The Witcher II

[Arclight]

Thought we already had one of these. :hmmm:

Anyway; dev diaries 3&4: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/02/11/the-witcher-2-dev-diary-3-4/
1&2 are linked to in there.

Some more reading and viewing, case you missed it:
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/12/07/talk-tech-the-witcher-2/
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/12/01/the-witcher-2-can-apparently-be-pre-ordered/
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/11/29/the-witcher-2-gets-orangey-blue-screenshots/

Well, plenty more really, can't link everything: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/page/2/?s=witcher


* ah, my bad: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/page/2/?s=witcher

Mod please merge or delete. Sorry for my failure in forum skillz.

[Arclight]

Almost forgot, was headed for bed but it has to be said: game is available for pre-load on Good old Games. Of course, there would be someone who would really appreciate it if you followed the Amazon link here on SubSim for your pre-order, but I would find myself negligent if I failed to mention what you get on GoG.

The developer, CD Projekt Red, is a sister company (I think) of that distributor. So why go there? Well, you get it DRM free for one. And you get a classic RPG for free: decided to go for Gothic 2 myself. Also, if you pay in Euros, you get $16,- store credit, since we Europeans always end up paying that much more. Netted myself Baldur's Gate 2 and Panzer Elite (that hardcore original, Steel Beasts-goes-WWII) with that. And, yes there's more, there's additional goodies on top of the normal deluxe stuff, available immediatly. Nothing too spectacular, but nice non the less.


At any rate, it's coming the 17th and I suspect it's going to hit hard. :sunny:

[CCIP]

Also on GoG, you can get the first Witcher (the complete edition of it at that) for 5 bucks today, quite a deal!

I grabbed it since the game was highly recommended to me before. Probably will be some time before I can actually free up some time to play it but hey, worth it in my book...

[Feuer Frei!]

Have they revamped the graphics?
Or still the same engine?

[NeonSamurai]

I believe its a totally different engine, the first game used the Neverwinter Nights 2 engine

[Arclight]

Righto, review: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/05/18/pc-review-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings/

And some thoughts I suppose:

First things first: it's absolutely gorgeous. And I mean far beyond smooth and fancy filters: if you slow down to walk and drag your eyes up a little from their usual loot-scanning mode, you'll see things that can really make you stop and stare, like some creature captivated by a shiny bauble.

The sun's rays falling through the leaves, a flock of birds dashing off from their tree-top across a setting sun, thin layers of fog drifting on a marsh; all comes together to form a superb atmosphere.

The gameplay is pretty standard RPG fare, but well executed. There's no stat-tinkering: they advance with level and can be augmented in various ways. You can fully customise the skill tree though, of which there are 4 distinct directions/specializations.

There's still some evidence of a die-roll based RPG, , but it's transparant. You hit the button to attack, bit of text pops up to show the results. If the enemy blocked or dodged, it shows something like that the enemy absorbed all damage, while if it connects proper it gives damage and possibly a critical effect such as bleeding or poison. It plays like an action-RPG, but there's definetly more going on beneath, with damage and resistenses all being carefully calculated under the hood.

(clever they gave that bit of text feedback as proof. Both handy and demonstrating carefull game design)

About combat... takes some getting used. Controls are kinda "sticky". Hard to master, but very rewarding. Really shines if you can get a 1v1 fight.

Hmm, plenty of side-quests too, should keep you busy for a while.

Lovely music, never bothersome but can't recall anything particularly impressive either.

Inventory can be ordered by tabs (weapons, armor, etc), but in those tabs it's a right mess. Think they simply order newest-to-oldest.

Characters are great, pretty much everyone you talk to is believable. Together with all the life in the towns it really makes it feel like a real world. For example, people gather around a fire at night to listen to old tales, and groups of people having conversations.

It's not really a looting game, unless you have a crafting- and alchemy fetish. You'll find more crafting components than you can use (plants regenerate as well, unlimited alchemy), but fancy swords and armor are few. It does make a noticeable difference when you upgrade though, that's actually really nice.

* bad things... those controls I'd say. Also really no form of tutorial. Some tips will pop up as you get into a situation where you need the info, but that's too late. Luckily you can read all those bits in the journal, with the game paused. With the lack of the game teaching and the finicky controls, it's more off a difficulty wall than a curve. Prepare for a bit of frustration through the introduction bits.

