Rumination Analysis on The Witcher

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  • Опубліковано 28 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 102

  • @mazanakaUA
    @mazanakaUA 7 років тому +11

    On the last point in the video:There's a great optional conversation between Geralt and Zoltan where the former(referencing the discussion from the novels) complains that the witchers are becoming obsolete,monsters that do real damage nowadays sit in councils and / or criminal underworld,and that he basically feels like shit.
    To which Zoltan answers,that there's no use,"no practical application"(in russian version), to whining about it,and recounts to Geralt a story from when they first met and their respective groups(Geralt's and Zoltan's) banded together to protect a group of women and children-war refugees,on the road to...wherever they were heading at the time,can't remember.He says that it wasn't convenient,there wasn't any gratitude(apart from one little girl),or profit in it.They all did this for one reason-it was the right thing to do.
    And that is basically one of Geralt's defining characteristics-he wants to help people,but as it bites him in the ass 95% of the time,he hides behind "witchers have no emotions","witcher's code"(there is no,and never was, such a thing,as he explicitly says once) et cetera.

  • @Darkholow
    @Darkholow 10 років тому +43

    I don't think I've seen anywhere else such an in depth rumination on a game I like before and for that I thank you.
    PS: Happy Birthday Xahn!

    • @Infernal460
      @Infernal460 10 років тому +2

      To be honest I thought the opposite on this episode.
      And Happy Birthday Xahn.

    • @CeroAshura
      @CeroAshura 8 років тому

      Noah Gervais does a very similar thing, kinda more structured though.

    • @Futube3k1
      @Futube3k1 7 років тому

      Cero Ashura yes, his reviews are really good except when he felt the need to lie to white knight Harambes wife in his ghostbusters video
      But that's the only time he made a mistake on purpose and for wrong reasons
      His Prey vs Prey video was outstanding.

  • @StevenSantanaF
    @StevenSantanaF 6 років тому +6

    The rhythm of combat is something that is mentioned in the books whenever there is a fight, whether it's Geralt throwing someone off theirs or being thrown off of his own, the rhythm is explicitly mentioned

  • @Braigwen
    @Braigwen 10 років тому +15

    Yea... the sex cards are... tacky. But I always let Geralt have his fun because when you think about it, his life is kind of crap. So a little fun here and there with little or no consequences (Since Witchers are infertile because of the potions they drink to use their abilities) is no harm.

  • @Kjaer6792
    @Kjaer6792 8 років тому +18

    We so much need a rumination of witcher 3 :)

  • @MrAnthonyDraft
    @MrAnthonyDraft 10 років тому +2

    Don't forget to import your save game from Withcer 1 even though it doesn't affect much story wise it will get mentioned and in some cases might help you or not. Also at the start you get named steel sword and silver sword you managed to get + a percent of orens you had from your previous game.

  • @mornegroth
    @mornegroth 10 років тому +8

    I wish you also talked about what it was you felt was negative about the game. The Rumination was a bit uneven, in that you praised a lot of the game, and in the end I was left with the impression that that overall presentation didn't reflect your final analysis of the game.
    With that said, it was good to finally hear your thoughts on this game and can't wait to watch your Rumination on The Witcher 2 -- that one being an entirely different beast altogether.

  • @ameier5570
    @ameier5570 10 років тому +10

    The original witcher version had actually a huge memory leak problem, so the game loadet every time a bit slower. But the guyes of CD Project Red are great when it comes to Customer Support, no DRM for Witcher 2, a free DLC that enlarges the story and hase even a new intro ect.
    What i realy like about the Witcher series ist the "There is no good or evil, just choices and consequenzes" approach, that they even improved on in part 2.
    For me was Gerald never realy a good guy, he never was someone that does things because it is right, at best he does things he thinks are right (is not quite the same thing). Gerald has no issuse to kill someone if he thinkts he deservers it (there are admidetly not many people he would think that about) it is maybe because he is not realy human anymore, but does he ever feel remors aboute something he does? (it is a wille since i played the game the last time). So you could argue he is amoral in a sence that he follows his own morals, but not out of a sens of good and evil, but more becaus he chooses to. Ah Gerald is so complicated, thats makes the character so interesting.

