NeoGAF

Bossman · (10-17-2007, 01:39 PM)

(OP hijacked by EviLore for official thread purposes)

Developer: CD Projekt RED STUDIO

Publisher: Atari (World), CD Projekt (Poland)

Release Dates: US: October 30, 2007; Europe: October 26, 2007

Minimum requirements:

-Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2, Vista (Operating System must be up to date with the latest fixes)
-Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz or AMD Athlon 64 +2800
-1 GB RAM for Microsoft® Windows® XP / 1536 MB for Microsoft® Windows® Vista
-128 MB Video RAM or greater with DirectX9 Vertex Shader/ Pixel Shader 2.0 support (NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or ATI Radeon 9800 or better)
-8.5 GB available hard drive space
-DirectX 9.0c compliant soundcard, plus speakers or headphones
-DVD-Rom

Recommended requirements:

-Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, Vista (Operating System must be up to date with the latest fixes)
-Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz or AMD X2 5600+
-2 GB RAM
-NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX or ATI Radeon X1950 PRO
-8.5 GB available hard drive space
-DirectX 9.0c compliant soundcard, plus speakers or headphones
-DVD-Rom

Review excerpts:

Originally Posted by Gamespy:

The Witcher simply works -- its refreshing setting, engaging combat and potion system, and long, well-conceived campaign is a recipe for single-player greatness. It's the kind of game that actually makes you want to track down some of Sapkowski's stories to learn more about this refreshingly bleak world

Originally Posted by PC Gamer:

The Witcher is a fantastic RPG, and an amazing achievement for first-time Polish developer CD Projekt.

Originally Posted by Gameshark:

It’s a nice tall bottle of liquid awesome. So grab a glass from the bar and give it a shot.

Originally Posted by 1up:

Graphical foibles aside, The Witcher demonstrates the growing creative energy of European game designers, who continue to take chances with ever more innovative games, even as American developers obsess over the next "Halo."

Originally Posted by G4TV:

It hits the right notes in so many ways that it would be a shame for the game to go unnoticed. So go bulk up you PC, install this game, and get ready for a dark, gritty, and very engrossing ride.

I'm guessing rabies:

Originally Posted by Strategy Informer:

Perhaps not one for the hardcore role player, but an FPS gamer or MMO addict might well find The Witcher to be a great alternative to watching a DVD during the evening.

Originally Posted by Gamedaily:

The game provides a decent alternative to average hack'n-slash role-playing games, but it doesn't take long before it becomes tiresome and boring.

Originally Posted by Edge:

The game fumbles its potential with unanticipated incompetence.

NeoGAF member impressions:

Originally Posted by alu:

This game is really impressive, not only visually speaking. It is probably one of my favourite games of the year alongside HL2: Episode 2, even though I didn't feel like continuing to play at the beginning of Act 1. What I also love is how it teaches you everything in a very natural manner. I remember just plain ignoring most things that you could do in Oblivion (Alchemy and most magic), but this game makes you want to use everything it has to offer

Originally Posted by MickeyKnox:

So, I beat it last night and yeah, awesome game. I hope they announce an expansion soon.

Originally Posted by dollartaco:

Anybody who wants a new WRPG fix for a few dozen hours, stop by and see The Witcher. Seriously, this game game should have it's own official thread on the front page of the forum every day

Originally Posted by Tokubetsu:

I have spent the past day or so knee deep in the witcher. After around 12 or so hours, I'm into the second chapter and loving every bit of it. Usually, I tend to look up interesting character builds and what quests to do etc but I feel like this is such an experience I don't want to ruin anything. Even in trying to collect all the female sex cards. I wanted to read up on how to get all of them intially but not anymore, I just want to wing it. I haven't picked up Mass Effect yet but I think I've found my GOTY. I feel like, this has been the game I've been waiting for ages in the back of my mind. I'm so glad I got it.

