If I hadn't already, let's establish that I'm a huge fan of polish game developer company CD Projekt RED and their 2007 RPG-of-the-year hit The Witcher, which is based on the universe created by polish fantasy writer Andrzej Sapkowski (whose books [the current ones translated in English] I've also read).
On March 2010, The Witcher 2: AoK was confirmed (though before that a leaked video was released) in production. Unlike it's predecessor, the Witcher 2: AoK will be using a brand new engine, RED Engine, created by CD Projekt RED rather than the previous BioWare Aurora Engine.
In-game screenshot
IGN and GameInformer have both put The Witcher 2: AoK in at the top of games of 2011 already, the game is expected to be a triple-A rating and is a contestant for RPG of the year.
In-game screenshot
My personal opinion on the game? It will succeed and win RPG of the year (this includes Elder Scrolls V), why? Well looking back on the original Witcher game, CD Projekt RED really outdone themselves on limited resources. Keeping in mind the fact they were a starting-company who relied on BioWare's engine, the game was well-received and generating alot of positive reviews. Hell, compared to current BioWare games of Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Dragon Age: Origins (maybe with the MMO of Star Wars: The Old Republic) the original Witcher is still strong and even outdoing the current games in terms of story, plot, and character (which are the 4th pillar of RPG-foundation that BioWare prides itself in).
The game is scheduled to release on May 17, 2011 and can be pre-ordered from the Witcher website anytime before then. Game will come in Premium, Collector's, and Digital Premium editions (note that their is no regular edition, for the Premium edition IS the regular edition [priding themselves on allowing players to have full content]).
CD Projekt RED is taking a firm stance on having their games DRM free, but due to publishing issues on multiple countries it is difficult. However, if you order the Digital Premium edition from their sister company GOG.com, it will be completely DRM-free and will be available for download and play on the release date.
-Anathemic One
---------------------------
January 26 2010
Here is the Unofficial FAQ posted on the Witcher website forum. The FAQ provides insightful information on Witcher 2: AoK such as gameplay, plot-development, the new RED engine, basic requirements for play, etc.
Januray 27 2010
Here is an interview with Andrzej Sapkowski, the author of the Witcher saga which the game was based on.
February 14 2010
The video was originally shown on Gamespot's show "Today on the Spot" on February 8 2011, I've just happened across it during the Witcher forums today. Video is great in-depth view on the gameplay and many other features, check it out!
Note: Witcher 2 content starts 4:50 in the video
----------------
Edit: Fail on my part, posted in Off-Topic, gonna do request to move to 'Other Games'
I didn't think they had plastic surgeons in the middle ages. She has some pretty interesting boobs. Maybe that's just the norm in Poland.
The second SS is really the most impressive. A fantasy game where the guy isn't on 'roids and is actually vulnerable. Imagine that.
True, the only downside to the game I think is already having a predetermined character to play (no customization or anything [though it is speculated you can change hair styles]), but in my opinion that it is pale in comparison to the sheer depth of story and character The Witcher game displays (and most likely said depth of story/character will transfer to the Witcher 2).
The character (Geralt of Rivia) is one of the best ones i've seen in a video game. There's been many Witcher books in Poland and there's the required depth in him. In the first game he appeared cool and threatening and even though he was pre-determined, the choices the player made in the dialogues throughout the story and how they made an impact to the end of the game gave enough variety.
The character (Geralt of Rivia) is one of the best ones i've seen in a video game. There's been many Witcher books in Poland and there's the required depth in him. In the first game he appeared cool and threatening and even though he was pre-determined, the choices the player made in the dialogues throughout the story and how they made an impact to the end of the game gave enough variety.
Indeed, though only 2 novels of the Witcher saga have been translated in English so far I love them immensely (even with the slight translation errors [that's what you get when you get paperback >>]).
I personally praise and love how the game plot though starting off with chasing down the Salamandra turned into an epic story of a beginning battle between the Squirrels and the Order
Also, there is an Unofficial FAQ on the Witcher website. Unofficial doesn't' mean false, the thread provides alot of insightful information about the game, what the story revolved around, the new engine, basic requirements, etc. (will post in the OP).
I really liked the first game. The gameplay was a bit dull, but the intensity of the plot made me forgot that i was actually playing something hehe...