  • @1skrmsp1
    @1skrmsp1 10 років тому +2

    The problem with the Witcher was very common to the many Eastern European developers: great ideas and concept, poor execution, or rather rough execution. The Witcher was no exception. The original Witcher (not the enhanced edition) was bug ridden, and I remember dropping them at the original starting place because it crashed on me about 2 times and forced me to do same quest. Enhanced Edition fixed a lot of those issues, but it still had the problem of not recognizing quest chains. In fact, the Witcher remains to be the only game that spoiled itself while I was playing. This was the quest chain to figure out "who is the serial killer," and I was in its second clue mission. I finished one side quest; the game must have thought it finished the clue mission, and it revealed who the killer was when I was no where near the conclusion of the story. One of my friend also had quest NPC disappeared on him, which made him to restart the whole game. In the end, it was competent game, and it had its flaws. Nevertheless, this was the game Dragon Age 2 was trying to be and failed so miserably. The improvement they made from Witcher 1 to 2 was remarkable; I was genuinely surprised by the execution of the Witcher 2.

  • @EasyGameEh
    @EasyGameEh 10 років тому +1

    this indepth analysis is what a game like the witcher deserves. nice one - really enjoyed.

  • @30DegreesBank
    @30DegreesBank 7 років тому

    I can't believe you man... I have started watching your Ruminations from yesterday.... You take on the Witcher series... I've grown with the books of (Andjey Sapkovski - this is roughly how you pronounce it), I have been playing the games(Witcher 1 especially) probably as much as KOTOR 2 - and that's how you loose a childhood.... and have been struck many times by the truths about life and existence and meaning and purpose and morality and fair/unfair - all those themes that are incorporated into the story.
    You take on the Witcher 1 game, never heard of it EVER before... and you arrive at those same conclusions so natural and so thoughtful, as you really indeed soaked into that world. You really, really have grasped and understood this world. I can't believe you man. Great! Great! I am your fan for life!
    You a master in psychology and in understanding characters and settings. Good job!

  • @kblargh
    @kblargh 10 років тому

    I did cast my vote that one time, that i thought you should do whatever you felt right rather than just rumination after rumination, but it's always nice to see you back here doing one of these.
    Oh, and late Happy Birthday, Xahn.

  • @Zolwiol
    @Zolwiol 10 років тому +6

    How could you not mention the awesome credits music? Shame on you sir!
    Love your ruminations as always.

  • @PlatesmasherAris
    @PlatesmasherAris 10 років тому

    I think you hit the mark on this. Every point you make is exactly what I was thinking about when playing the game. It has been some time since I played but I remember the feelings that I got from it where similar, and after watching your rumination i find my self reinstalling the Witcher to give it another play-through. Like you I went in to this game with a degree of scepticism but came out loving the game and its sequel, even though I haven't read any of the books as of yet. Anyway good job on this and happy birthday to your sister ;)

  • @CrazyChemistPL
    @CrazyChemistPL 10 років тому +1

    Camera issues - that's why I recommend TPP camera mode. Switching to iso view, just when you need to cover long distances.

  • @OhManTFE
    @OhManTFE 10 років тому +4

    I blasted witcher in one playthrough back in 08. Witcher 2 I restarted THREE times, because I kept getting to act 2 and then dropping it for months, coming back to it later and having no idea wtf was going on. I finally did finish it early this year. Based on that, I'd say Witcher > Witcher 2.

  • @lipeckih
    @lipeckih 10 років тому +2

    I'm glad that you got to enjoy this game despite the misgivings you've had previously.
    The only reason I can think for the amnesia to work like it did (besides [SPOILERS]) was to allow the branches of the plot to plausibly exist without making the main character someone other than Geralt.
    That 'neutral' route you, me and a good deal of people defaulted to on their first playthrough? Despite various goodies equipment and character interaction wise scattered about the other two branches, it is this central one that focuses on developing Geralt himself (and is, IMHO, closest to his canon depiction in the books). Wouldn't you agree that the choices on that route felt the most logical given what is shown of the main character in the game proper? To achieve that effect for both fans of the book series /and/ newcomers without much information about the subject at all was downright brilliant work on their part.
    As for other NWN-like games, did you get to have a look-see at Shadowrun Returns yet? I would highly recommend that game to pretty much everyone.

