The E3 gameplay demo. What do you think needs to be worked on? What did you like?

[Devils4dvocate]

To me, the sexual innuendo is clear in the whole scene, not just in a lucky capture. Said that, maybe it is just that, innuendo and latter Geralt or the lady won't want toescalate it.

By the way, as usual, the interviewer is half-twart.

 

[KnightofPhoenix]

The problem with self-censoring your presentation like that is that it says "we are making this game for a 'mature' audience, but we still expect the worst from them. We won't put in any content that could validate their assumptions that we are making this game to appeal to voyeurs."

And if you're showing gameplay, you have to show it the way the game plays, not some other way.

You speak as if this scene was absolutely crucial in showcasing the gameplay? How is it self-censoring? It's simply selecting which scenes or parts you show and which you don't, because some scenes unlike others require context in order not to be misconstrued.
Yes I think CDPR should be careful with its image, considering some of the things it did in the past. I am sorry, but the Triss playboy stunt definitely does give off the idea that it's appealing to a certain type of crowd I wouldn't necessarily call mature.

But in any case, it's not a big deal. I haven't even seen any backlash on it. It is simply a general hope on my end that CDPR be careful with its image, I don't think this particular scene was in any way disastrous.

 

[WFMS2]

@WFMS
Nah look, she's clearly very angry with Geralt! They hand crafted this animation too, clearly she has mixed emotions (Interestingly quite like a human being, wow.).

Hey look, I can freeze frame a moment & state implications on it too.

Please, just stop.
There's nothing there to implicate she "wants the D" or any such nonsense. Wait till the game comes out & then link the Sex Scene footage with a, "I told you so" message if it happens, but until it does, there's nothing more here than she was simply thankful for him saving her.

Not to mention CDPR have specifically stated they wanted fewer but more meaningful romances in the game. Sure, you'll probably still be able to roll on into the Brothel, but as for Story partners, they've stated they're toning it down & making it more meaningful. Absolutely nothing suggests this is one of them (Beyond you somehow taking a smile way too far) & if it is, then it'll have context we're missing.

Woah, calm down there. I didn't mean to anger anyone. Especially seeing as I covered most of what you said here in a previous post already. No need to get so passive aggressive.

 

[Tutux]

It's so weird, like as if they cast a spell on me. I just woke up today watched the game play video again and what? I liked the combat lol. Still tho, the monster fight was not the best! I think I need some time and I'll be fine with that combat style!! :^) It might be that I was expecting a different approach! But I'm sure that is not their best monster so yeah with this thought in mind, I would say THANK YOU cdpr! you did a great job!

 

[GuyNwah]

You speak as if this scene was absolutely crucial in showcasing the gameplay? How is it self-censoring? It's simply selecting which scenes or parts you show and which you don't, because some scenes unlike others require context in order not to be misconstrued.
Yes I think CDPR should be careful with its image, considering some of the things it did in the past. I am sorry, but the Triss playboy stunt definitely does give off the idea that it's appealing to a certain type of crowd I wouldn't necessarily call mature.

But in any case, it's not a big deal. I haven't even seen any backlash on it. It is simply a general hope on my end that CDPR be careful with its image, I don't think this particular scene was in any way disastrous.

It's not whether the scene is, in fact or in any reasonable judgement, crucial. It's whether CDPR should take care to avoid any kind of interaction between Geralt and women, lest it be taken badly by small minds. Deciding which scenes of a continuous sequence of gameplay you show or do not show because they make the greatest demonstration of expressive power is editing; deciding which scenes you show because you believe the worst of your audience will judge you sexist for it is self-censorship.

I thought the herbalist in the sequence was wonderfully expressive. Her face is as if they used a live model, and either they did facial mo-cap or they have an excellent engine for facial expressions. I think the power of this scene is such that it in no way should be a candidate for self-censorship.

 

[Vigilance.492]

Didn't see your follow up post until I'd already posted mine.

Regardless, you (And other people) definitely jumped to massive conclusions.

I'm just sick of seeing this kind of crap in Video Games. I never even once, ONCE considered that she & Geralt had a thing going until it was brought up here. Yet I probably look like the one here who is 'insensitive' or doesn't care about the representation of women. It's just a load of crock. The fact that people are specifically looking for it & go as far to assume that Geralt saving a woman + Smile = They're going to have sex & how dare CDPR have women like in their game, just bugs the hell out of me.