Originally Posted by EviLore:

The game is just overwhelmingly packed with content. The main quest lines can be finished pretty quickly, but I did pretty much everything that I could find and the experience ended up being *long*. Halfway through I let myself get distracted by all the big holiday releases, and just came back recently to tackle the second half. The game really could've been half the length and still would've felt complete, so I congratulate the devs for going this far to justify my $50.

I loved the decision angle. I ended up regretting some of the choices I made, which sucks when you made those decisions 20 hours ago, but I'd take that any day over having a "right" choice and a "wrong" choice, or a "good" choice and an ~~"evil"~~ "jackass" choice. The decisions you make *MEAN SOMETHING*, and you often don't know what they mean until later on. The game is also really one big gray area. There are no easy choices, you don't have a bird's eye view of the situation you're in, and you often have to go with a gut feeling based on your particular flavor of morality or worldview. Brilliantly executed.

Screenshots:

Penny Arcade commentary:

Artwork:

Joseph Merrick · (10-17-2007, 01:45 PM)

yeah, finally next week. what a long wait. hehe

Harpa · (10-17-2007, 01:47 PM)

I wrote a small preview for it recently :) Looks good, looking forward to review it.

Lonesome_Raod · (10-17-2007, 01:55 PM)

Looks really good. Shame I'll just have to hold out on a console version, if ever one appears.

bigmit3737 · (10-17-2007, 01:58 PM)

I hope they release a demoooo!

Saitou · (10-17-2007, 02:09 PM)

I refuse to berieve this is actually coming out.

Solo · (10-17-2007, 04:56 PM)

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and this in one year? The gods are kind. Hopefully its as awesome (and less janky technically) as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was.

Fragamemnon · (10-17-2007, 05:02 PM)

I'm importing the UK version to get the uncut version, from what I hear the US one will be heavily censored.

I think this is going to turn out well for fans of CRPGs, provided that there aren't too many bugs (which is my big concern).

AstroLad · (10-17-2007, 05:03 PM)

Originally Posted by Fragamemnon:

I'm importing the UK version to get the uncut version, from what I hear the US one will be heavily censored.

I think this is going to turn out well for fans of CRPGs, provided that there aren't too many bugs (which is my big concern).

There aren't any issues with importing right? I might play this concurrently with NWN2.

Xristot · (10-17-2007, 05:10 PM)

Originally Posted by Fragamemnon:

I'm importing the UK version to get the uncut version, from what I hear the US one will be heavily censored.

I think this is going to turn out well for fans of CRPGs, provided that there aren't too many bugs (which is my big concern).

What's a good website to get the UK version from? Does Gogamer carry the UK version?

Fragamemnon · (10-17-2007, 05:12 PM)

Originally Posted by AstroLad:

There aren't any issues with importing right? I might play this concurrently with NWN2.

I play UK imports all the time. Never had a problem, the only possible thing that can come up is that you have to use UK patches if they break up the patch by specific locales.

Fragamemnon · (10-17-2007, 05:15 PM)

Originally Posted by Xristot:

What's a good website to get the UK version from? Does Gogamer carry the UK version?

I'm pretty sure it is-all of my imports from GoGamer have been UK versions-but I just sent them an email asking about it specifically. I'll update this thread when I get a response.

firex · (10-17-2007, 05:15 PM)

I see a version marked (I) on gogamer, so that's probably the import version.

Prime crotch · (10-17-2007, 05:16 PM)

Well what'ya know right in time for my upgrade and all.

Draft · (10-17-2007, 05:24 PM)

Please do post the importers guide cause I ain't buying no gawddamn censored Witcher no sir no how.

Fragamemnon · (10-17-2007, 05:25 PM)

Originally Posted by firex:

I see a version marked (I) on gogamer, so that's probably the import version.

Yeah that's the one I emailed them about. I'm almost certain it's the uncut UK version.

The US version will probably have a mod to restore the cut stuff, but it probably won't happen immediately after release.

Joseph Merrick · (10-17-2007, 05:37 PM)

Originally Posted by Saitou:

I refuse to berieve this is actually coming out.

what's that supposed to mean?

