Without his swords, Geralt will never be the same Witcher that everyone loves so much. The White Wolf is excellent at “swinging” a blade, which was emphasized in Pan Sapkowski’s books, in the CD Project Red trilogy, and in the Netflix series.
But how would the fight scenes in The Witcher 3 They didn’t draw attention to themselves, it’s difficult to notice all the features of the Witcher’s combat style on the first playthrough. Let's go through the main points that a player should know in order to better understand his favorite RPG hero.
Distracting maneuvers
Many have noticed that Geralt often holds a sword, the hilt of which is clearly sharpened for two hands, with one, and the second only intercepts when swinging. From the point of view of strength - no questions, because he is not a man and Trial of Herbs nobody canceled.
In addition, this frees up Geralt's second hand, which he can use to create signs or throw bombs, while the enemy's attention is focused on the sword. An excellent combat technique that allows you to carry out distracting maneuvers or add damage to especially strong opponents.
Intimidation
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt finishing off enemies became especially cruel. Severed heads and limbs, monsters cut in half. It looks more realistic and livelier than the old system that was present in the 2 previous parts.
But, if you think about it, then for this behavior of Geralt you can find a better rationale than the updated graphics and the desire of the developers to make the killings more spectacular. With his cruelty the witcher instills fear in the remaining opponents. They are more reluctant to attack, visibly recoil from the hero after a bloody scene.
Two swords but one style
A detail that is not very hard to notice. In the Wild Hunt, in fights with people and monsters, Geralt uses the same fighting style.
You can attribute this to the shortcomings of the CD Project, or you can try to explain it by the fact that Geralt sees no reason to fight "unarmed" monsters otherwise than with warriors armed to the teeth. After all, the sword continues to cut the flesh of enemies, regardless of whether people or not.
Geralt's main sword in the books is iron
And this is a secret only for those who have not read Sapkowski's books. In them, Geralt explains that the famous "Silver - against monsters, steel - against people " - a delusion. The choice of a blade by a witcher depends only on which metal is better taken by a particular creature.
Geralt often carries an iron sword with him, using a silver one only in some cases. Yes, and he has iron core, due to the subtleties of silver processing.
Artistic and effective
Scrolls and all sorts of spectacular "pirouettes" with a sword - this is what immediately catches your eye if you watch Geralt in battle. This is due not only to transitions from attack to defense, but also to the technique that Geralt prefers.
The Witcher likes to be unpredictable and such an active movement of the blade here clearly plays into his hands, not allowing the enemies to figure out which side to expect a blow from.
Constant motion
During the fight, Geralt is constantly on the move. The decisive word here remains with the player, but The Witcher 3 clearly encourages those of them who actively moves and uses evasions. Plus, if you pay attention to Geralt's legs, then both in combat episodes and in cutscenes where there are battles, it is noticeable that they rarely stay in one position for a long time.
Mentions of such a witcher's commitment to active movement in battle can be found in the book cycle. Geralt is habitual to fights against groups of enemies and the monsters who won't stay in one place for long. So freezing in a defensive position is not the best option for a guy from Rivia.
Confuse the monsters
Returning to all kinds of "pirouettes" of Geralt's blade, I would like to note that in battles with monsters this may have one more justification. Reflections of light reflected from swords distract the creatures. In the monsters their bestial instincts will prevail, they are lost.
In The Last Wish, this trick of the witcher is even directly spoken of.
three styles
For everyone who is familiar with the gaming universe, this will not be news. Even in training, Lambert helps Geralt deal with three witcher styles, at the same time introducing them to the player.
- First style - power, Lambert calls him "The Temerian Devil". It is good against armored opponents and especially powerful monsters.
- Quick style, or "Fire Dancer", saves in a collision with a nimble opponent.
- Finally, the group style, also called style "Nine Sun Swords", effective against multiple enemies.
Inhuman possibilities
Don't forget that Physically, Geralt is different from ordinary people. His strength and speed are much higher, which could not but affect the combat technique, first of all - with monsters or several enemies at once. Plus, accelerated regeneration, allowing you to withstand blows that can send even a trained soldier to the forefathers.
Few mere mortals can cut a man in one blow - for a witcher, this is not difficult. Yes, Geralt's fighting style is based on experience and skill, but a lot of it is tied to his superhuman abilities.
Eastern influence
Big-eyed viewers of the Netflix series could not miss such a curious moment as the grip on the blade used by Geralt in a fight with bandits in Blaviken.
Italian Long Sword Expert, Gregory Mele, in an interview claims that such a grip is not typical for European swordsmanship and was probably spied on by the directors of fight scenes in Japanese films of the 80s or in anime.
However, the swordsman of the XV century, Hans Talhoffer, who created one of the most famous treatises on swordsmanship, would argue with Mele. Like many authors of medieval engravings, on which one can find an image of a grip similar to that used by Geralt. Reception, bearing the name "half-sword" — this is by no means an invention. It was often used, for example, when it was necessary to hit the enemy with a hilt. As for the safety of the hands with such a grip - the blades were not sharpened along the entire length.
One can argue about the historicity of Geralt's technique for a long time, but this scene should not raise questions.
For those who want to know more about the gray-haired witcher, we recommend reading about continuation of The Witcher 3: the wedding of Geralt and Yennefer, as well as other adventures. Well, for those who know everything about this universe, it will not be superfluous to find outWho in the third part of the gaming saga should you romance based on your zodiac sign?
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