[Castout]

Brilliant game. It's on my to buy list on my next game shopping.

[ReFaN]

Bought it, No sound, everyone with a G35 headset doesent have any sound.

Waiting desperately for a fix :X

[onelifecrisis]

Bought it, No sound, everyone with a G35 headset doesent have any sound.

Waiting desperately for a fix :X

Oh dear. Thanks for the heads up.

Assuming a fix does come, I have questions about this game!

1) What kind of specs are required to get it to run at 60fps at 1366x768?
2) What is the game like to newcomers? I've not played the first Witcher, so will I be able understand everything that's going on?

[Arclight]

Oh dear. Thanks for the heads up.

Assuming a fix does come, I have questions about this game!

1) What kind of specs are required to get it to run at 60fps at 1366x768?
2) What is the game like to newcomers? I've not played the first Witcher, so will I be able understand everything that's going on?
1. GTX460 will get you to about a stable 40 on "high", 1680x1050. (haven't tried ultra)

It will (nearly) use the full 2GB it can, so 3-4GB system minimal. Pretty heavy on my CPU, so I guess a fast quad is desirable, say 3GHz Core2 or equivalent.
2. Didn't have a clue what was going on, but then, I usually don't. Think having played the first would have helped though.

[Feuer Frei!]

I played the first one and finished it, wasn't too bad.
Looking forward to this 1.
I've heard a lot of stories about bugs a plenty with people having installation errors, things like "disc 2 not found" and a few other issues...
Yes, these people had bought the game.
Not sure about the dig d/l one...
Anyone have this game?
Screenshots would be a good thing, would love to see what it looks like, compared to the first one.
Cheers.

[Arclight]

Got the download from GoG. Can't say I ran into any bugs, few containers that were unreachable, but never anything important in there.

Full resolution on the first 2 (http://steamcommunity.com/id/ARConSteam/screenshots/?tab=public&showdate=1&filter=shortcut_27148)

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/Witcher2/2011-05-19_00003.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/Witcher2/2011-05-19_00002.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/Witcher2/witcher22011-05-2015-56-14-86.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/Witcher2/witcher22011-05-2112-26-30-19.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/Witcher2/witcher22011-05-2112-17-25-51.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/Witcher2/witcher22011-05-2112-26-40-66.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj2/EZatHome/Witcher2/witcher22011-05-2015-54-28-23.jpg

[onelifecrisis]

1. GTX460 will get you to about a stable 40 on "high", 1680x1050. (haven't tried ultra)

It will (nearly) use the full 2GB it can, so 3-4GB system minimal. Pretty heavy on my CPU, so I guess a fast quad is desirable, say 3GHz Core2 or equivalent.
2. Didn't have a clue what was going on, but then, I usually don't. Think having played the first would have helped though.

Thanks Arclight. So GTX460 = 40fps on high? So basically there's no card in existence that can run this game at 60fps on Ultra. Well that's typical of a PC exclusive (and I suppose it explains why the frame rate in the trailers is invariably awful). If there's one good thing about the dominance of consoles it's that it forces cross-platform developers to learn how to optimize their code! /rant off

LOL @ your response to 2.

Hmm... maybe I'll just wait for Skyrim.

[Feuer Frei!]

@ Arclight, thanks a bunch for the screenies, :yeah: game looks a lot better than the first 1.
Time has 'healed' this game.
Can't help but notice the mini map and the red dots and waypoint arrow, reminds me of DragonAge? Kind of...
And prob. a dozen other games which i can't for the life of me think of right now.
Are the trees, grass, and any other things that could move, 'active'? A gust of wind moves the tall grass, or moves the leaves in the trees etc?
Once again, thanks for your time posting screenies.

[Arclight]

Er, come again? :doh:
Thanks Arclight. So GTX460 = 40fps on high? So basically there's no card in existence that can run this game at 60fps on Ultra.
Er, maybe not. Why does that matter? Those visuals with a constant minimum of 40fps isn't good enough? :06:

Well that's typical of a PC exclusive.

