Press Release – Today, Ubisoft unveiled the biggest update yet for Might & Magic Heroes Online: The Guild Province Expeditions offer tons of new content especially created for guilds and cooperative gameplay.
The Guild Province is a new region in Might & Magic Heroes Online where players can combine their forces and establish a headquarters for their guild. Rebuild the realm to recruit troops previously only available during events, receive powerful buffs at different traders, and access the new Expeditions. Once a ruin is completely restored, all benefits become available for all guild members.
More information on Might & Magic Heroes Online can be found at www.heroes-online.com.
It’s been another long week of gaming and we’ve been doing our best here to keep up with all that is going on. Here’s a quick run-down of what games have been gracing our screens.
Well I fairly wide mix of things I’ve been playing this week. I wrapped up Bloodborne and I have been spending my time staring an arcane focused character and working my way through the chalice dungeons on my NG+ skill based character. Even after beating this game there is plenty to do once you’re finished. And of course, as you would expect with any From Software, this is all incredibly challenging in the best possible way.
With the release of Witcher 3: Wild Hunt I’ve begun to dig into this massive game. I suspect I won’t be done until the fall with this wealth of content. Thus far the game is gorgeous and full of meaningful side quests. Combat is a little clunky, but it’s a massive improvement over its predecessors.
Finally I just started playing Destiny’s second expansion House of Wolves. Once again there are only three actual quests that tacked on along with a new strike. On the plus side there is a new social space with new vendors, the ability to upgrade every piece of weapon and armor to the new level cap, and a survival mode arena called the Prison of Elders.
I finished the lowest level version of the activity and all I’ll say is completion of all five rounds is very rewarding. Definitely seems like Bungie is starting to smooth out some of the games major issues. It’s refreshing to see.
So I finally jumped onto the Destiny craze and am seeing what it’s like. Polished off the campaign and still trying to get the Ghost to say something more than basic observations. It’s fun. I can see why people like it. But it’s really not scratching my RPG/MMO itch. I’ll need to see if the later levels are going to bring some refreshing challenges.
The breakout star of the week, though, has to be Five Nights at Freddy’s. I’ve been showing everyone I can this game and playing it every other night. It’s pretty fantastic. We’ve needed to wash a few more pairs of underwear after it but it’s definitely worth it. Those interested in finding out more can read about it here.
Finally, I’ve had a bit of fun testing out the updates to The Forest. It’s been a few months since I checked on my log cabin and there’s been a few new neat things to build and now deer to kill. Still a ways to go but it’s shaping up nicely.
I’ve been playing Cities: Skylines this week and with the huge free update that has just been released has just made it all that much harder to stop playing. The new aesthetics are fantastic and I’m looking forward to trying out the tunnels. I struggle enough as it is with traffic management so I feel like tunnels are going to add to my already congested town.
For the price and the continued support of updates and the strong modding community this is turning out to be my game of the year so far.
I’ve also been playing Hearthstone on my android phone. I’m always on the hunt for decent mobile games and Hearthstone is my current go to. With quick matches, perfect user interface for the Galaxy Note 3 and above all free I’m truly addicted to building my decks and collecting more cards.
I’m a little late to the League of Legends party but I finally made it to lvl 30.
Having spent hours upon hours in Heroes of Newerth and DotA 2, I didn’t find a huge need to get into League of Legends until recently when some friends got involved. The MOBA genre of games can be a painful experience if you’re among strangers. With friends on your team at least you can discuss strategies and tactics over voice.
Having hit the point where my account has the same potential bonuses as others is great, however the difference in community between casual and ranked is confronting. Maybe I had become accustomed to the easy life playing with people who didn’t call me, “****”.
I appreciate that ranked matches are taken a little more seriously, but come on if you’re going to insult me at least try and be funny.
This is what I clearly want
What about you? Been playing something similar or have you found a new game we simply need to know about? Let us know in the comments below!
Since it’s debut , the zombie survival genre has become an area that lacks both innovation and excitement. Killing Floor 2 seems set to change that misconception by implementing various new mechanics and riveting gameplay features.
Killing Floor 2 takes place in Europe, after the mass outbreak that plagued London in the original game has spread out of control. You are part of an elite task force, deployed with the orders to kill anything and everything that isn’t human. However due to the shear variety of “zed” specimens this isn’t as easy as it sounds.
You will be not be alone, as you will be fighting alongside 5 other friends as you traverse the devastated streets of Paris, crawl though the terrifying remains of the Underground, and fight your way through the vile Horzine labs.
