The Witcher.

When all possible options seem to have been explored, all that remains for games to improve upon is the graphics, environments, story and most of all realism. Even though the developers of this game have bought the Aura engine by Bioware (used in Neverwinter Nights), it has been extensively modified to suit the graphical expectations at the time of release.

The Witcher is based on a Polish fantasy novel and tells the tale of Geralt, who gets mutated from human to a Witcher, a warrior gifted with unnatural powers. Taking place in the as-expected medieval world, the game implements detailed visuals that not only add to the visual appeal, but also enhance the game-play. The natural light during various phases of the day is realistically altered and the day and night transitions serve to enrich the ambience. Even the weather effects are well implemented, where the weather dynamically changes from a light drizzle to a dark, stormy downpour lightened with a powerful discharge of electricity.

Some creatures come out only in the dark and if the weather gets worse, the local denizens lock themselves up in their homes. The game is controlled with the mouse in a manner similar to hack 'n' slash titles such as Dungeon Siege. However, this does not mean that this game is simply a button-bashing' fiesta. The right-click used for evasive manoeuvres may cause the protagonist to step aside or jump out of harms way.

The Witchers wield two swords, a silver one for monsters and a steel one for humans. They can execute special manoeuvres by synchronising their attack with onscreen cues. They also have magical abilities and are talented alchemists, brewing potions to aid their crusade. The story and missions are also dynamic in nature where Geralt's decision affects the outcomes. Similar to the Fable, the character can choose to be good or evil depending on how the situation benefits the garners, but one should bear in mind that everything comes with a price, and reactions to an action tend to surface much later, leaving the garners decision irreversible, and fateful. The game offers three different endings to a dynamic storyline and would hopefully add more dimensions to the game as compared to its counterparts. The game has been in development for a long time now, and is expected to make it to the flat screen in the near future.

_{source Spider Mag.}