Posted July 24, 2011
Some of you may find this idea weird I reckon, but I am very curious how would you rate particular segments of the game. Any compelling characters that stuck in your mind? Engaging quests you recall? Remarkably memorable moments? Let's share.
I consider prologue as one of the best openings ever, at least speaking of video games, as opposed to TW, where the beginning was one of the very few game's drawbacks. Actually it was not bad by any means, but it was pretty far from being captivating intro, it did not really manage to pick up steam, although a lot happened there.
Now, that's how you introduce the game. Nonlinear storytelling, solid pacing, variety of gameplay pattern (casual hanging-out, a lot of fighting, seeking alternative route, running for your life, mini-games, sneaking), first glimpses of your choices and their consequences. It's perfect. Just perfect.
Our next stop is Flotsam, which resembles (in my opinion) the combination of Act I and IV of TW. It's excellent choice for the first major game's chapter. Gloomy uniqueness you get to breathe there is unforgettable, along with some side-quests (for instance Troll Trouble or In the Claws of Madness), scenes like the first „squabble” of Iorveth and Roche („Iorveth – regular son of a whore!”), tasteful Geralt-Triss scene in elven ruins or saving comrades from execution and the following conversation in the inn. Some nice character development, whole thing with Kayran, some Slavic feel, not real rush and an opportunity to simply enjoy environment for what it is. It's the best game's part, I believe. That's what should be called screenwriting at its best.
Later, it's getting weird. Consensus among people seems to be that Vergen is the favorite hub overall and it may be true, especially when we consider hanging out with dwarves, „Vergen by Night” track and the feel of helping opressed by opposing an attempt at invasion. On the other hand, Roche's path, more emotionally involving, harsh and witcher-alike (Iorveth's path feels a little mainstream) doesn't really offer intriguing realm, includes kinda less pleasent companion (excluding Roche, who is masterfully written and exceeds Iorveth slightly) and generally is missing something, I gather, although it is still very good. In conclusion, despite being very good/great, neither reaches previous standard.
That leaves us with Act III + short Epilogue, which will have to wait until later, as I'm tired (night here), but let me just say – location itself looks phenomenal, but it lacks soul. The summit in Loc Muinne is one of the best scenes in game, Radovid shows up, one or two secondary characters are interesting, main choice (who shall we save) is exceptionally difficult (none of them is easy, of course), but all in all it's too short and the conclusion could be more satisfying (meeting with Letho and confrontation, verbal/by swords is sweet, though).
Maybe it's utterly foolish to rate it in any scale, but if someone asked me, I would say that Prologue and Act I are 10/10, Act II Roche's path/Iorveth's path respectively 8/10 and 8.5, maybe 9/10. And Act III + Epilogue? Tough one, really.
Can't wait to see your opinions.
I consider prologue as one of the best openings ever, at least speaking of video games, as opposed to TW, where the beginning was one of the very few game's drawbacks. Actually it was not bad by any means, but it was pretty far from being captivating intro, it did not really manage to pick up steam, although a lot happened there.
Now, that's how you introduce the game. Nonlinear storytelling, solid pacing, variety of gameplay pattern (casual hanging-out, a lot of fighting, seeking alternative route, running for your life, mini-games, sneaking), first glimpses of your choices and their consequences. It's perfect. Just perfect.
Our next stop is Flotsam, which resembles (in my opinion) the combination of Act I and IV of TW. It's excellent choice for the first major game's chapter. Gloomy uniqueness you get to breathe there is unforgettable, along with some side-quests (for instance Troll Trouble or In the Claws of Madness), scenes like the first „squabble” of Iorveth and Roche („Iorveth – regular son of a whore!”), tasteful Geralt-Triss scene in elven ruins or saving comrades from execution and the following conversation in the inn. Some nice character development, whole thing with Kayran, some Slavic feel, not real rush and an opportunity to simply enjoy environment for what it is. It's the best game's part, I believe. That's what should be called screenwriting at its best.
Later, it's getting weird. Consensus among people seems to be that Vergen is the favorite hub overall and it may be true, especially when we consider hanging out with dwarves, „Vergen by Night” track and the feel of helping opressed by opposing an attempt at invasion. On the other hand, Roche's path, more emotionally involving, harsh and witcher-alike (Iorveth's path feels a little mainstream) doesn't really offer intriguing realm, includes kinda less pleasent companion (excluding Roche, who is masterfully written and exceeds Iorveth slightly) and generally is missing something, I gather, although it is still very good. In conclusion, despite being very good/great, neither reaches previous standard.
That leaves us with Act III + short Epilogue, which will have to wait until later, as I'm tired (night here), but let me just say – location itself looks phenomenal, but it lacks soul. The summit in Loc Muinne is one of the best scenes in game, Radovid shows up, one or two secondary characters are interesting, main choice (who shall we save) is exceptionally difficult (none of them is easy, of course), but all in all it's too short and the conclusion could be more satisfying (meeting with Letho and confrontation, verbal/by swords is sweet, though).
Maybe it's utterly foolish to rate it in any scale, but if someone asked me, I would say that Prologue and Act I are 10/10, Act II Roche's path/Iorveth's path respectively 8/10 and 8.5, maybe 9/10. And Act III + Epilogue? Tough one, really.
Can't wait to see your opinions.
Post edited July 24, 2011 by Galadh