Killing floor 2’s meat system immerses the player
Regardless of which character you are assigned to, players will be tasked with selecting one of 6 enticing and unique skills that will aid them in their battle against the ferocious zeds.
For example field medics will act as the groups support and must be protected at all costs, whereas the sharpshooter will more than likely act as the first defense, using their vast array of weapons and skills to their advantage.
In Killing Floor 2, each perk commences at level zero, and the player will be tasked with completing various tasks and challenges, before they have the ability to level the perk and gain another new ability.
Gameplay
Once you have been designated your character and their unique perk you will be deployed into a quarantine zone that accommodates various zeds, your goal is to eliminate the threat and survive as long as possible. You commence each level with a meagre primary weapon specialized to your class, obligating you to immediately seek out a more powerful weapon to aid you in your endeavours.
Teamwork is your best chance at survival
During the early stages of a game you will be pitted against Clots, these act as the Zed’s “pawns” and are often used to inflict damage before fleeing into the shadows in which they were forged. However as you progress through the game you will encounter more “ferocious” species of Zed that will push you and your team to your limits.
Each time you eliminate a Zed you will acquire a set amount of cash, the more vicious the Zed the higher the cash amount. This cash will allow you to obtain new equipment and weapons in between each round. To emphasize the survival part of survival horror your character is unable to obtain every weapon they see, and are instead restricted to a set amount of guns.
As well as defensive weapons, you are equipped with a high power torch, a hypodermic syringe that blesses you with the ability to heal anyone who as succumbed to their injuries, and a welding torch. This is an essential piece of equipment as it allows you to seal doors, buying you mere moments to regain your wits and forge a plan.
The game’s new melee system adds a whole new layer to the game
As well as featuring the return of previous Zeds, Killing Floor 2 also accommodates a vast array of new and unique zeds that each possess an expanded and smarter AI. The expanded AI allows your enemies to profusely dish out attacks whilst remaining coordinated, and offering up a much more treacherous gameplay experience.
Conclusion 8.5
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Killing Floor 2 offers up a vast array of riveting and unique mechanics that few zombie games possess, however it’s graphical and audio stature consistently interrupt the game causing unwanted issues.
Disregarding these measly issues the games simple formula and amazing mechanics make Killing Floor 2 a great addition to the zombie survival genre.
The ridiculously fun new Mad Max has only been in theatres for a week, but the reaction videos, memes, and mash-ups have been popping up ever since the furious trailer dropped.
Above you see Mario Kart: Fury Road, a mash-up between the George Miller movie and everyone’s favourite shell-based go-kart racing game. If you loved Mario Kart 64 as much as we do, it hits all the right notes: a flying blue shell takes out a lead car, there’s a scene on Rainbow Road, and the sound effects tap into your very childhood.
You’ll be probably be looking to fire up the old 64 and race on the Kalimari Desert course again… just watch out for that train.
The trailer basically demands you watch it a second time (and probably a third or fourth) to catch all the subtle references. Give it a few spins, and then go start up a Special Cup — 150cc, obviously.
30 Hours Stuck in a Jump Scare Laboratory. Five Nights at Freddy’s Exceeds Expectations and More.
There’s a fair bit to be said for Five Nights at Freddy’s. It’s an exercise in startles. This alone is a gamble: scares without atmosphere is like a skeleton. It’s not quite enough to make it work.
Somehow, though, Five Nights at Freddy’s puts it all together into a surprisingly effective package.
Five Nights at Freddy’s puts you in the shoes of a night watchman. You are given control of the security cameras to monitor the animatronic puppets. The game is essentially an exercise in resource management.
The player has a finite amount of power and each action (closing the door, using the camera) consumes power. Trade increased chance of success for peace of mind. This is a game that achieves quite a lot with this simple interaction.
It’s Quick to Pick Up
One of the greatest strengths of the game is that it’s easy to pick up and easy to get into. This ease of access is something I praised Daylight for when it was released. A lot of my friends were put off some of the longer, more narrative-driven games by how long they spent trying to cultivate dread. Simple gameplay, like that found in Five Nights at Freddy’s, reduces the barriers to entry. In fact, in just half an hour we went from turning onto the PC to sharing the experience and cheering.
Five Nights at Freddy’s level of depth is deceptive. On the surface it looks like a pretty light snack. Keep an eye on the animatronics, close the doors, open the doors, survive. As you immerse yourself in the environment, you start to learn a little more. Every night teaches you more and more about each animatronic.
