
The first expansion pack of the series, Mount & Blade: Warband, was released in 2010, enhancing the game’s mechanics. Warband introduced a new faction, the Sarranid Sultanate, refined the political system, and allowed players to establish their own kingdoms. Additionally, the game included a multiplayer mode for the first time in the series.
Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword (2011)
This game is based on the novel With Fire & Sword by Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz. Set in 17th-century Eastern Europe, it differs from other games in the series by focusing on firearms and historical events.
Mount & Blade: Warband - Napoleonic Wars (2012)
The Napoleonic Wars expansion pack, set during the Napoleonic era, is entirely multiplayer-focused. Players engage in large-scale battles using period-appropriate weapons and tactics.
Mount & Blade: Warband - Viking Conquest (2014)
This expansion pack is set in Scandinavia and the British Isles during the Viking Age. It features characters based on historical figures and mechanics suited to the Viking period.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord (2020)
The latest game in the series, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, is set 200 years before Warband. It was released in early access in 2020 and launched as a full version on October 25, 2022.
Notable Features:
- Larger battlefields and improved combat mechanics
- Enhanced diplomacy, economy, and trade systems
- AI-driven management and kingdom dynamics
- Improved siege mechanics
Compared to Warband, Bannerlord introduced graphical and gameplay improvements but faced criticism during its early access period due to technical issues. The game was also released on PlayStation and Xbox platforms, expanding its accessibility.
Gameplay Mechanics
1. Open World and Player Freedom
The games in the series provide an open-ended experience rather than a predetermined storyline. Players can pursue different roles, such as a trader, mercenary, noble, or ruler, within Calradia.
2. Real-Time Battles
Combat in Mount & Blade is managed through individual combat skills and tactical commands. Players can lead infantry, cavalry, and archers while implementing various strategies during battles.
3. Kingdom Management and Diplomacy
Warband and Bannerlord allow players to establish and manage their own kingdoms. Players can assign vassals, form political alliances through marriage, and manage internal power balances.
4. Modding Support
One of the most significant aspects of the series is its modding community. Mods developed for Warband and Bannerlord enable players to experience different historical periods and fictional universes within the game.
The Series’ Position in the Gaming Industry
The Mount & Blade series has drawn attention as an independent studio-developed project in the gaming industry. The commercial success and longevity of the games can be attributed to their modding support and gameplay system. The series' combat mechanics, open-world structure, and historical themes have made it appealing to a diverse player base. As of 2020, the series has reportedly sold over 10 million copies.
