The latest patch for Mount and Blade was released in September 2008 and concentrated mainly on bug fixes for the final retail version of the game. The team at Taleworlds have done a tremendous job with this indie game and now that it is finally complete they have started work on a sequel. There is also the forthcoming Mount & Blade Multiplayer Expansion to look forward to.
If you are unfamiliar with the game it is an RPG which casts you in the role of a knight on horseback riding around the fictional kingdom of Calradia. In addition to undertaking various quests and engaging in the frequent wars between factions you can also fight in third-person battles. Thanks to an excellent combat system the melee combat feels great and you can also use bows, crossbows and throwing spears, knives or axes. The jousting with lances is also great fun and if you're ever fantasised about being a knight this is the game for you.
The game started as a limited beta and developers Taleworlds offered the version in development at a knock down price so early adopters could help them to finish the game. The first version released was sparse but the features rolled out thick and fast and Mount and Blade has grown into an excellent game.
While the final patch (version 1.011) was simply a list of bug fixes the last big patch was version 1.003 and it was the first full retail version. For players yet to try it out it added a host of new features including new quest types, a reworked map, new animations and artwork, updated in game text and various tweaks and improvements to the combat.
You can still download and play the game for free with a fee kicking in when you reach level 7 with your character, by the time you do you are likely to be hooked so there’s little chance the low price of $20 will put you off. If you need any help with the game check out our comprehensive Mount & Blade guide.
For a full list of the updates in the latest patch check the next page.