It’s a long, long road to get there, full of manipulative politics and scheming warfare. Penetrating these influential groups helps to achieve the ultimate aim of the game in taking the throne as monarch of all Calradia. In keeping with the societal values of the period it depicts, if you elect to play a female or lowborn character you’ll need to fight that little bit harder to be accepted into certain circles. More a medieval simulator than a fantasy adventure, Warband begins by asking the player to define their character. Fighting past that urge, however, allows the game’s deep and tactical systems to blossom into something quite compelling. A direct port of the 2010 PC release, it boasts appalling visuals and an initial lack of direction that will likely have you ready to throw in the towel before you’ve even gotten started. Mount & Blade: Warband sets off on the wrong foot.