How they behave, where they come from. Making sense of these patterns and adapting your technique. Its compact nature means that strategy and counterplay (although against a computer) are exaggerated. It’s really quite a wonderful experience to notice yourself adapting or watching others do the same.
The Scares are Successful
For a game whose entire claim to horror is startling people, I was a bit apprehensive about it. For sure these sorts of things have their place – especially as a pay-off, or punchline, for cultivating an atmosphere of dread.
Essentially Five Nights at Freddy’s could be you walking down a corridor and your only action is to look behind you. The fact that it achieves so much with this simple premise is a testament to its design.
In times you know something is going to jump out (e.g. running out of power), the animatronics lose their potency. But it’s the in-your-face style that comes out when you click on the wrong camera or you don’t realise Bonnie or Chica are in the office. Steeling yourself is always going to prepare you for the game’s tactic, but this is true of any horror game.
Ultimately, Five Nights at Freddy’s is something you can easily set your friends up with and it will scare the pants off them. As you start to get invested in the game, its true depth and strategy comes out and reaches a level of commitment we see in the longer adventures.
What are your thoughts on the Five Nights at Freddy’s series? Let us know in the comments below.
The Witcher 3‘s release has hit with a storm of positive reviews. We’ve got a recap on the story and lore of The Witcher universe.
If you’re interested reading more about this, we recommend taking a look at the Witcher book series.
If you have not played the first two Witcher games but plan on getting The Witcher 3, you may want to read this. If you have played the first two games but don’t remember much about what went on, this will hopefully jog your memory.
We’re only covering what is in the games, mentioned in the games or mentioned in books in the games.
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST TWO WITCHER GAMES.
Now that that is out of the way, let’s get down to business.
What Are Witchers?
The Witchers are professional monster slayers. What makes them so good at what they do are their mutagens, potions that enhance the reflexes and prolong their lifespan. Witchers are essentially mutants.
Though there is plenty of work to be done and they do their jobs well, The Witchers are treated very poorly by humans. Humans in The Witcher universe are quite racist and filled with hatred toward anyone who isn’t like them, elves, gnomes, dwarves, you name it.
The Witcher Schools
There are 4 known Witcher schools where youngsters are sent for Witcher training, each one has their own special medallion that symbolizes their school. These medallions are useful in the way that they shake whenever danger or magic is near.
The school of the Wolf, Cat, Griffin and Viper.
Each school trains its pupils differently but all in all they all produce the same quality Witcher.
Notable characters from each school:
Wolf: -Geralt of Rivia -Vesemir -Eskel -Lambert -Leo -Ciri (though she never completed the Trial of Grasses)
Cat: No known members
Griffin: No known members
Viper: Letho Serrit Auckes
Witcher Magic ‘Signs’
Through training, Witchers have access to 5 magical signs that give them an edge in combat against both monsters and humans.
Aard – A powerful wind attack that pushes the enemy back, can also stun them.
Quen (pronounced kwin) – Forms a protective shield around the Witcher that absorbs incoming damage.
Igni (pronounced ig-knee) – A powerful fire blast. Pretty straight forward.
Axii (pronounced acks-e) – A hex spell, allows the Witcher to turn an enemy into an ally for a short period of time.
Yrden (pronounced ear-den) – A trap spell, any enemy foolish enough to walk into its radius is damaged.
Meditation, Potions, Toxicity and the Trial of Grasses
Meditation is important to Witchers. It lets them reflect on their skills and what they’ve learned and also utilize their potions.
Potions are made from bases of alcohol, the stronger the booze the stronger the potion. Witchers use the alcohol along with several ingredients, usually found on the monsters they kill, to create useful potions from their witcher’s secrets.
These potions come at a cost however, whenever they are consumed the toxicity level of the Witcher increases, normally the toxicity would just outright kill a person but because of their special training witchers can withstand it. However, they must be careful not to let their toxicity get too high.
The Trial of Grasses is a test all witchers must pass in order to move forward in their training. They are given a special mix of herbs called “the grasses”, if the subject survives the effects of the mix they are granted with increased reflexes, increased strength and stamina, and immunity to both poison and diseases but it also makes them sterile.
Only 4 out of 10 students survive the process.
Kaer Morhen
The last known Witcher stronghold is Kaer Morhen. It is also home to the school of the Wolf. It is located in the northern part of the kingdom of Kaedwen.
Although it is said that the school of the Viper may be still standing, no one knows though as it is said to be located in the southern region of Nilfgaard.
The Northern Kingdoms
The major kingdoms:
Aedirn (Ed-urn) – Ruler: Prince Stennis due to his father, King Demavend’s assassination.
