The fantasy genre is filled with characters and tropes were all familiar with. Dragons, dwarfs, elves, magic, ancient evils, and prophecies are just some of the things associated with fantasy. We expect these tropes to usually follow certain paths and fulfil certain functions within the story, and since fantasy is quite possibly one of the oldest genres it can get quite predictable, leading to fatigue and boredom. The Witcher series is a fantasy story that takes what is familiar and adds a different spin to it, especially when it comes to the various races and cast of characters. Elves, usually portrayed as immortal and elegant, here are hateful rebels fighting against bigotry. Dwarves are oppressed, hard-working, and tough as nails soldiers prone to episodes of drunken debauchery. Humans are the ambitious new race privy to prejudice and domination. Instead of living in harmony, these various factions are all in conflict with one another in some way. Most impressively, all sides are examined, and the result is no one faction coming out at the good guys or bad guys. Morally grey is the best way to describe The Witcher 2, both its characters and the nature of the story as you interact with it. It is one of the major reasons why it is such a brilliant game. If you like your fantasy dark and complex, then you have to play The Witcher 2. You shall not regret it.
