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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
