The Witcher

**frogbeastegg** · 05-19-2008, 20:04

I read 'The Last Wish' in January, and will agree that it's an enjoyable read. I liked the way the fairy tales were often flipped on their heads. I'm waiting for the first proper book to be translated into English.

**Sarathos** · 05-19-2008, 23:53

Originally Posted by frogbeastegg

The Witcher is still on my shelf waiting for some attention (thought I may as well wait for the new content), but I can tell you that it and Oblivion are two very different animals.

Oblivion is all about freedom. Be what you like, do what you like, go where you like. There's great breadth, and rather little depth, at least when it comes to the quests and characters. Few of the people in Cryodil have much personality, few of the quests go beyond 'go here, kill these things, fetch that, return to me'.

The Witcher is about experiencing a story. It forces you to follow the plot path whether you like it or not. You can't scamper off to spend 6 hours brewing potions, or take up pearl diving on the coast. The people you meet along the way should have more to them than a bunch of canned lines you hear from every other NPC of that type, and the plot itself should be more detailed than Oblivion's scanty affair. There are optional side quests you can take or leave as you wish. You have some freedom in how you build up your character; you can choose skills which fit your playing preferences each time you level up. However you must play as Geralt, large parts of your dialogue will be pre-set, and his overall character class is pre-set.

I do like Oblivion. I'm on the last stages of the main quest now, having completed all of the guild lines first. The limitations of its plot and character building are keenly felt; I don't care about anyone or anything in this world, and I don't care about what I'm doing. I just want to find an elven helmet so I can complete my armour set, and get my skills mastered so my character is a god instead of a mere near-invincible uber hero. My preference has always been for a stronger plot than greater freedom.

Try it. Oblivion's type of RPG is rare. Most are of a similar pattern to The Witcher, so if you like it then there's stacks of great RPGs waiting for you.

If you like a good story than the Witcher is for you. It not so much as forces you to follow the story, it sets a path which must be followed, but how you follow it is up to you. The story is great so why wouldn't you follow it but I do agree in contrast with Oblivion, the freedom aspect really does impact on gameplay and to play one game who is near mastering it to a game with a great story but a little too many locked doors.

Just one question about the enhanced addition, will it just be a downloadable patch or will it be an entirely new game?

**Husar** · 05-20-2008, 08:45

Originally Posted by Sarathos

Just one question about the enhanced addition, will it just be a downloadable patch or will it be an entirely new game?

It will be a patch for those who already bought the game and a new retail version for those who haven't, I'm going to wait for it and see whether I want the game then.

**TinCow** · 05-20-2008, 12:15

Enhanced Edition has been delayed until August or September (was originally going to be released last weekend).

**frogbeastegg** · 05-20-2008, 20:08

Originally Posted by Sarathos

If you like a good story than the Witcher is for you.

I'm sure it will be; I got the game a couple of days after starting this topic. I'm waiting for the free expansion. Huh, seems like I have been waiting to play it forever; first I was too busy, then the expansion was announced, then the date slipped ...