This kingdom is known for its hold on the Pontar Valley and its Mahakam mines, a rich and prosperous kingdom.
Kaedwen – Ruler: King Henselt
This is the largest kingdom in the northern realms, Henselt is a greedy and selfish man who is consistently at war with Aedirn for the Pontar Valley.
Redania – Ruler: King Radovid the Stern
The sister kingdom to Temeria, the alliance held between the two due to the marriage between Radovid and King Foltest’s daughter, Adda. Not much else is known about the kingdom other than that it is a force to be reckoned with.
Temeria – Ruler: None (formerly King Foltest before his assassination)
The kingdom of Temeria is the set piece for almost all of The Witcher 1 and part of The Witcher 2.It was once a prosperous and strong kingdom, but now it is in shambles due to the La Vallette civil war and the absence of a ruler.
The Nilfgaardian Empire
Ruled by Emperor Emhyr (ehm-ear) var Emreis this is the largest threat to the northern kingdoms. It is an ancient and vast empire that started out small, but through strength and numbers assimilated the southern kingdoms in to one vast and expansive empire.
In the time of the first Witcher game the war between Nilfgaard and the northern kingdom ended 5 years prior, however Nilfgaard never gave up its claim to the northern realms. The native tongue of Nilfgaardians is a variant of the Elder Language spoken by the ancient elves that used to inhabit the land.
Elven blood runs through the veins of its citizens moreso than any other kingdom. Nilfgaard is a universally hated empire by practically anyone who lives in the northern realms.
Nilfgaard once had an alliance with the Scoia’tael during their war with the northern kingdoms, the elves were used as puppets to aid their cause and nothing more. This is touched upon in conversation between Iorveth and Geralt.
Nilfgaard has made an enemy of everyone but they can afford that given the empire’s strength and size.
The Conjunction of the Spheres
A phenomenon that happened over 1,000 years ago. Beasts and monsters from different plains and dimensions were trapped in the world of The Witcher, these included spectral beasts, vampires and necrophages.
At the time only elves inhabited the continent, humans started settling a few centuries later.
Elder Blood
A genetic mutation created by elven sages to give the wielder supernatural and awesome power. This was meant to be passed down from elf to elf, but one carrier, Lara Dorren, mated with a human and thus passed the genetic mutation on the humans and half-elves (half elves half humans).
The only known host of Elder Blood is Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, whom The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is centered around.
The Wild Hunt
A band of spectral elves from a sadistic dimension. They travel to different planes of existence spreading terror and leaving death and destruction wherever they go.
If you’re unlucky, instead of killing you they’ll kidnap you, only 2 people have escaped their clutches. Yennefer of Vengerberg and Geralt of Rivia.
Witcher’s Steel Sword
A basic sword made from steel. Ideal for killing humans and creatures unaffected by the Conjuction of Spheres (ie wolves and bears etc).
Witcher’s Silver Sword
A special blade. A steel base that is then covered by silver. This sword is most effective on creatures that came to the world via the Conjuction of Spheres.
The Scoia’tael/Squirrels
A so called revolutionary band of elves. Ever since humans settled onto the continent there has been nothing but bad blood between the races. Humans proved stronger and greater and number, though died quickly.
Elves are fewer in number but can live for centuries. The kingdoms established by humans all oppress non-humans in sickening. Well, all except Aedirn. The Scoia’tael (skoi-a-tell) are nicknamed squirrels because they like to hide in the woods and forests, waiting to ambush and kill any human unlucky enough to cross their path.
Watch for the signs! What signs these shall be, I say unto you: first the earth will flow with the blood of Aen Seidhe, the Blood of Elves…
The Scoia’tael used to be comprised of what are called Aen (in) Seidhe (shade), or the “Old Ones”. These elves have long since given up fighting, some even help humans or drown themselves in drink.
Bestiary Pt 1
Necrophages: Eaters of the dead, wherever there is war they are not far behind.
Ghoul
Alghoul
Graveir
Devourer
Drowner
Drowned dead
Cemetaur
Rotfiend -Bullvore
Ornithosaurs are dragon-like creatures, you may be familiar with them as they are popular fantasy monsters.
Basilisk
Cockatrice
Wyvern
Ghosts are pretty straight forward.
Banshees
Barghests
Nightwraiths
Noonwraiths
Wraiths
Draug
Draugir
Wild Hunt
Plants, Don’t underestimate the plants.
Archespore
Echinops
Special creatures are rare encounters found in The Witcher universe.
