Mount & Blade

 PC
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. GamePro
    100
    For a game with such a heavy emphasis on medieval combat, Mount & Blade is just shy of perfection.
  2. GameShark
    91
    The only real problem with this in depth beginning is that it sets the expectation that the choices you make here are going to have some affect on the game’s story.
  3. Computer Games Online RO
    90
    Aside from that, if you’re in just for a relaxing skirmish or looking to conquer the whole world of Calradia, Mount and Blade is a stable product from early beta with great replay value which offers a level of entertainment that few titles with overinflated budgets fail to provide.
  5. Pelit (Finland)
    88
    A Medieval action RPG with a great battle system, and there are many ways you can play the game. The game doesn't have a storyline, which is why it becomes a bit boring and pointless after a while, but it does have many good mods and they will keep the game fresh. [Sept 2008]
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  6. GameFocus
    86
    Very fun combat, mixed into an era we rarely ever see touched in gaming and solid but brutal gameplay and the fantastic community built mod’s, gives this game a permanent place in my gaming library. Buy it.
  7. Vandal
    85
    Despite visuals which resemble those of some years ago, Mount & Blade has a very complete gameplay and economic-military management system.
  8. AceGamez
    80
    Medieval warfare just got even trendier and, despite several major deficiencies, Mount & Blade has just too many memorable moments of glory to ignore; the price tag is worth it for the sunsets alone.
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  9. DarkZero
    80
    It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it makes a whole bunch of interesting and bold design decisions, and I guarantee you’ve not played anything quite like it. For those reasons alone, it gets a glowing recommendation.
  10. IGN
    80
    If you can get over the lackluster production values, you'll find an incredibly well-paced and engaging game that immerses you into a remarkable world that you can do what you will in.
  11. Play (Poland)
    80
    This unique knight simulator is extremely immersive and playable despite having some minor if irritating glitches. Where else could I plan my own war campaigns or rebel and found an independent kingdom? [Dec 2008]
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  12. NZGamer
    79
    If you want a story-driven, graphically intensive roleplaying game, this is not going to do it for you. But if you enjoyed the freedom of Sid Meier's Pirates!, Mount & Blade is probably right up your alley.
  13. GamingExcellence
    77
    Mount & Blade is fun to play. It’s not good to look at.
  14. CPUGamer
    75
    The interplay between mounted and dismounted soldiers, archers, knights, and the wide array of possible troops and equipment means that Mount & Blade has some of the coolest, most engrossing combat of any RPG ever.
  15. Worth Playing
    75
    Mount & Blade boasts solid battles and the eventual freedom to fight whoever and whenever you want while maintaining a kingdom, and it's a powerful draw.
  16. Gamer Limit
    75
    Considering its lackluster visuals, Mount and Blade is suprisingly addictive. The combination of exhilarating mounted combat and an open sandbox world will keep players coming back for more.
  17. Boomtown
    70
    A fantastic game. It's hampered by a few problems, but nothing major. It provides ground breaking gameplay that I am sure will be imitated by others.
  18. RPG Fan
    70
    I can appreciate developers wanting to add more realistic touches to games, but to me realism does not always equate to fun.
  19. Cheat Code Central
    70
    Mount & Blade's strong RPG elements, in-depth army management aspects, and amazingly addictive combat system balance out its mediocre quests and half-baked sandbox gameplay.
  20. Total PC Gaming
    70
    An intriguing concept. [Issue#13, p.66]
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  21. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    70
    Vast world with working economic model, excellent mounted fight is degraded by a weak engine presentation. Only hardcore gamers can enjoy this game in the state it's in. [Dec 2008]
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  22. PC Gamer UK
    69
    A decent ride until you get off. [Dec 2008, p.72]
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  23. PC Zone UK
    62
    An anorexic "Oblivion" set in a budget version of Tolkien's Rohan. [Nov 2008, p.65]
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  24. Gamers.at
    62
    This may be an ambitious project of an even more ambitious programmer couple, but the lack of budget that game suffered is unfortunately very easy to notice. What remains is an average game with awful graphics and buggy controls.
  25. GameSpot
    60
    Mount & Blade has some innovative ideas, but still needs a lot of work.
  26. PC Games
    59
    Lousy graphics and bad accessibility hinder Mount & Blade’s way to a better grade. Yet, this game will make enthusiasts happy.
  27. PC Format
    54
    Rough enough around the edges to replace sandpaper. [Jan 2009, p.100]
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  28. Eurogamer
    50
    There are foundations here for something really quite special, but in its current state the game is nowhere close to delivering on its promises.
  29. GamingXP
    45
    The most exciting feature is the mounted battle, because it is demanding and fast. Release the mouse button at the right moment to hit an enemy. If you ride faster, you will do more damage.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best PC Game of 2008
20
#20 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
13
#13 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 567 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 470 out of 567
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 567
  3. Negative: 31 out of 567
  1. RobertD.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Great Game, Must play and possibly the best StrategyRPG of the year!
  2. GergelyB
    Dec 8, 2009
    8
    As many have said it, this game can be bland at times (towns / villages / castles / quests after a while get really repetitive), there are As many have said it, this game can be bland at times (towns / villages / castles / quests after a while get really repetitive), there are small problems with the engine (collision bugs, and the famous "mountain-climbing horsemen") However, the combat system still really shines. The excitement of riding into battle knowing that all it takes are 2 or 3 "lucky" hits from your opponents to take you out is unparalelled. The castle siege is bland, indeed. I mean, who in their right mind would attack a castle with just one siege tower or ladder? To the complaints about this however. You call yourself gamers, but can't adapt to a simple challenge that a game offers to you? Maybe try using your head a bit. You know, charging up that ladder headlessly isn't the only option - here's a tip: get a force weighted towards archers, tell them to hold position, get a crossbow / bow yourself, shoot down most of the defending army's archery force and THEN storm the walls. I guarantee, you won't be slaughtered like ducks then. I reckon most of those who gave this game a bad review didn't even try to work around it's flaws, while it's entirely possible. I recommend!… Full Review »
  3. JetLi
    Mar 30, 2009
    6
    The game came out as a barebone; bland without salt n pepper. I'd have loved it with fish sauce and more chili sauce to it, but alas. It The game came out as a barebone; bland without salt n pepper. I'd have loved it with fish sauce and more chili sauce to it, but alas. It lacks several important things such as diplomacy which is very weak, story which is almost nonexistent, good graphics which is aging, multiplayer which has none of that for a strategy game or even roleplay. The most frustrating area of this game is the sieging process. Helplessly getting slaughtered and butchered while trying to fight at the wall on a one ladder is no amusement. The only strength of the game lies with its cavalry gameplay, but still, the excitement fades rather quickly. For an indie, it offers a well deserved entertainment to the new player, but for us more experienced gamers, little. Credits should go to the well talented modders NOT the makers as the game strongly relies itself to the modding phase.… Full Review »
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