And, imo, the witch is a great exemple in how people should make side quests. Everythig fits the character and the plot very well, nothing seens unbelievable. It's not like the first Mass Effect were a high ranked militar and special inteligence agent have freedom to do utterly dumb and inapropried assigments.
About the witch 2. I'm really anxious about it. Really liked the first one and I think the second one will be even better.
I really liked the first game. The gameplay was a bit dull, but the intensity of the plot made me forgot that i was actually playing something hehe...
And, imo, the witch is a great exemple in how people should make side quests. Everythig fits the character and the plot very well, nothing seens unbelievable. It's not like the first Mass Effect were a high ranked militar and special inteligence agent have freedom to do utterly dumb and inapropried assigments.
About the witch 2. I'm really anxious about it. Really liked the first one and I think the second one will be even better.
The immense plot and the humbleness of Geralt, is all but an adaptation on Andrzej Sapkowski's works, which the game is based on.
"Geralt de Rivia is the character of my first story, of my literary debut. In my first encounter with the Fantasy and SF readers, my proposition was to do something atypical, completely new. I had to rethink the fairy tales, where some problem with a dragon in a kingdom was solved, the king was disposed to offer to the first one which passed his daughter and half the kingdom for solving it.
My vision of Fantasy is almost real. You have to believe that which occurs in the stories, because they are not a fairy tale. No one comes to believe that a king can be so stupid as to give half the kingdom and his daughter to some cretin. It can take some time to imagine how one is going to kill the Dragon, perhaps with dynamite, or with an AK-47, since with this you can kill all. I re-wrote the story, since it is not a poor shoemaker who kills the dragon and saves the kingdom, but instead a professional, who works for money. I have turned to construct the fantasy story: it is almost real, you have to feel it, to believe all. It is not the typical fair tale, all is fucking real."
I bolded the part I particularly liked. But really if you enjoyed the Witcher game in story, plot, and character, then I highly reccomend you read Sapowski's books, the Witcher saga (currently two translated in English).
After talking a bit about The Witcher i started the original again. It really feels good to run through the story and decide what to do next. I want everything to be different this playthrough. I won't get married, either
This video was shown on February 8th as an exclusive demo in Gamespot's show "Today on the Spot."
Note that the video/demo is based on a pre-beta build. The video of course introduces gameplay of the Witcher 2 through a quest in the game and features also the dialogue system plus character customization, a very interesting video and if you love and/or interested in the Witcher 2 at all, I highly recommend you watch this video.
Anyways, now for my personal opinion. I liked the video, the gameplay was heavily revamped for the better from the original Witcher game, signs (these are casting/spells/etc.) are well-designed and I really liked how there is more loot to wear/equip to the player's character (Geralt).
The only critics I have is the red-flash on the edge of the screen reminiscent of Call of Duty's system whenever you are damaged. I really hope this doesn't make it into the final version of the game, but if it does it won't be game-breaking.
The dialogue system was also heavily revamped (and polished) but glad the options are not paraphrased at all, so it will just take time getting used to, which I will.
Anyways, check out the video now! I will edit it into the OP.
Edit: The Witcher 2 content starts 4:50 in the video
Looks interesting, no doubt, but i'd like to see the dialogue options, those really mattered in the original game.
The combat changes seem good, it was all about timing and choosing the right stance before.
What disappointed me a bit is the fact it's coming out May. I expected it earlier. Seems i got to stick to Dragon Age 2 till it's released and then there's chance for a Diablo III beta around that time (if it's to be released by the end of the year). Bad timing for me!
So, i've done the first 3 missions of the game and i have a few comments:
Graphics:
Simply breath taking. My computer can't handle it on Ultra without some frame issues, but even on High it's amazing. Animations are great and things look quite real. Oh and Triss looks good nekkid. That's one of the first images you get from the game.
Sound:
The music is nice. Fills the gaps and doesn't get your attention. Voice overs are pretty good too. Geralt sounds like in the previous game. Same with Triss and King Foltest. Overall a good impression.
Gameplay:
The combat system is definitely improved, but needs some getting used to (at least for me). To my shame, i had to get the difficulty to easy to get through a few parts of the game. You get to choose out of sets of 3 missions at a time (till you finish the set).
