The Video Game Awards took place this past weekend and there were some cool reveals. I was impressed by the new trailer for the Witcher 3, not just for the gorgeous gameplay and visuals, but because of the incredible new announcement.
Without any delay, here is the trailer:
And because no one should be deprived of viewing it, here’s another version for those without YouTube access.
So, why does it matter so much? Well, during The Game Awards, it was announced that people could continue to play as Geralt, but that there would be another option, too. Another playable character, one who is apparently teased in the trailer. Who could it be? As I see it, there are three options.
First up, we might enter into the role of Yennefer. She is shown in the trailer while the voice over explains that only she and Geralt really understand what’s coming, really know what’s going on. Perhaps that puts her at the same level as our favourite Witcher, making her an option as a playable character.
Also shown is Ciri, the blond haired woman who is described as having Elder Blood in her veins. For those who know the lore, she is the child of destiny, one who Geralt sort of raised as his own and taught to be a Witcher, too. However, she has very important lineage as well. Perhaps she will be our second playable character, although as the target for the Wild Hunt, I’m not sure that it will be helpful for the storytelling if we see the world from her perspective.
Finally, there is an unknown man fighting back to back with Geralt in the final scene. I can’t make out any of his features, but he appears to be another Witcher, or at least follow similar fighting techniques. This could be our playable character option…
Are you actually keen to play as a different character in The Witcher 3? I love being Geralt, taking on his perspective and powers. However, Yennefer is also an incredibly strong character and I’d love to play as her, too. The rest… I’m not so sure. While Ciri is an incredible character in the lore, it just might be tricky depending on how they fit her in. And of course if it’s just the opportunity to play as a random other guy, I’d always pick Geralt.
What stood out for you in the trailer? Were you still impressed by the visuals, or is it looking a bit average to you after seeing all the other new generation game trailers? Are you all aboard the hype train for the title?
Last Updated: December 8, 2014
FoxOneZA
December 8, 2014 at 13:05
We live in a time where games get delayed only to be downgraded. Give me Gears 1 any day with it’s top notch cutting edge graphics and no patch needed.
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 13:05
So looking forward to this! DRM is coming. Don’t support the Witcher III.
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 13:07
XD
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 13:10
DRM is coming, just like winter. I love winter. DRM is the best, and that’s why Steam is the best platform for Witcher 3.
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 13:11
Sssssssteam, the preciousssss
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 13:12
Also pirates! RRRRR!
ToshZA
December 8, 2014 at 13:18
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/505/362/3f4.gif
Rock789
December 8, 2014 at 13:19
1 of the best quotes in that movie. 🙂
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 13:23
lol
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:53
http://i.imgur.com/Ry7Cx7S.jpg
ToshZA
December 8, 2014 at 13:54
Did Zoe photoshop that for you?
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:57
http://33.media.tumblr.com/03b4d6fed64b9121f15ff13f60852677/tumblr_nb99gpuWid1r122xxo1_500.jpg
Tenacious-D
December 9, 2014 at 16:02
I raise you my avatar.
Geralt needs his ho ho hoes.
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:54
You’re a special kind of evil.
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 14:06
teheheheh ><
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 13:08
Soon…
Ceyber, Slayer of Trolls
December 8, 2014 at 13:14
How’s Enemy Within going for you?
Vigilo Confido!
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 13:21
Loving it, such an epic mix of the regular XCOM
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 13:22
The mech trooper melee attack is the boss.
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:07
IMA PUNCH MY FRIKKIN KINETIC STRIKE MODUUUUUULE
Ceyber, Slayer of Trolls
December 8, 2014 at 13:38
Still get flashbacks when I think of good ‘ol Ace Buthelezi, RSA ex-commando, how he sacrificed himself to defuse a bomb, just one turn before being ripped to shreds by those transforming terminator discs.
I recommend The Long War mod if you try a second playthrough.
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:07
I’ve done about 5 playthroughs with regular XCOM EU, now doing my first EW, final mission is due
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 14:11
I assume you’ve done at least one play through without upgrading your squad cap?
