The Witcher 2 is Coming to Xbox 360
Have you ever been interested in the Witcher series, but don’t own a sufficient PC? Well soon you’ll be getting the chance to play it, as CD Projekt RED have announced that The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings will be released on the Xbox 360. We tuned in to the official pre-launch conference to get as much info as possible for this monstrous game.
For those who are unfamiliar with the title, The Witcher 2 is a hardcore RPG based on the bestselling Witcher book series by author Andrzej Sapkowski. The game follows the hero, Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who’s been framed for killing a king. In order to clear his name, he must break out of prison and pursue the real assassin. For more info on the PC version, take a look at our review here.
Now, the Xbox 360 version is more than just a port and has been redesigned around the console, so much that it’s being subtitled as the “enhanced edition”. To start, it’s the most updated and polished version of the game, so players can hopefully expect a bug free experience at launch. Several key aspects of gameplay have been overhauled for the new release, such as new intelligent camera and lock-on systems, an improved character development panel, a fresh navigation bar, and a more intuitive and responsive control system.
An overhaul of mechanics isn’t the only things thrown into the re-release, oh no! The 360 version will have a new three-and-a-half CGI intro, and 33 minutes of never-before seen movies, cinematics, and animations. But wait, there’s more! Also included is around four additional hours of gameplay, stretched across two new major adventures, original important characters and several fresh locations. To add to the already staggering amount of new content, CD Projeckt RED has promised more new features to be revealed sometime before release.
As if that wasn’t enough to get fans interested, each new copy will contain some sweet goodies in its box. Aside from the two DVDs that contain the title, players will receive the soundtrack, a full manual, a map of the game world, and a quest guide. All of this for the standard game price, world wide.
For those wanting even more a “dark edition” will be available, wrapped up in a massive black rectangular box equipped with a 3D “Witcher’s head” emblem slapped on the front. The back half slides open to reveal the game, complete with the standard edition treats, alongside an art book, “making of” DVD, decals, and a metal Witcher’s medallion. All this swag is available for about $20 dollars more than the base edition.
Even as I sit here writing, I can already hear fans who own the PC version screaming “What about me?!” through my monitor. Don’t worry you’ll be covered, as every owner of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for PC will receive the new in-game content for free via automatic updates.
Visually, the title is looking splendid. Both textures and animations look well made and fluid. It’s still early to say, but it’s sporting some very impressive graphics. The more I watch, the more it seems that CD Projekt RED are looking to make the Xbox version its own game, not just another ugly PC port.
There’s no denying that The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings‘ upcoming Enhanced Edition is looking to be a lot of bang for your buck. Chock full of extra content, both in-game and out, this is something to look out for both fans of the series and new comers alike.
The enhanced version launches on April 17th 2012 worldwide, keep your eyes peeled here for more information and a full review around release.
About This Post