Nonek

I've never understood the argument that fantastic elements in a game automatically invalidate any sense of historical accuracy, one can have an internally consistent setting that lives cheek by jowl with fantastic elements. So long as these fantastic elements are accounted for and reacted to reasonably they do not invalidate the setting whatsoever. For instance in the Witcher the the protagonist is a part of an order that arose to deal with post Conjunction monsters, crafted by mages to make perfect, unfeeling guardians for humanity in emulation of the Golem myth. Thus Witchers are a known entity, grudgingly accepted when needed but otherwise shunned. Sorcerers and their effect on society is dealt with throughout the saga, and they have a recognised place and a purpose in the world. The interactions with fantastical races and species is another central theme of the mythos, and indeed is crucial to the second protagonist of the series. This in no way invalidates the largely agrarian society, the feudal order, the cutthroat politics that are engaged in throughout or any of the other internally consistent content. Indeed in the war ravaged no mans land of Velen one can see monsters emerging from their hiding places, feeding on corpses, growing strong and fat in the absence of civilisation and society. Yet take a boat ride across the Pontar to Redania and one finds a largely settled land, policed, civilised in large measure and absent of the worst depredations except when one travels far from the beaten path. Logical and internally consistent, and not yelled about at all. One merely has to account for fantastical elements in a setting, and make realistic consequences and conflicts from their interaction with the mundane rather than repeating, "But there's magic so nothing has to make sense, Dragons shouldn't fly!" Yes Dragons should not fly, that's one of the reasons why they're a fantastical creation, they also shouldn't be able to breathe fire, or mesmerise with their gaze. This argument is really not thought out fully.

The Company of Wolves by Neil Jordan. A werewolf movie with what I think is a feminist twist, with the female protagonist in her blood red hood of course, wandering off the path into the wild Wald, and embracing her own wild nature and budding sexuality. Which is equal to the men who have embraced their wild nature, and are demonised by the villagers living in the midst of the Wald. It's quite beautifully shot, and is set in the dreamworld of a young girl coming into womanhood. The narrative progresses in an interesting way, mainly relying on storytelling, with an exemplary performance by Angela Lansbury as a formidable old matriarch. Very symbolic imagery throughout. Lovely German and Belgian shepard dogs used throughout in the place of the obligatory wolves.

http://blogjob.com/oneangrygamer/2015/06/ftc-endorsement-guide-now-includes-game-reviews-youtubers-affiliate-links/ YES A little accountability finally being implemented, a good move for the consumer.

Yep Velen and Novigrad are far more interesting gameplay wise, but those mountains, forests and moody skies...enchanting.

I quite like their take on Yen, imperious and arrogant as always, I always think of her as a fantasy equivalent of the Stainless Steel Rat's wife. Though i'm interested in finding out how she shed the Hunt's amnesia, and what exactly she went through in Nilfgaard.

...That's not what happened at all. According to the mores of the people of Vizima, which is what we were talking about, it was. Foltest himself thought this to be true, Velerad and his coterie did, as no one knew of Ostrit's infatuation with Adda senior. This is why DeWett resurrected Ostrit's schemes to turn Adda into a Striga, as part of Jacques plans to seize the throne and discredit Foltest. Edit: My apologies for the double post, didn't notice the second reply immediately.

But its really a fantasy realm so why not just include minorities? It can still be very Slavic but I don't see the big deal? One, it is a fantasy realm built upon a series of novels that prioritise internal consistency, so one must have a reason for minorities to be present not just token representations clumsily inserted for the sake of racists. Two, Minorities are represented: There are green Dryads, the problems with the Elder races which is a central theme of the novels, the heritage of the Vran lizardmen buried throughout, the post conjunction creatures, Geralt the protagonist is himself a mutant that is technically a new species, Ciri is a genetic timebomb crafted by fascist inter dimensional elves etcetera.

It's been a while since I last read the books, I only really remember Ciri being described as having enchanting eyes, she may well have grown up since then however. Geralt and Yen remark on such in Vizima.

Yes there are more ancient Slavic mores used throughout in addition to what i've already listed: The treatment of the cunning folk and Wiedzmin, the religious practises unique to the northern kingdoms. Abused morals as well such as Foltest's relationship with his sister, frowned upon and birthing mostrosities such as the Striga as just punishment. Pagan ideoligies which inform much of the game and stand in contrast to the new ways being heralded in, representing Christianity in my view. The significance of the oak tree ceremonially that endured in Pagan worship. Edit: Of course I could focus on the importance of family, and friends forming an extended family, which Geralt does seek as an orphan cast out of the typical tight knit structure of society. The importance of introductions and proper titles, along with the importance of gift giving that the first game really focuses upon. I've always felt that these were too widespread in Europe as a whole however, and resembled other areas mores. Still valid I suppose and not seen in other games. Oh and I forgot the drinking, of course.