It is, kinda nice to have something that actually uses the resources of my PC for a change. Not much point buying decent hardware were it not for titles like these. :-?

If there's one good thing about the dominance of consoles it's that it forces cross-platform developers to learn how to optimize their code! /rant off
Console ports tend to be the shodiest of them all. Playing on a console can be fun, granted, but their influence improves absolutely nothing.

If you want to skip it for TES5, then by all means. I just don't follow the reasoning. :hmmm:

[Arclight]

@ Arclight, thanks a bunch for the screenies, :yeah: game looks a lot better than the first 1.
Time has 'healed' this game.
Can't help but notice the mini map and the red dots and waypoint arrow, reminds me of DragonAge? Kind of...
And prob. a dozen other games which i can't for the life of me think of right now.
Are the trees, grass, and any other things that could move, 'active'? A gust of wind moves the tall grass, or moves the leaves in the trees etc?
Once again, thanks for your time posting screenies.
My pleasure. ;)

The environments are very dynamic. Guess you would have to see it in motion, see if I can manage that. :hmmm:

Most believable world I've seen to date.

And yeah, there are markers on the map. That's it though; no magical golden arrows or things like that floating around in the actual world.

It's reminiscent of Dragon Age, same genre after all. Perhaps comparable to a less chatty, DA2-done-right: not the vast scale of DA1, but more focused and condensed like the 2nd one, but without the failings of, for example, copy-paste environments.

[onelifecrisis]

Er, come again? :doh:

Er, maybe not. Why does that matter? Those visuals with a constant minimum of 40fps isn't good enough? :06:

It is, kinda nice to have something that actually uses the resources of my PC for a change. Not much point buying decent hardware were it not for titles like these. :-?
Console ports tend to be the shodiest of them all. Playing on a console can be fun, granted, but their influence improves absolutely nothing.

If you want to skip it for TES5, then by all means. I just don't follow the reasoning. :hmmm:

In the past I've played my share of shoddy console ports, but in recent years the problem seems to have gone away, at least in terms of graphics (controls can still be an issue but that's something else). All of the console ports I currently own (Mass Effect 2, Dead Space, Batman: Arkham Asylum, DiRT, GRID, F.E.A.R. 2, Mirror's Edge, and some other's I'm too embarrassed to list here) run at a constant v-sync'd 60fps on my modest GTX 260, with all details turned on, 1366x768 resolution, and 4x MSAA. Seems to me that as a general rule, anything that runs on a console at 30fps will run on my machine at 60fps. In contrast, all of the PC-exclusives I own suffer frame rate drops and stutters, even old ones like F.E.A.R. and Company of Heroes.

And once you've gotten used to a v-sync'd 60fps, anything else looks bloody horrible.

My GTX 260 will soon be upgraded to a top-end card, but by the sound of it that won't help me in Witcher 2... at least not on Ultra. But then, if those shots you posted are taken on High... well, they do look nice...

[Arclight]

F.E.A.R. ran over 100fps full open on the old 8800, never had any trouble with CoH. Had trouble with the original ME (overheating) and GTA4 (fps drops), to name a few examples. :hmmm:

Just saying that the worst games I've seen are invariably console ports, not that every console port is shoddy.

At any rate, I don't see how more than 30-40fps would help you here, but if reaching higher is a requirement then it falls short.


* ah, glimpse of it in motion. Well, the environment, anyway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1sDnNsmKSY

[onelifecrisis]

F.E.A.R. ran over 100fps full open on the old 8800, never had any trouble with CoH. Had trouble with the original ME (overheating) and GTA4 (fps drops), to name a few examples. :hmmm:

Just saying that the worst games I've seen are invariably console ports, not that every console port is shoddy.

At any rate, I don't see how more than 30-40fps would help you here, but if reaching higher is a requirement then it falls short.


* ah, glimpse of it in motion. Well, the environment, anyway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1sDnNsmKSY

I can understand why you can't understand, but I'm used to 60fps. Nowadays when I look at a game doing ~40fps I wonder how I ever found such horrific tearing (v-sync off) or stuttering (v-sync on) tolerable. Triple buffering helps a little... but only a little. There's really no substitute for a stable frametime.

