While the third installment of the game series – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – has catapulted CD Projekt RED into the ranks of renowned studios worldwide, few know that this ambitious journey actually began back in 2007 with the original game, The Witcher, a dark fantasy role-playing game.
The first title in the Witcher series was built on BioWare’s Aurora Engine. In this game, players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with a unique lineage, as the story unfolds approximately five years after the events of the novel The Lady of the Lake.
From its initial release, The Witcher was regarded as a bold endeavor – particularly for a fledgling studio like CDPR.
However, the first version faced numerous challenges: technical glitches, an underwhelming system, and many details that needed refinement. Instead of succumbing to setbacks, CD Projekt RED chose to do what they were always known for – continuously improving their product. The end result was The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director’s Cut – a fully upgraded version that included over 5,000 lines of dialogue rewritten and fully re-recorded, more than 200 new animations, and various technical enhancements that allowed the game to run smoother and more stably.
In summary, this is the definitive version of The Witcher – currently available at a deep discount on Steam for only 165,000 VND. However, a crucial note for new players: The original version of The Witcher does not feature the real-time combat mechanics seen in the third installment. Instead, it has a turn-based combat system that requires some time to get used to. Nevertheless, players can experience over 250 different skills for Geralt, creating a diverse gameplay experience that leaves a personal mark. Importantly, this version does not have any content cuts or alterations, thus ensuring a complete experience that has been well-received in the gaming community.
Following this, CD Projekt RED continued to release The Witcher 2 in 2011 – a title recognized as a AAA role-playing game infused with an indie spirit full of life and allure. But instead of starting with the second installment, why not dive into the original?
