Latest news with #TheWitcher
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Cyberpunk 2 release date narrowed down as production ramps up
CD Projekt has confirmed pre-production is underway on the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, which they've given a new name. We've known developer CD Projekt has been working on a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 for a while now, as one of several projects planned by the developer after The Witcher 4. The sequel to the sci-fi role-player has previously been referred to as Project Orion, but the studio provided a significant update on the title (quite literally) in its latest Q1 2025 earnings call. In the report, CD Projekt confirmed development on Project Orion has advanced from the conceptual stage to the pre-production phase. Also, the studio referred to the sequel as 'Cyberpunk 2' for the first time. While it's unclear if this is the final name or just a placeholder, it's a sign that development is progressing well on the sequel In the past, CD Projekt has used subtitles when it comes to naming sequels in The Witcher series, like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, so it's possible Cyberpunk 2 will have some kind of additional name bolted on when it is revealed. Don't expect it to be shown anytime soon though. During a Q&A segment, CD Projekt's co-CEO, Michał Nowakowski, was asked when we can expect Cyberpunk 2 to come out, now it's entered the pre-production phase, and if it will match The Witcher 4's timeline, which entered the same stage in 2022 and is expected to launch in 2027. 'Our journey from the pre-production to the final release takes four to five years on average,' Nowakowski replied. 'Having said that, keep in mind that each project is unique and there are many variables which influence the final outcome, so I will not lead you into specific years. But this is pretty much how it looks like.' If CD Projekt sticks to this timeframe, Cyberpunk 2 will likely not be released until late 2029 or 2030, at the earliest. That's a whole decade after the original game came out on December 10, 2020, when it caught a lot of negative attention for its bug-ridden state. Development on Cyberpunk 2 might be a smoother process, however, considering CD Projekt recently opened a new studio in Boston, Massachusetts primarily for the sequel. The Witcher 4's development, meanwhile, is being done at its main offices in Warsaw, Poland. More Trending Elsewhere, the studio announced Cyberpunk 2077 expansion Phantom Liberty has surpassed 10 million copies sold, an increase of two million from November last year. CD Projekt is hoping for an extra wave of sales with the launch of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Switch 2 next month. CD Projekt has several other projects in the works beyond The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, including a new IP codenamed Project Hadar and a new game set in the Witcher universe codenamed Project Sirius. However, there's no indication of when these could come out. The next new release from the company is likely to be the remake of The Witcher 1, although that's being made by a third party studio and has no confirmed release year. The Witcher 4 will be the next game from CD Projekt Red, which will feature Geralt of Rivia's adoptive daughter, Ciri, as the protagonist. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Xbox handheld delayed claims report as Microsoft refocuses on Windows MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price, games and everything else you need to know MORE: UK retailer cancels Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders a week before launch
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Assassin's Creed Shadows review: Vast and beautiful, with a story mode
Among all of the world's most popular games, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise is one of the most recognizable names globally. By itself, the lore created by this 18-year-old game series has been a landmark experience in gaming—giving players the experience of an open world that can be explored freely, close links to actual historical events in its storyline, and a narration that connects the protagonists of each game with multiple previous ones. Now, Assassin's Creed Shadows takes all of these elements to give fans of its franchise a setting that many forums had demanded for years—medieval Japan. Straight off the bat, Assassin's Creed Shadows does a fantastic job of recreating Japan in the late-1570s. This is not just because of the visuals, which are undoubtedly poignant, realistic and befitting of the game's set-up—the design of the terrain's layout, including the hideouts and the strategically placed side quests alongside the 22 main mission levels, actually makes Assassin's Creed Shadows a title that gamers can continue to explore well beyond finishing the main storyline. For those without prior context: this is the 14th game in the 18-year history of Ubisoft making Assassin's Creed. The plot is simple: players don the shields and armours of a fictional member of the ancient Order of the Assassins—dropped in the game within real historical context and events. The goal is largely to defeat an opposing faction—for the most part, the Knights Templar that sought to establish order in medieval and ancient societies with an iron fist. But through this journey, the game has evolved to offer historical clues for players, including links and tributes to older games within the main game itself. Also read: Inside India's first Lego store in Gurugram Assassin's Creed Shadows, too, has the same spirit. You play either as Yasuke, a former imprisoned slave, or Naoe—the daughter of master assassin Tsuyu and Nagato, a leading member of the resistance faction Iga ikki. Both the characters have their strengths and limitations—Yasuke is a humongous force of nature, capable of breaking down doors with sprints and going on a rampage as enemy numbers escalate. Naoe, meanwhile, is ideal for stealth and swift assassinations—throughout the game, you'd often find Naoe's nimble-footed approach to be ideal. As you set off in the game, you realize that the storylines and character developments have still remained one of Ubisoft's biggest strengths, making Assassin's Creed Shadows stand on the same podium as some of the world's best third-person role-playing