I've seen that Witcher 2 has motion blur. Generally I find a v-synced 30fps (linked to a 60Hz screen refresh) with good motion blur is an acceptable alternative to 60fps, especially in games that don't require twitch reactions, but PC games almost never offer this option (RUSE and World In Conflict being notable exceptions). Have you seen that option anywhere in the settings?

[Arclight]

I do get you on the 60fps thing, I just dont think it's relevant unless it's something that requires fine control, like a shooter or racing game. That's from a technical standpoint though, can't argue on personal preference. ;)

You can control both V-sync and the blur, but I've not seen an option to lock it to a framerate. Don't see an option to that end in the .ini either.

[onelifecrisis]

I do get you on the 60fps thing, I just dont think it's relevant unless it's something that requires fine control, like a shooter or racing game. That's from a technical standpoint though, can't argue on personal preference. ;)

You can control both V-sync and the blur, but I've not seen an option to lock it to a framerate. Don't see an option to that end in the .ini either.

Okay, thank you for looking :salute:

[Dowly]

Why, oh why, they had to change the controls in Witcher 2? :doh:

Witcher 1 had Q and E for Steel/Silver sword, 1-5 keys for the signs, 6-8 for potions, LMB/RMB for attack/use sign and Z, X, C for the different fighting methods. And that worked very well.

Witcher 2 changes this to: Q to use sign, E to use item, 1-2 for steel/silver sword, LMB/RMB to attack/power attack. Oh and no hotkeys (I think) for signs. Just confusing as hell, especially as I just came from playing Witcher 1. :doh:


Other than that, looks nice. :up:

[kiwi_2005]

This looks good. :rock:
I never finished the first Witcher my pc at the time struggled a bit, and now with a better rig I can't be bothered replaying the game. But Witcher 2 I want to play maybe later on as i'm trying to finish Risen. Risen is not easy man :timeout:. Risen makes sure you get pwn by mobs easily even with good gear (I hope its not just me that thinks its hard :oops: ). Spam the quick save button! Though Risen I am determined to finish about three quarters of the way through then will try out this W2.

[Dowly]

I'd recommend to play Witcher 1 first as the story pretty much continues from the end of it in W2. Also, you can import your W1 save to W2 and have your decisions carry over to W2 ala Mass Effect.

[kiwi_2005]

I'd recommend to play Witcher 1 first as the story pretty much continues from the end of it in W2. Also, you can import your W1 save to W2 and have your decisions carry over to W2 ala Mass Effect.

Ok I might just do that, wonder how many hours it takes to complete the game if I only did the main storyline missions:hmmm: I'll try and speed through it so I can move to W2.

[Dowly]

Ok I might just do that, wonder how many hours it takes to complete the game if I only did the main storyline missions:hmmm: I'll try and speed through it so I can move to W2.

Unfortunately, the quests in W1 are ridiculously long (run 9 times from end to end of the same darn area for example). Took me 23-25 hours to complete it by only doing the main quests. :shifty:

[kiwi_2005]

Took me 23-25 hours to complete it by only doing the main quests. :shifty:

:salute: Ok I was dreading more but 25hrs is bearable.

Meanwhile im in Risen I have to get pass a pack of wolves 5 of them just 5 not 10 or 20 but a measly 5. I got nice bandit armor I worked my ass off for, a big nasty sword I made using one of the profession skills & my keys setup for combo attacks - well actually spacebar and A or D key spamming. Ive died twice trying to kill these wolves. Sometimes its a walk in the park so it sucks you in to thinking the next pack of wolves are going to be mincemeat, only for them to be a cunning pack with rabies.

And the dialog though its a German game translated to English so that might be the fault as the dialog goes on and on and on. Something like this:

NPC: Yes?

ME: Is there something I can do for you

NPC: I could use some help

ME: What help might that be

NPC: I need something for you to retrieve

ME: What is it you want me to retrieve

NPC: Something ancient

ME: How ancient

NPC: long ago it was lost

ME: How long ago

:roll:

You get the picture. Some dialog can take a good 10-15min just reading it only to find out at the end I need to find his blardy sword. :rotfl2:

Still its a good game providing you can bypass the boring parts and keep your sanity while fighting mobs. :arrgh!: Risen same devs of Gothic 1 & 2, I think.

