CD Projekt Red's lead gameplay designer on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Maciej Szczesnik, has spoken to ClickOnline about Geralt's 'Signs' and how combat has evolved for the game.
Geralt had five signs in The Witcher 1 & 2 and but will have more options available to him in Wild Hunt as the game progresses.
"At the beginning, Geralt will be able to choose from five signs," he explained. "It doesn't end there, however – in The Witcher 3 we introduce new casting modes which effectively double the number of signs at the players' disposal. These 'alternative versions' will be unlocked through character development, but don't think of them as simply stronger versions of the same spells – they will offer different tactical uses."
Providing more details on just how signs will work in Wild Hunt Szczesnik said, "Let's take the Aard as an example. The primary version of this sign will send a telekinetic thrust to stun or knock down foes. With time, players will be able to unlock a secondary version of the sign and by pressing and holding the button, they will send out a shockwave that knocks down all surrounding enemies (you can actually spot this in our gameplay trailer). Similar dual modes are available for every other sign."
Szczesnik also revealed that combat QTEs have been removed and there are now 96 separate attack animations. He compared fighting in the game to Dark Souls and Batman: Arkham City noting that defence is just as important as attack. However, he said Geralt will continue to use his steel and silver swords as his primary weapons.
"It's a part of who he is," Szczesnik commented. "I mean, for us, encouraging players to use polearms, shields or axes would create a dissonance akin to Batman running around with an AK-47 and shooting at his enemies."
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is set for release on PC, Xbox One and PS4 – marking the series' PlayStation debut – sometime in 2014.
While the game will mark the conclusion of Geralt's story the Witcher universe will continue.
