After a significant delay that pushed the release of the first Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord DLC, War Sails, from June to November, players have finally been able to set sail. However, the initial excitement surrounding this expansion appears to have been tempered by a lukewarm reception, leaving many fans feeling somewhat adrift after their long wait for new content.
Mixed Reactions to War Sails
The launch of War Sails, which debuted on November 26, followed a robust promotional campaign on the game’s Steam news page. This marked the first major paid content release since the game transitioned out of early access three years ago. In an effort to generate buzz, the developers consistently engaged the community with updates, including Community Tales posts, developer blogs, trailers, and Q&A sessions. The anticipation was palpable, as players looked forward to commanding their Nordic armies in naval battles, seeking vengeance upon the high seas.
However, the reception has been decidedly mixed. Despite the base game boasting an impressive 93,000 ‘very positive’ reviews, the War Sails expansion has only managed to accrue over 1,000 reviews in its first four days, landing it in a more neutral territory. This suggests a community that is divided on the value of the long-anticipated addition.
Critics of the DLC have pointed to a perceived lack of substantial content. Many user reviews describe War Sails as “overpriced,” with several players suggesting it might only be worth purchasing during a sale. Comments indicate that the expansion does not significantly enhance the gameplay beyond what modders have already created and made available for free. One disgruntled player succinctly expressed their frustration, stating, “I’d rather play any of the well-made mods than pay over 20 bucks for my ship to get stuck on top of another ship.”
Yet, not all feedback has been negative. Some players have praised the ship customization features, likening them to the depth of smithing mechanics, and have found enjoyment in the new Nord troops. One enthusiastic player even remarked that the Nord Huscarl harkens back to the original Mount and Blade, describing it as “broken (in a fun way)” and feeling like “a whole new game.” This player concluded their review with a spirited Scandinavian “Skol.”
For those who prefer not to rely on mods or find them cumbersome, the War Sails DLC may still hold appeal. A positive reviewer noted, “If you like Bannerlord enough to still be playing it, I don’t see why you wouldn’t like this,” asserting that the expansion delivers on its promises. However, even favorable comments have raised concerns about the stealth system, indicating that this new mechanic may warrant further scrutiny.
The Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord War Sails expansion is currently priced at .49 or £18.89, with an increase to .99 or £20.99 expected after December 10. Given the prevailing sentiment that the DLC might be best experienced at a discount, players may wish to consider purchasing it now before the price rises, allowing them to engage in the thrill of naval combat without breaking the bank. Skol!
After three-year wait and a delay, medieval RPG’s first DLC arrives in choppy waters as fans claim it’s “overpriced”
After a significant delay that pushed the release of the first Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord DLC, War Sails, from June to November, players have finally been able to set sail. However, the initial excitement surrounding this expansion appears to have been tempered by a lukewarm reception, leaving many fans feeling somewhat adrift after their long wait for new content.
Mixed Reactions to War Sails
The launch of War Sails, which debuted on November 26, followed a robust promotional campaign on the game’s Steam news page. This marked the first major paid content release since the game transitioned out of early access three years ago. In an effort to generate buzz, the developers consistently engaged the community with updates, including Community Tales posts, developer blogs, trailers, and Q&A sessions. The anticipation was palpable, as players looked forward to commanding their Nordic armies in naval battles, seeking vengeance upon the high seas.
However, the reception has been decidedly mixed. Despite the base game boasting an impressive 93,000 ‘very positive’ reviews, the War Sails expansion has only managed to accrue over 1,000 reviews in its first four days, landing it in a more neutral territory. This suggests a community that is divided on the value of the long-anticipated addition.
Critics of the DLC have pointed to a perceived lack of substantial content. Many user reviews describe War Sails as “overpriced,” with several players suggesting it might only be worth purchasing during a sale. Comments indicate that the expansion does not significantly enhance the gameplay beyond what modders have already created and made available for free. One disgruntled player succinctly expressed their frustration, stating, “I’d rather play any of the well-made mods than pay over 20 bucks for my ship to get stuck on top of another ship.”
Yet, not all feedback has been negative. Some players have praised the ship customization features, likening them to the depth of smithing mechanics, and have found enjoyment in the new Nord troops. One enthusiastic player even remarked that the Nord Huscarl harkens back to the original Mount and Blade, describing it as “broken (in a fun way)” and feeling like “a whole new game.” This player concluded their review with a spirited Scandinavian “Skol.”
For those who prefer not to rely on mods or find them cumbersome, the War Sails DLC may still hold appeal. A positive reviewer noted, “If you like Bannerlord enough to still be playing it, I don’t see why you wouldn’t like this,” asserting that the expansion delivers on its promises. However, even favorable comments have raised concerns about the stealth system, indicating that this new mechanic may warrant further scrutiny.
The Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord War Sails expansion is currently priced at .49 or £18.89, with an increase to .99 or £20.99 expected after December 10. Given the prevailing sentiment that the DLC might be best experienced at a discount, players may wish to consider purchasing it now before the price rises, allowing them to engage in the thrill of naval combat without breaking the bank. Skol!