I'm sorry for getting angry at you dude. It's nice to see you understand & come to a better conclusion, but the whole situation just frustrates me & there's many, many people out there who won't be able to stop, think & be rational about it like you. They'll just continue using whatever evidence magically fits their agenda.

 

[Lieste]

The only two things that bothered me to a significant amount were the previously mentioned issues with the new crossbow (not keen on multiple bolts (especially from such a small bow, it will dilute hitting power), the repeat isn't appropriate, he should have to reload the quarrel before he can fire again ~ which would also require a reload before having it available at the bandits and again for the final fight, and the 'trace' is at least overdone, if not totally inappropriate), and the 'reflect arrows' skill. I only ever played FCR, where this was removed and would rather it be not included in. The source for this is tenuous at best, and it certainly shouldn't be a usefully common occurrence ~ the physics involved in deflection are plausible, those in reflecting the quarrel, point first and with sufficient stability and force to accomplish anything are farcical.

 

[Geralt_of_bsas]

They were and honestly I find the thought of it being GOTY and a RPG milestone to be a bit much now. Best game of the franchise is one that I can see as realistic though. The whole thing was one big wake up call of what is and what is not possible.

I don't quite get how you go from thinking this would be an RPG milestone (it will be), to later think it might be a just good or great regular game.

Let's say you didn't liked the gameplay footage much, fine. But the sole reason why everyone here in the forums goes crazy for TW3 are gameplay facts, goals, and ambitions. The size of the world, its interactivity and reactivity, how people and animals behave, modular crafting systems, gaining active skills instead of passive ones, a huge extremely long non-linear story where every decision matters, climbing, jumping, sailing, underwater diving, how its all presented and with what graphics, realistic wind, clouds, and storm simulation, cities truly big like cities and not just 10 houses, vastly different regions, etc.

How could you not think this RPG, if completed properly, will surpass any other AAA one ever made? Just cause a few combat animations weren't very good? or because the enemies were dumbed down for the presentation and the griffin fight cut with a sequence?

Hell, to me, TW3 could even have JRPG turn based combat and it would still probably be GOTY and the best RPG of the past 10 years or more. There's just so much to it.

 

[Devils4dvocate]

First thing, I don't think this is crucial or important at all. Just a detail. But it is all right discuss details for me, specially if you recognize first their small tiny relevance.

Said that, this remembers me the bare-chest situation of the Prision Break Trailer. To me that nudity was non-sexual at all and added a new level of helplessness to the Baroness situation, so it was justified. Of course, internet though otherwise and literally was flooded with BOOOBS messages. If I remember correctly, RED answered that they will ponder more carefully the inclusion of nudity in future trailers. I don't know if they did, but that is unimportant for me; please. My point is that, especially in PR material, you want no only to consider what do you want to show, but what an heterogeneous public will see. I think, and I could be wrong, that the scene was perceived by part of the watchers (ie myself) as the classical Bond-esque sexual innuendo Geralt provokes. Maybe we were wrong, but is we are not a minority ( I dont know that) that possibility should be consider by CD Projeckt, as PR relevant.

PS1: please mind that I am not critizising neither the nudity in the Prision Break trailer nor the alledgelly flirting in the 2014 E3 demo gameplay, just discussing them.

PS2: the interviewer also points (in a very rude way) the sexual tension between the herbolist and Geralt, and the RED (Marcin?) guy doesn't correct him, so...

PS3: self-censorship is not a bad thing per se.

 

[Zhyphix]

I liked it overall! Obviously I realize there is still work left to do in the animation department and general refinement, but overall I am quite excited.

One thing I would say though is that while Witcher sense is nice, it lacks a certain...umph that would separate it from Arkham's Detective Mode and Assassin's Creed's Eagle sense. It's practically the same.

I would have hoped that for instance, auditory factors would be more critical as opposed to just visual. For instance, I would love for us to be able to track down a certain type of monster through only hearing it without having any visual clue to follow. For instance, hearing grass move would be an indicator we could follow.

