My advice? If you want to learn more about the Witcher universe you should read the Witcher Saga. With that said, there are a few things that need to be stated for those who aren't familiar with the novels. Andrzej Sapkowski never had maps drawn of the Witcher world to be added to the Witcher novels or for reference. The only maps available of the Continent/Witcher world that have now become accepted and known by fans are the maps that CD Projekt created for the games. About the short descriptions on particular subjects - 'The World of the Witcher' book is left filling in the blanks and/or fleshing out other aspects from the novels that Sapkowski either left out or described using a minimal amount of exposition, primarily a lack of geographical and intricate detail of locations (Other than a few exceptions e.g. Novigrad etc.) The way Sapkowski wrote the novels leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader and is open to interpretation concerning particular aspects of the Saga, hence CD Projekt's work with the games. The novels are amazing IMO, and so are the games. It's not until you've read the books that you realize exactly what CD Projekt had to create and/or expand in order for the Witcher world to come to life as a game. For example - There's barely even mention of Iorveth, and characters like Roche, Ves and Letho are not even in the books. With that said, I want to make it perfectly clear that I absolutely adore both the Witcher novels _and_ games, my remarks are not meant to insinuate one being better than the other, they are different formats and CDPR's adaptation of the source material is all their own and IMHO, equally amazing as the novels. I highly recommend reading the novels for those who enjoy the games, you will not be disappointed.
Actually there are several Witcherland maps not created by CDPR which are known and accepted by fans. Czech one and Ortelius one are probably most popular: One of the first map created by Polish fans: www.wiedzmin.neostrada.pl/pic/sapek-mapa.gif Revision: www.wiedzmin.neostrada.pl/pic/sapek-mapa-kolor.jpg Map drawn for Czech version of the books by translator Stanislav Komárek - very popular non-games map: www.sapkowski.cz/gfx/mapa/mapacz.gif Russian map which was based on Czech one: vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/wiedzmin/images/a/ac/MapaRosyjska.png Mapa Orteliusa (from Polish: Ortelius' map): most detailed map created by fans from Polish forum thewitcher.com: drive.google.com/file/d/0B9wkPHeEwGZnWC1qdEh4aVZKWVk It contains places from the books and games.
Thanks for the links, I was aware of fan made maps, I have dled a few for my Witcher collection. However, I think you would agree that to the majority of gamers unfamiliar with the books and/or games, the maps that CDPR have created are more likely to be accepted unless the individual goes looking for maps of the Witcher Continent online. I should have mentioned the fan maps though but It slipped my mind. That Czech version looks really nice, it reminds me of the older Tolkien Hobbit & LOTR maps. Thanks again for the links. Looking at those maps reminds me of just how many locations that could still be used in a future game if CDPR ever decides to return to the series. Brokilon and Dol Blathanna would be at the top of places in the Witcher world that I'd love to see and explore.
Yes, for non gamers CDPR's maps are probably "official" ones (they aren't canon but that's another story). Anyway Witcherland has enormous potential, Sapkowski created vast world and CDPR only scratched the surface.
"Witcherland has enormous potential, Sapkowski created vast world and CDPR only scratched the surface." Absolutely. I hope after Cyberpunk 2077 that CDPR return to the Witcher. I understand their need to take a break from the series to pursue new creative ventures. However, I''d be truly sad if TW3 is the last game in the Witcher series.
@@FalloutWanderer-uq5sh But some maps were made before the games and were included in the Witcher books - even Sapkowski himself has helped with their creation
thank you for this, I was going to get the book because I love the witcher, decided to watch some reviews before and was able to save the money by not buying it after all.
As a huge fan of the series and an artist myself, I completely agree with all of your criticism, especially about the art. Some of he art presented is awesome, but it is more suitable for a concept art book that is more from the perspective of developers, definitely not from the perspective of Jaskier. Also, the book series have great descriptions of the state of arts and crafts in the world, art history details including those of what mediums were mostly used and even what mistakes were made in art - just like the art of medieval Europe. Also, books like this would be written with a much more personal perspective in the time and setting, as, again, was shown in the book series. Jaskier is such a bright and energetic character, his remarks are often witty and he tends to go into too much of a personal take on everything - opposite to the tone of this book - I would want to read something that feels like it was, in fact, written by him! It would be so much more fun, especially if you add some stylized art- like those wacky medieval watercolor/tempera ones. Jaskier spent most of the books writing a book on their journey, and by the end of the series decided to let it be forsaken and lost, because he was not a good enough writer and will start again! So many opportunities for a worldbuilding book on the series! There were also many books existing in the witcher world that were mentioned and even described in detail in the books themselves, how cool would it be to have them recreated for the fans?! Like HP did with the Fantastic Bests, for example, but obvsly for a mature audience. Knowing about all this insane potential makes seeing this artbook simply very sad.
