There is potential for a great game, but you can't play a game that doesn't exist. We finally have the full release of Bannerlord, now out of early access; yet this game is still unfinished and TaleWorlds hasn't changed this fact in the eight years of development, two and a half years of early access, and a launch. While it could have gone another year in EA development, I don't think it would've made a difference considering the total dev time.
There are some positives. The combat is enjoyable—if a bit slow—and feels better to play over Warband, but the sandbox outside of that is a drag, and it will only get worse in the late game. The Clan system is contentious but has some nice ideas. Mod support is also much improved over Warband, whether Bannerlord retains modders is another story. This game needs a lot of work and mods will be broken with every patch: if you can stick it through to the end in however many years, you have my respect. And I guess if you want true equality, then you'll find that no one bats an eye at race, social class, ethnicity, or sex; in a game heavily based on the medieval period.

As it stands now, Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is not worth the asking price. Do not go into this expecting a feature complete game. Buy the game at a heavy discount if you can.

There is potential for a great game, but you can't play a game that doesn't exist. We finally have the full release of Bannerlord, now out of early access; yet this game is still unfinished and TaleWorlds hasn't changed this fact in the eight years of development, two and a half years of early access, and a launch. While it could have gone another year in EA development, I don't think it would've made a difference considering the total dev time. There are some positives. The combat is enjoyable—if a bit slow—and feels better to play over Warband, but the sandbox outside of that is a drag, and it will only get worse in the late game. The Clan system is contentious but has some nice ideas. Mod support is also much improved over Warband, whether Bannerlord retains modders is another story. This game needs a lot of work and mods will be broken with every patch: if you can stick it through to the end in however many years, you have my respect. And I guess if you want true equality, then you'll find that no one bats an eye at race, social class, ethnicity, or sex; in a game heavily based on the medieval period. As it stands now, Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is not worth the asking price. Do not go into this expecting a feature complete game. Buy the game at a heavy discount if you can.