by W.H. Garcia

Created on: November 01, 2008   Last Updated: June 08, 2010

Although it cannot match up with the Diablo franchise in terms of character development and pure hack and slash entertainment, The Witcher more than satisfies the ardent RPG fan with its realistic environment, great story-telling and innovative combat techniques.

The Witcher never fails to create a gloomy setting befitting of a game where there is a fine line between good and evil. The protagonist of the game, Geralt of Rivia, will often be called upon to make decisions that cannot be clearly defined as right or wrong. These decisions will often change the course of the game, adding to the game's replay-ability value.

The environment created in the game is simply gorgeous, exuding a rustic medieval European feel. Together with the game's original soundtrack, this game really sucks you into the story. Story-telling is one of the strengths of this game. Along the way, you will encounter a myriad of querky but belivable characters who add to the depth of the story. Although these encounters are often peppered by cheesy conversations, it can actually have a romantic appeal to RPG gamers out there.

As much as the guys at Blizzard would hate to admit, Diablo has always been a mouse-button mashing game where the player would just need click as fast as possible on the enemy to attack it. Employing the same tactics in Witcher would not get you anywhere. The battle system in the Witcher employs a series of on-screen icons that hint at when to click. Once you get used to the timing, you would be able to trigger a series of mind-blowing maneuvers with no reply from your target. If you fail to adhere to the rhythm, you will sit there like a lame duck exposed to the enemy's attacks. So satisfying are these attacks (if you get them right) that you would not be able to wait for you next fight to come, which brings us to one of my complaints about the game.

Unfortunately, you do have to wait quite long between encounters. More often than not, you would have to cover vast distances without any interesting encounters along the way. As much as I am in awe of the environmental detail in the game world, this can really dampen a player's interest.

For those of us used to the relatively simple and intuitive Diablo interface, the Witcher's interface can seem a tad unwieldy and daunting at times (although the presentation is absolutely gorgeous). There are just so many tabs of information that as you go through the game, one is tempted to just ignore the ones that does not really come into play. That would be a shame considering that these tabs contain vital information on creating potions, one of the unique selling points of this game.

Other than minor quests, there is plenty of peripheral activity like fist fights and dice games to freshen up the game once in a while, not to mention numerous sexual escapades.

Overall, The Witcher delivers in both departments of graphics and gameplay. The combat mechanics introduced here provides refreshing gameplay. Flexibility in the story and decision-making process means that the player can relive the experience differently everytime he or she plays it.

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