I think both things can be true at the same time. 30h of gameplay off a $20 game is a very reasonable proposition. At the same time, not managing to translate the procgen core mechanic into - if not infinite then - better replayability is absolutely a flaw. Some will see the procedurally generated content part and hope for something to sink hundreds of hours into, so it’s a fair warning.
I think it looks pretty good. Intrigued about what they said about the AI, I think that’s one of STALKER’s strengths - A-life and not only the combat AI but the way the world feels alive and dynamic. If they nail that - along with the atmosphere - they’ll have a great product, even should it turn out the story is mediocre.
I’m only a few minutes in, but one thing I’m already noticing from the gameplay: proper ammo types being looted like 9x19mm FMJ (as opposed to “Pistol Ammo” reported from a previous build). Good sign.
EDIT: The visuals are stunning and it’s promising how well they’ve captured (and built upon) the stellar atmosphere of the originals. I love hearing the designers emphasise loneliness, desolation and fear - all essential to the magic of STALKER. I do hate the immersion breaking video game compass at the top. Hopefully it can be turned off.
Letho is too cool to be killed, such a great character in my opinion. Plus he took care of Yen, you know, and he had his reasons - even if he got a bit naively manipulated. Loved the conversation with him at the end, sharing a drink.
The unbroken continuity is cool, though I think very few things carry over all the way from 1 to 3? I know there is the tattoo, probably something else too.
I remember playing Dota 1 and 2 in parallel for a while because so few heroes were in the beta and I wanted to play new hotness like Ember Spirit. Fun times.
Quitting Dota has been great for my mental health, though. But I guess I’m at least curious enough about what the frog is cooking to risk getting addicted to something new.
That’s fair. I think - behind a new customisable Witcher protagonist - Ciri is most likely simply because of name recognition and the value it carries into promoting the game.
I definitely see parts of it - at least narratively - but I think having Ciri as a full protagonist poses a lot of problems. Either you have to explain away her powers somehow - or you lean into it and end up with moving away from the Witcheriness. You’ll have no Witcher senses, no potions, no signs and instead have a bunch of magic (not to mention teleportation and time travel).
I’ve said it many times before but Letho would be my pick. Very nuanced character, big protagonist energy, CDPR original content so they don’t have to worry about lore as much. Also an even better character than Geralt if you want to really lean into the morally grey side of the Witcher universe.