That, to me, would help make Witcher sense more unique AND help with immersion. You'd feel like an actual Witcher, being patient as you stop to listen very closely around you and follow auditory clues. Following blood is too easy and doesn't really encourage patience and keen awareness.

That would be epic.

I really love this idea as well. Again, this would greatly add to the impression of actually being Geralt, instead of being playing Geralt. Which, in a game such as The Witcher, is crucial to my feeling of immersion. Besides, I'm all for walking around slowly trying to figure out where a monster is hiding or what it's doing as opposed to running around wildly, crossbow in hand, following an all-too-obvious trail of red glowing spots.

I suppose new players could find it too hard and whatnot, so if it really can't be avoided, I say give them a simplified version with obvious hints and hand-holding and leave a "hardcore" mode for those who don't mind having to stop and think in their game.

 

[KnightofPhoenix]

I suppose new players could find it too hard and whatnot, so if it really can't be avoided, I say give them a simplified version with obvious hints and hand-holding and leave a "hardcore" mode for those who don't mind having to stop and think in their game.

Alternatively, it could be reserved for a number of optional, but powerful, monsters. For instance one that may use camouflage like the endrega Queen or Arachas, except more epic.

 

[kofeiiniturpa]

Let's say you didn't liked the gameplay footage much, fine. But the sole reason why everyone here in the forums goes crazy for TW3 are gameplay facts, goals, and ambitions. The size of the world, its interactivity and reactivity, how people and animals behave, modular crafting systems, gaining active skills instead of passive ones, a huge extremely long non-linear story where every decision matters, climbing, jumping, sailing, underwater diving, how its all presented and with what graphics, realistic wind, clouds, and storm simulation, cities truly big like cities and not just 10 houses, vastly different regions, etc.

How could you not think this RPG, if completed properly, will surpass any other AAA one ever made? Just cause a few combat animations weren't very good? or because the enemies were dumbed down for the presentation and the griffin fight cut with a sequence?

Hell, to me, TW3 could even have JRPG turn based combat and it would still probably be GOTY and the best RPG of the past 10 years or more. There's just so much to it.

Gameplay and execution is what matters (most) in a game - or, what should matter, it's a game Afterall. You could have twice the features and twice the ambitions there are going to be, but if the gameplay design is bad (or lacking more than is considered acceptable) no amount of extra features and ambitions will help that it will feel mediocre/bad to play and that reflects everything in the game.

Much of the criticisms will (hopefully) get adressed, though, so perhaps the "milestone" thingie is still somewhat within reach.

 

[archaven]

Personally i think the normal NPC look quite plain. It will be great if they put more touch on NPCs.

 

[ViZ7]

Personally i think the normal NPC look quite plain. It will be great if they put more touch on NPCs.

Good thing some of them are plain.

 

[Zhyphix]

Alternatively, it could be reserved for a number of optional, but powerful, monsters. For instance one that may use camouflage like the endrega Queen or Arachas, except more epic.

Good idea. Making use of Geralt's medallion as well could make for some very interesting mechanics of monster hunting, so I'd be really sad to see it reduced to Eagle Senses. Of course we've only seen an early version being used in one occasion, but the possibilities are so exciting that I'd be a waste not to be creative with the feature.

 

[Geralt_of_bsas]

Gameplay and execution is what matters (most) in a game - or, what should matter, it's a game Afterall. You could have twice the features and twice the ambitions there are going to be, but if the gameplay design is bad (or lacking more than is considered acceptable) no amount of extra features and ambitions will help that it will feel mediocre/bad to play and that reflects everything in the game.

Much of the criticisms will (hopefully) get adressed, though, so perhaps the "milestone" thingie is still somewhat within reach.

Everything that i mentioned is gameplay, except the size of cities (at least not inherently), and the different regions.

Gameplay is not equal to just combat animations or running uphill or how a griffin moves. And also, its kind of ironic you mention gameplay and execution is what matters the most, since that is precisely the thing that got less criticism overall in the forums. I see lots of animation this, crossbow white lines that, but no "hey the game looks like it plays bad" or "its controls seem rigid/limited" or "look that's a very bad game design decision right there". Actually, opinions seem to be very positive, especially with the one thing most people were worried, witcher senses.

