And what are these miniscule changes good for in the end? I mean it's nice and inspiring to talk about these subtle things here on the board but what's the actual purpose to change things like that? We all played the game already, we all know these scenes. We cannot erase our memories, pretending like the original game never happened and some subtle changes give us chills. I think at this point it's more about "doing the right thing" than "doing the reasonable thing". Let's be honest: most gamers wouldn't care at all about such changes in the first place.These changes wouldn't change people's mind about the game. These changes wouldn't attract more people to buy the game. The only possible purpose of such changes would be plain and simple fan service (which isn't a bad thing in itself, but it has to be pointed out), to improve the "feel" of the game in a more theoretical way of "doing the source material justice". Is it worth the effort,? I fear not. You know, the game already happened. What has been done cannot be undone, so to say.
Of course that's perfectly valid. But I personally tend to suggest now that they should just go on and do it (even) better with Cyberpunk.
It feels like you're denying yourself good time and enjoyment out of this game by refusing to budge and meet CDPR half way.
You're not happy because fan fiction game is not on the same level as the original books. But it's still one of the best, if not the best story driven game seriies ever.
It doesn't have to be as good as the books.
I don't know how other people do it, but I always use the first play through to just experience the game with no walls of expectations or doubt. I cherish those moments, when everything is new and magical. I revel in the richness of such rare games, fully aware I can absorb only so much goodness, and that I'm overlooking many little details and subtleties.
And finally, I use my first play through to gage the developer's line of thinking, and try to see how they meant for the game system to work. Because, no matter how good any game is, it can't possibly cover all angles and lines of thinking, so making an effort to understand the ropes goes a long way later.
This is why I've managed to get the best ending and most enjoyment out of my first play through, I understood what the game writers wanted to say, even through occasional flaws.
But on my second play through, I won't have to make an effort to understand, I'll be able to just set free and immerse in the story, using my spare attention and energy to explore details I've previously missed.
I still haven't started my second play through of Witcher 3, because to be honest, I'm still processing everything that happened on the first. But, I have no doubt there will be second, and third... Like good books, good video games tug at me in a very special way, where I'll go over them until I can see every important scene when I close my eyes, play in my head every beautiful melody and repeat every masterfully written dialogue.
For example, I've replayed the Baldur's Gate series with every race, and then every race with every class... And every next play through, I'll find new things, I'll see things from a different perspective, depending on my mood and age. Same goes for Fallout, Torment, Witcher 1...
The perception changes so much at times, it's almost like playing a different game. Imagine how mind blown are players who never read the books, then they do and replay Witcher games again.
Witcher games are first to reach and possibly even go beyond that same urge to absorb them.
So to go back to your question, will a miniscule change and additional content make any difference enough to matter?
YES. Million times yes.
If I don't have to role play on my next play through that Yen and Ciri are acting in a loving, affectionate mother-daughter relationship, the 700 pages will be worth it.
If CDPR decides to take on 0.1% of our suggestions and implement it, it doesn't translate the game will be better for 0.1%. It can easily improve it for 5%, 10% or 50%, depending on a person and their perception.
For some, a loving look from Yen, while watching Geralt and Ciri train from the balcony in Kaer Morhen may be completely overlooked, but for some it will establish early their bond and closeness as a family, thus making a world of difference.
Luckily, I have plenty of imagination at my disposal to role play through anything I may perceive as game deficiency in relation to the books, but if CDRP can make it better, there is no reason not to.
I don't see Witcher 3 as a failure, I see it as pinnacle of modern RPGs and as a precious legacy of an incredible group of devs.
NOW is the perfect time to make it the best it will ever be, so when anyone looks back, they can think "how the hell did they make it so good, so nobody else can still match it". Just like Baldur's Gate, Fallout and Planescape Torment held and in some regards still hold that top perch of respect and admiration.
Untouchable, unrepeatable, unforgettable.