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:13
Is there an achievement for that?
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:15
NM, saw it, will try it with next playthrough!
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 14:34
Yes, join the elite. I think only around 0.5% of players have that one.
Ceyber, Slayer of Trolls
December 8, 2014 at 19:55
6th playthrough?? Damn. Thanks for being so cool about my noob advice then!
I’m jumping back in, going for that 0.5% after I saw Trevor’s comment. Let’s see who gets there first 😉
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:40
Admiral has his own enemy within too, but he doesn’t speak about that.
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:09
Yes, whether or not to spoil TFU, such a struggle!
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 14:09
That’s a villain, not an enemy. ;P
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 13:09
NOT WATCHING! 😛
If you control another character while Geralt is unavailable for some reason, that would be okay. But yes, I probably wouldn’t choose to play someone else if he’s around. Although if it was Ciri that might be interesting, she’s one messed up person.
Ragnar The Vengeful
December 8, 2014 at 13:47
I haven’t played The Witcher 1 or 2 BUT I’m reading the novels. I’m halfway through the Blood of Elves so I do have a foot to stand on, even though it is a mutated mess and smells of cheese.
My money is on it being Yennefer. Being a powerful enchantress makes her a great option for the dev’s. She’s female (I hear that is a prerequisite for gender equality in games these days) and presents options for completely different play styles from that of Geralt. Differences in their ideology could also drastically change the story line between two playthroughs.
Ciri, being a Source cannot wield magical abilities herself but can be used as a magnifying lense by others. She haven’t had any of the mutagenic potions that makes a witcher, among other things, stronger, faster, more focused, and have sharpened awareness. Even though she has witcher training, she does not have Witcher powers and therefore not really the best option for a playable character. She is hot though 🙂
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 14:45
That’s kinda why I think she might be interesting to play, more vulnerable than the others. I wouldn’t play as Yennefer, don’t like playing mages.
Mossel
December 8, 2014 at 13:11
Visuals look a bit average and I must say the trailer was a little disappointing. But I’m still excited for the game!
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 13:12
I was thinking the same thing, meh-ish visuals
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 13:12
On second thought, probably the console version visuals…
Mossel
December 8, 2014 at 13:14
huehuehue
CypherGate
December 8, 2014 at 23:08
The game hasnt been downgraded. http://forums.cdprojektred.com/threads/32644-Obvious-Downgrade/page44
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 13:20
i said the same about dragon age in the early trailers, but the visuals in that are pretty amazing.
“understated” seems to be the new visual trend, muted lighting, less useless or pointless detail on clothing, its also pretty apparently in the uncharted footage aswell, you’ll probably find that its alot more impressive upon closer inspection.
Mossel
December 8, 2014 at 13:22
Regardless, I’m really looking forward to this and it is a day one purchase for me! Dragon Age is after this on my list.
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 13:25
id actually suggest playing the less anticipated game first.
dragon age was amazing, but if you think witcher is going to be better, then you might be disapointed in DA:I if you play it after.
that and DA:I is already out, you can cross that off the list befor witchers even released.
Mossel
December 8, 2014 at 13:57
It makes sense what you are saying, but even though they are both RPG’s you cant really compare them. With Dragon Age I expect a ME epic story with tactical combat. With W3 I expect a dark story that borders on good and evil with hack n slash style combat.
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:58
Agreed.
Spaffy
December 8, 2014 at 13:32
Perhaps it’s the new ploy to keep our expectations low, otherwise it’s Watchdoges all over.
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 13:36
watchdoges was just bad though.
and downgrading visuals was a REALLY bad idea.
whereas i dont think theyl be upgrading these, these are finished products, mostly.
because it looks so simple, the detail catches you off guard, which makes it more effective.
or something, i dunno, marketing, art direction and stuff.
Ceyber, Slayer of Trolls
December 8, 2014 at 13:49
I hadn’t noticed before but you’re absolutely right.