 

[Devils4dvocate]

Good idea. Making use of Geralt's medallion as well could make for some very interesting mechanics of monster hunting, so I'd be really sad to see it reduced to Eagle Senses. Of course we've only seen an early version being used in one occasion, but the possibilities are so exciting that I'd be a waste not to be creative with the feature.

Vibrating pad where magic is near, you mean?

 

[BlackWolf500.298]

My opinion:

(New) Positives:

+ I like it that he makes a fire when going into meditation, the animation is too fast though IMO
+ Jumping looks great
+ I liked what he said, that you can move everywhere you can look at and beyond
+ Love the beautiful environments
+ Like it that Geralt can interact with the clues and comment on them
+ I like the idea of "The Witcher Sense" though (see "negative" points) and it will definitely be a good addition when tweaked and improved until release.
+ Aard and Igni-Falmethrower (visuals as well as actual effects) = awesome

(New) Neutral

+/- The combat looks pretty fluid, I like that, I also like the variation of different animations for it. Though I agree some combat animations (mosty the dodges) still look pretty choppy/sloppy (IMO) and some of them are almost too fast to really see them.
+/- The conversation with the woman was okay, though they sounded like they know each other... Anyway, like was said before it would be cool to be able to ask her stuff and if the conversation was not so ..... "cut" (at least it felt that way), but my theory is that this was just in order to get on with the presentation and that the final game will have longer dialogues
+/- The conversation with the woman seemed to imply a sexual option.I don't think it's unrealistic though I think it is a little cliche if you think about the fact that the woman wants a little one night stand with her savior. I actually like it though I hope those cases are less than in TW1 but more than in TW2, and I hope they keep the romantic and artistic quality of the scenes they had in TW2.

(New) Negatives:

- I also think the combat against Humans and (especially) against the Griffin (which is supposed to be hard to beat, right? And it looks huge and strong) looks way too easy. I can of course not judge completely without having played it but it looks like there is no challenge to it. I really hope this is the lowest difficulty level.
- No wildlife (probably removed though for presentation purposes)
- UI slightly too big
- "Witcher sense" is not subtle enough, it shows the trails just too distinctive. I am aware that Geralt follows the footsteps of the Griffin in the beginning, but if they would OUTLINE them instead of filling them all with red color I would find it better. Also the blood is way too easy to find and there is not so much interactivity in following clues, I hope it is more in the final game
- @ Combat: I think when fighting the dodge moves should not be the same. I think forward should be a roll (don't kill me guys) because I liked them very much in TW2 (the problem was they were too many and you had to rely too much on them in TW2) and backward should be that back-step we saw in the gameplay footage at the Microsoft conference.
- Please remove those corssbow-shot-lines they are immersion breaking
- I hope the cutscene at the end of the Griffin fight was just for the presentation. I don't mind the cutscene of the Griffin kicking off his sword and Geralt taking out the other one, but after that part of the scene I want to be back in control and finish the Griffin off myself.
- I said it twice before since the "Sword of Destiny" trailer and I say it again: Geralts face is too pink. It's too human. Actually not even human, it almost looks like he has a Sunburn. SO please, make his face/body more white and make his beard white (he lost pigmentation). That is a must IMO because to be honest, his face looks cool but the wrong colors makes it just look ridiculous.

 

[kofeiiniturpa]

Everything that i mentioned is gameplay, except the size of cities (at least not inherently), and the different regions.

Gameplay is not equal to just combat animations or running uphill or how a griffin moves. And also, its kind of ironic you mention gameplay and execution is what matters the most, since that is precisely the thing that got less criticism overall in the forums. I see lots of animation this, crossbow white lines that, but no "hey the game looks like it plays bad" or "its controls seem rigid/limited" or "look that's a very bad game design decision right there". Actually, opinions seem to be very positive, especially with the one thing most people were worried, witcher senses.

Gameplay is indeed not just combat, but if combat is going to be a major part of the game, it better be adequate; and if combat as said major feature is indicative of the rest if the features that we've not seen yet, I'd say there's some trouble ahead. I haven't been able to follow every post on this thread or the forum, but at some point it looked as if people actually were criticising gameplay more than just animations and arrow tracers, but if that is not how it is, then I guess I don't have case here.

 

[archaven]

I honestly hope wild life is in. Looks at FarCry4. Awesome!