The Witcher 2 Review

A rich, unique storyline coupled with immersive combat and stunning graphics. CD Projekt RED has truly accomplished a successful console release of the popular Witcher series.

Background/Storyline:

The Witcher 2 continues the storyline from the previous game, instantly immersing players into an epic siege alongside King Foltest of Temeria. You play as a witcher known as Geralt of Rivia – a deadly warrior of inhuman strength with various magical capabilities. The world of The Witcher provides players with a unique and predominantly adult-oriented plot in which murder, incest, and corruption are all key aspects. This is not a game for the light-hearted, and this hard attitude is echoed within the combat which provides a difficulty comparable with that of Dark Souls. This game is a certificate 18+, and if you are wondering whether it is truly that explicit the answer is yes – there are a variety of nude and disturbing scenes from the get go, and is definitely not appropriate for children!

The game is comprised of three chapters and an epilogue, equating to around 25-30 hours of gameplay including side-quests. However particular choices can be made which significantly impact the storyline, and alternate endings can be experienced. This provides an incentive to re-play the game, or re-load saves from key moments in order to change the storyline. If you are intending to do the latter it may be advisable to briefly look at the point in which the storyline splits, in order to save re-playing certain chapters of the game. While side-quests are obviously optional, it is recommended players attempt to complete at least some of them as they may supplement the main game, and allow extra gold and special equipment to be gained. Players can also build relationships with other characters, however this component of the game is rather lacking and boils down to only a few dialogue choices. It would have been nice to see a more intuitive relationship plot such as that of Mass Effect 2.  

Various characters will be met throughout the storyline, each with their own interesting background. 

The dialogue sequences are also reminiscent of Bioware’s Mass Effect and feature beautiful facial textures (thanks to the use of the powerful RED engine) and optional dialogue choices. However, at times characters may seem unrealistic, and their facial expressions rather ‘stiff’. The HUD is displayed neatly and does not intrude onto the screen; and the menus are also satisfying, providing players with the typical inventory, skill tree, quest log, and map. Players will find themselves collecting lots of seemingly useless items throughout the world, which contribute to the weight limit and may ultimately over-encumber you. Selective looting is unavailable meaning that whenever an enemy drops items you are forced to pick up all of them. This can be disappointing and time-consuming when you come to a new item you really want to pick up, but have to trawl through your inventory removing insignificant items looted accidentally from enemies. Items are, however neatly arranged into sub-categories, and the inventory screen feels fairly spacious. The skill tree allows players to allocate experience points and pursue four different pathways: 1) Training, 2) Magic, 3) Alchemy; and 4) Swordsmanship. While this may seem a curious choice of individual skill trees to other RPG gamers, after you have played The Witcher you will understand it’s a good mix. In addition to the general combat bonuses, new skills can also be learnt, for example greatly improved magic, or an adrenaline rush technique which gives a massive strength boost over a short period of time.

The skill tree allows players to allocate experience into four different pathways. 

Gameplay/Combat:

The combat is perhaps one of the most exciting and fulfilling aspects of The Witcher 2. Players are able to use a variety of weapons from swords to poisoned throwing knives, and construct their own weapons or armour using blueprints from a blacksmith if they wish. Unfortunately there is a rather steep learning curve associated with the combat, and beginners may find themselves being repeatedly killed near the start of the game. Fights may also feel ‘clunky’ and unresponsive at times, but there is more involved than merely button bashing, and players are forced to accurately time and string together combinations of attacks. An interesting element of battle is remembering to switch between a silver and iron sword depending on the type of enemy you are facing. For example humans are more vulnerable to iron swords, whereas creatures are more susceptible to silver swords. Once players become experienced, the combat will become rich and dynamic offering a rapid transition between swordplay, magic, and ranged attacks. In addition traps, bombs, oils, and potions can be used as support in combat. The application of oils to buff weapons is relatively confusing as there are multiple places to do this from, and could have been made clearer.  

The combat is essentially comprised of four main moves: 1) light attack, 2) heavy attack, 3) magic; and 4) dodge/roll. These moves are mapped well to a controller, allowing players to quickly string together attacks and magic signs to great effect. Special finishing move animations can also be experienced which further enrich combat, however may seem glitchy at times as other enemies continue to attack you during the animation or simply stand nearby motionless. Geralt will also not recover his health automatically during combat, placing greater emphasis on the consumption of potions. While this adds an extra element of strategy into the game, it can be harsh on players who may have run out of potions during a boss battle and are stuck due to an autosave.

At particular points in the game characters will enter a stealth sequence, encouraging them to sneak past or knock out guards from behind. These sequences are a good addition to the core gameplay, however it would have been nice to be able to engage stealth manually whenever the player wanted. These sequences can also become aggravating if discovered, as players are forced back to the previous autosave.

The Arena introduces a new gameplay mode added to the game with patch 2.0 (and automatically included with the Enhanced Edition). This can be selected under new game at the main menu and allows players to fight through waves of enemies to earn gold and unique items, and upload your scores onto an online leaderboard to compete against your friends and the world! This is a great option for players wanting to quickly jump into the game, practice combat, or learn tactics against individual enemies.

The Arena allows players to upload scores to compete against friends and other players online. 

Finally, three mini-games are also available: arm wrestling, dice poker, and fistfighting. Unfortunately the associated quests are rather regiment, and only involve defeating opponent A, B, C etc., and earning some more gold. At first the mini-games may seem quite challenging, however they become extremely dull after a short time and feature perhaps one of the most frustrating achievements in any 360 game – ‘Poker!’. Furthermore, various sound glitches may be experienced when playing the mini-games for example random amplified sounds such as running water, or just annoying and repetitive dialogue from nearby characters. This is definitely an aspect which could have been improved, and it seems little effort was put in to make these mini-games worthwhile.

Overall the Witcher 2 has some rich and memorable RPG experiences, coupled with a sound combat system and graphics. Various improvements could have been made, most notable of which is the slow response time of button presses during combat, however this can be compensated for by experienced players. The multiple storylines and endings also provide a good amount of re-playability, and allow players to experience different scenarios, characters, and locations.  

SCORE: 8/10

+ Excellent replayability value, offering different chapters to be experienced.
+ Brilliant graphics, including character textures during speech.
+ Very satisfying combat system, with the addition of an Arena mode. 

- Combat may take a while for beginners to get used to, especially due to slow button press response times. 
- Certain side-quests could have greatly been improved by adding more depth.