Gwent - Gaming With Elves, Nilfgaardians & Things
^See what I did there?
This thread is for talking about the Gwent card game INGAME, please limit your comments to discussion about how we feel about it, how it might work, and not the controversy surrounding it, go here for the out_of_game issues.
Now I like card games, Magic: The Gathering being the prime example. I like the sound of the game, and I love the inclusion of minigames and such things are part of The Witcher tradition, but personally I can't help but wonder about its appropriateness within this game world. Here are the points that immediately came to my mind.
It seems like a very "modern" concept within the established bounds of the world, especially compared to what we've had previously. It will require 2 players and be played in the Inns, were each player presumably has all the cards and somehow picks one of the sides to represent. The cards would appear to be complex designs, as does the system itself. Four sides - who would have no respect for eachother, this is well established - including Hero cards which we must assume would be respectful of the factions (perhaps except Monsters). It is difficult for me to imagine Dwarfs for instance carrying or playing cards that presumably "honour" Nilfgaardians, similarly Scoia'tael & Northern Realms with the inherent racism & resentful histories. I just can't imagine Yarpen Zigrin cheering & being happy winning with the Nilfgaardian set. Such respect feels too tolerant for the attitudes we know abound in Witcherworld. Perhaps - just perhaps - the situations were we get to play would allow for appropriate allegiances, and only Geralt will carry all 4 factions, or will he be forced to always choose last?
Things we don't know: Will it be played for Orens? Will it be played for Cards? Will collecting be used as an incentive to explore? Collecting in FNV was fine but that game - and the dispersion of cards - was clearly appropriate for the world, would such be appropriate here? On this last issue my feeling again is: it wouldn't be.
What are your impressions of what we know so far?
^See what I did there?
This thread is for talking about the Gwent card game INGAME, please limit your comments to discussion about how we feel about it, how it might work, and not the controversy surrounding it, go here for the out_of_game issues.
About Gwent:
Gwent is a fast-paced card game that can be played within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on every platform. Invented by dwarves and perfected over centuries of tavern table play, Gwent is a game of initial simplicity and ultimate depth, something beloved by both road-weary travelers during long nights around the campfire and elegant nobles looking to liven up dragging dinner parties. The game is about the clash of two armies locked in mortal struggle on a battlefield where the players are the leaders and the cards their forces. With four different factions offering unique combat styles and endless paths to victory, Gwent is every adventurer’s first choice when it comes to one-on-one card-based dueling. Take risks and think on your feet, strategize and deliver cunning combos, use potent magic and mighty hero cards and be the last one standing on the field of honor!
Key Features:
- Over 150 unique playing cards
- 4 distinct factions: the mighty and cunning Nilfgaardian Empire, the brave Northern Realms and their siege weapons, the agile and devious Scoia’tael, and the brutal monsters of No Man’s Land.
- Powerful spells allow players to control the weather and affect units on the battlefield.
- An array of combat styles caters to individual playstyles: close range with heavy knights, long range with skilled archers or artillery with powerful siege weapons.
- Powerful hero cards, unique to each faction.
Now I like card games, Magic: The Gathering being the prime example. I like the sound of the game, and I love the inclusion of minigames and such things are part of The Witcher tradition, but personally I can't help but wonder about its appropriateness within this game world. Here are the points that immediately came to my mind.
It seems like a very "modern" concept within the established bounds of the world, especially compared to what we've had previously. It will require 2 players and be played in the Inns, were each player presumably has all the cards and somehow picks one of the sides to represent. The cards would appear to be complex designs, as does the system itself. Four sides - who would have no respect for eachother, this is well established - including Hero cards which we must assume would be respectful of the factions (perhaps except Monsters). It is difficult for me to imagine Dwarfs for instance carrying or playing cards that presumably "honour" Nilfgaardians, similarly Scoia'tael & Northern Realms with the inherent racism & resentful histories. I just can't imagine Yarpen Zigrin cheering & being happy winning with the Nilfgaardian set. Such respect feels too tolerant for the attitudes we know abound in Witcherworld. Perhaps - just perhaps - the situations were we get to play would allow for appropriate allegiances, and only Geralt will carry all 4 factions, or will he be forced to always choose last?
Things we don't know: Will it be played for Orens? Will it be played for Cards? Will collecting be used as an incentive to explore? Collecting in FNV was fine but that game - and the dispersion of cards - was clearly appropriate for the world, would such be appropriate here? On this last issue my feeling again is: it wouldn't be.
What are your impressions of what we know so far?