Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf Coming to Consoles

[DoctorFinger]

http://www.colonyofgamers.com/images/newsimages/the_witcher__rise_of_the_white_wolf_logo_copy.jpg

The Witcher was one of those games which made PC gamers sit up a little straighter in their chairs and reaffirm their devotion to their chosen platform. Now console gamers will get their hot little hands on CD Projekt's action RPG.

But it's not just a port of the PC version, as rumored (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=2940&highlight=witcher). Instead The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf will come to the Xbox 360 and PS3 with the same story, but with an all new console-friendly engine built around it.

For those who don't know, The Witcher is based in the universe created by Polish fantasy writer Andrzej Sapkowski, and puts you in the shoes of the monster hunter Geralt. The game plays as an action RPG, with plenty of the hacking and the slashing to go with the leveling and the magic-ing.

The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf is set for release in 2009 on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

[Mike Kelehan]

Same story, new engine. Interested.

[MagGnome]

It's great that this is going to reach a new audience. I just hope it doesn't take resources away from a PC sequel.

[DoctorFinger]

It's great that this is going to reach a new audience. I just hope it doesn't take resources away from a PC sequel.They've created a new team - the DC Projekt RED team - to work exclusively on the console version, so it sounds like that shouldn't be the case.

[Maskatron]

Looking forward to this. I was planning on picking up the PC version sometime after I finish Fallout 3, but now I'll hold out.

[Xerxes]

If only they made a The Witcher Enhanced Edition(I). I mean instead of limited editions no one wants, they should put out M unrated games and Teen rated variants. This way grown up can get versions of game they want and are suitable for them and parents can get the gimped versions for kids.

[Jackel]

If only they made a The Witcher Enhanced Edition(I). I mean instead of limited editions no one wants, they should put out M unrated games and Teen rated variants. This way grown up can get versions of game they want and are suitable for them and parents can get the gimped versions for kids.

It is really easy to mod any (PC) version of The Witcher Enhanced Edition to include all the censored material.

All the files are readily available online and it works for both retail and steam distributions.

[Xerxes]

It is really easy to mod any (PC) version of The Witcher Enhanced Edition to include all the censored material.

All the files are readily available online and it works for both retail and steam distributions.

I'm talking about the console world. Hell you can turn any game on PC into a nudie fest. I'm talking about consoles. Everything being Teen rated is ass. Isn't the average gamer like 24?

[J Arcane]

I'm talking about the console world. Hell you can turn any game on PC into a nudie fest. I'm talking about consoles. Everything being Teen rated is ass. Isn't the average gamer like 24?
It's all about lingering cultural reference. Vidgames started out as a child's toy, so a good portion of the population still sees them as such.

If one is lucky, that lingering reputation eventually fade enough that actual grownup shit can be put out some day without total moral panic breaking out, like what happened to comics.

If we're not lucky, it'll backlash around and they'll just start dumbing things down for the kids, like what's happened to mainstream anime releases in the US.

And with the Wii going the way it's going, I have a bad feeling we may go through the latter before we get to the former . . .

[Lithium Flower]

I'm in two minds about this news. One one hand it's great to hear that my favourite game in recent times is going to reach an even bigger audience and its heartening to hear that instead of a port it'll be redesigned for the console BUT...if they are going to the extent of re-working the engine, why not make a new story instead - even take another year for it. Put it out in 2010, instead of 2009.

First the Enhanced Edition, now this Super Enhanced Console version. I want them to put out a sequel already or at least devote all this supreme effort to it.

[Xerxes]

It's all about lingering cultural reference. Vidgames started out as a child's toy, so a good portion of the population still sees them as such.

If one is lucky, that lingering reputation eventually fade enough that actual grownup shit can be put out some day without total moral panic breaking out, like what happened to comics.

If we're not lucky, it'll backlash around and they'll just start dumbing things down for the kids, like what's happened to mainstream anime releases in the US.

And with the Wii going the way it's going, I have a bad feeling we may go through the latter before we get to the former . . .
Fuck that noise. Stop wasting time on limited editions and give us two editions for age groups.

I'm in two minds about this news. One one hand it's great to hear that my favourite game in recent times is going to reach an even bigger audience and its heartening to hear that instead of a port it'll be redesigned for the console BUT...if they are going to the extent of re-working the engine, why not make a new story instead - even take another year for it. Put it out in 2010, instead of 2009.