I recently finished a replay of The Witcher 1 and 3 and still can't believe this trash is the only book we got for one of the greatest game series/worlds of all time. And it's disappointment and despair that's doubled whenever I see how overwhelming the praise/support for this book is from people who are far too content with (or blind to) encouraging subpar products. They are the reason we can't have nice things...
I don't know why this has so many down votes. I completely agree with your review. The text in this book is just dull. It's quite impressive to make a monster and magic filled world with added political intrigue feel boring, but the writer managed it. The art is okay, nothing special at all.
@Welther47 - I think a pretty good example would be the Dragon Age: World of Thedas books (which I've also reviewed). They have a lot of similarities to this book, but just do it a whole lot better. And I say that as someone who is a MUCH bigger fan of The Witcher than Dragon Age.
Have you done the Fallout 4 art book? Curious to see your thoughts on it. It certainly has a lot more content than most artbooks, i think its about 400 pages? It was the first video game art book i bought and i loved it :)
I don't have the Fallout 4 art book, but I have read it and it's an awesome example of how to do an art book. The number of images they managed to cram into that (already huge) book was so great!
Will you do a Review on The World of Cyberpunk 2077 by Dark Horse? I loved this review. Keep making em!!! PS: the volume ahha im messin with you . The cover of the above mentioned book for me was really boring.
@Roy Waves - Hi Roy, I'm so glad you liked the review! As much as I'd like to get the Cyberpunk book, I doubt it will happen after the disappointment of this Witcher book. Ideally, I would like to think that they may have learned their lesson, but after seeing the overwhelming undeserved praise most people have given the Witcher book, they have no reason too. Which is why it pains me to see fans blindly support such garbage because then publishers have no incentive to improve and make books that are actually worthy. P.S. I though the EXACT same thing about the Cyberpunk cover. Hopefully it's just a temp cover. Very excited for the game itself however!
Why is it that 70% of video game or movie art books just aren't great ? Are there any publishers that pump out nothing but great art books? Just curious. Thanks for the video, I watch for ASMR purposes but your vids are quite interesting. Cheers
@Miguel Monteiro - If being "too picky" means expecting books that are actually good and live up to the game and not just half-assed cash-grabs, then yeah, I guess I am.
It is my favourite I have that book games the other books story ones the Gerald statue fighting the griffin t shirts posters even the Wolf medallion my friend gave me I fucking love witcher I even went to the extent of getting the magic ruins igni etc tattoo on my for arm so yeah I'm pretty big on witcher just sad it's over
If you are planning (or talking about the book) on buying cp77 collectors edition it might be different. Same goes to witcher 3 collectors edition art book. Better than this one
@Morgan Taylor Oates Don't you know how RUclips works; a video pops up as recommended - We can't all have been there from the beginning. But also, why? Is he done making videos?
For anyone commenting that this is too quiet - please ask one of your grandchildren to show you how to adjust the volume on your device.
It's hard to hear it even on maximum volume
@@umad9593 In that case, forget your grandchildren - you need to speak to a doctor.
@@TheArtandMakingof 👍
Sure, he is kinda whispering. But even on half volume i can hear clearly what he is saying.
it's clear and very pleasant to hear your voice while reviewing the books. Keep it on , i really enjoy your videos .
Witcher asmr ?
Xlover NewmanPro LMFAO
First thing I thought. I was like damn okay, did I click on the asmr? Then I decided to check the comments to see if it is just me.
@@Andra9218 Same here. And I can't stand ASMR - it makes me violent haha
Same to me xD
You sound like you are trying to seduce me throughout this. :P
ruclips.net/video/0FJpUsnORGE/видео.html
And that is how you gain a sub. Very very funny. :0
Think im gay now.
i love how it just ended abruptly.
Its like a ruined climax
My advice? If you want to learn more about the Witcher universe you should read the Witcher Saga. With that said, there are a few things that need to be stated for those who aren't familiar with the novels. Andrzej Sapkowski never had maps drawn of the Witcher world to be added to the Witcher novels or for reference. The only maps available of the Continent/Witcher world that have now become accepted and known by fans are the maps that CD Projekt created for the games.