An in-game textile fabric (for example) isn’t cross-hatched to show it’s a textile, there’s gradually less need for that extra visual ‘legend’. Thanks for hitting the nail on the head.
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 14:06
gotta admit, the grunge effects and bump mapping they added to everyone was getting a bit old.
in the past, textiles are flat surfaces, with heaps of grunge brushing, fake lighting and exxagerated shadows, but with the new lighting systems, they can afford to lay off on the texturing and let the 3D model do that for them with real lighting.
Ceyber, Slayer of Trolls
December 8, 2014 at 20:03
I wonder, is it a fair trade-off?
As in, when it comes to processing load, could the decrease in texturing detail balance out the increased 3d model detail? Or are 3d models just way more resource-heavy?
I’m asking because I was wondering, could we have graphics cards where the clock speed is more of a determining factor than the VRAM?
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 23:31
wouldnt really call it a trade off, its a natural progression, moving from fake texture, to real texture.
lighting strains everything, while streaming textures is more a hardrive thing, if things had carried on progressing as they were, with more and more detailed and hi res textures, we’d be forced to use SSDs for games when streaming 100 50mb textures, while SATAs would start feeling the limitations of their transfer rates.
textures are the easy way out, real lighting on real models makes things more difficult.
we were still quite far away from that point, but its the direction we were heading, graphics and CPU advancements have been coming like clockwork, but hardrives have not, SSDs are still R1000 for a 128gb that holds 2-3 new games.
although im not exactly an expert.
CypherGate
December 8, 2014 at 23:09
The game hasnt been downgraded. Check article. http://forums.cdprojektred.com/threads/32644-Obvious-Downgrade/page44
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 23:25
i meant watchdoges, not witcher.
my comment about witcher being understated was a compliment :S
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:39
Geralt’s presence will do. ;P
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:40
http://dualpixels.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TW3.png
CypherGate
December 8, 2014 at 23:07
The game hasnt been downgraded. Check article. http://forums.cdprojektred.com/threads/32644-Obvious-Downgrade/page44
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:15
Do I need to say anything?
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 13:22
dont support DRM?
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 13:24
No. DRM is coming. Don’t support the Witcher III. 🙂
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 13:27
yoh, you’re playing a dangerous game, saying that in front of the ryanza.
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 13:28
Haha. I am going to die laughing if there is a day 1 4 gig patch 🙂
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:45
The core game is basically done. Just optimization left. Making the game work on these damn consoles.
If there is a patch it will be because of those DLC’s fucking up something.
If there is a large 4 gig patch then I will be pissed because it will mean they playing to the gaming industry’s DRM agenda. Getting gamers ready to accept DRM.
Raptor Rants A Lot
December 8, 2014 at 13:25
Something something drm something support drm… Or was it don’t?
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:29
Ok. The guy fighting along side Geralt is Lambert.
http://www.the-witcher.de/media/content/tw3_e3trailer_analyse_08.jpg
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:30
The hand of Hjalmar is shown in the trailer. Could be a playable character.
http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130722171929/wiedzmin/images/4/42/The_Witcher_3_Wild_Hunt_Hjalmar2.jpg
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:31
And Youtube videos are compressed. Download the 3gb uncompressed trailer video here:
chrome://mega/content/secure.html#!wY41QD7R!CQdf_E5GVgRr4VoYHH4hSdzKSSZGzQF5WW0gavJBPCM
Rock789
December 8, 2014 at 13:19
Thanks Zoe – now I’m drooling all over my desk… 😉 🙂
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 13:23
So no change there then *runs
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 13:24
Sies, he’s getting better. All the doctors agree.
Rock789
December 8, 2014 at 13:26
Precisely! I even take meds for that now. 😉
Rock789
December 8, 2014 at 13:25
Oh you… :p
Bob the Zealot
December 8, 2014 at 13:28
Perhaps someone with keener eyes than mine can clear the second witcher up but it looks like Lambert from Kaer Morhen (first few scenes in The Witcher).