Dagon
Werewolf
Hellhound
Striga
Frightener
Koschey
Golem
Kayran
Zeugl
Bestiary Pt 2
Higher vampires are intelligent vampires. They do not need blood to survive, blood to them is like alcohol to people.
Alp
Katakan
Mula
Bruxa
Nosferat
Lesser vampires on the other hand are beasts, and they’re ugly too. They need to feed to survive.
Ekimma
Fleder
Garkain
Plumard
Insectoids are pretty straight forward.
Kikimore
Endrega
Arachas
Giant Centipede
Humanoids are human in shape but not human in anatomy.
Troll
Giant
Dryad
Godling
Vodyanoi
Griggs
Other/Unknown classification
Fiend
Leshen
Griffin
Siren
Harpy
The Operator
Gargoyle
Skullhead
Mamune
Dragons
Geralt’s Friends and Allies
Triss Merigold of Maribor – Lover to Geralt, friend to Yennefer and caretaker of Ciri.
Triss has long been a friend of the witcher and has assisted him in many ways. She is a powerful mage and even served as King Foltest’s royal advisor.
Yennefer of Vengerberg – Geralt’s lover before he lost his memory, she is a powerful sorceress.
She is 1/4 elven blood and was once blinded (though she is healed now). She is in possession of a unicorn, a magical creature which can travel between different dimensions and plains of existence. She was captured by the Wild Hunt, Geralt traded himself to save her.
Dandelion – A poet, bard, minstrel and Temerian spy.
He is Geralt’s closest friend and a real ladies’ man. The Witcher 2’s story is told from his perspective.
Zoltan – A dwarf and a war veteran.
He forged Geralt’s steel sword and they have been friends ever since.
Shani – Though she is never seen after the first game she plays an important role.
She is a long time friend of Geralt, and you guessed it, in love with him. She has a soft spot for non-humans and has a knack for healing.
The Witcher 1:
Assault on Kaer Morhen, Memory Loss and the Barghest problem
The Witcher 1 starts out with a backstory of Geralt. He was contracted by King Foltest himself to lift a curse off of his daughter, Adda. She was a Striga, made that way by a curse placed on her.
There were only two ways to lift the curse, kill her or spend the night with her in her coffin. Geralt succeeded in freeing her from the curse but suffered a gash across his eye.
Geralt is taken to Kaer Morhen by Eskel, Lambert and Vesemir after he is found unconscious in the woods. He has lost his memory.
Before he can come to grips with what’s happened Kaer Morhen is beseiged by a group called Salamandra led by Azar Javed and The Professor aided by a Frightener. In short they steal the witchers’ secrets and kill Leo, a witcher in training, in the process.
Geralt is sent to the outskirts of Vizima, the Temerian capital, to look for clues of Salamandra. There he meets Zoltan and Shani and they try to help jog his memory. He also informally adopts a child named Alvin who is plagued by Ithlinne’s prophecy.
The village on the outskirts of Vizima is plagued by a hellhound and Geralt offers to get rid of the problem in exchange for info on Salamandra. After a few menial tasks Geralt is told by a priest of The Order of The Flaming Rose about a small base of Salamandra.
After clearing it out he is confronted by the towns people who blame their hellhound problem on a local witch named Abigail, after dealing with the mob he defeats the Hellhound and is taken to jail in the city of Vizima.
Vizima, The Swamp and The Professor
Geralt is set free after he agrees to kill a cockatrice in the sewers of Vizima. He also obtains a steel sword left behind by another witcher named Berengar. He then meets with a private investigator who agrees to help him locate Salamandra.
After much questioning and sleuthing Geralt realizes that the private investigator has been killed when he finds his corpse in the Vizima catacombs. He figures out Javed’s scheme and plays along.
Geralt is referred to a gnome named Kalkstein who asks for assistance in opening and ancient mage’s tower. After a long search for stones , a fight with a golem and the decision of whether to participate in the fights between The Order and The Scoia’tael, Geralt finally opens the door to the wizard’s tower. Javed is not able to take Geralt by surprise and is sent running with his tail between his legs.
Inside the tower is a book of protective magic. After the ordeal in the swamp Geralt has access to the market district in Vizima where he catches up with Dandelion and reminisces with Princess Adda. Meanwhile he chooses whether to leave Alvin in the care of Shani or Triss who gives him a dimeritium pendant to surpress his visions.
Eventually he finds a portal to the Salamandra base with the help of The Order/Scoia’tael and avenges Leo’s death by killing The Professor. After the confrontation, Adda tries to have Geralt killed so she can usurp the throne. He is teleported away to Murky Waters along with Alvin.