There's also some side quests around in the game world. First 3-4 missions don't give you too much freedom, though.
Definately going to try this out. Didn't quite enjoy the first one, maybe because several other games I wanted to play came out almost at the same time, so I didn't give it a chance. But the sequel looks amazing.
And I do love that it was developed first and foremost for PC. The ported-from-console games often carry many flaws from the consoles that could've been avoided had the game been developed for PC (I'm looking at you Assassin's Creed 2 and your only 4 hotkeys for weapons)
The one (very awesome) thing i heared about CD Project that made me buy the game was that the DLCs will be free of charge. Also knowing how bugged the original game was and what an awesome job they did with the patch (no excuse to have a game full of bugs, but at least they bothered to make a 1.2 gb patch that solved all issues and added 2 quests to apologize) convinced me. I guess with the first couple patches it's going to run way smoother.
If I hadn't already, let's establish that I'm a huge fan of polish game developer company CD Projekt RED and their 2007 RPG-of-the-year hit The Witcher, which is based on the universe created by polish fantasy writer Andrzej Sapkowski (whose books [the current ones translated in English] I've also read).
On March 2010, The Witcher 2: AoK was confirmed (though before that a leaked video was released) in production. Unlike it's predecessor, the Witcher 2: AoK will be using a brand new engine, RED Engine, created by CD Projekt RED rather than the previous BioWare Aurora Engine.
In-game screenshot
IGN and GameInformer have both put The Witcher 2: AoK in at the top of games of 2011 already, the game is expected to be a triple-A rating and is a contestant for RPG of the year.
In-game screenshot
My personal opinion on the game? It will succeed and win RPG of the year (this includes Elder Scrolls V), why? Well looking back on the original Witcher game, CD Projekt RED really outdone themselves on limited resources. Keeping in mind the fact they were a starting-company who relied on BioWare's engine, the game was well-received and generating alot of positive reviews. Hell, compared to current BioWare games of Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Dragon Age: Origins (maybe with the MMO of Star Wars: The Old Republic) the original Witcher is still strong and even outdoing the current games in terms of story, plot, and character (which are the 4th pillar of RPG-foundation that BioWare prides itself in).
Prison-break trailer WARNING: CONTAINS BRIEF NUDITY
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=GRfd0AgJl_Y
The game is scheduled to release on May 17, 2011 and can be pre-ordered from the Witcher website anytime before then. Game will come in Premium, Collector's, and Digital Premium editions (note that their is no regular edition, for the Premium edition IS the regular edition [priding themselves on allowing players to have full content]).
CD Projekt RED is taking a firm stance on having their games DRM free, but due to publishing issues on multiple countries it is difficult. However, if you order the Digital Premium edition from their sister company GOG.com, it will be completely DRM-free and will be available for download and play on the release date.
-Anathemic One
---------------------------
January 26 2010
Here is the Unofficial FAQ posted on the Witcher website forum. The FAQ provides insightful information on Witcher 2: AoK such as gameplay, plot-development, the new RED engine, basic requirements for play, etc.
Januray 27 2010
Here is an interview with Andrzej Sapkowski, the author of the Witcher saga which the game was based on.
February 14 2010
The video was originally shown on Gamespot's show "Today on the Spot" on February 8 2011, I've just happened across it during the Witcher forums today. Video is great in-depth view on the gameplay and many other features, check it out!
Note: Witcher 2 content starts 4:50 in the video
----------------
Edit: Fail on my part, posted in Off-Topic, gonna do request to move to 'Other Games'
Edit: Lol you said "in-game screenshot".. So yeah. Looks like it would be loads of fun, judging by your description.
The second SS is really the most impressive. A fantasy game where the guy isn't on 'roids and is actually vulnerable. Imagine that.
She might be breastfeeding in her part-time.
/smile
True, the only downside to the game I think is already having a predetermined character to play (no customization or anything [though it is speculated you can change hair styles]), but in my opinion that it is pale in comparison to the sheer depth of story and character The Witcher game displays (and most likely said depth of story/character will transfer to the Witcher 2).
Indeed, though only 2 novels of the Witcher saga have been translated in English so far I love them immensely (even with the slight translation errors [that's what you get when you get paperback >>]).
