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The Witcher 3 - Preview and Screenshots

Updated on August 7, 2013

A new crowning rpg is born.

RPGs have tried to capture and immerse players in a world unique unto itself. The Witcher series, put together by developers at CD Projekt RED, has succeeded in blending an open world experience, enthralling story telling, and dynamic tactical fighting.

The first installment, "The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf," did fall a bit flat. The combat was clunky and repetitive. The story took too long to kick start. Even though the grittiness was there, the game was fairly unpolished when compared to a AAA experience.

The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings changed all of that. It's by far and away the best fantasy RPG I've ever played.

The story line, based on novels by Poland's well known fantasy author Andrzej Sapkowski, pulls you in from the start with absolutely compelling characters and pentiful story branches. The world's beauty was a technical achievement of its time and still looks fantastic today. The game doesn't babysit you. Boss fights or even creatures in the world can be quite challenging.

Most importantly your protagonist, Geralt the Witcher, is an incredible bad ass. I've never had more fun in a RPG making decisions in an gritty open world. The combat animations are fluid and varied. Everything feels great.

As stunning as the experience was, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will up the ante.

"The Wild Hunt is a cavalcade of ghastly spectral riders led by full wraith commanders that sows terror and abducts the young. Its quarry.. the human race."

Witcher 3 will be the premier action fantasy rpg of the next generation. Geralt of Rivia is back, the slate has been wiped clean, and he will be the one to re-write history. You wont have to play the previous games to get right into this one.

Nothing will compare to what the Witcher 3 has to offer. The environment scale is absolutely massive putting Skyrim to shame. Just one of the islands in the Witcher 3, contains the breadth of the entire Witcher 2 game. Transportation options will include taming wild horses, navigating boats through choppy water trying to avoid being swept onto the rocks or hitting an ice floe, and more.

The weather system is dynamic and changes how the npcs react. There will be a day/night cycle. If it's raining people will be inside.

Monster hunting comes back to the series presented in a way that takes it to the next level. There's clues in the wilderness, tracking, and incredible monster detail.

The combat system is even more fluid than ever before. They dropped the slowdown during spellcasting ala witcher 2 and you can easily break out of animations now using a spell or a roll.

CD Projekt RED unveils the gameplay debut trailer at E3 2013.

The Witcher 3 took the E3 conference by storm. It's no surprise on the back of Witcher 2's success CD Projekt RED's Witcher 3 debut has garnered many awards:

  • GameSpot – Best of E3
  • IGN E3 2013 – Peoples Choice Award
  • IGN – Best of E3
  • Official Xbox Magazine – E3 2013 Most Valuable Game
  • PC Gamer – E3 2013 Most Valuable Game
  • Polygon – Editor’s Choice E3 ’13
  • The Escapist – We Love It Award
  • GryOnline.pl – Best of E3 2013 – Best Game
  • Destructoid – Best Role-Playing Game
  • Neoseeker – E3 2013 Best of Show
  • Machinima – Best of Role-Playing Game E3 2013
  • Score – Best of E3
  • Gaming Illustrated – Best of E3
  • EGM Now – Best RPG E3 2013
  • GameTrailers – 2013 Best of E3 – Best Graphics
  • Ventura County Reporter – Best of E3
  • IGN – Best Reason to Upgrade Your PC
  • Hardcore Gamer – Best of E3 Graphics

And more. Now for the trailer.

What is a witcher?

A witcher is a monster slayer for hire. A cat eyed killer. A master swordsman. Superhuman speed, strength and senses. A beast slayer.

Breathtaking scale.
Breathtaking scale.

Who is Geralt of Rivia?

Geralt of Rivia is the protagonist we play. Although he is not from Rivia at all. He is the son of a sorceress Visenna and alleged warrior named Konin. He was abandoned by his mother, left at Kaer Morhen (a fortress by the sea) in the school of the wolf. After surviving trial after trial he was selected for various experiments, leaving his hair white drained of all pigment. Being one of the view to survive he left on his path to become a witcher.

Often penniless and unappreciated for whom he protected he continued to wander the world seeking work. In a tempestuous era with constant brushes with bandits and death he was said to fall during a bloodbath at Rivia, placed in a boat he was floated away. He lived, finding peace, yet upon returning home the witcher's ancient fortress was under siege. Battling to save it he succeeded, chasing down those whom stolen relics from it. Shattering various criminal organizations he also saved the King from assassination, becoming one of the Monarch's most trusted.

Rich atmosphere.
Rich atmosphere.

Are you excited for The Witcher 3?

See results
Sheep.  Because why not?
Sheep. Because why not?

Conclusion

With over 5 million copies sold of the Witcher 2 (available at Amazon for $19.99), the Witcher 3 is going to take us on an unparalleled adventure in scale, beauty, and diversity.

Are you ready?


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