Summary
CD Projekt Red is developing a number of different games set in the universe ofThe Witcher, and they seem rather promising. Based on what isknown about the newWitchertitles, codenamed Polaris, Sirius, and Canis Majoris, they have the potential to all offer unique and distinct takes on Andrzej Sapkowski’s bold fantasy world.
Polaris is the game that most people are referring to when they discussThe Witcher 4, as it seems to be the most direct continuation of the mainlineWitcherseries, although CDPR has been clear about it being a new saga. Canis Majorisand Sirius, on the other hand, are more like spin-off games, with the former being a from-the-ground-up remake of the firstWitchertitle and the latter being a multiplayer game. Given these three broad frameworks, CD Projekt Red has a lot of opportunities to expand and differentiate the fantasy RPG franchise.
Polaris, Sirius, and Canis Majoris Can All Be New Kinds of Witcher Games
Canis Majoris Could Be Most Like The Witcher 3
Canis Majoris,as a remake, will likely beconsiderably different from the originalThe Witcher, as CDPR has been upfront about the fact that Majoris is a “modern reimagining” of the 2007 original. It would appear that Majoris will be more of a kind with modern game remakes likeFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeor theResident Evilremakes, reconstructing gameplay pillars and implementing all-new visuals. In essence, it will strip the game down, rebuilding it with contemporary technology and design conventions.
Considering that a line can be drawn from 2007’sThe WitchertoThe Witcher 3, and the fact that both games star the same protagonist, itseems likely that developer Fool’s Theory will retroactively adapt some elements from Geralt’s third adventure.The Witcherremake going open-worldis evidence that this might be the case, but Fool’s Theory could take it further by drawing fromThe Witcher 3’s combat, quest design, and more.
Sirius' Multiplayer Features Could Make for a Very Different Witcher Experience
The most crucial piece of information available about Sirius is that it will have a multiplayer component. CDPR has stated that it can still be played as a single-player game, but the multiplayer side of the equation seems to be central to the overall experience. Additional comments from CDPR, along with job listings from The Molasses Flood, reveal that the game will not be open-world, but will feature core RPG mechanics like leveling and combat scaling.
So, while it’s not clearwhat a multiplayerWitchergamewill look like, it seems like Sirius won’t be an MMO, as it’s not open-world, nor will it be solely built around PvP, as it is still being considered an RPG with a single-player focus. Sirius could be a roguelike, a co-op survival game, or a story-focused adventure, but regardless, it may wind up being the most different of the three in-developmentWitchergames, thanks to its multiplayer.
Polaris Should Be An Evolution of The Witcher
As the start of the nextWitchersaga, Polaris has more riding on it than Sirius and Canis Majoris. Fans have speculated about what Polaris will look like, whether it will be set in the far future or distant past (relative to Geralt’s journey), and if it will star a supporting character like Ciri. Whatever general approach CDPR takes withPolaris, the developer should seize the opportunity to make it a wholly different experience, perhaps leaning more into RPG elements and de-emphasizing things like combat or open-world exploration.
Polarismay havesome elements from pastWitchergames, but to stand out from the original trilogy, as well as from Sirius and Canis Majoris, it should prioritize significant, fundamental changes. Really, all three newThe Witchergames should aim to provide a distinct experience, as this will help the franchise move into its next era while surprising and exciting fans.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you may explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.PLAY AS A HIGHLY TRAINED MONSTER SLAYER FOR HIRETrained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic. Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities. Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.EXPLORE A MORALLY AMBIGUOUS FANTASY OPEN WORLDBuilt for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity. Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas. Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services. Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
