What's described as a new and improved version of CDProjekt's PC RPG The Witcher is releasing this spring.
We're promised, first of all, that The Witcher Enhanced Edition features overall technical improvements that include better loading times - which are apparently reduced by 80 percent - better game stability and "an array of smaller fixes that will increase interactivity and precision in combat".
Second, Mr Press Release tells us what else is on the cards:
The English-language version is being completely re-done "for the most part", with pretty much all the text and dialogue - from the Polish-language version, we imagine - appearing in full. "Now the English version will be as polished and atmospheric as the other language versions"
50 new supporting character models
Redesigned and improved inventory system, elements of the main game screen polished
Dialogue scenes greatly improved - "Both Geralt and non-player characters will get over 100 new animated gestures which will make their body language during conversations much more natural. Additionally, the facial animation and lip-sync system will be re-created, making the faces of the speakers now even more natural, as well"
"There will be many smaller changes that will make the game more fun. I'm convinced that, thanks to those changes, The Witcher will almost be the ideal game for fans of PC role-playing."
Aiming for a May 16 release date
Enhanced Edition to include a map of the game world, a DVD with the D'jinii Mod Editor (that allows players to create or modify their own adventures in the world of The Witcher), a video DVD with extended material detailing the making of the game, a music CD with 15 tracks of music inspired by the game, an 80-page instruction booklet, a 112-page official guide written by the game's developers, and a 50-page short story written by Andrzej Sapkowski
Two completely new adventures created by CD Projekt RED. The first adventure, entitled "The Price of Neutrality," tells the story of Geralt coming back to Kaer Morhen and finding a mysterious camp near the stronghold (3 new quests), while the second one focuses on Geralt's close friend, Dandelion, and his troubles in Vizima City (5 quests)
Fans that have already bought the game need not worry, however, because the new content and improvements will be available to them in the form of a downloadable update
"The leading idea during the development of The Witcher Enhanced Edition is to create a game that is devoid of all of the major criticisms levied at the original release... Now we have the opportunity to introduce changes that will allow The Witcher to provide even more enjoyment. I hope that, as a result, the game will come even closer to the ideal RPG", says Micha Kiciński, CEO of CD Projekt.
Considering the Witcher was, even in its original state, prime contender for my personal top title pick of 2007 before Mass Effect came along, I am absolutely amazed by what CDProjekt are doing here. Listening to criticism? Responding to it? Fixing problems? Insane! Its the kind of response even MMO developers can only dream of.
The only thing I could wish for now would be a console release... so I don't have to put up with the sluggish performance from my ageing PC ;D
Well done for the fixes and a massive well done for letting previous owners download the content, would have been very easy to make us buy it over again.
and as for multiplayer, why the hell would you want that? even if they put it in i'd imagine it would suck.
It's really nice to see a developer willing to listen to feedback, make drastic changes (after all these aren't going to be quick or easy) and release all these things for free, when they could easily make a quick buck off such a release. It really makes a difference from developers who aren't even willing to patch up glaring omissions and repeatable bugs because 'it's too expensive'. Brings a tear to my eye. Looks like CDP are quickly heading for Developer of 2008 award.
The only thing I could wish for now would be a console release... so I don't have to put up with the sluggish performance from my ageing PC
They have advertised for, and recently hired, programmers with experience making games for the 360 and PS3, and have people working on ports. However the official line is still that they're testing the waters to see how the game would fare.
This is putting other, much wealthy, developers to shame!
Was wanting to get this game but might as well wait till May now, so that I can play the improved version. Only problem is this will be coming out at same time as Mass Effect for PC; don't know which one to get now.
I'm enjoying it just now actually... the only criticism is that I've had the occasional crash to desktop (don't trust in the autosave). Just like with Crysis and other big budget contenders.
It's very enjoyable just now - this other stuff sounds lots of fun - especially the dev stuff so I can create something else too.
Very impressed at the level of customer service in this.
I have not bought the game yet, and this gives me more incentive to buy it. I played the game version 1.1 at a friends house for a couple of hours and it was sweet. And now its even more polished, thats incredible.
I will be buying the special edition to support a company that actually listens to its gamers and acts on it. Good job CD!
This is putting other, much wealthy, developers to shame!
Was wanting to get this game but might as well wait till May now, so that I can play the improved version. Only problem is this will be coming out at same time as Mass Effect for PC; don't know which one to get now.
These changes would, in my book, make the Witcher a superior game to Mass Effect. Don't get me wrong, Mass Effect is superb- and like I said, just beat the Witcher to best RPG of last year for me. But The Witcher has the potential to be even greater, and its certainly longer.
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