  • @TheSuperTrickey
    @TheSuperTrickey 6 років тому +3

    It took me multiple years on the internet before I found you. All those years wasted...

  • @IHeart16Bit
    @IHeart16Bit 10 років тому

    Happy birthday Xahn! Great rumination Arch, as usual :)

  • @evilgoku2465
    @evilgoku2465 10 років тому +2

    yes he did a full review kickass! your awesome archengeia

  • @lineshawn4819
    @lineshawn4819 10 років тому +1

    So those this mean the end of Archengeia's block to everything Witcher? BTW Happy Birthday Xahn.

  • @Braigwen
    @Braigwen 10 років тому

    The amnesia came from being in close contact with the elves of the wild hunt. He was the one that got away, so to speak. His lady friend from before the games started, I forget her name, lost all of her memories and became almost childlike mentally. She was a sorceress as well, go figure. I guess even a Witcher has his things.

  • @Futube3k1
    @Futube3k1 7 років тому

    So amazing how they evolved the fighting you can really see how they did it in hindsight
    In Witcher 3 Geralt finally dances with the enemy
    A true Spil!

  • @twinmama42
    @twinmama42 6 років тому

    Dear Lorerunner,
    I am happy that you like the game and I'm impressed that you understood so much about the world of the witcher without reading many of the books. You goz some things wrong Geralt's amnesia, Alvin and his abilities as a child of the elder blood and the wild hunt, which is understandable as they are content of the books an the third game. Thankfully you marked your speculations as such.
    CU twinmama

  • @schweppes1313
    @schweppes1313 7 років тому

    Regarding witcher's combat style and rythm. In the books it is more about their footwork, and they actually mix up the tempo and do sudden interruptions to confuse enemies and make their moves less predictable. In that sence, games kind of betray books, but it is done for gameplay reasons, which is understandable.

    • @Futube3k1
      @Futube3k1 7 років тому

      cyberprick they nailed the dance in part three

  • @Sutageito
    @Sutageito 10 років тому +1

    Have you played any of the Soul's games? If so, could you do a ruminations for them/it?

  • @bartiz12
    @bartiz12 10 років тому

    36:00
    Well actually I recall a scene where you had choices like:
    I agree with you.
    I don't agree with you.
    I obviously did not agree with then so I hit the second option and then Geralt started saying:
    "You son of a bitch. How dare you say something like that. You are going to die here and now."
    I played game in polish, sorry for bad translation and also I don't remember the scene. Actually I recall it right now
    CARE FOR SPOILERS
    When deciding the fate of Abigail, you say "I agree" or "I don't agree" or something like that. I honestly did not expect Geralt to explode with anger that much but then I realised, it was only way to say that to such people.

  • @Xelpherpolis
    @Xelpherpolis 10 років тому

    The amnesia thing... well, from a writing perspective it's main purpose is really so that Geralt can be an audience surrogate. It'd be a bit weird for people to explain things to Geralt when he already knows them, but yeah, his amnesia is pretty inconsistent. Near as I can tell, he remembers things, just not things that happened to him personally nor does he remember anyone he knew personally.
    The in-universe reason for the amnesia? Well, all I'll say is that it's related to the Wild Hunt.

  • @MWMTEE
    @MWMTEE 10 років тому +1

    not a spoiler i feel like witcher 2 is what skyrim could be if they didnt do the open world do what you want style

  • @Braigwen
    @Braigwen 10 років тому

    You're not over thinking the tempo. It is established that that is how the Witchers are trained to think during a fight.

  • @mophead1666
    @mophead1666 10 років тому +1

    You should try Dark Souls Arch. I think you would like it, and you could co-op with a friend.

  • @kubixus
    @kubixus 9 років тому +6

    I can't stand coffee either.

  • @Guyinthecbox
    @Guyinthecbox 10 років тому

    Thoughts:
    Igni is overpowered as all hell.
    The lore was fascinating, and I love the bonuses they offer when you peruse the books (Optional too) and how much lore is given on each monster/character/location
    Combat was very easy, but huge spikes in difficulty
    Romance cards were pretty lame
    It's a solid 8/10 game, that is probably a culmination of the old style RPG of the early 2000's

  • @Braigwen
    @Braigwen 10 років тому +3

    Funny thing with about Princess Ada is that in the books she had the mind of a child even as an adult. She was cursed before she was born by the man who was to marry her mother. Because King Foltest was such a sleazy horn-dog that he couldn't keep his hands off of his own sister. *shudders* I think it's telling that spellcheck keeps trying to make Foltest into Foulest. Very telling. Ick.