First the Enhanced Edition, now this Super Enhanced Console version. I want them to put out a sequel already or at least devote all this supreme effort to it.

Fuck that noise. I want to play the first game. I would have gladly paid for the PC gamer sooner or later but now that this is out in the open I won't stop smiling. Most likely this new engine (not re-worked but apparently new) will also be used for the sequel PC version too. Hell maybe in 2010 they can port it to console and release them both at the same time.

[Grifter]

Fuck that noise. Stop wasting time on limited editions and give us two editions for age groups.



Fuck that noise. I want to play the first game. I would have gladly paid for the PC gamer sooner or later but now that this is out in the open I won't stop smiling. Most likely this new engine (not re-worked but apparently new) will also be used for the sequel PC version too. Hell maybe in 2010 they can port it to console and release them both at the same time.


Fuck that noise... err I got nothing, I just wanted to swear.

Oh and Yaaa! The Console Witcher!

[Xerxes]

Fuck that noise... err I got nothing, I just wanted to swear.

Oh and Yaaa! The Console Witcher!

Me too. :o

[Telefrog]

New screens are hitting the web:

http://i35.tinypic.com/x0w5qo.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/20afotj.jpg

I have to admit, that those screens look better than my PC version, and I can play it cranked up.

[Sandman]

I want this hard.

[Xerxes]

He looks so badass.

[Purple Santa]

It's great that this is going to reach a new audience. I just hope it doesn't take resources away from a PC sequel.
Maybe they will use the tons of cash from the console version they will make to help with the sequel on the PC:D

This was a game I was looking into for the PC. Now i'll wait...and those screenshots look yummy...

[MagGnome]

They've created a new team - the DC Projekt RED team - to work exclusively on the console version, so it sounds like that shouldn't be the case.

Well that's good to know, thanks!


I'm in two minds about this news. One one hand it's great to hear that my favourite game in recent times is going to reach an even bigger audience and its heartening to hear that instead of a port it'll be redesigned for the console BUT...if they are going to the extent of re-working the engine, why not make a new story instead - even take another year for it. Put it out in 2010, instead of 2009.

First the Enhanced Edition, now this Super Enhanced Console version. I want them to put out a sequel already or at least devote all this supreme effort to it.


That was my concern as well.

Of course I haven't even had the time to play the PC version yet. It's right at the top of my list though, so I will be playing it soon enough. I'd just like to get a decent rig first.

I'll flat out admit that part of me wanted this game to stay PC exclusive. I don't like how so much PC development has gone over to the console side, and it starts with things like this. Hopefully CD Projeckt will focus on the PC first and foremost.

[Virtual Machine]

New screens are hitting the web:


I have to admit, that those screens look better than my PC version, and I can play it cranked up.

Yup. They smoke even a fully cranked Enhanced Edition.

We live in interesting times.

The worst thing about this is having to wait an entire effing year.

[Wellscha]

I'm buying this day one.

[Xerxes]

I'm buying this day one.

Fuck that shit, pre-ordered. Again, please make a mature and a teen version. :(

[Codicier]

Fuck that shit, pre-ordered. Again, please make a mature and a teen version. :(

I really wouldn't get your hopes up for that.

[Gerbs]

I am looking forward to being able to play this finally. What's the deal with everyone wanting a "mature" version??

[JRR006]

It was an excellent game on the PC, and now I'll pick it up for the console too, 'cause I want a sequel very badly.

[Xerxes]

I really wouldn't get your hopes up for that.

If I put it out into the world enough times... :(

[Grifter]

I am looking forward to being able to play this finally. What's the deal with everyone wanting a "mature" version??

...Titties!

[Xerxes]

I am looking forward to being able to play this finally. What's the deal with everyone wanting a "mature" version??

Seems to be it was intended. At least looking at the PCs international version.

[H.Bogard]

Maybe they will use the tons of cash from the console version they will make to help with the sequel on the PC:D

This was a game I was looking into for the PC. Now i'll wait...and those screenshots look yummy...

Maybe they'll lose the tonnes of cash they made from the PC version and get knocked off console sales because of Generic first person shooter #34.

I'd like them to take their time with a PC sequel, a game like The Witcher was made in more than 4 years, I think it deserves atleast twice as much effort to be a worthy sequel. They can fund their project with console ports and expansion packs made by secondary teams in the meanwhile.

Yup. They smoke even a fully cranked Enhanced Edition.

We live in interesting times.


