CD Projekt talks about The Witcher gameplay mechanics

Polish developer CD Projekt may not have big titles under its belt, but the upcoming RPG The Witcher for PCs is shaping up be one magical ride. Chief designer Michal Madej sat down with GameSpot to go deeper into the game, and tell us what to expect from this unique fantasy role-playing video game.

Among the topics they discussed, the gameplay aspects of The Witcher sounds most interesting. Unlike conventional RPGs, this title won’t be bothering with complicated numbers. Instead of stat growth to make your character stronger, the protagonist Geralt has access to an extensive set of “about 250 abilities, grouped in 15 ‘trait trees:’ four attributes, five magical signs, and six combat styles,” according to Madej.

The plan here is to make every earned skill point count. Madej said they didn’t want insignificant upgrades like 2% chance more to hit – developers wanted players to feel stronger every time an ability is learned. “They get a visible difference in gameplay,” he said. This includes non-combat skills like gathering herbs, skinning monsters, brewing potions, and many other things, Madej added.

In The Witcher‘s lore, only the most powerful can use magic. Geralt, as a witcher, doesn’t have the gift of casting powerful spells. No need to worry though, because he can combine signs and the sword to use magical powers (and look cool). As Madej mentioned before, there are five trees for magical signs. These include “igni,” which concerns the use of fire, witchers’ trademark “aard” that allows them to cause a telekinetic blast, “quen” for defense, “axii” for playing scaring enemies or even controlling their minds, and tactical traps “yrden” that can lure monsters.

More details on The Witcher at the Full Article.

Polish developer CD Projekt may not have big titles under its belt, but the upcoming RPG The Witcher for PCs is shaping up be one magical ride. Chief designer Michal Madej sat down with GameSpot to go deeper into the game, and tell us what to expect from this unique fantasy role-playing video game.

Among the topics they discussed, the gameplay aspects of The Witcher sounds most interesting. Unlike conventional RPGs, this title won’t be bothering with complicated numbers. Instead of stat growth to make your character stronger, the protagonist Geralt has access to an extensive set of “about 250 abilities, grouped in 15 ‘trait trees:’ four attributes, five magical signs, and six combat styles,” according to Madej.

The plan here is to make every earned skill point count. Madej said they didn’t want insignificant upgrades like 2% chance more to hit – developers wanted players to feel stronger every time an ability is learned. “They get a visible difference in gameplay,” he said. This includes non-combat skills like gathering herbs, skinning monsters, brewing potions, and many other things, Madej added.

In The Witcher‘s lore, only the most powerful can use magic. Geralt, as a witcher, doesn’t have the gift of casting powerful spells. No need to worry though, because he can combine signs and the sword to use magical powers (and look cool). As Madej mentioned before, there are five trees for magical signs. These include “igni,” which concerns the use of fire, witchers’ trademark “aard” that allows them to cause a telekinetic blast, “quen” for defense, “axii” for playing scaring enemies or even controlling their minds, and tactical traps “yrden” that can lure monsters.  

Learning these signs won’t be enough to be deadly in combat though, because you still need important things – perception, common sense, and a calm mind. As Madej puts it, rules of the game are obvious and don’t require hardcore knowledge. Basically, action elements are thrown in the mix. See some huge giant? You’ll have to do a lot of hitting then, with a little help from stunning and knock-down skills. Fighting hordes of enemies is an entirely different issue.

Players have access to a good amount of customization when it comes to battle, as they get to choose which weapon and fighting style suits the situation the most. Spells and items are also varied with different effects, and making good use of them is part of the game’s tactical aspect.

It’s also interesting how NPCs that aid you don’t level up with experience; comrades become stronger as the story progresses. Fortunately, many tight encounters can be avoided with certain choices offered to the player, choices that can hold significant meaning according to Madej.

Excited yet? The Witcher will be on European shelves on October 26, before it ships to the world October 30. For the full interview, just click on the Via link below.