    • @schweppes1313
      @schweppes1313 7 років тому +3

      I know that this is an old commentary, but I'd like to clear it up a bit. If I remember correctly, it was never specified in what kind of relationship Foltest and Adda were. Obviously, there was sex, but was it forced upon Adda? It's up to speculation. Judging by Foltest's actions and comments form other characters, it might have been mutual. Foltest was planning on marrying his sister and, eventually, he never took a wife. He was an egotistical and lustful man, but so were most of medieval kings. Honestly, he was one of the more reasonable monarchs in the books.
      Also, as far as I know, it was never stated, that Adda was supposed to marry Ostrit. In the books he simply says that he had an affection for her.

    • @schweppes1313
      @schweppes1313 7 років тому

      Well, the books have so much more "ick", that mere incest kinda pales in comparison. Especially the last two books. But, most of the time, I found the characters complex enough to look past their fucked up decisions. Idk.

    • @laurentguyot3362
      @laurentguyot3362 7 років тому

      Medieval kings only? I say man of power even nowaday are pretty much freeriding sex predators because when a male that crave for power he certainly crave for lust equaly and this has not changed through the ages. I'm french and for a long time (and even today to some extand) this behavoirs was accepted and even "enjoyed" in a "if I could do it I would" sick way so our "president" were not so carefull to hide their lust.

  • @juanz888
    @juanz888 10 років тому

    Nice video, happy birthday for you sis

  • @FaceEnjoysGames
    @FaceEnjoysGames 10 років тому

    its back, baby

  • @arrowgunt
    @arrowgunt 10 років тому +1

    Archengeia's Ruminations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @1skrmsp1
    @1skrmsp1 10 років тому

    Happy Birthday Xahn

  • @progste
    @progste 10 років тому +2

    when you play the witcher 2 consider the "full combat rebalance" mod, it improves the gameplay a lot

    • @mornegroth
      @mornegroth 10 років тому

      I wouldn't recommend doing that if you're a first time player (but that's just me, because I prefer to play a game as it was originally intended the first time through.)

    • @EasyGameEh
      @EasyGameEh 10 років тому

      mornegroth never understood this approach. one thing "the way it meant to be played", the other thing just some sloppy work. for example, i wonder if you would play skyrim on first playthrough with its ridiculous _no_clue_ journal of principle instead of installing respective mod?
      point is combat system in TW2 is not-witchery hack-and-slash crap.

    • @progste
      @progste 10 років тому

      ***** I actually agree on his opinion when it comes to mods that alter the story or completely change the gameplay, but when it's about fixing or improving something it really doesn't ruin the first impact with the game, following the tes example it's like installing enb+bugfix mods.
      Also the original combat is not THAT bad, the mod just makes it more enjoyable.

    • @EasyGameEh
      @EasyGameEh 10 років тому

      progste i would say every aspect of the game that arch considers a "story" is untouchable for modding for the blind playthrough. everything other depends on quality of its realisation and\or personal preferences. wich means one should at least consider using some mods (like one suggested by you) that may improve the game.
      sure original combat is not that bad, i agree :) anyway, i guess archengeia can decide to whether use this mod or not some time in the the game by himself.

    • @mornegroth
      @mornegroth 10 років тому

      ***** progste
      Arch should be providing his analysis on an unaltered copy of the game, to use FCR2 would change his perception of how the game actually works and plays. Besides, if he never used FCR in the first game (he might've but I doubt it) then I don't know why would he chose to install it in The Witcher 2.
      Also, FCR2 does other things besides fixing stuff; it messes with animations, skills, visuals, and what-not, in noticeable ways. In the end it might be arguably better than the original but to use it would defeat the purpose of a video such as this.

  • @Draygera
    @Draygera 10 років тому

    Happy birthday, Xahn. ;)

  • @lipeckih
    @lipeckih 10 років тому +1

    I'll have to disagree on the quest tracker with you, Archengeia. It is better than the one in Gothic III, so it's automatically better than crap. :D

  • @Ralndrath
    @Ralndrath 6 років тому

    Dude! I've just got and been playing- Shadowrun: Dragonfall. It's really good I recommend you give it a try. It's a very well done CRPG.