Murky Waters
A somewhat peaceful place, Geralt arrives at murky waters where the major conflict is between the villagers and the vodyanoi (ancient fish people). There’s also a big wedding going to go on soon.
Using the Lady of Lake’s advice, Geralt is able to peacefully resolve the problems between the settlers and the vodyanoi by killing the evil god Dagon. While at Murky Waters Geralt runs into Berengar who confesses to have worked with Salamandra. He was the one who got them into Kaer Morhen and let them steal the witchers’ secrets.
He also learns about the legendary Raven’s armor from Berengar. Geralt chooses either to kill or forgive him. Geralt finds Alvin and protects him from danger and gives him advice he’ll never forget.
After a time Geralt learns that the bride to be, Alina, was murdered by her sister Celina and Alina’s admirer kills Celina because of this. Alina and Celina become noon and nightwraiths as a result.
In order to free them from their torment Geralt finds the broken pieces of Alina’s magic mirror and a poem from Dandelion to put their spirits to rest. After all of this Geralt returns to the village to find it a battlefield between the order and scoia’tael, amidst the chaos Alvin unconsciously uses magic powers to teleport through time and space.
Geralt then heads back to Vizima.
The Squirrels’ attack and Azar Javed’s downfall
Geralt returns to Vizima to see that all hell has broken loose. Squirrels and The Order fighting in the streets and the new threat of Javed’s mutants created from the stolen witchers’ secrets.
Geralt’s first stop is an audience with King Foltest, Adda has been cursed again and must be cured. He must go to the cemetery swamps where he finds all the pieces for Raven’s armor and has it smithed back in Vizima.
He cures Adda’s curse once again and finds out that it was her personal body guard, De Witt, that cursed her. After dealing with him Geralt goes after Javed. After going through ever obstacle that is thrown at him Geralt finally reaches Azar Javed and ends his life for good.
In a communication mirror it is revealed that the Grandmanster of The Order, Jacques de Aldersberg, is the leader of Salamandra and is trying to overthrow Foltest with an army of mutants.
Jacques de Aldersberg
Geralt travels back to Vizima once more to confront de Aldersberg. The Grandmaster teleports Geralt to a vision of the future. The earth covered in snow and engulfed in freezing weather, the human race devolved into savages.
On his journey to the final confrontation with the Grandmaster Geralt recalls the choices he has made along the way and comes to terms with them. Geralt then defeats de Aldersberg and is confronted by the king of The Wild Hunt.
Geralt then decides whether to kill de Aldersberg himself or let the Hunt take him. If he chooses to let the hunt take him then he is told that he knew de Aldersberg by another. All signs point to the Grandmaster being Alvin.
Through his verbal exchanges with Geralt he drops hints, recalling what Geralt told him when he was a young boy and also the old Dimeritium amulet that wears. It is clear the amulet failed him as time went on as the visions of Ithlinne’s prophecy were not being suppressed.
When this altercation is finished Geralt collects the witchers’ secrets and goes to receive his reward from King Foltest. In the ending cinematic Geralt saves King Foltest from an assassination attempt.
Close inspection of the assassin’s now lifeless body reveals that he was a witcher, from the viper school. This sets the tone for The Witcher 2.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The game starts off with the a cutscene of the assassination of King Demavend, the ruler of Aedirn.
Geralt is seen restrained in prison and interrogated by Vernon Roche, commander of the Blue strips (Foltest’s most advanced and hardened military unit) trying to learn all he knows.
Geralt is accused of the murder of King Foltest and is to hang by tomorrow. He must recall the events of what happened.
Temerian Civil War and the death of Foltest
Our hero’s adventure starts with the Temerian civil war. The Temerian army against the dissenting La Vallettes.
Aryan La Vallette has declared war on Foltest for the way he treats his mother and under the guise that Foltest is a tyrant. The events show Geralt and Foltest making their way to La Vallette castle, on their way there they are attack by a dragon but they make it none the less.
Geralt has the decision to either kill or spare Aryan. When Foltest and Geralt make it to the chapel Foltest meets his two bastard children, it is then that he is assassinated by Letho, a very large witcher from the school of the viper.
After Geralt relays this information to Roche he has a decision to make: help find the Kingslayer or hang in the morning. He chooses to track down Letho. Roche gives him the key to escape and he leaves at night.
With their ship they travel to Flotsam along with Triss Merigold who was recently Foltest’s advisor.
