227: I disagree; the books aren't written very well (in my opinion) and the third game is really the only one to benefit from that knowledge at all because they effectively made a sequel to the books. Even then, events from the books are recapped when characters reminisce about their time together, so book knowledge is rendered virtually irrelevant in the series as a whole.
Heresy, I know, but I think it's better to appreciate the games for what the developers put into them than to project a bunch of outside knowledge of the universe onto the series.
Haha, hey, that's your opinion man and I respect that!
I agree that the 'writing' isn't anything particularly special, but I think it's more of a problem with the translations than the actual 'writing' (though I guess from a reader's point of view, it doesn't really make much difference). I have a Polish friend who tells me that they're well written in their original form.
With that being said, I don't think in the overall scheme of things it detracts too much. The books can still be enjoyed perfectly well.
I personally think that reading the books give a lot more insight and understanding of the characters than the games ever give. Perhaps it's just me, but I felt a much greater attachment to Geralt and co. having read the novels, than I got from the games alone. Especially in the case of the first game, where characterisation was relatively limited.
You're right that much of the core stories are covered in-game with flashbacks and what have you, making the books unrequired, but they do gloss over a lot of details and intricacies as well (and that's not taking into consideration parts that aren't touched upon at all). It's like comparing a novel to its movie adaption. Often an adaption will do a good job at presenting the overall story, but misses a lot of features that made the original so good.
I guess your point about appreciating the games for what they are is a fair point. Though considering that the games were based on the books and continue the story, it could be argued that for the 'full experience' the books are worth reading.
In any case, the books certainly aren't a necessity to enjoy the games, I just personally found that they enriched my experience and increased my enjoyment a lot. If people don't enjoy the books then there's nothing stopping them from jumping straight into the games. :)
mrkgnao: Out of curiosity, if Witcher 3 isn't, what are your favourite games?
Persona 4 and The Cat Lady are my two favourite games. Final Fantasy VIII is also up there.
Witcher 3 is certainly in my 'top list', (not that I actually have a strict list or anything) and I consider myself a big fan of the series, but its not my absolute favourite game.