Taleworld's Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord is a game that many fans have been waiting for for half a decade at this point. Having just completed its second successful showing at the E3 games expo, it was expected that gamers may finally learn when its intended release date is. That turned out not to be the case though, as Taleworlds still isn't ready to let them know when they can expect to play it.

If they attended E3 that would have had a chance however, as several playable scenarios from the game were available. There was a couple of battles to take part in, where players take on the role of horse archery sergeant, or cavalary sergeant, letting them listen out to orders from their commander, dish out orders of their own, and of course swing a blade and notch an arrow or two.

The response to the game was reportedly very strong and Taleworlds has talked up the game's showing in its latest blog post. We're told that fans of the game's predecessor, Mount and Blade: Warband, quickly got to grips with new combat features like shield bashing and chained attacks and enjoyed the introduction to command through another lord's army.

Those scenarios also served to showcase some of the new AI strategic and tactical actions, letting not only allied commanders show off their abilities, but AI ones too. They'll use advanced formations, just as players can, meaning you'll face a much greater challenge when Bannerlord does eventually launch.

Although rumored once again to be launching 'this year', it's not clear if that will be the case any more. Taleworlds seems very keen to get the game right and that's admirable, even if it does leave fans wanting more.

Still, the game is looking more polished than ever, so it must be edging ever closer to release. Judging by the time invested by fans in the orignal Mount and Blades, Bannerlord has the potential to be a world beater.