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 13:30
picked up the witcher 2 collectors edition from a cash crusaders a few years back, i still havent finished that.
heck, im still only an hour in, the gameplay just felt so wooden.
amazing visuals in that, but ugh.
makes me a bit hesitant to pick this up.
ToshZA
December 8, 2014 at 13:35
The first bit is rough – the combat took me a while to get used to – but it definitely opens up the more you play. Approach combat more Dark Souls like, and you’ll never look back.
Willem Swanepoel
December 8, 2014 at 14:09
Do not compare the combat in The Witcher 2 with how it will be in Witcher 3.
They have done massive improvements and changes how to combat works.
I have seen some gameplay videos where they show the combat. It is smooth and amazing.
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 14:27
never really trusted gameplay videos, ive seen a couple myself and it looks great, but thats the whole point of them.
the doubt is real, ryanza has put in too much coal into the hype train.
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:38
Looks like two to me
Gelart and Ciri
Ragnar The Vengeful
December 8, 2014 at 13:50
Who, may I ask is Gelart? 😛
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:51
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZWbkS-GecH8/maxresdefault.jpg
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:51
That’s Gerald when he’s drunk.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 13:52
Which brings us to another question… who’s Gerald?
ToshZA
December 8, 2014 at 13:52
Which begs the further question: where are your other questions?
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:53
I don’t know man. Things got out of control. I’ve lost touch.
Brady miaau
December 8, 2014 at 14:40
Shite man, twice?
Ok, ok, I am amused
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 14:45
I blame Monday
ToshZA
December 8, 2014 at 13:51
The lysdexic hero of the Tchiwer Treeh
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:43
So I can’t play as Dandelion and sit around writing poems and drinking all day long? *sigh*
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 8, 2014 at 13:44
You want to play as yourself? What about escapism?
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 13:45
Oh, the poems I would write when I drink. Such mastery.
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:05
Dandelion also wears eyeliner right?
ToshZA
December 8, 2014 at 14:07
http://www.biltongstmarcus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Lunch-Bar.jpg
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 14:07
He doesn’t pull it off right.
Ryanza
December 8, 2014 at 13:49
I love me a good steelbook. Here are The Witcher 3 steelbooks:
http://www.nichegamer.net/media/2014/11/theXwitcherX3XsteelbookXcovers.jpg
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 14:19
Am I the only one here who own The Witcher Adventure Game on Steam? Nice bit of fun when you’re in the mood for something relaxing and simple.
AR Mirza
December 8, 2014 at 14:25
Admiral has his own enemy within too, but http://goo.gl/vFtucS
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:29
Lol so even the bots troll me now?
Hammersteyn
December 8, 2014 at 14:31
You so popular
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 8, 2014 at 14:31
XD
Captain JJ in theory
December 8, 2014 at 14:31
Haha. Stole my comment, the bastard.
RinceThis
December 8, 2014 at 14:31
BWAHAHAH!
Matthew Holliday
December 8, 2014 at 14:34
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/001/384/Atrapitis.gif
Brady miaau
December 8, 2014 at 14:39
Sort like Grand Theft Auto V? I wonder…..
oVg elfroot slayer
December 8, 2014 at 16:22
After the rave reviews of Dragon Age Inquisition, The Witcher 3 gets an automatic 10 considering the character models look better, it has action cut scenes like that 360 explosion and action fight scenes. Something that Bioware cannot do, Bioware tried with a bit of running and jumping cut scenes but they ended up stiff with a clunky frame rate. Anybody notice that the backgrounds are still 30fps but the character movement staggers badly in Dragon Age?
I think we all expect too much.
Lu
December 8, 2014 at 19:21
The last guy is Vesemir, Geralt’s father figure and the eldest witcher of kaer morhen
Favour Luke
December 9, 2014 at 14:04
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Nilesh Zagade
December 10, 2014 at 18:13
You seriously havent watched the previous trailers if you would had you would have know the characters