Review: Chivalry 2

Developer – Torn Banner Studios

Publisher – Tripwire

Platforms – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Playstation 4/5

The original Chivalry launched back in 2012, but it’s roots date back even further to a fan mod for Half-Life 2. The Age of Chivalry was Torn Banner’s first attempt at bringing first person medieval combat to multiplayer. It’s not 2021, and the vision that mod started has been fully realized and perfected with Chivalry 2.

Chivalry 2 is not a revolutionary sequel, In fact, at launch it’s missing a lot of additional modes and expansions that helped the original flourish well past it’s launch day. What it’s missing in terms of content, it more than makes up with a high level of polish and a deep and satisfying combat system.

The forces of Mason and Agatha are at it again, in either team deathmatch or team objective modes will have red and blue fighting more than an old Halo skit. This time around, 4 major classes each contain 3 sub classes that provide different weapons, perks and play styles.

Hang back with longbow and try to pick off targets before they even get to the fight. Play as a footman and try to hold down a point, or use a heavy knight and wade into scores of enemies with a massive two hander.

Regardless of class and style, Chivalry 2 has much to offer in terms of depth for any class they provide. Simple enough to get into, digging a bit deeper pulls back layer after layer of combat nuance that really push Chivalry 2 above all other melee focused multiplayer titles.

The defensive systems are also up to snuff, with counters, blocks, riposte’s and more allowing one to take on many, especially if they are learned with their weapon of choice. Chivalry 2 is light on solo content, but thankfully the tutorial does a fantastic job of showcasing the more in depth mechanics. Pulling your weapon, swinging against an enemy swing, all of the advanced moves needed to last longer than a handful of swings in a skirmish.

The true joy of Chivalry 2 isn’t the technical combat depth. It’s not even the massive maps and beautiful visuals. It’s running head first into a group of 30 knights while screaming at the top of your lungs and swinging until a head gets chopped off. Torn Banner Studios crowning achievement in this sequel is knowing the spirit of their game.

Yes you can be extremely technical, yes you can duel one vs one. The true fun of Chivalry 2 is it’s feeling of chaos and fun. At no point in Chivalry 2 does the game take itself too serious. Everybody will get some kills, everybody dies, often in hilarious ways and it will always be fun. For a new player or somebody in their 100th match. That’s the key point to Chivalry 2 and why it’s such a fantastic sequel.

Crossplay also helps ensure a big player base, and I never have an issue getting into any mode I want, even with 64 players needed. Torn Banner has also promised more maps, and soon mounted combat which will truly shake up the meta in some meaningful ways.

Torn Banner Studios has delivered one of 2021’s best games, and anybody looking for fun time should hop in without question.