EvolveTom · (10-17-2007, 05:53 PM)

Shameless plug alert... a couple of previews have popped up recently, too:

http://www.destructoid.com/pew-pew-p...er-48874.phtml
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/thewi...;picks;title;1
http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=46785

Really hope you guys dig the game... the team's been working hella hard to make sure it's not just "that Eastern European RPG from that Penny Arcade strip" :)

Zer0 · (10-17-2007, 05:54 PM)

the books are awesome

szaromir · 06:07 PM

I preordered that edition for $30:D

Originally Posted by Zer0:

the books are awesome

Indeed they are. Although novels 3-5 are not as good as short stories and the first two novels.

bigmit3737 · (10-17-2007, 06:09 PM)

Originally Posted by Fragamemnon:

I'm importing the UK version to get the uncut version, from what I hear the US one will be heavily censored.

I think this is going to turn out well for fans of CRPGs, provided that there aren't too many bugs (which is my big concern).

Bugs are my main concern. I hope Atari didn't rush them.

Dave Long · (10-17-2007, 06:10 PM)

Gogamer has both the US and the UK versions. The UK one is $10 more.

Is it really going to be that cut up for the US Frag? I know the PR guy... maybe I should ask him...

Zabojnik · (10-17-2007, 06:16 PM)

Originally Posted by Zer0:

the books are awesome

Tell me more, please.

The build they were showing at the GC in Leipzig was very buggy, but otherwise that demo left me with a strangely good impression. Loved the dialogues, great graphics, interesting combat. I hope it turns out well.

Falagard · 06:24 PM

Game looks pretty good actually. Nothing really groundbreaking so far on the combat/magic/quests side of things, but I'm hankering for a new RPG.

Mass Effect is on the horizon though, but it's a sci-fi rpg which shooter elements and not a fantasy RPG, which I tend to prefer.

Also, the obligatory Penny Arcade comic:

*Edit*

Read some more about the combat. It's not evident in the video (just looks like a bunch of fancy animations), but when you read about it in reviews, the combat seems pretty deep. Nice.

Mojovonio · (10-17-2007, 06:17 PM)

I want to play as a polish witch.

I will cast Cabbage Pierogi on all of my foes.

Confidence Man · (10-17-2007, 06:25 PM)

This is day one for me, or at least as long as it takes to get it shipped. I wish this was coming out on Steam.

Fragamemnon · (10-17-2007, 06:39 PM)

Originally Posted by Dave Long:

Gogamer has both the US and the UK versions. The UK one is $10 more.

Is it really going to be that cut up for the US Frag? I know the PR guy... maybe I should ask him...

My understanding, based off cobbled forum postings over the last few months-unfortunately most of the source material for this is in German or Polish-is that in the US version much of the game's quests, dialogue, and encounters that involve sexuality are getting scrubbed for the US release. For a game that's trying to show a bit of grit, that omission seems really weak.

Not that I'm expecting sexuality to be handled in a very mature format, of course. I'm always interested in seeing different subjects explored in games, though, even if it is a locker-roomy/juvenile take on sexuality like I am somewhat expecting of The Witcher.

Fragamemnon · (10-17-2007, 06:41 PM)

The GoGamer version with the (I) after it IS the UK version, got them to confirm it. Go there and order one up if you want the uncut version.

Zabojnik · (10-17-2007, 07:10 PM)

Originally Posted by szaromir:

I preordered that edition for $30:D

Is that the standard collector's edition or some kind of Polish extra deluxe one? Where in Europe could one preorder the UK collector's edition?

Kosma · (10-17-2007, 07:12 PM)

Originally Posted by Mojovonio:

I want to play as a polish witch.

I will cast Cabbage Pierogi on all of my foes.

Cast some my way please!