  • @Yura-Sensei
    @Yura-Sensei 7 років тому

    I think you would do well to ruminate on Age of Conan

  • @jacob810
    @jacob810 7 років тому +1

    Happy late birthday to your sister.

  • @CSEwens
    @CSEwens 10 років тому

    Man. You've got to check out the witcher 2. That game sincerely changed my life. We also have very similar tastes, so I can virtually guarantee you will love the game. My girlfriend loves your videos now too, and you're my favorite youtuber. Be well, and happy gaming!

  • @pacientKashenko
    @pacientKashenko 10 років тому +1

    I love first Witcher. But can't stand second. Not being able to rebind some major stuff, like inventory screen, is an enormous turnoff. Maybe it's just steam thing.

  • @drudenae
    @drudenae 6 років тому +1

    I’m currently in the middle of The Witcher 2 right now. I started with Wild Hunt and then went back Witcher 1. Wild Hunt was a wild ride and 1 was... well...
    The first game is quite the moral shitstorm

  • @megamike15
    @megamike15 10 років тому

    the sex cards remind me f the bromides form the lunar games. both are optional mostly used for fanserivce, and they don't make the game worse with there existence as you don't need to get them.

  • @brgrote
    @brgrote 10 років тому

    Have you ever thought of getting some guys together like the drs at bioware did and making a game? You write and program. Make a few winners and sell out to EA in a few years. You'd be set for life.

  • @TheDarkrein
    @TheDarkrein 7 років тому

    This game is so flawed and at times is aggravating to play but goddamn, I still love this game.

  • @quicksilvertongue3248
    @quicksilvertongue3248 2 роки тому

    Jacques = MCU Hydra?

  • @bL4ckSalamander
    @bL4ckSalamander 10 років тому

    now I'm not huge on the witcher games so maybe my memories playing tricks on me but dont they pronounce it sco-ya-tel in the games? not that it matter much regardless but yeah thought it was within the games dialogue.

    • @MrAnthonyDraft
      @MrAnthonyDraft 10 років тому

      Well, if it's easier, humans also call them squirrels.

  • @Nikteloonie
    @Nikteloonie 10 років тому +1

    Yay! "gets the popcorn"

  • @Braigwen
    @Braigwen 10 років тому +1

    Skoy-A-tell

  • @zeratulrus142
    @zeratulrus142 7 років тому

    What's the problem with the sex cards?

  • @Esakosarara
    @Esakosarara 10 років тому

    hey Arch, what did you do with Berengar?

    • @Lorerunner
      @Lorerunner  10 років тому

      I spared the poor fool.

    • @Esakosarara
      @Esakosarara 10 років тому

      Archengeia xD, i didn't .. i didn't want to kill him, but i did wanted to tell him how he had srewed up and tell him to fuck off.. and then he attacked me.. and i had to kill him
      it's pretty cool that no matter what you choose, it fits geralt perfectly because of how he does it

  • @Lillu700
    @Lillu700 9 років тому

    Almost 5k views and no dislikes, wow!

  • @Bell_Matt
    @Bell_Matt 7 років тому

    New fan here! Love your shite, mate!

  • @Esakosarara
    @Esakosarara 10 років тому +1

    by the way.. i don't know if you already started playing "the witcher 2", but just in case... at the begining, when you talk to Roche, say everything in order, when Geralt is speaking about what happened, because otherwise, you're no gonna play the prologue story in order... actually i don't know if you can play the previous parts if DON'T do it in order, so...
    oh, and one other thing.. i strongly advise you to focus on just one of the main specializations while leveling up (and i advise you to go full melee and just level up the aard sign.. and if it's not too far up the magic tree, the one that let's you "persuade" npcs) don't even touch the alchemy options.. those suck balls.. i mean, they're ok, but they don't give you the benefits melee or magic do

  • @Guyinthecbox
    @Guyinthecbox 10 років тому +1

    Also, If you are looking for a game to feel like a mercenary-type, hurry and go play Mount and Blade.
    Swadians4Life

  • @cricrielectro
    @cricrielectro 7 років тому

    @8:42 You mean it's a polish game, from poland

  • @neboola9996
    @neboola9996 4 роки тому

    I had one sex card while playing witcher by pure accident, just confused the quest mark on the door with a npc that was near door, she asked to bring her something, and i thought she was gonna give me some info XD, but lo and behold she gave something else. Still it's great the sex thing is totaly optional.

