The Witcher, Episode Five
In the fifth episode of The Witcher, two of the main characters are finally meeting each other. That’s right, Yennifer and Geralt finally come face to face.
And then some.
Geralt is having trouble sleeping. He’s a mess, and he’s pissed. So he’s hunting the waters for a jinn bottle.
Because that’s what one does when they’re having trouble sleeping.
He’s met in the woods by Jaskier, who tries to steal Geralt’s wishes when he finds the 
jinn’s bottle. The jinn, taking offense at this, infects his throat. He can’t speak, can’t walk. And when Geralt takes him to a healer, he finds that this disease can only be cured by a mage.
As it turns out, the closest mage happens to be Yennifer.
She’s in the process of torturing a town for trying to arrest her. This includes such amusing tricks as enchanting a room full of nobles to have an orgy.
Okay, I get a little bit of fan service. But this episode went way above and beyond. There 
was the aforementioned orgy, of course. But there’s also a bath scene with Geralt and Yennifer. I’m aware that for some insane reason bath scenes are fairly common in The Witcher games, but that’s hardly where it ends. Yennifer is walking around all but naked most of the time.
This was absolutely unnecessary. It added nothing to the story, it detracted from it.
Yennifer’s motivations were confusing and convoluted through the whole episode. She seems to be lashing out at anyone who tries to tell her what to do in the slightest way. I get that well enough, but I’m super confused why she thought becoming a vessel for a jinn would allow her to have a baby. I don’t understand why she doesn’t just adopt a kid. Hell, kill a kid’s parents and take them. She doesn’t care about anyone but herself. Why almost die? And why, when asked what she wants, does she yell everything? Maybe I’m missing something glaring, but it seems to me that her motivations are all over the place. Not in a creative way, as I’m sure the writers thought. In a messy way.
This was my least favorite episode so far. I’m hoping it picks up in the next episode.
While all of this is happening, a Dopler comes after Ciri, disguised as Mousesack, one of her grandmother’s advisers. He’s tasked with taking her back to Cahir, the Nilfgaardian soldier. Ciri’s been hiding out with a group of warriors in the Brokilon forest. She could have stayed there, and stayed safe. But she chose to go with someone she thinks is an ally, to do what her grandmother tasked her to do. Find Geralt. A brave, if stupid course of action.
I’m really hoping that this episode was a momentary lapse in judgment.
(3 / 5)
Gaming
Lovecraft Meets Junji Ito in WORLD OF HORROR
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully.
(4.5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
• The intricate game development process • Inspirations behind the eerie Lovecraftian elements
• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
Prepare for a spine-chilling experience as Jim Phoenix delves into the shadows with Trick or Treat Studios at GenCon 2024!
In this exclusive interview, we uncover the terrifying secrets behind their latest bone-chilling creations: “House of 1000 Corpses” and “Halloween II” board games.
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!
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