A new clip from the NextGen update of Witcher 3 impresses with a movie-like fight against bandits. A developer explains the background on Twitter.
Shortly before the release of the NextGen version of The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red shows a short fight of the Witcher against a group of bandits. And it looks quite different than many may remember. But then one of the developers reveals exactly what is behind the clip on Twitter.
Actually just an experiment
You can watch the short clip right here. Geralt tangles with some hapless bandits who are no big problem for the experienced sorcerer:
Like a sharp wind in Skellige, be sharp in battle with your two swords.
And remember, one’s for monsters, the other – for humans ⚔️
Thank you, @much118x, for providing us with this stellar example of swordplay. pic.twitter.com/GMTFIonO45
– The Witcher (@witchergame) December 10, 2022
But why does the fight look so fancy in the video? It’s probably not just because of the graphics updates in the NextGen update, but mainly because of a new camera setting that the developers have been working on. As (Phillipp Weber from CD Projekt Red explains), this was initially just an experiment, but a quest designer put so much effort into the feature that it is now part of the NextGen version. By the way, it was inspired by the (first Witcher game).
The new TheWitcher camera mode and improved automatic framing of combatants started out as just an experiment, but our quest designer Eero Varendi put a ton of work into polishing it. It’s my preferred way of playing the game now! https://t.co/MJO5sSVmYF
– Philipp Weber (@PhiWeber) December 11, 2022
Unlike the original, the new camera puts you much closer to the action, which makes fights feel more intense, but also makes it easier for your opponents to attack you from behind by surprise. Like most features of the NextGen version, you can activate the new camera or use the settings of the original. It is also possible to use it only in certain situations, such as in battles, when riding or exploring on foot.
You can see how the new version of Witcher 3 differs visually from the original in our comparison video:
Not the only change of perspective
A new perspective can already change a lot, as the example of the alternative camera for Witcher 3 shows. It is also not the first time that you can explore the northern kingdoms from a completely different perspective. Because modders already went further and let you walk through the Witcher’s world in first-person:
We tried the mod at the time and show how immersive role-playing can be with it in the video above. With the fancier graphics of the NextGen update, it would certainly make a lot of difference. It’s just that the battles can quickly make you feel sick. Speaking of graphics: The first Witcher is also supposed to shine in new splendour soon, but as a complete remake.
What do you think of the alternative camera in the NextGen update? Do you like how the battles look with it, or do you prefer to keep an overview and would therefore prefer the original? Feel free to post your opinion in the comments!