  • @brgrote
    @brgrote 10 років тому

    Outstanding Archengeia. You are the best at what you do. You belong on the ESPN of video gaming. I don't know where that is or how to make it, but once you hit pay dirt doing what you do I think you'll be back in the clover. Have you thought of applying to EA or Bioware as a writer? When you make your stuff pay to see then lots of people forget about you. You have to stay accessible to grow your audience unless you get bought off with corporate work. Again, you are awesome at this. Its professional, its specialized and its entertaining. And its spot on. You articulate what I think before I even consciously realize it. Thank you. There is money in what you do, I just don't know that business.

  • @BrandonGiordano
    @BrandonGiordano 8 років тому +1

    Will you ever do The Witcher 3?

    • @Lorerunner
      @Lorerunner  8 років тому +7

      We have a Feature planned for Witcher 3 but it likely won't be coming out for months.

    • @BrandonGiordano
      @BrandonGiordano 8 років тому

      +Lorerunner I'm sure it'll be worth the wait. Love your content

  • @Aussie27Legend
    @Aussie27Legend 10 років тому

    Well this is a pleasant surprise :D

  • @fuzzydunlop7928
    @fuzzydunlop7928 6 років тому +1

    Never speak another unkind word about based-Obsidian. >:{

  • @BaileyCallis
    @BaileyCallis 10 років тому

    Wish Xahn happy birthday for me arch :) My birthdays tomorrow haha

  • @terabyter9000
    @terabyter9000 5 років тому

    I don't know why people rate it 8, 9 or 10 out of 10. The story is great, the combat is cool and different. But the having to meditate all the time to get just the right time of day, the backtracking, the easily breakable quests (out of order, you are screwed). Not being able to turn in a quest if you are in the wrong chapter. It was just too much for me and it was very frustrating. Just my opinion. I hope the sequel fixes these issues (will start soon). All that being said, I still recommend it. Just make sure you play it with a guide or you might have a bad time.

    • @romic8427
      @romic8427 Рік тому +1

      sounds like a skill issue

  • @BaileyCallis
    @BaileyCallis 10 років тому

    Game of thrones next arch haha

  • @Esakosarara
    @Esakosarara 10 років тому

    OK.. first of all.. happy birthday to your sister, although i guess it was yesterday, but..
    second: i say this because of the whole "geralt has his own moral code blah, blah, blah" you really need to go and watch the CINEMATIC trailer for the witcher 3. i know you're not so big on trailers, but.. this trailer doesn't spoil ANYTHING, i actually don't think it has anything to do with anything in "the witcher 3", it's just like.. "hey guys GERALT IS BACK", it's awesome, you should definitely check it out.

  • @primroan5354
    @primroan5354 10 років тому

    I feel like the mundane is what this game get's praised for and for so many people it's enough to carry them through. For me, it simply isn't. I know people are yearning to be something other than "the chosen one," and that's fine. I get that. But the game has to offer something more than that. I didn't enjoy the combat or the second part detective thing. It was just... bleh.
    I haven't played the Witcher 2. But I hope it was better than this one.

  • @padawanmage71
    @padawanmage71 10 років тому

    I almost stopped it when you started comparing the game to 'Phantom Menace.' =)

  • @Netherfly
    @Netherfly 10 років тому

    Witched gameplay is nothing at all like Baldurs Gate or NWN. Your comparing third person action combat to isometric rtw/p party based tactics....

    • @Xelpherpolis
      @Xelpherpolis 10 років тому +2

      The Witcher actually has an optional isometric perspective. And come to think of it, NWN also has an optional third-person perspective/control scheme. But even if that wasn't the case, you're kind of missing his point. The style of RPG is more than just the combat or the camera.

  • @tinyspeaker
    @tinyspeaker 5 років тому

    You'd be better off cycling screenshots and clips. Turned it off when your face popped up.

  • @cricrielectro
    @cricrielectro 7 років тому

    @8:42 You mean it's a polish game, from poland