narrative-driven games—such as The Witcher, The Last of Us, Uncharted and Control. You get absorbed with Naoe's predicament, and you find Yasuke's journey a fulfilling one as you progress through the game. It's important to note here that as you progress in the game, choosing the normal and expert difficulty settings will need you to invest heavily in upgrading your gear, attire and weaponry. If you're not a hardcore gamer and would rather enjoy the game's story, there is a 'story' mode where the combat is toned down to the bare minimum, with protagonists barely ever taking a hit. What's interesting is that even in the story mode, Ubisoft has ensured that players stay immersed enough in tactical movement and swift combat to get the most of the ideal experience of Assassin's Creed Shadows. But, the presence of such a mode increases the appeal for such a game with those who do not want to go into extreme levels of combat. Back to the story, though, and about halfway through the game, you realize just how massive the world of Shadows really is. For the average casual gamer playing about two hours a day, it took almost a full month to finish the main story levels of Assassin's Creed Shadows. With side quests and additionally discoverable regions to explore, it can easily take up to three months to really straddle the full expanse of the game. As you go through the game, you can't help but feel that the exchange of dialogues and the narrative stretches on for a bit too long. While most combats are nearly ideal, some design elements interfere with the smoothness of the gameplay—in certain battles for instance, Yasuke's weight and armour levels just do not come through. Such glitches can become increasingly frustrating, especially since after a point, you tend to feel that even the story is rather loose, and should have been much crisper to let the game's open world shine through more. The present-day binding narrative, which plays right at the onset to set you up for the game, also feels rather forced—surely, there could've been a better way to establish context and history to the assassin's journey. That said, Assassin's Creed Shadows put forth a glorious insight into just how fun this game series always was, and in many ways, continues to be. It may come across as tedious, and those who are not good at combat-and-stealth gameplay may even struggle to finish it or continue beyond a point. But, perseverance lets you discover various parts of medieval Japan where the sights are gorgeous, and getting to the top of the pole still gives you the 'master of the world' appeal that has remained intact since the very first of this series. Is it worth playing, then? Definitely. Assassin's Creed Shadows' biggest 'fault' per se is in just how big the game is—and that's not necessarily bad for those at whom the game is aimed at. Is it the best that the series has offered to date? Based on pure visuals, some would certainly say so. Played on: Xbox Series S; Price: ₹4999 onward; Developer and publisher: Ubisoft. Also read: Computex 2025: All things AI to come from the annual computer show
The Verge
5 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
CD Projekt Red is moving forward with Cyberpunk 2
CD Projekt Red's (CDPR) sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, which the studio is now calling Cyberpunk 2, has moved from a 'conceptual phase' into preproduction, according to an earnings report released on Wednesday. The game has had the codename of 'Project Orion' since it was announced in 2022. CDPR hasn't shared many details about the game, but did describe it on Wednesday as ' the next big game set in the Cyberpunk universe.' There are 96 developers working on the title as of April 30th, according to a slide deck. The company also announced that Cyberpunk 2077's expansion, Phantom Liberty, has sold more than 10 million copies. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which bundles both the base game and the expansion together, will be available as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title on June 5th. CDPR recently celebrated The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's 10th anniversary, and the company announced as part of its earnings that the game has sold more than 60 million copies.
Tom's Guide
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 best shows like 'The Wheel of Time' to stream right now
It's official: "The Wheel of Time" has stopped turning. Prime Video recently announced it's cancelling its hit fantasy drama series, making "The Wheel of Time's" critically acclaimed third season now it's de facto series finale. While that means we won't get a satisfying conclusion to the fate of Rosamund Pike's Moiraine and co. or the prophecy of the Dragon Reborn, for viewers who can't get enough of high fantasy, there are other genre entries worth checking out. In making this round-up, it was harder than I expected to find high fantasy shows that didn't meet "The Wheel of Time's" same fate. I didn't want to add insult to injury by suggesting fans dive into another show that ends on an unsatisfying cliffhanger, so I'm sticking with series that are either still ongoing or have wrapped up their run. Speaking of unsatisfying endings, I'm not including "Game of Thrones" on this list for obvious reasons. Whether you're looking for starcrossed heroes, intricate world-building, or fantastical spectacles, these are the best fantasy shows for fans of "The Wheel of Time" to watch now that Prime Video's given it the boot. Netflix's sleek adaptation of "The Witcher plunges viewers into a gritty, monster-filled fantasy world where magic is real and danger lurks around every corner. Based on the beloved fantasy novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski and CD Projekt Red's video game series, it follows Geralt of Rivia (formerly portrayed by Henry Cavill, now played by Liam Hemsworth), a no-nonsense, mutated monster-hunter-for-hire. Geralt makes a point to steer clear of the realm's tangled politics, but fate has other plans. His path soon crosses with that of a young princess (Freya Allan) whose mysterious powers have put a price on her head. Reluctantly, Geralt takes on the role of her protector, using his formidable skills to shield her from those who would exploit her for their own gains. While the plot can be dense and occasionally confusing, the show's sheer spectacle and relentless pace make it a thrilling watch that's bound to hook fans of "The Wheel of Time." