The Witcher: Video Game Franchise
The Witcher is a role-playing game, developed by Polish studio CD Projekt RED. The title was based on the famous fantasy saga by Andrzej Sapkowski, which tells the story of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster slayer. Knowledge of the books is not necessary to enjoy the game. Its story focuses on the events set after the end of the novel. Moreover, the main character unfortunately has been affected by amnesia, so the most important references to books are explained on the spot. Story The story begins five years after the events from the last book in The Witcher saga (Lady of the Lake). Geralt comes back to Kaer Morhen – a ruined stronghold of witchers – only to face a new threat. After repelling an attack of hired thugs, witchers, including the main character, go after the attackers’ employer. Gameplay The player takes the role of famous Geralt of Rivia, also known as the White Wolf. In his youth, he underwent a series of mutations, which made him superhumanly fast and perceptive. He is an experienced warrior, so even at the beginning of the game he is able to deal with several enemies at once. In time, however, Geralt encounters growing challenges - and here comes the character development system. The player gains experience in the traditional way - by killing enemies and completing quests. After reaching the next level, Geralt receives talents that can be spent on new skills or improving traits. An important element of the game, especially on higher difficulty levels, is alchemy. With ingredients obtained from plants and slain monsters, you can prepare potions, which give temporary bonuses (such as faster health regeneration, better reflexes, and vision in the dark). As befits a witcher, the White Wolf uses two swords interchangeably – the silver one for monsters and the steel for humans. Combat is based on the appropriate selection of blade, as well as fighting style. For example, while fighting against an agile opponent, you should use fast style, and when attacked by several enemies – group style. It is also important to perform attacks carefully, as each mouse click starts a new sequence. The point is to perform as long series of attacks as possible, without interrupting it by unnecessary clicking. You explore a semi-open world, divided into regions. All of them (with the exception of the prologue) are located near Wyzima, the capital city of Temeria. In addition to many hours of the main story, the developers prepared a variety of side quests. A strong point of the plot are its moral dilemmas. Just as in Sapkowski’s novels, the game often features conflicting equal rights, and Geralt must choose the lesser of two evils. Any such decision has real, unpredictable consequences, which sometimes come back a few hours later. Technology The Witcher for PC uses heavily modified Aurora graphics engine (known from such games as Neverwinter Nights and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic), created by BioWare Studios. The developers from CD Projekt RED implemented day-night cycle, variable weather, and dynamic shadows. Music composed by Andrzej Skorupa (previously worked on sountrack to Painkiller and Gorky series) stands at a very high level and helps building distinct dark fantasy atmosphere.