Pretty obvious, given that this is a new engine and the PC Witcher ran on the original NWN's engine.

[Wellscha]

...Titties!

e-titties are not a game breaker.....for me that is:p

[Narradisall]

I'm torn. I never finished the game due to PC death and not getting round to getting a replacement that can run it, but while I'd consider buying this for my 360 if its going to be made all fluffy a nice I won't bother. The universe it's set in is nothing like that and if they 'dumb' it down for the console I won't touch.

Might as well just have Gandalf pull a bazooka out on the Balrog. "You shall not.." *VROOM* *BOOM*

[Xerxes]

Maybe they'll lose the tonnes of cash they made from the PC version and get knocked off console sales because of Generic first person shooter #34.

Fat chance. This looks like the mature version of Fable 2. I mean the protagonist looks more bad ass than the most evilest moral player character in Fable 2. With the right amount of marketing this should be big. Not to mention the title has been out there a while and then I'd like to assume it's a lot of console primary player who was going to get this on PC but say fuck it now.

[H.Bogard]

Fat chance. This looks like the mature version of Fable 2. I mean the protagonist looks more bad ass than the most evilest moral player character in Fable 2. With the right amount of marketing this should be big. Not to mention the title has been out there a while and then I'd like to assume it's a lot of console primary player who was going to get this on PC but say fuck it now.

People can get both, since they're changing the whole game (aside from the storyline).

[Xerxes]

People can get both, since they're changing the whole game (aside from the storyline).

I thought they were only changing the combat to be more action based.

[Virtual Machine]

Maybe they'll lose the tonnes of cash they made from the PC version and get knocked off console sales because of Generic first person shooter #34.

I'd like them to take their time with a PC sequel, a game like The Witcher was made in more than 4 years, I think it deserves atleast twice as much effort to be a worthy sequel. They can fund their project with console ports and expansion packs made by secondary teams in the meanwhile.



Pretty obvious, given that this is a new engine and the PC Witcher ran on the original NWN's engine.


Relax Ace, this wasn't a stab at your precious PC.

[Kelegacy]

Man, I hope they don't totally mess this up. Any mention to console-ize a PC game is a red flashing warning sign in my brain, but if they can make this great I'll be psyched.

Hopefully the new engine won't mess up anything and let it remain looking as similar as the PC game as possible. This is now on my short list of games to watch for. I would play the PC version if my computer didn't need major upgrading.

EDIT: If this turns into a Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance type of console game, I'll be pissed and they can rot in hell for all eternity. Why can't a PC-style RPG be done on the consoles? Why must everything turn hack and slash or completely action-oriented. I hate that the consoles need to be dumbed down at ALL.

[rein]

Man, I hope they don't totally mess this up. Any mention to console-ize a PC game is a red flashing warning sign in my brain, but if they can make this great I'll be psyched.

Hopefully the new engine won't mess up anything and let it remain looking as similar as the PC game as possible. This is now on my short list of games to watch for. I would play the PC version if my computer didn't need major upgrading.

EDIT: If this turns into a Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance type of console game, I'll be pissed and they can rot in hell for all eternity. Why can't a PC-style RPG be done on the consoles? Why must everything turn hack and slash or completely action-oriented. I hate that the consoles need to be dumbed down at ALL.

I'm with you. Don't ge me wrong, I loved Dark Alliance for what it was but I would have liked to have had a Baldurs Gate RPG too. You have me thinking this is exactly what is going to happen with The Witcher.

[Xerxes]

Man, I hope they don't totally mess this up. Any mention to console-ize a PC game is a red flashing warning sign in my brain, but if they can make this great I'll be psyched.

Hopefully the new engine won't mess up anything and let it remain looking as similar as the PC game as possible. This is now on my short list of games to watch for. I would play the PC version if my computer didn't need major upgrading.

EDIT: If this turns into a Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance type of console game, I'll be pissed and they can rot in hell for all eternity. Why can't a PC-style RPG be done on the consoles? Why must everything turn hack and slash or completely action-oriented. I hate that the consoles need to be dumbed down at ALL.

They reworked the combat system so that there is enough reason for you to give up. Sounds like that added more action to the RPG that was there.

[Kelegacy]

They reworked the combat system so that there is enough reason for you to give up. Sounds like that added more action to the RPG that was there.

I don't like that at all. Are we console monkeys twitchy fools that need action-heavy games else we lose interest? Jesus. It is incredibly insulting.