Anyways back on topic. Will try and complete W1 first. :up:

[SgtPotato]

My dvd drive hated The Witcher 2. :nope:

[Feuer Frei!]

Has anyone encountered any bugs with questing so far?
In particular after completing a quest and the waypoint arrow not updating with the quest completed log, so that you are aimlessly wandering around, wondering where to go next to advance the storyline?

[Arclight]

No, but I didn't finish all of them. Some span several chapters though, so there's not always a marker.

[Feuer Frei!]

Well, i'm at the part where he has to escape from prison, boxing the guard.
Loving this game so far!
No ctd's, bugs or anything else.
Touch wood.

[Dowly]

Yahtzee:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/3443-The-Witcher-2-Assassins-of-Kings

[Castout]

I'm getting this game as it's now available from local retailer. Imo The Witcher is a better game than even DAO. Can't pass this one up as I quite enjoy RPG and very good RPG is hard to come by on the PC game market.

[Feuer Frei!]

Finished the game a few days ago and i must say i am extremely pleased with what they have done.
Excellent storyline, great character development, storyline, and a good overall sense of immersion.
The combat system i didn't mind at all tbh, and the graphics are great as well.
If anyone is in a position to purchase this game, or in two minds, i can highly recommend it.
There are also a ton of wonderful mods out and new ones are being released daily!
Well worth your hard-earned money.
Rating: 9/10.

[seaniam81]

Anybody ever read the books?
I loved The Last Wish.

[Philipp_Thomsen]

Man I HATE third-person adventure-rpgs.

Whats the point of the world being so fantastic if half of it is being blocked by my character.

And walking around staring at the back of someone's head is not my beach.

[kiwi_2005]

I'm getting this game as it's now available from local retailer. Imo The Witcher is a better game than even DAO. Can't pass this one up as I quite enjoy RPG and very good RPG is hard to come by on the PC game market.

Are you nuts the best rpgs come from PC platform. The Witcher and DAO are different games I would compare Witcher to maybe Oblivion or Risen but not DA. :hmmm:

[Castout]

Are you nuts the best rpgs come from PC platform. The Witcher and DAO are different games I would compare Witcher to maybe Oblivion or Risen but not DA. :hmmm:

Well Witcher 2 is a PC platform game :DL

Well Witcher 2 and DA are both RPG. True that they have different style but overall I like Witcher 2 much more than say DA 2.

Never played Oblivion or Risen though.

Witcher comes with lots of cut scenes too you know.

[Castout]

Frank have you tried Witcher or Witcher 2?

If you like DAO like I do you would love The Witcher. It's like DAO(RPG for older gamers) but more hardcore. There's dark brooding ambiance in the first and it's the only game where you see fully naked women in 3D scene :O:. It's really meant for more mature audience.

I played the first but not to finish then and loved it.

I'm still thinking whether to get Starcraft 2. Mainly for old time sake and nostalgia. I have doubts because it seems to be meant for young adults or teenagers. But I've found going back the memory lane to be healthy for me. Starcraft 2 may bring me back since they retained their first traits. I had so much fun with the first.

[kiwi_2005]

Frank have you tried Witcher or Witcher 2?

If you like DAO like I do you would love The Witcher. It's like DAO(RPG for older gamers) but more hardcore. There's dark brooding ambiance in the first and it's the only game where you see fully naked women in 3D scene :O:. It's really meant for more mature audience.

I played the first but not to finish then and loved it.

I'm still thinking whether to get Starcraft 2. Mainly for old time sake and nostalgia. I have doubts because it seems to be meant for young adults or teenagers. But I've found going back the memory lane to be healthy for me. Starcraft 2 may bring me back since they retained their first traits. I had so much fun with the first.

Just Witcher, yes and I did like it. I aim to play Witcher II one day, still getting through DA Awakenings and a few other games plus just brought Farcry 2, am waiting for that to arrive.

[HunterICX]

I'm still thinking whether to get Starcraft 2. Mainly for old time sake and nostalgia. I have doubts because it seems to be meant for young adults or teenagers. But I've found going back the memory lane to be healthy for me. Starcraft 2 may bring me back since they retained their first traits. I had so much fun with the first.