I miss Polish food :(

Kabouter · (10-17-2007, 07:17 PM)

Originally Posted by EvolveTom:

Really hope you guys dig the game... the team's been working hella hard to make sure it's not just "that Eastern European RPG from that Penny Arcade strip" :)

Oh, don't worry, in my eyes it's "That Eastern European RPG that features the milk maid pouring milk over her naked bosom"

firex · (10-17-2007, 07:19 PM)

Originally Posted by Draft:

Please do post the importers guide cause I ain't buying no gawddamn censored Witcher no sir no how.

Step 1: Buy import copy
Step 2: Install
Step 3: Enjoy?

I mean it's not like PC games are region restricted for the most part. I guess the only problem might be with patching the game, but that's already been covered in here.

Fallout-NL · (10-17-2007, 07:22 PM)

What would they censor in the US version?

Kosma · (10-17-2007, 07:22 PM)

Dobra robota chlopacy, tak dalej. Pokazcie wszytkim ze my tez potrafimy.

Bossman · (10-17-2007, 07:23 PM)

Originally Posted by Fallout-NL:

What would they censor in the US version?

Boobies.

Draft · (10-17-2007, 07:28 PM)

Originally Posted by firex:

Step 1: Buy import copy
Step 2: Install
Step 3: Enjoy?

I mean it's not like PC games are region restricted for the most part. I guess the only problem might be with patching the game, but that's already been covered in here.

I just want to make sure I buy the right one.

szaromir · (10-17-2007, 07:29 PM)

Originally Posted by Zabojnik:

Tell me more, please.

What do you want to know about them?

Originally Posted by Zabojnik:

Is that the standard collector's edition or some kind of Polish extra deluxe one? Where in Europe could one preorder the UK collector's edition?

It's the standard edition in Poland.:D Collectors' edition has more goodies. I don't know anything about editions in other countries.

Originally Posted by oo Kosma oo:

I miss Polish food :(

Smazylem kotlety schabowe na obiad.:]

Kosma · (10-17-2007, 07:36 PM)

Originally Posted by szaromir:

Smazylem kotlety schabowe na obiad.:]

Damn you!

Fallout-NL · (10-17-2007, 07:52 PM)

Originally Posted by Bossman:

Boobies.

:lol biggest porn industry in the world. But we've been over that.

Dr. Kitty Muffins · (10-17-2007, 07:53 PM)

Those menus are huge.

Anyways, if they make a console version, I'm all over it.

szaromir · (10-17-2007, 08:14 PM)

Originally Posted by Dr. Kitty Muffins:

Anyways, if they make a console version, I'm all over it.

I wouldn't bet my money on that.

Furio53 · (10-17-2007, 08:25 PM)

Can't wait for this, preordered the (I) version. It's been a while since an RPg has captured my interest as much as this game.

AstroLad · (10-17-2007, 09:03 PM)

Any reviews for this up yet? Pre-ordered the boobs version; I hope it can live up to the implementation in BMXXX.

EvolveTom · (10-17-2007, 10:12 PM)

Originally Posted by szaromir:

I wouldn't bet my money on that.

Actually, if the PC version does well enough, it's entirely possible. The devs are interested.

AstroLad · (10-17-2007, 10:16 PM)

Originally Posted by EvolveTom:

Actually, if the PC version does well enough, it's entirely possible. The devs are interested.

Hey, so what's the deal with Witcher US vs. UK? I'm more than happy to pay the extra ten bucks for an uncut version, but would rather not waste it if there aren't any material differences.

Kosma · (10-17-2007, 10:18 PM)

Originally Posted by EvolveTom:

Actually, if the PC version does well enough, it's entirely possible. The devs are interested.

That is some great news.

FoxSpirit · (10-17-2007, 10:35 PM)

What's actually cut in the US version compared to the UK one?

PhlegmMaster · (10-17-2007, 10:42 PM)

Um, wow. The screenshots in the destructoid preview look so much better than the Gamespot ones!

Karakand · (10-17-2007, 10:47 PM)

holy fucking crap

This is coming out?

tak prosze

PhlegmMaster · 03:02 AM

Woo!