xletalis' new witcher 4 video is bad actually.
just finished watching xletalis' new video on the 'critique of the witcher 4 controversial trailer' and i have things to say. i've been following him for a long time and agreed with many of his critiques on the witcher 3* but i feel like this newest video was more of an indirect tantrum rather than a mostly valid critique.
i was really looking forward to his analysis of the new witcher 4 content, but i must admit i was surprised by the hostility in his response. while i’ve agreed with many of his critiques about the witcher 3 in the past, i think he might be jumping to conclusions here. a lot of his points seem based on assumptions from a trailer, which historically, like in the witcher 3, are more about setting a tone and showcasing eye-catching visuals rather than delivering an in-depth narrative or immersive storytelling experience.
his speculations about ciri’s motivations for becoming a witcher are fair, but the tone of his analysis suggests skepticism about whether CDPR can make her journey believable enough to engage him. it feels like he’s approached this new chapter with a sense of doubt rather than curiosity. i’m not saying he needs to be blindly optimistic, but being so skeptical right out of the gate might not be the best mindset when stepping into what is clearly a new era for the series.
additionally, his influence matters—a lot of people who watch his content take his opinions to heart, often without applying the same level of critical thought. this can unintentionally stifle excitement for the game, which is already in a bad place just because it was revealed that the protagonist is a woman. constructive criticism is important, of course, but it’s also worth giving CDPR the benefit of the doubt until more is revealed.
as for the "relatability" factor and ciri’s characterization, i think there’s an opportunity here that’s being overlooked. he mentioned that ciri isn’t a blank slate, which is true—she has established attitudes and beliefs. however, her becoming a witcher is clearly a major turning point in her life, and how she handles the fallout of that change could lead to significant growth and a shift in her perspective. this isn’t about her becoming a completely new character, but about seeing the same ciri we know grappling with new challenges in ways that will most likely surprise us.
to dismiss this because she’s a female protagonist or because her story might feel less "relatable" compared to geralt’s is, frankly, a weak argument. CDPR isn’t just offering a (male)power fantasy—they’re telling a story. much like geralt’s journey, ciri’s story is rooted in themes of magical monsters and moral complexity—experiences that none of us can "relate" to on a literal level, regardless of gender.
to sum it up, i think some of his expectations are rooted in holding this new trilogy to the standards of a saga that has already concluded. this is an intentional shake-up, and it deserves a bit more openness. it would definitely help him (and his audience) appreciate what’s to come.
