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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt quickly became one of our most highly-anticipated games of 2014 after we got a peak at extended gameplay at E3 2013, but the upcoming action RPG was soon after delayed to 2015. News and updates about the new-gen installment in the notoriously epic series have died off a bit in recent months, but it looks like The Witcher 3 is back in full effect just in time for this year's E3 gaming showcase.

Polish developer CD Projekt RED revealed a new trailer for the upcoming game today, likely to bring the open-world RPG back to the attention of the gaming community before E3 kicks off. Not only does the new trailer combine cinematics and gameplay footage to give eager fans a preview of everything that's to come, but the trailer also culminates with an announcement of the new release date: February 24, 2015.

The Sword of Destiny trailer allows the voice of Game of Thrones' Tywin Lannister (actor Charles Dance) to help set up the plot for The Wild Hunt and give an idea of what series protagonist Geralt will be up against - and why he'll be forced to cross paths with the mysterious enemy force. The action is explained quickly, as the mystical sorceress Yennefer is still alive and well after her role in the first Witcher, with the Wild Hunt in hot pursuit.

After the plot details are taken care of through stunning cinematic exposition, actual gameplay footage offers a closer look at the open world content, boasting a map larger than that of Skyrim. Stepping away from the franchise's successful run with linear storytelling and moving towards an open-world environment may seem like a risky move; but the combat, horseback riding, swimming, and exploring showcased in the short trailer all seem like well-polished immersive experiences that should be right at home in an open-world setting.

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In addition to releasing the trailer and launch date, the developer also revealed details about the game's Collector's Edition. Along with everything included with the standard edition of the game, the limited collector's edition also throws in the following goodies:

  • A giant, 33x24x26 cm (10”), 100% hand painted, Polystone figure of Geralt of Rivia battling a Griffin
  • An exquisite, collector-grade Witcher medallion
  • A one-of-a-kind SteelBookâ„¢ box
  • A two-hundred-page artbook, containing breathtaking art from the game
  • Huge outer and inner Collector’s Boxes in which to store your Witcher merchandise

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The collector's edition will be available through pre-orders only, so gamers will need to decide if they want to shell out the extra cash for the additional loot sooner than later. The price of the special edition was not revealed.

Do you think The Witcher universe is vast and engrossing enough to support an open-world setting that's as entertaining as it is populated? Or would you prefer a more traditional linear experience? Sound off in the comments.

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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt releases February 24, 2015 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

Follow Denny on Twitter @The_DFC.