The Witcher ... now loading

Now is the time to take up your sword, to recall the holy grail of clickdom and to renew your vows as a knight of the RPG realm, now is not the time to be sitting and waiting for a load screen, which is exactly what I've spent a good 25% of my time doing while trying to enjoy the glorious world of The Witcher. It could be the install / setup I'm running, but my skepticism leans toward a common culprit; lazy programming. No pre-loading zones in the background, no free roaming cities, no flow.

What's really amazing though, is that despite this issue which could frustrate many players into seeking an alternate source of on demand entertainment, I am still playing.

I am just breaking out of the novice ranks, with my sword in hand I have successfully overcome the Beast of Vizima's outskirts and have defeated the evil leaders of the village. I met a charming girl named Vesna Hood (if you don't get the hilarity here, go back and try and find her at night in the village). I rescued a young boy with the powers of a seer. I helped a witch avoid being torn apart by a mob. Generally, amidst some drinking and monster slaying I had a pretty good time. Now I'm off to save the city from corruption and degradation.

I just hope I don't have to fight this guy any time soon... yikes!

Wish me luck!, oh and I'd still love some hints if you have any.

Which Witcher is Which?

Ahhh yes, it's like getting into a warm bath that soothes every aching gaming thought I've had while weathering through the last few months of gaming. This game has been given RPG of the year for 2007 with good reason.

The Witcher (Click here to visit the official website and possibly download a demo). Is a sweet return the days of Baldur's Gate and Diablo. I won't get into iteration wars here, suffice to say if you enjoyed one of those games your probably played all the sequels. That's the way it should be for the The Witcher.

To give you a taste of the story, which comes from a number of tales written by polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, the game gives you a well narrated action packed CG intro movie, in which you will probably come to appreciate the character Geralt, whom you play. You are then thrust into a future where you have no memory of who you are and get to avenge your past and carve out a new name for yourself in a dark and hostile land.

I'm only a few levels into the game so far, but there is more than enough depth to keep me interested, the plot so far has given me a taste of good things to come, and the adult aspects of this RPG lead me to believe we can only expect true to life characters throughout this tale's twists and turns.

I will keep this blog posted with updates on my progress, and all you veterans out there feel free to throw me a bone with helpful suggestions.

Here's to a beautiful dawn in the RPG gaming era.