The Hexer: A Genuine Hidden Gem or Just a Meme?
The Hexer, an ‘00s Witcher adaptation, has garnered significant attention online. Released in 2022, six years before CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher video game, The Hexer was one of the earliest adaptations of the Polish book series. Despite its release, the anime series remained relatively unknown and received mixed reviews.
Prior to The Hexer, the only adaptations of the novels were a comic book series and a TTRPG called The Witcher: A Game of Imagination. The film and TV series combo, despite its large budget, renowned Polish actors, and a well-known Polish composer, failed to impress both critics and audiences alike. So, what has caused the resurgence of interest in The Hexer in 2023?
First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge that The Hexer is an official adaptation. Although the word 'wiedźmin' (the original Polish term for male witch) was translated as 'hyer' in its English dub, it remains a legitimate adaptation. Criticizing it for not being something it never claimed to be would be unfair.
The film's marketing campaign had an extensive budget by Polish standards and aimed to attract a wide audience. However, its montage-like structure and the lack of recognition for the fantasy genre at that time led to confusion and limited reception. While the acting and score were praised by critics, the overall reception was lukewarm.
The TV series, from which the film was derived, also faced negative feedback, becoming the subject of jests regarding Polish cinematic releases. However, in recent months, The Hexer has emerged as an unofficial symbol for protests on Reddit against changes to the site's API.
The protest has sparked similar movements within various communities, turning The Hexer into a rallying point for fans. This sudden resurgence can be attributed to its presence on the Witcher subreddit, where fans openly discuss and appreciate the series' flaws. As a result, many fans are now genuinely curious about experiencing The Hexer for themselves.
Another noteworthy aspect is the opinion of Andrzej Sapkowski, the creator of The Witcher. When asked about The Hexer, he responded curtly and vehemently. Despite this, fans continue to enjoy the show, and there is a growing interest in whether there is a certain retro charm to watching the series two decades later.
Due to its unexpected resurgence and the ongoing protest on Reddit, The Hexer is currently trending on the internet. Stay tuned for more updates on this development. In the meantime, explore some of the best non-traditional games and discover the offerings of the thriving indie game scene.