Flotsam, the Kayran, Elves and the Kingslayer
Using their ship the group makes their way to the small port town of Flotsam. On their way to the town they are ambushed by a group of Scoia’tael led by Iorveth, an elf who takes particular enjoyment in killing special forces units and using their clothes as trophies.
When they finally make it to Flotsam Geralt learns of a huge beast called the Kayran, a sort of overgrown venomous Octopus. He meets a sorceress name Sheala (sh-eel-ah) de Tancarville (Tans-are-ville). She does not particularly get along with Geeralt and she definitely doesn’t get along with Triss.
While in Flotsam Geralt regains some of his memory, particular the one of his death. He was stabbed in the chest by a pitchfork while trying to stop a mob of humans from attacking non-humans. Eventually Triss suggests making a potion from a powerful plant called the rose of remembrance which, you guessed it, will help Geralt remember his past.
While in Flotsam he meets up with Zoltan and Dandelion and tells them his predicament. After killing the Kayran with Sheala’s help Geralt finds out that the scoia’tael in the woods are helping the Kingslayer. He uses Zoltan’s help in order to meet with Iorveth who is told of Letho’s treachery and dishonesty.
On the way to meet Letho a fight breaks out between the Blue Stripes and the Scoia’tael. After a quick fight with the Kingslayer, Letho runs of towards Flotsam. When Geralt returns he sees Flotsam set ablaze and learns Triss has been kidnapped by Letho and has been taken to the Pontar Valley via teleportation.
After wrapping things up and possibly killing Loredo, Flotsam’s corrupt leader, Geralt takes a ship to the Pontar Valley with either Roche or Iorveth.
The Aedirn/Kaedwen Dispute and the Blood Curse
Here is where paths branch. Depending on whether Geralt chose to go with Roche or Iorveth he ends up in a different place. However the end result is the same.
Before Geralt can get to the Pontar Valley a dispute between King Henselt and Prince Stennis is shown. A fight breaks out and Henselt busts the face of priest on an ancient stone and activates a blood curse brought about from Henselt former court sorceress Sabrina.
Her curse tainted the battlefield of the last Kaedweni-Aedirnian war. All the dead have become wraiths and theland is not fit for travel. People only escape due to the help of a mage or sorceress.
If Geralt chooses Roche he will travel to Kaedwen and help Henselt escape the cursed battlefield. He learns more about the Kingslayers on this path and is aided by a sorcerer named Dethmold.
If Geralt chooses to go with Iorveth he ends up in Aedirn, the most accepting and welcoming Kingdom to non-humans. Many of Zoltan’s friends live here.
If Geralt helps Iorveth he will aid Saskia the Dragonslayer and Prince Stennis escape the cursed battlefield with the aid of another sorceress, Philippa Eilhart (I’ll-heart).
Either way the end is the same. In order to break the curse Geralt must find certain objects from the battle that happened there so that the curse recognizes Geralt as a soldier who was slain there.
When that happens he kills a very powerful wraith called a Draug to break the curse. After this all hell breaks loose. Geralt goes to Aedirn in search of Philippa Eilhart so that he can learn Triss’ location. However he must first go through the Aedirnian and Kaedweni troops that are fighting there.
If Geralt chose to follow Iorveth he learns that Saskia is actually a polymorphic dragon called Saesenthessis (say-synthesis).
In the end Geralt finds a letter in Philippa’s house showing that Triss is being held in Loc Muinne and Letho is not far away.
Loc Muinne
Geralt travels to Loc Muinne with either Iorveth or Roche. Here in Loc Muinne there is set to be a council on what to do with the realms.
Representatives from Temeria, Redania and even Nilfgaard are present.
Here Geralt has 3 choices: he can save Anais La Vallette (heir to the throne of Temeria), he can save Triss from the Nilfgaardians or he confront Philippa Eilhart so that he can breaks the spell she put on Saskia (controlling her and her dragon abilities).
Once Geralt has chosen the council at Loc Muinne will begin where it is revealed that the Lodge of Sorceresses is planning to take over the Northern Kingdoms from within. This starts a witch-hunt and once again all hell breaks loose.
Sheala is present at the council and uses Saskia as a means to protect her long enough to escape. Geralt goes to Sheala’s tower to find her ready to teleport, however Letho (who was in the employ of the Lodge of Sorceresses to kill off the Kings of the Northern Kingdoms) replaced one of her teleporter crystals with a flawed one, thus making the teleport unstable.
Geralt can choose to let her die or save her by removing the stone. If he saves her then Sheala will tell him the location of Yennefer of Vengerberg. After dealing with Sheala Geralt battles with Saskia in her dragon form.