I'm with you. Don't ge me wrong, I loved Dark Alliance for what it was but I would have liked to have had a Baldurs Gate RPG too. You have me thinking this is exactly what is going to happen with The Witcher.

Around the time, there was word of Baldur's Gate coming to the Dreamcast. I was so psyched. But that fell through. Dark Alliance wasn't bad, but it wasn't exactly what I want. Instead, that formula is exactly what I dislike about the direction of the RPG formula. It's the legacy of Diablo, and something I really despise in RPGs. I think there's room for both kinds of games, but companies have ditched all the involved CRPGs and gone completely action-RPG (if you can call them RPGs, which I don't). It's one of the reasons I don't feel the need to upgrade my PC anymore. The CRPG genre, with a few exceptions like The Witchers, is all but dead. MMOs and Diablo clones are the dark, semi-retarded offspring of that once great genre.

I guess I always have the classics, and some neo-classics like Divine Divinity and the Gothic games, but for the most part, I've given up hope. This announcement for a moment fired up the dead coals in my CRPG soul, but they've already begun to quell.

[Xerxes]

I don't like that at all. Are we console monkeys twitchy fools that need action-heavy games else we lose interest? Jesus. It is incredibly insulting.
If it's like Yahtzee says with click and hit, THEN YES give me different moves to make the combat looked varied.

[Codicier]

Instead, that formula is exactly what I dislike about the direction of the RPG formula. It's the legacy of Diablo, and something I really despise in RPGs. I think there's room for both kinds of games, but companies have ditched all the involved CRPGs and gone completely action-RPG (if you can call them RPGs, which I don't). It's one of the reasons I don't feel the need to upgrade my PC anymore. The CRPG genre, with a few exceptions like The Witchers, is all but dead. MMOs and Diablo clones are the dark, semi-retarded offspring of that once great genre.

Totally agree with this. MMOs in particular or at least everyone's fascination with them and with making everything an MMO ( "holy shit, we can make a ton of money this way!"...except they can't; I stand by my assertion that WoW/Blizzard has the MMO market cornered.) Perhaps Dragon Age will be a CRPG you and I will be able to enjoy.

[H.Bogard]

If it's like Yahtzee says with click and hit, THEN YES give me different moves to make the combat looked varied.

The combat isn't like that.

New info from gamecyte:

http://www.gamecyte.com/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-qa-dlc-confirmed

The game's world and quests will be completely redesigned from the ground up rather than moving in those from the PC version :

When asked whether the world design and quests from The Witcher will stay the same, Styliński replied “Not entirely,” and proceeded to tell that the game will include “a new interface, redesigned boss battles, new music, a smattering of new models, and a redesigned character development system.”

And the game's port is being handled by a company named Widescreen Games (anyone ever heard of them before?) with CDProjekt directing the game design.

[Xerxes]

The combat isn't like that.

New info from gamecyte:

http://www.gamecyte.com/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-qa-dlc-confirmed

The game's world and quests will be completely redesigned from the ground up rather than moving in those from the PC version :



And the game's port is being handled by a company named Widescreen Games (anyone ever heard of them before?) with CDProjekt directing the game design.

So it's not a port.

[KingGorilla]

As you get more combos, the combat gets much more complex. Not to mention the real combat is in mixing in alchemy correctly.

[Codicier]

So it's not a port.

I'm betting it'll probably be something like the original Far Cry console ports, only hopefully better than those.

[Xerxes]

Yay... Grown up Fable.
Before we let him go, Styliński confirmed that DLC is in the works for Rise of the White Wolf; and when questioned about the controversial sex cards from the original, he replied that the company’s goal is “to keep the content of The Witcher intact” in the new game. “It’s too early to tell whether we’re going to have any issues with ratings, but we’re definitely aiming to deliver a mature game,” he told GameCyte.

[Xerxes]

I'm betting it'll probably be something like the original Far Cry console ports, only hopefully better than those.

But it's a different engine with them rebuilding most of the assets and a new combat system. Seems to like it's not really a port.

[Codicier]

But it's a different engine with them rebuilding most of the assets and a new combat system. Seems to like it's not really a port.

Far Cry Instincts wasn't running on the same engine either.

A well done or extensively modified port is still a port if it's supposed to be the same game or a spin-off (at least that's how its been done before that I've seen). It seems to me like their billing of what the game is in relation to the original is not very well defined; that is, whether it will be the same game content/story/whatever or something with new content as well as new tech.