Folktales such as are used in the fourth chapter of the first game, ripped straight from Slavic folklore almost word for word apparently, very new and interesting to me. The unique little nods such as the ram near the Kayran, harking to another folktale. The architecture and artistic design of Vizima, Flotsam and various other locales. The creatures and monsters drawn from Slavic folklore, though there are many drawn from other myths as well. The political situations and stances that parallel the Teutonic crusades into Slavic lands. Etcetera.

Wait what. I can't be any clearer, i used plain English.

I want to retire to Skellige.

I for one would not have been half as interested in the Witcher if it had not built up a great sense of internal consistency in its gameworld, if it had had the usual boring AD&D setting, or did not include the Slavic cultural mores which made it so unique and exotic. Then again we can't have something unique, distinct and rare can we? We've got to turn everything into a dull paint by numbers politically correct sermon.

Yes they argue that they want to invalidate any internal consistency and cast out any pre-established lore to make room for clumsy insertion of minorities to fill token positions, insulting to both the minority and the artists vision. It's idiotic and laughable.

The northern kingdoms are a barbaric backwoods, if one wants diversity then one should travel to the southern reaches of Nilfgaard, Zerrikania and points south. With the war, the intolerance of the natives, the inhospitable nature of travel without modern travel networks and the danger of the wilderness being enhanced by post conjunction creatures, well the absence of exotic races in Novigrad, Velen and especially Skellige is warranted, and fits with the narrative. I'm all for diversity, but i'm for diversity practised in an internally consistent manner, such as the appearance of Azar Javed in the first Witcher. Being a powerful sorcerer he may utilise teleportation and his fearsome abilities to travel in relative safety, and obviously has done to reach Ban Aard. Besides if you want diversity Geralt is not technically of the Human species anymore, Dwarves and Gnomes are their own species, the post conjunction creatures are even more weird, never mind the inter-dimensional fascist Elves. Edit: Funny how racism directed against eastern Europeans has become acceptable lately, personally I find it sickening, one has Fleet street rags preaching open xenophobia, and now this moronic article which is let's face it published just because Mr Geis was told off by a proud Slav. Then again why am I surprised #killallmen after all, morality is a foreign concept to these degenerates.

Did the third Bard's Tale game go isometric? I can't remember the first and second ever being anything but first person, though I may be misremembering.

One has to wonder whether the hype around Fallout 4 will impact the Kickstarter, positively or negatively? Might be worth mentioning that Mr Fargo published the original, sparked the franchise and hype its inspiration in Wasteland 2.

I'm also wondering with the focus on Skara Brae whether the other notable sites on that parallel might be utilised, Maeshowe and Brodgar, as well as maybe the inclusion of Pictish elements, what little is known of them. Most probably not though.

Damn those forcefields!

Wonder if we'll finally be able to play as a Ghoul or Supermutant? Probably not. More importantly i'm crossing my fingers and toes for a certain developer to make a west coast expansion again, that i'll buy. Or Dogmeat, i'd play as Dogmeat, more charisma and less voice acting, win-win.

Obviously it is a long way off but I often ponder on this myself, many individuals I have known throughout my life have self identified via their occpations, indeed have almost lost identity when displaced from their chosen vocation. I think this self identification may be something that is not so easily shed, and in an age of plenty may inspire disillusion and maybe even anarchy. Much though I look forward to retirement, indeed I am semi retired allready, I still invest much of myself into my job and would not wish to be without it. Though to be honest I can't realistically see how my field can be downsized any more, it is cut to the bone allready. I suppose at such a time as our lives become free of labour, the entertainments and diversions we choose to consume and take part in may well become far more important and well regarded than they are now, to the point where they define us in a similar manner to our previous careers. I suppose that some northern English coal mining and steel working towns have allready experienced massive spates of unemployment thanks to the changing world, and have spawned a new class, lifestyle and modern forms of ghettos, if this is the route the changing world goes then I truly fear for it.

I was never a great fan of the Bard's Tale after the second game, and so i'm afraid that Mr Fargo will need to win me over here. Though kudos to the gentleman for travelling to the mainland on Orkney and filming at Skara Brae, it's a little raw up there. I'm also glad to see the design incorporating parts of Scottish culture, a deep and interesting well to draw from. Especially if it meanders over to Ulster where the Scots came from, though I think the opposite might well be the case and the recognised influence of the Norse might be referenced. Addendum: In my first post on this thread I mistakenly titled Mr Heineman, I understand that the individual underwent a sex change and is now Ms Rebecca Heineman. I must apologise, I realise that the likelihood of her reading this is small but still I thought the clarification warranted.

Very good new for the consumer, and ethical developers whom want to harness the good will of the public. I still find myself relying more and more on GOG than Steam however. Edit: I do seem to remember a European ruling requiring this years ago however.

Rather early summer sale has manifested.

Please add Ricky Gervais if you've room.