About the short descriptions on particular subjects - 'The World of the Witcher' book is left filling in the blanks and/or fleshing out other aspects from the novels that Sapkowski either left out or described using a minimal amount of exposition, primarily a lack of geographical and intricate detail of locations (Other than a few exceptions e.g. Novigrad etc.)
The way Sapkowski wrote the novels leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader and is open to interpretation concerning particular aspects of the Saga, hence CD Projekt's work with the games. The novels are amazing IMO, and so are the games. It's not until you've read the books that you realize exactly what CD Projekt had to create and/or expand in order for the Witcher world to come to life as a game. For example - There's barely even mention of Iorveth, and characters like Roche, Ves and Letho are not even in the books.
With that said, I want to make it perfectly clear that I absolutely adore both the Witcher novels _and_ games, my remarks are not meant to insinuate one being better than the other, they are different formats and CDPR's adaptation of the source material is all their own and IMHO, equally amazing as the novels. I highly recommend reading the novels for those who enjoy the games, you will not be disappointed.
Actually there are several Witcherland maps not created by CDPR which are known and accepted by fans. Czech one and Ortelius one are probably most popular:
One of the first map created by Polish fans:
www.wiedzmin.neostrada.pl/pic/sapek-mapa.gif
Revision:
www.wiedzmin.neostrada.pl/pic/sapek-mapa-kolor.jpg
Map drawn for Czech version of the books by translator Stanislav Komárek - very popular non-games map:
www.sapkowski.cz/gfx/mapa/mapacz.gif
Russian map which was based on Czech one:
vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/wiedzmin/images/a/ac/MapaRosyjska.png
Mapa Orteliusa (from Polish: Ortelius' map): most detailed map created by fans from Polish forum thewitcher.com:
drive.google.com/file/d/0B9wkPHeEwGZnWC1qdEh4aVZKWVk
It contains places from the books and games.
Thanks for the links, I was aware of fan made maps, I have dled a few for my Witcher collection. However, I think you would agree that to the majority of gamers unfamiliar with the books and/or games, the maps that CDPR have created are more likely to be accepted unless the individual goes looking for maps of the Witcher Continent online. I should have mentioned the fan maps though but It slipped my mind. That Czech version looks really nice, it reminds me of the older Tolkien Hobbit & LOTR maps. Thanks again for the links.
Looking at those maps reminds me of just how many locations that could still be used in a future game if CDPR ever decides to return to the series. Brokilon and Dol Blathanna would be at the top of places in the Witcher world that I'd love to see and explore.
Yes, for non gamers CDPR's maps are probably "official" ones (they aren't canon but that's another story). Anyway Witcherland has enormous potential, Sapkowski created vast world and CDPR only scratched the surface.
"Witcherland has enormous potential, Sapkowski created vast world and CDPR only scratched the surface."
Absolutely. I hope after Cyberpunk 2077 that CDPR return to the Witcher. I understand their need to take a break from the series to pursue new creative ventures. However, I''d be truly sad if TW3 is the last game in the Witcher series.
@@FalloutWanderer-uq5sh But some maps were made before the games and were included in the Witcher books - even Sapkowski himself has helped with their creation
thank you for this, I was going to get the book because I love the witcher, decided to watch some reviews before and was able to save the money by not buying it after all.
As a huge fan of the series and an artist myself, I completely agree with all of your criticism, especially about the art. Some of he art presented is awesome, but it is more suitable for a concept art book that is more from the perspective of developers, definitely not from the perspective of Jaskier. Also, the book series have great descriptions of the state of arts and crafts in the world, art history details including those of what mediums were mostly used and even what mistakes were made in art - just like the art of medieval Europe. Also, books like this would be written with a much more personal perspective in the time and setting, as, again, was shown in the book series. Jaskier is such a bright and energetic character, his remarks are often witty and he tends to go into too much of a personal take on everything - opposite to the tone of this book - I would want to read something that feels like it was, in fact, written by him! It would be so much more fun, especially if you add some stylized art- like those wacky medieval watercolor/tempera ones. Jaskier spent most of the books writing a book on their journey, and by the end of the series decided to let it be forsaken and lost, because he was not a good enough writer and will start again! So many opportunities for a worldbuilding book on the series! There were also many books existing in the witcher world that were mentioned and even described in detail in the books themselves, how cool would it be to have them recreated for the fans?! Like HP did with the Fantastic Bests, for example, but obvsly for a mature audience. Knowing about all this insane potential makes seeing this artbook simply very sad.
I recently finished a replay of The Witcher 1 and 3 and still can't believe this trash is the only book we got for one of the greatest game series/worlds of all time.
