Last year, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 was a resounding reminder of the way the best open-world games can truly immerse you in not only a place, but also a point in time. Kinstrife, a new, non-linear medieval adventure from former Mount and Blade modders, aims to deliver that similar sense of truly living in the world it presents. As a knight errant in the tumult and turmoil of 13th-century Germany, you set out with just your trusty sword by your side, gradually building up your reputation, wealth, and followers as you write your name in the history books.
Kinstrife comes from developer Finitude, which was founded by Mount and Blade modders Khaya Ludidi and Christoph Rüger, so you know it’s built on a deep-set passion for medieval games with rewarding, physical action. Its combat simulation is at the core of the experience, and pushes weight and impact to the forefront. Weapons don’t limply slide through your opponents, they deliver firm, staggering blows. Bait your enemy off balance and you can send them crashing to the ground, or charge in with a horse to send the crowds tumbling. It’s all about a natural flow that encourages experimentation and creates unique situations.
Beyond that, Kinstrife is a sandbox in the truest sense, letting you head out in whatever direction feels right. Travel along the banks of the Rhine and discover vast castles, cozy villages, bustling monasteries, and dense forests. With the region facing a power vacuum caused by the Great Interregnum in the wake of the death of Emperor Frederick II, noble houses are in fierce competition for the right to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. It opens the door to opportunists with a stout heart and reliable sword hand, and you fit the bill.
Whether you fight on the battlefield, engage in noble duels, or compete in grand tournaments, you’ll gradually start to make your name known. Your custom-built knight learns skills and traits to further hone your play style, and you can complement that with a wide range of realistic arms and armor, along with more fashionable garments to look the part. You’ll also gradually grow a retinue of followers – although you’ll likely make a few dangerous enemies along the way as well.
Today, Finitude has announced that Kinstrife will now be published by indie strategy specialists Hooded Horse, putting it in great company with some of the most creative strategy games in recent years, from Manor Lords and Menace to Against the Storm and Norland. “Kinstrife has been our passion project for a long time,” Rüger says. “Finding the right partner for the years ahead was hugely important to us.”
Lududi adds, “We’ve wanted to work with Hooded Horse from the moment we set out to find a publisher. Their passion shows in how they curate games and give unique projects a chance to shine, which makes this partnership feel completely natural.”
Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender calls Kinstrife “exactly the kind of game we want… A sandbox open world with this level of attention to detail, where you can truly lose yourself in the fantasy – we’re thrilled for the chance to serve as publisher.”
Kinstrife is set to launch on PC via Steam. There’s no release date announced yet, but you can wishlist it now or follow it to keep up with the progress of its development. It’s certainly one I’ll be watching with a keen eye.
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