antimeridian
Learned
- Joined
- May 18, 2021
- Messages
- 278
Just rolled credits on The Witcher for the first time after a little over 50 hours. Haven't played the sequels or read the books. Did enjoy the Netflix series, can't put my finger on why, given how many obvious flaws it has. There's something in the way the Witcher universe combines 90s-flavor edginess along with unabashed wholesomeness and cheesiness (endless DESTINY talk, Geralt's family-building desires, etc.) that makes it a pretty compelling place to spend time in.
Agree with a lot of common sentiments - the strength of the writing, design and soundtrack all contribute to a great atmosphere that compensates for some of the game's weakest aspects. I will say that the interface is a joy to use and the alchemy system is great. Reading up on monsters and researching potions really had me immersed in the traveling mercenary monster slayer experience. As far as the combat goes, at least I can say it didn't turn me off from the game. It's in a very weird middle ground for action-RPGs. The typical issue with action RPG combat is that player skill usually eliminates the difficulty curve as a good player can make up for all kinds of statistical deficiencies. Stats end up feeling pretty meaningless. That's not the case here. I actually quite enjoyed the combination of the strategic (researching monsters, drinking potions) and the tactical (proper positioning and timing) elements of combat. It's repetitive and not that deep, but I rarely found it a slog despite it feeling jank as all hell. More importantly I found that although timing and positioning aren't difficult, they still matter in combat. But obviously your potions and buffs do as well. So it's unique in balancing those two things, and I appreciate the devs' take on gameplay. Tough to compare it to much else.
Of course a huge chunk of the game is not spent in combat. Didn't mind playing as a pre-defined character as I find Geralt quite likeable and was satisfied with the freedom the game gave me to define his post-amnesia personality, without ever making me feel like I'd lost the thread of the character. Those who love role-playing a blank slate character are going to be bothered by this aspect of the game but it's not a major issue for me, in this case. The game's not going to be all things to all people but I really enjoyed my time with it and appreciate its unique qualities.
Agree with a lot of common sentiments - the strength of the writing, design and soundtrack all contribute to a great atmosphere that compensates for some of the game's weakest aspects. I will say that the interface is a joy to use and the alchemy system is great. Reading up on monsters and researching potions really had me immersed in the traveling mercenary monster slayer experience. As far as the combat goes, at least I can say it didn't turn me off from the game. It's in a very weird middle ground for action-RPGs. The typical issue with action RPG combat is that player skill usually eliminates the difficulty curve as a good player can make up for all kinds of statistical deficiencies. Stats end up feeling pretty meaningless. That's not the case here. I actually quite enjoyed the combination of the strategic (researching monsters, drinking potions) and the tactical (proper positioning and timing) elements of combat. It's repetitive and not that deep, but I rarely found it a slog despite it feeling jank as all hell. More importantly I found that although timing and positioning aren't difficult, they still matter in combat. But obviously your potions and buffs do as well. So it's unique in balancing those two things, and I appreciate the devs' take on gameplay. Tough to compare it to much else.
Of course a huge chunk of the game is not spent in combat. Didn't mind playing as a pre-defined character as I find Geralt quite likeable and was satisfied with the freedom the game gave me to define his post-amnesia personality, without ever making me feel like I'd lost the thread of the character. Those who love role-playing a blank slate character are going to be bothered by this aspect of the game but it's not a major issue for me, in this case. The game's not going to be all things to all people but I really enjoyed my time with it and appreciate its unique qualities.