And it's disappointment and despair that's doubled whenever I see how overwhelming the praise/support for this book is from people who are far too content with (or blind to) encouraging subpar products. They are the reason we can't have nice things...
I don't know why this has so many down votes. I completely agree with your review. The text in this book is just dull. It's quite impressive to make a monster and magic filled world with added political intrigue feel boring, but the writer managed it. The art is okay, nothing special at all.
You are really just tearing it a new one - I love it; the honesty. It makes me want to see what you do consider great.
@Welther47 - I think a pretty good example would be the Dragon Age: World of Thedas books (which I've also reviewed). They have a lot of similarities to this book, but just do it a whole lot better. And I say that as someone who is a MUCH bigger fan of The Witcher than Dragon Age.
Great video, just one thing, why are you whispering? It's almost like you are talking to yourself.
Have you done the Fallout 4 art book? Curious to see your thoughts on it. It certainly has a lot more content than most artbooks, i think its about 400 pages? It was the first video game art book i bought and i loved it :)
I don't have the Fallout 4 art book, but I have read it and it's an awesome example of how to do an art book. The number of images they managed to cram into that (already huge) book was so great!
You respect the Witcher by not raising the voice.
Will you do a Review on The World of Cyberpunk 2077 by Dark Horse? I loved this review. Keep making em!!! PS: the volume ahha im messin with you . The cover of the above mentioned book for me was really boring.
@Roy Waves - Hi Roy, I'm so glad you liked the review! As much as I'd like to get the Cyberpunk book, I doubt it will happen after the disappointment of this Witcher book. Ideally, I would like to think that they may have learned their lesson, but after seeing the overwhelming undeserved praise most people have given the Witcher book, they have no reason too. Which is why it pains me to see fans blindly support such garbage because then publishers have no incentive to improve and make books that are actually worthy.
P.S. I though the EXACT same thing about the Cyberpunk cover. Hopefully it's just a temp cover. Very excited for the game itself however!
Why is it that 70% of video game or movie art books just aren't great ?
Are there any publishers that pump out nothing but great art books?
Just curious. Thanks for the video, I watch for ASMR purposes but your vids are quite interesting.
Cheers
Udon Entertainment is always a safe bet - they pretty much always produce brilliant art books.
Dark Horse is usually pretty good too. Their Zelda series has been magnificent.
Did the book come sealed?
You should really do the Zero Dawn art book. I love it but I'd love to hear your thoughts
gold find of a channel here
Great review
Yeah, this is that Western culture does. They take a Slavic world, tales and culture and comercialise it like the TV show and it's lost it's magic...
witcher is dark fantasy only the second installment went into high fantasy climates
I think you are to picky! The book is not so bad.
@Miguel Monteiro - If being "too picky" means expecting books that are actually good and live up to the game and not just half-assed cash-grabs, then yeah, I guess I am.
So this is not a real artbook as a god of war or horizon, pretty disappointed ...
@Abichan - The only Witcher art books came with the collector's editions of the games. They're much better than this book and worth checking out.
@@TheArtandMakingof there's a edition on Amazon or something?
It is my favourite I have that book games the other books story ones the Gerald statue fighting the griffin t shirts posters even the Wolf medallion my friend gave me I fucking love witcher I even went to the extent of getting the magic ruins igni etc tattoo on my for arm so yeah I'm pretty big on witcher just sad it's over
It ain't over bro! There's a new Witcher gwent-style game out today! Definitely more stuff coming tooooo!
Nice one dude I will check it out thanks man
I've watch this video 5 times. I like your voice. :)
Speech 100
Cyberpunk 2077 Lore book will be by the same author - ugh. This just looks incerdibly lazy
If you are planning (or talking about the book) on buying cp77 collectors edition it might be different. Same goes to witcher 3 collectors edition art book. Better than this one
@@-Icy-x Im referring to a stand alone book, that supposedly (!) comes out before the release
@@rob6129 yeah the stand alone books are pretty lazy
SPEAK LOUDER
Why? Hard for the people in the back to hear me, is it?
Could you please speak up.
@Morgan Taylor Oates Don't you know how RUclips works; a video pops up as recommended - We can't all have been there from the beginning.
But also, why? Is he done making videos?
@Morgan Taylor Oates Why do you think I care what you think?
@Morgan Taylor Oates Asked? Are you stupid or just a busy body! Exactly where did I ask you anything.
I think I better clarify - this is rhetoric not a question for you to answer.
@@Welther47 you sounds like wannabe tuff guy that’s fail miserably because you just contradicted yourself up there clown,hahaha