Witcher 3 - most amazing game ever? Probably

[Defenestratus]

I'm going to admit it, I'm not a huge fan of fantasy settings (I prefer historical fiction for my middle ages/knights content) but the Witcher series has totally captivated me. I started the series out on the Witcher 2 which had a better combat system than the first one. I played through that one and was terribly confused by the plot which didn't do a very good job of filling you in on the first episode in the series - although it wasn't all that difficult to figure out. In the end, I was amazed by the game - its immersion into the world, its strong story and character development, and yes, its more mature elements. Afterwards I got Skyrim amidst all of its hype, and I couldn't even finish that game. Even for an open world (as opposed to the witcher 2) it felt just so linear and flat.

When Witcher 3 trailers started hitting the internet, I knew I had to go play the first and second all over again. I'll admit that the first has one of the worst combat systems in the action RPG genre but once you get used to it, its not so bad. While the story starts off slowly, it ramps up and gets more and more interesting as you move through the story. You get introduced to the overarching storyline in the first one, but it really is only touched upon in passing.

In the second one, you start to see how the events are cascading into an ultimate culmination. With whats been shown of Witcher 3, its going to be really epic to be dealing with all of these elements.

The video game made me read the english-translated novels which, again, I'm not a huge fan of fantasy. I enjoyed the first one even though its style is more akin to a series of short stories that simply revolve around the main character Geralt - they develop him as a character in much like the first video game does for the players. The game forces you to make a bunch of morally conflicting decisions. Do you help the order of the flaming rose who stand for law and order but who are non-human racists and want to kill them all, or do you help the scoia'tel who want their freedom but who are ruthless killers of innocent people? All of the choices you make in the main plot line are tough and not black and white.

Anyways, I highly recommend the series. It may not be your cup of tea, but it gets all my parts feeling fuzzy. Especially the "Killing Monsters" trailer that I'll paste below.
*Opening cinematic*



*Warning, adult language in this one*

[Kirsten]

I much preferred the combat in the first game, more to it, more options and depth. loved both games though, this will be the best game of next year, calling it now

[Defenestratus]

I much preferred the combat in the first game, more to it, more options and depth. loved both games though, this will be the best game of next year, calling it now

It just got delayed until May 19th

[Kirsten]

yeah I saw that. I actually don't mind personally, I have a huge backlog of games to play, plus I am expecting it to be truly epic and a real 'next gen' game, so if they want more time perfecting it, then by all means.

[Defenestratus]

Just getting through the 2nd novel now and OMG amazeballs - its getting me more and more pumped up for the 3rd game. They say that the 2nd playable character is Ciri.

[eldargal]

If they are including a female PC might actually buy this one. Unless it's jsut like Catwoman in Arkham City o something.

[DarkLink]

As if I already didnt have enough free time for Dark Souls 2...

[Defenestratus]

New Trailer. Pretty badass... looks like it was captured on a console tho. EG you should watch until the end... pretty badass....

[Defenestratus]

The embargo for reviews was lifted today, 7 days in advance of the game general release and the reviews so far are as perfect as you can get I'm told - I don't read reviews because I like to form my own opinions of games before being tainted by the opinion of some know-it-all :P

[Kirsten]

yup, I didn't read them either, but the tag lines are incredibly positive. will be putting my pre-order down this Saturday and probably putting some money on a gift card ready for Tuesday. very excited.