CD Projekt RED has revealed that The Witcher III: Wild Hunt will allow fans to play as the witcheress Ciri during certain segments of the story.
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When the narrative demands it, players will assume control of Ciri, a key figure and story focal point. The game's eponymous Wild Hunt (a band of supernatural warriors), the Nilfgaard Empire, and series protagonist Geralt of Rivia are all searching for her. Ciri is, in fact, Geralt’s apprentice, and the two have known each other for many years since Ciri’s childhood.
Players cannot switch back and forth between Geralt and Ciri - this is still very much Geralt’s game, after all - but can assume her perspective at specific times.
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"Ciri is playable only during certain moments in the game – we introduce her to give gamers another perspective in the story to make it even more engaging," explains the studio's Robert Malinowski. "You won’t play as her for long periods of time, but since she’s crucial to the plot, we thought that additional insight will allow gamers to better bond with this cool character.”
He continues, ”She’s a living weapon…and everyone wants to control her. This, plus she also has her own will and agenda, so it’s not just finding her that counts. I think that is the most important aspect of this character. Geralt knows Ciri since she was a child. She’s Geralt’s apprentice and they have a close emotional bond – he trained her so she could become a witcheress."
While Geralt is a great gaming hero, the genre could always use more heroines and female leads in adventure narratives. Or any narrative, really.
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt has been delayed until next May to better ensure a smooth and bug-free launch. While the wait is brutal, if it makes for a better product, then so be it.