Eventually the battle ends with Saskia landing in the woods and taking a huge tree through her chest. Geralt can choose to kill her, spare her or release her from her curse if he spoke to Philippa Eilhart. Afterwards Geralt returns to Loc Muinne to have a final confrontation with Letho.
This is where Geralt’s memories return to him. His death, saving Letho from a Slyzard, Yennefer being taken by the Hunt, him trading himself and Letho taking care of Yennefer, all of it. This is where he decides whether to kill Letho or let him walk away.
The outro cutscene shows the beginning of the Nilfgaardian invasion which sets the tone for The Witcher 3.
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
So now you know the basics of what you need to know about The Witcher universe in order to understand and enjoy the third and final installment of Geralt’s story.
The Wicher 3 begins with Geralt’s search for Yennefer. Thanks for reading and happy hunting!
Nintendo America has hired a new Vice President to lead the United States sales organization with a name that’s well-known in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Effective today, Doug Bowser (no relation to the King Koopa and Mario’s longtime nemesis) will oversee a variety of sales-related functions, including Sales, In-store Merchandising, Retail Strategy and Retail Marketing. He will play a key role in driving national sales strategies to generate demand and achieve revenue objectives across all of Nintendo’s product lines.
Of course in Japan he’s known as Doug King Koopa.
Bowser also will manage Nintendo’s key retail customer relationships and will oversee retail marketing for the Nintendo World store in New York.
“I know he will work tirelessly with our internal and external partners to ensure the broad Nintendo product lineup of hardware, software and accessories are strongly represented throughout U.S. retail points of distribution.”
Bowser will report to Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
“Doug Bowser is an outstanding addition to our Nintendo team, as he brings a deep blend of both consumer package goods and video game sales experience,” said Moffitt. “I know he will work tirelessly with our internal and external partners to ensure the broad Nintendo product lineup of hardware, software and accessories are strongly represented throughout U.S. retail points of distribution.”
Bowser comes to Nintendo from Electronic Arts, where he has worked since 2007, most recently as Vice President of Global Business Planning, a role that made him responsible for EA’s console, PC and mobile game forecasting. Prior to EA, he worked at Procter & Gamble in various sales leadership roles in Asia, Latin America and the U.S.
He attended the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications.
In a new video featuring actor Christopher Lloyd reprising his famous role as Doc Brown from the Back to the Future films, Warner Bros. revealed gameplay featuring even more characters coming to LEGO Dimensions.
Dimensions merges physical LEGO brick building with interactive console gameplay. With a mysterious vortex appearing in various LEGO worlds and sweeping away characters, Batman, Gandalf and Wyldstyle have to jump in to save their friends.
Just think about this for a moment, when was the last time you bought a really good physical copy of a game?
Mine was Dark Souls, not only did I have the game butit also included a concept art book and original soundtrack all in the normal price. Developers and publishers don’t have to do this as it will obviously cost them more (downloads are significantly cheaper as there is no packaging, game manuals etc.), however it shows that they actually care about the people playing their games.
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Un-Boxed
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt includes a soundtrack, a map of the game world, a game manual and wolf head stickers, plus 16 free DLC’s.
CD Projekt RED have done something similar with their physical release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. I’m not saying that all disc copies have to come with loads of free extras, but it’s nice, and it makes you feel appreciated as a gamer. This is something that hits you as soon as you open up The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as the game’s developers have left a message inside for players.
“First of all, we would like to thank you for your support. We really appreciate that you have decided to spend your hard-earned money on our game and hope that you will have a fun time playing it.”
“At CD Projekt RED, we believe that when you buy our games, you’re entitled to continuous, free support – updates, patches, and bits of new and amazing content.”
The game also includes a soundtrack featuring many of the games’ great tracks, a map of the game world, a game manual (something of a rarity these days) and wolf head stickers. There was also a statement inside saying that players can look forward to 16 free DLC’s!
How is this not epic?
This is a very nice touch and one which increased the already large grin I had when experiencing The Witcher for the first time. Being a PlayStation owner I haven’t been able to play the other games in the series, though I’m now familiar with the story, and my early impressions with the game are very good.
I’d liken it to one of my favourite TV shows Game of Thrones, and it being heavily story-focused is just a plus in my books.
I wouldn’t say it often but if you are considering picking up The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt refrain from downloading and instead pick up a copy at your local game shop or have it delivered.
Amazon is selling it at the same price as a digital-only code, so why not get the extras.
So what do you think? Is this the right way to release a game? Would this sway you away from downloading games?