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Watch now on Netflix Philip Pullman's beloved trilogy comes alive in this three-season television adaptation, which takes place in a parallel world ruled by a powerful religious authority known as the Magisterium. Enter our young heroine, Lyra Silvertongue (Dafne Keen), a curious and courageous tween who embarks on a quest to find her missing friend only to find herself in the crosshairs of destiny. After learning the secrets of her family's heritage, her search for the truth propels her across multiple worlds, including a hauntingly distorted version of our own, filled with magic, mysterious powers, and daemons, i.e. animal companions that are physical embodiments of a person's soul. What sets "His Dark Materials" apart is its ability to blend the familiar with the fantastical, creating a rich narrative that's both an epic adventure and a layered exploration of science, religion, and the meaning of family. Watch now on Max Based on Deborah Harkness' "All Souls" trilogy, "A Discovery of Witches" is a criminally underrated entry in the high fantasy genre. "The Choice" and "Warm Bodies" star Teresa Palmer plays Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch who has long suppressed her magical heritage. While researching alchemy and science at Oxford, Diana uncovers an enchanted manuscript that paints a target on her back for all the witches, vampires, and daemons all vying for control of its secrets. To uncover the manuscript's origins and keep it from falling into the wrong hands, Diana forms an uneasy alliance with the vamprie biochemist Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode). Despite ancient rivalries between their species, the two are drawn together by a bond that defies tradition and deepens as Diana's magical abilities awaken. While not as sprawling as "The Wheel of Time," "A Discovery of Witches" is a spellbinding journey worth every moment, packed with unforgettable characters, epic battles, and a simmering love story that'll keep you invested. Watch now on Netflix Sure, it's a polarizing choice, but love it or hate it, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is easily the closest analogue to "The Wheel of Time" in Prime Video's library. Despite its critics, the series delivers a visually stunning return to Tolkien's world, immersing viewers in the grandeur and mythology of the Second Age. Amazon invested heavily in bringing this era of Middle-earth to life, and the scale and detail are undeniable. Set thousands of years before the movies and novels, "The Rings of Power" explores the rise of the evil Dark Lord Sauron to power, threatening the fragile peace of Middle-earth and setting the stage for the forging of the iconic rings. This is high-scale fantasy at its peak, full of unexpected twists, elaborate world-building, and sprawling battle scenes. The show also serves as both a strong standalone story and an accessible intro to the rich lore of 'The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," so newcomers will find it just as compelling as long-time fans. Maybe even more so considering that, as with "The Wheel of Time," its deviation from the source material remains a point of contention. Watch now on Prime Video While Prime Video opted not to renew "The Wheel of Time" for a fourth season, it's forging ahead with its animated fantasy series "The Legend of Vox Machina." All three seasons so far have achieved an impressive 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and while animated shows often struggle to break through in the crowded streaming landscape, this one's continued success speaks volumes. Based on the popular Critical Role web series, the show follows a ragtag group of adventurers known as Vox Machina as they embark on epic quests to battle dark forces, powerful villains and ancient magic. With each member bringing their own quirks and flaws, the series blends high-stakes action with sharp humor and genuine heart, making it as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining and visually stunning. This is a must-watch for fans of Dungeons & Dragons-style adventures. Watch now on Prime Video
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
The Witcher 4: Geralt's voice actor shuts down ‘woke' claims over Ciri being lead
Doug Cockle, the voice actor for Geralt of Rivia, has defended the decision to make Ciri the lead character in The Witcher 4, responding to criticism that the move is 'woke' by urging sceptics to read the original novels. Speaking in a recent interview, Cockle said it was natural for the franchise to focus on a different protagonist after Geralt's story had reached its conclusion. 'You can't just have Geralt for every single game for The Witcher ad nauseam through eternity,' he said. 'It's a cool character from the Witcher, and they're going to focus on that character.' The Witcher 4 was officially announced at the 2024 Game Awards, revealing that Ciri would star in the upcoming game. Cockle said the previous expansion, Blood and Wine, was intended to wrap up Geralt's journey. 'We've seen the end of Geralt's journey,' he said. 'Celebrate Ciri, I celebrate her being the protagonist.' Some fans have criticised the choice, describing it as a 'woke' decision. Cockle rejected this, stating: 'If you think it's woke, read the damn books — they're good, first of all. And secondly, you won't think it's so woke anymore.' The Witcher games are based on a series of novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, which increasingly centre on Ciri's character. Cockle noted that the games had not yet fully explored her story, which the new game now plans to address. 'There's a whole rich world of stuff to explore with Ciri that they didn't do when they put her into Witcher 3, because the story was about Geralt. But she hints at it,' he said. Cockle also compared the transition to other popular franchises that have moved on from their original leads. 'Uncharted put Nathan Drake into retirement so we could focus on Chloe and Nadine in The Lost Legacy, and they were a breath of fresh air,' he said. No release date has yet been announced for The Witcher 4. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to revisit The Witcher 3 or explore similar role-playing games.
