The Witcher 3 is discussed, including Geralt's abilities and the threat of the wild hunt. The podcast dives into the dark realism and emotions of the game, focusing on a storyline involving domestic violence. The portrayal of female characters in the game is critiqued, and comparisons are made between shooting mechanics in Cyberpunk and slashing mechanics in Witcher 3. The shocking truth about a cult leader involved in sexual abuse and murder is also uncovered.
The Witcher 3 offers an immersive world with engaging gameplay and morally complex choices.
The game showcases emotionally mature characters and explores relationships and romantic encounters.
The strength of The Witcher 3 lies in its engaging side quests and fables, offering a rich and immersive experience.
Deep dives
The podcast discusses the gameplay and narrative elements of Witcher 3
Witcher 3 is a fantasy RPG that stands out as one of the best games of the console cycle. The game offers an immersive world and engaging gameplay, combining hack and slash combat with limited magic abilities. The story is rooted in folklore and features morally complex choices and tragic circumstances, evoking a sense of sorrow throughout. The main protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, is a Witcher, a unique character who embarks on bounty-hunting quests to slay monsters. The game explores prejudice, challenging townspeople's perceptions of Witchers and delving into tragic personal stories within medieval life.
The podcast examines the writing style and character development of Witcher 3
The podcast hosts discuss the writing style of Witcher 3, noting that the narrative drives the gameplay. The game delivers a parable-like experience, presenting stories that encompass various themes and folklore-inspired elements. The characters in the game, including Geralt, are emotionally mature and calm, providing a different dynamic compared to other RPGs. The game showcases relationships, giving players the option to engage in romantic encounters with various characters. The hosts reflect on the balance between storytelling and game mechanics, acknowledging the simplicity of combat but emphasizing the strength of the overarching plot.
The podcast anticipates the release of Cyberpunk 2077
The hosts express excitement for CD Projekt Red's upcoming game, Cyberpunk 2077. They speculate on how the developers' experience with the Witcher franchise will inform this sci-fi RPG. Comparisons are drawn between fantasy and sci-fi storytelling, with the hosts discussing the analytical nature of sci-fi narratives. They discuss their preference for shooting mechanics over sword combat, touching on the importance of satisfying gunplay in games. The hosts anticipate how Cyberpunk 2077 will explore alienation and societal themes, speculating on the potential success of CD Projekt Red's transition from fantasy to sci-fi.
Engaging side quests and fables
The podcast highlights the strength of The Witcher 3 in its engaging side quests and fables, comparable to the density and interest of Breath of the Wild. Despite most side quests involving dialogue trees or monster hunting, they offer unique and captivating stories, often centered around lesser-known creatures in American culture. The game's meticulous world map and the intriguing characters you encounter during these quests make for a rich and immersive experience.
Functional gameplay and lack of emotional connection
While the podcast acknowledges the functional and polished gameplay of The Witcher 3, it expresses a lack of emotional connection to Geralt, the game's protagonist. Comparisons are drawn to other characters in video games, such as Hellboy or characters from The Last of Us, whose emotional depth and journey captivate the player. The podcast also comments on Geralt's inherently uninteresting nature, and although the game's story is commendable, the absence of emotional engagement in the protagonist's journey ultimately diminishes the overall impact of the game.
Michael and Adam undress and take a bath in the world of The Witcher 3. Things get spicier when they talk about the relative attractiveness of peasants in medieval times. When Geralt puts on that bear armor, hoo boy, take me to the unclear afterlife that is kinda canon!