Mount and Blade: With Fire and Sword announced

Paradox Interactive today announced a new entry in the popular Mount and Blade series, dubbed With Fire and Sword, at the Paradox Interactive Convention in New York.

A new standalone expansion to the franchise, With Fire and Sword brings a number of new features to the series, the most notable of which is the introduction of primitive firearms.

With Fire and Sword will also bring a stronger narrative to the series, with players cast as mercenaries in the typically vast open world, as well as new multiplayer modes.

Enhanced siege mechanics were also mentioned, with firearms dramatically changing the way that such battles are fought. Stealth and subterfuge will now figure into castle battles more heavily, with players able to poison food supplies, bribe guards and sneak over castle walls.

We'll be having a closer look at Mount and Blade: With Fire and Sword tomorrow, so expect a more detailed report soon. Until then you can check our Mount and Blade: Warband review for more information and let us know your thoughts in the forums.