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The grand strategy genre boasts a rich history, yet its slow pace, intricate mechanics, and sometimes less-than-stellar graphics can intimidate modern gamers accustomed to faster-paced action. Knights of Honor, released in 2005 by Black Sea Studios, was a breath of fresh air, blending grand strategy with real-time tactics. Published by Paradox Interactive, it offered a unique experience within the genre. While not a commercial blockbuster, the game’s quality was undeniable, paving the way for the studio’s future involvement in the Total War series under Creative Assembly. This, however, meant a long hiatus for the Knights of Honor franchise.

Finally, in 2016, the passion of former Black Sea Studios and Haemimont Games members led to the formation of Black Sea Games and the development of Knights of Honor II: Sovereign, released in late 2022. Does it live up to the long wait?

A Deeper Dive into Grand Strategy

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – Royal Court

The original Knights of Honor arrived during the real-time strategy (RTS) boom. Many saw its strategic layer as a secondary element compared to the real-time battles. This strategic gameplay was simpler than contemporaries like Rome: Total War or Lord of the Realm III, offering a light touch of grand strategy to enhance the RTS experience.

Knights of Honor II: Sovereign, however, significantly expands the strategic layer, evolving beyond its RTS roots and offering a depth comparable to traditional grand strategy games.

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – Map

Like its predecessor, you begin with a single province and eight knight slots to fill with advisors. While seemingly ample early on, this number becomes limiting as your kingdom grows. These knights, akin to officials and generals in Total War: Three Kingdoms, significantly influence province development and army morale. Kingdom Advantages also return, achievable through specific conditions. Securing all eight grants victory without traditional conquest, similar to a science victory in Civilization VI.

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – Battle

While commonplace today, offering a non-military victory path was innovative in 2005, providing strategic depth. Of course, those who prefer a more direct approach can still achieve victory through conquest. However, Knights of Honor II: Sovereign demands careful consideration in all aspects, particularly royal court management, surpassing the scope of a typical RTS.

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – Army

Mirroring Crusader Kings III, your court revolves around social relationships between nobles, clergy, merchants, military, and peasants. These relationships influence morale, tax revenue, production, and even army strength. Characters can level up, unlocking new skills with bonuses for both governance and warfare, impacting both kingdom management and battles.

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – Tech Tree

While vassals and knights can manage provinces, maximizing resources requires careful planning, especially in newly acquired territories. The economic and resource management systems are deeper than the original, intricately tied to development and research. Constant adjustments are necessary to adapt to the dynamic diplomatic landscape and fluctuating markets, where AI opponents can readily break trade agreements.

All this unfolds in real-time, similar to Heart of Iron IV, rather than turn-based like Total War, demanding constant attention to the strategic layer, often necessitating automating battles.

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – City

Released 17 years later, Knights of Honor II: Sovereign boasts significantly improved visuals and audio, surpassing even recent grand strategy titles like Crusader Kings III and Victoria III. High-quality models, especially buildings and units, reflect diverse cultures across Europe and West Asia. The soundtrack, composed by Audinity, known for their work on Crusader Kings III and Foundation, provides immersive medieval melodies, complementing the game’s pace.

Knights of Honor II: Sovereign delivers a deeper experience than its predecessor, with high-quality presentation, satisfying grand strategy fans.

Evolution, Not Revolution

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – Diplomacy

Despite its improvements, the gaming landscape has evolved significantly in 17 years. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign, while good, doesn’t evoke the same surprise and excitement as the original. Many of its enhancements, both strategic and tactical, are present in other titles. While the first game’s siege warfare was impressive at the time, it pales in comparison to the scale and intensity of recent Total War titles. Its narrative depth falls short of Crusader Kings III, and its scope and cultural representation are less grand than Victoria 3. Consequently, Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is good, but not groundbreaking within the grand strategy genre.

Knights of Honor II Sovereign – Religious Tension

Finally, the tutorial is somewhat lacking given the game’s complexity, potentially hindering newcomers to the genre.

Conclusion

Knights of Honor II: Sovereign successfully builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, offering a deeper and more polished grand strategy experience. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, its blend of real-time and strategic gameplay, coupled with its high-quality presentation, makes it a worthy successor and a solid entry in the grand strategy landscape.