Also, there is an Unofficial FAQ on the Witcher website. Unofficial doesn't' mean false, the thread provides alot of insightful information about the game, what the story revolved around, the new engine, basic requirements, etc. (will post in the OP).
And, imo, the witch is a great exemple in how people should make side quests. Everythig fits the character and the plot very well, nothing seens unbelievable. It's not like the first Mass Effect were a high ranked militar and special inteligence agent have freedom to do utterly dumb and inapropried assigments.
About the witch 2. I'm really anxious about it. Really liked the first one and I think the second one will be even better.
The immense plot and the humbleness of Geralt, is all but an adaptation on Andrzej Sapkowski's works, which the game is based on.
My favorite quote from him on an interview:
"Geralt de Rivia is the character of my first story, of my literary debut. In my first encounter with the Fantasy and SF readers, my proposition was to do something atypical, completely new. I had to rethink the fairy tales, where some problem with a dragon in a kingdom was solved, the king was disposed to offer to the first one which passed his daughter and half the kingdom for solving it.
My vision of Fantasy is almost real. You have to believe that which occurs in the stories, because they are not a fairy tale. No one comes to believe that a king can be so stupid as to give half the kingdom and his daughter to some cretin. It can take some time to imagine how one is going to kill the Dragon, perhaps with dynamite, or with an AK-47, since with this you can kill all. I re-wrote the story, since it is not a poor shoemaker who kills the dragon and saves the kingdom, but instead a professional, who works for money. I have turned to construct the fantasy story: it is almost real, you have to feel it, to believe all. It is not the typical fair tale, all is fucking real."
I bolded the part I particularly liked. But really if you enjoyed the Witcher game in story, plot, and character, then I highly reccomend you read Sapowski's books, the Witcher saga (currently two translated in English).
Yes they did, anyways, after watching this Teaser trailer of the upcoming MMO TERA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1uVqkpXJOA
I'm really glad The Witcher 2 retained it's dark fantasy theme to it, and also makes me wonder which company is serious on making MMO's.
This video was shown on February 8th as an exclusive demo in Gamespot's show "Today on the Spot."
Note that the video/demo is based on a pre-beta build. The video of course introduces gameplay of the Witcher 2 through a quest in the game and features also the dialogue system plus character customization, a very interesting video and if you love and/or interested in the Witcher 2 at all, I highly recommend you watch this video.
Anyways, now for my personal opinion. I liked the video, the gameplay was heavily revamped for the better from the original Witcher game, signs (these are casting/spells/etc.) are well-designed and I really liked how there is more loot to wear/equip to the player's character (Geralt).
The only critics I have is the red-flash on the edge of the screen reminiscent of Call of Duty's system whenever you are damaged. I really hope this doesn't make it into the final version of the game, but if it does it won't be game-breaking.
The dialogue system was also heavily revamped (and polished) but glad the options are not paraphrased at all, so it will just take time getting used to, which I will.
Anyways, check out the video now! I will edit it into the OP.
Edit: The Witcher 2 content starts 4:50 in the video
The combat changes seem good, it was all about timing and choosing the right stance before.
What disappointed me a bit is the fact it's coming out May. I expected it earlier. Seems i got to stick to Dragon Age 2 till it's released and then there's chance for a Diablo III beta around that time (if it's to be released by the end of the year). Bad timing for me!
Graphics:
Simply breath taking. My computer can't handle it on Ultra without some frame issues, but even on High it's amazing. Animations are great and things look quite real. Oh and Triss looks good nekkid. That's one of the first images you get from the game.
Sound:
The music is nice. Fills the gaps and doesn't get your attention. Voice overs are pretty good too. Geralt sounds like in the previous game. Same with Triss and King Foltest. Overall a good impression.
Gameplay:
The combat system is definitely improved, but needs some getting used to (at least for me). To my shame, i had to get the difficulty to easy to get through a few parts of the game. You get to choose out of sets of 3 missions at a time (till you finish the set).
There's also some side quests around in the game world. First 3-4 missions don't give you too much freedom, though.
More to come soon!
And I do love that it was developed first and foremost for PC. The ported-from-console games often carry many flaws from the consoles that could've been avoided had the game been developed for PC (I'm looking at you Assassin's Creed 2 and your only 4 hotkeys for weapons)