E3 2009: Mount & Blade: Warband Details

Earlier today at E3 2009, Paradox Interactive released details about Mount & Blade: Warband, the upcoming expansion for the RPG released last September. Warband returns players to the land of Calradia, which has been torn by war and other strife. Players will raise and lead their own war bands, giving them command over dozens of soldiers that they can lead into battle. Improved strategic AI has been included, as have new diplomatic options that provide players with additional negotiation tactics. If all discussions break down, you'll receive new options whenever you choose to siege kingdoms.

Players will also find a number of additional kingdom management options, such as marrying ladies of the realm, recruiting lords as vassals and managing fiefs in different ways. Your characters will also be able to take advantage of new weapons, armor and animations, and thrown weapons, arrows and bolts can be picked up and re-used in case they miss their targets. Horse archery has been improved, as have the variation in the sizes of horses themselves. Players will gain additional commands for their companions, and will also be able to interact with new factions with unique troops. Finally, Warband includes a brand new multiplayer feature that allows up to 32 players to engage on a map in team deathmatch. Mount & Blade: Warband will be released in Q4 2009.

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