izigame.me

The best horse-mounted combat simulator ever made. The controls are simply better than any other game's attempts to replicate Knights and Cavalry warfare in large formations, in terms of the 1st-person view and control of the process. When in siege defense or offense, it is also one of the best simulators for ranged warfare with Crossbow (more fun than Bow for sieges), and the challenge of fighting while outnumbered when using just a sword and shield is one of the best games-within-the-game. You also have control of your troops, to order them to follow you although default skirmish entry has your entire force auto-charging the enemy (but never let them do so unless it's an easy win!). Some mods bring in precise formations if you want that option. There is a blend of map-based view and travel, combined with skirmishes set to the terrain where you are on the map, somewhat randomized and also varying depending on your Tactics skills. The harder modes are actually hard for first-time players, it is a challenge, even more challenging if you play the unmodded game as a first attempt (which is worthwhile for more game time aside from mods). Yes, there are mods galore, some are game-changing, other-worldly, but I would recommend mods like Custom Character Creation that simply make the base game more efficient and focused on the process of going rags-to-riches. Always start as a Commoner and work your way up, for the most complete game. If you're new, you will get captured and carried around, and your group dispersed. Just work your way up, no matter the set-backs. Companions are there to offer a close-nit "Knights of the Round Table" effect to the game, immortal (they only get knocked out), and you have what is a multi-character RPG side-show to this game that is much more immersive for Character Development compared to most games. Your Companions will have conflicts, and without spoiling it, there are ways to form your group so it has no conflicts while preserving the conflicted Companions for a future destiny as Lords under your future realm (100% of Companions can be put to use, you just need to figure out how that actually works, but I won't spoil it - plenty of Discussions in the Forum about this single topic of Companions). My only hint - never put Klethi on a horse, keep her Infantry, and positioned in group order right behind your Main Character, keep her as Throwing Weapons (with 2 batches of good throwing weapons in her 4 slots), and 1H/Shield, and she will eventually be your Super Soldier. And Jeremus. Keep Jeremus, no matter what the others say (ok I've already given too much away).
You have many options for your Main Character and your Companions you will meet along the way. It's sort-of Sandbox but a Sandbox worthy of spending time playing in. The tactical skirmishes never get old, and each siege is always fun, no matter on defense or offense.
But to return to my first statement - mounted combat has you interacting with the environment, you are wielding a sword or lance/spear and engaging enemy troops from your horse. And you can go unmounted (I don't recommend it unless you like being knocked out quickly), but you get the sense of old warfare leadership and how it was to be part of the corps who led the charge in the great battles of old.