:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61159435/2_leshen_is_a_very_powerful_monster-hiding_deep_in_the_murky_woods_of_no_man_s_land.0.1487851598.0.jpg)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will include dynamic monster hunting and an expansive, detailed world, according to a demo we saw today.
The game is the conclusion to the story of Geralt of Rivia and will focus heavily on his personal journey. The third entry in the trilogy follows Geralt as he searches for a dark and deadly force known as the Wild Hunt. During the demo shown today at E3, we got a glimpse at the chaos and destruction the Hunt is capable of. The demo opened with village aflame and one lone survivor fleeing for his life. Flashing forward two weeks, we then saw Geralt begin his search for clues to the Hunt's whereabouts.
Along the way, Geralt had several opportunities to pursue side-quests involving monster hunting and villager requests. Geralt's quest took him through a number of highly detailed, gorgeous locations. In-game docks were dotted with small background items such as rope and barrels, while forests were heavily animated with animals and lush plant life. According to the presenter, the game's world is roughly 35 times the size of The Witcher 2: Assassin's of Kings.
The Witcher 3 will include a weather and day and night system, which will influence gameplay. Trying to sail out during a heavy storm for example, will likely capsize your ship and leave you stranded. Enemies such as werewolves are more powerful at night.
The game will include new fast travel option, as well as multiple options for anyone keen on the old-fashioned way. During the demo, Geralt traveled by horse and boat.
The game's world is roughly 35 times the size of The Witcher 2: Assassin's of Kings.
The Witcher 3's monsters appear to be formidable opponents. During the demo's final confrontation, Geralt went one-on-one with a creature called Leshen. The Leshen is a tall, clawed opponent with the head of a deer-like animal with the ability to move from place to place in a cloud of crows. Geralt's battle prowess, meanwhile, will include advanced swordplay and various magical attacks.
Those interested in picking up The Witcher 3 need not play the first two games or read the novels the game is based on. In the new title, the "slate has been wiped clean," the presenter said.
During an interview with CD Projekt Red today, the developer said that it would continue to explore novelist Andrzej Sapkowski's universe and that Geralt could make an appearance in future titles. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will launch for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows PC and next-gen consoles.