You're still having doubts after the game has been out for almost a year?
then the answer is simple Do Not Buy It.

but you say yourself that SC2 retained what SC1 was all about....so there's your own answer of your doubts if it meant to be for young adults or teenagers.

HunterICX

[Castout]

Just Witcher, yes and I did like it. I aim to play Witcher II one day, still getting through DA Awakenings and a few other games plus just brought Farcry 2, am waiting for that to arrive.

:yeah: Just ordered my Withcer 2 today from local retailer. Should arrive tomorrow if not the day after.

You're still having doubts after the game has been out for almost a year?
then the answer is simple Do Not Buy It.

but you say yourself that SC2 retained what SC1 was all about....so there's your own answer of your doubts if it meant to be for young adults or teenagers.

HunterICX

But that may not be a bad thing. Like I said I want to play the game and go nostalgic :DL (though I'm unsure whether I'd like the gameplay). Besides if I missed this version I wouldn't buy the 2nd and third additions.

Yes I tend to play games much later. I bought DAO about 1-2 year after it was released and I love DAO. The sucks part is that even though I bought some of these games much later I still paid the release price from local retailer.

[Dowly]

^ If you liked SC1, then I can't see why you wouldn't like SC2. It's basically the same game, but with some new units.

[Castout]

^ If you liked SC1, then I can't see why you wouldn't like SC2. It's basically the same game, but with some new units.

That would be true if I had remained the same person with the same taste and gaming preference and sophistication. It has been more than 10 years. I've changed a lot. I wouldn't have thought I'd be quite different than I was 10 years ago, that puny, naive, stupid, timid, weak, helpless, and narrow minded young man with narrow interests :O:. I already liked playing Sub Command then even played a bit of Silent Hunter 2 and bought Falcon 4.0 as well but never realized I was into military stuffs and history. I was on stranger's island then away from family. Never read a book other than academic ones. Was such a geek. Starving thin geek.

To be honest I'm not sure whether I'd be compelled by the gameplay seeing from youtube clips. I couldn't see myself an ace in the online part either as it is much a clicking fest.

But seeing these copies are getting rarer I might as well give this first edition a chance to help me consider whether the other two upcoming ones are worth buying. And see whether going nostalgic on starcraft could get me some fun and fond nostalgia. I played SC1 at home then when on long holidays. Practically played it every single day.

[Castout]

On seeing more Starcraft 2 gameplay videos I may not get this game. I just can't find why the gameplay would be compelling to me.

It's weird enough that so many people are saying it's a great game.

I still can't decide. I'll play some Witcher 2 meanwhile. That is one game I know I must have.

[Philipp_Thomsen]

On seeing more Starcraft 2 gameplay videos I may not get this game. I just can't find why the gameplay would be compelling to me.

It's weird enough that so many people are saying it's a great game.

I still can't decide. I'll play some Witcher 2 meanwhile. That is one game I know I must have.


I honestly don't see the difference between SC2 and C&C Tiberium Wars.

Even the construction buttons are in the same place.

Nevertheless, C&C TW is a great game. Played them both, prefer C&C.

[Castout]

I honestly don't see the difference between SC2 and C&C Tiberium Wars.

Even the construction buttons are in the same place.

Nevertheless, C&C TW is a great game. Played them both, prefer C&C.

I hated C&C but loved SC1 :DL. I think it's more have to do with how the game and theme feels than just simply mechanic. The scenes in SC1 were fantastic and added much to gameplay while I can't say the same with C&C cheap looking videos. I even took them as an insult to my taste and intelligence. They did look so goofy.

The thing is I was never too interested with SC1 hype at the beginning either. Until I gave it a try and then I loved it. I gave C&C a try too but I never liked it as much as SC1.

But you can't really judge how a game feels just by seeing videos of it. I may have to download the demo but can't be bothered due to its size and not so great internet connection.

[kiwi_2005]

On seeing more Starcraft 2 gameplay videos I may not get this game. I just can't find why the gameplay would be compelling to me.

It's weird enough that so many people are saying it's a great game.

I still can't decide. I'll play some Witcher 2 meanwhile. That is one game I know I must have.

Its a great game cause its very addictive, its easy to get into and hooked on for weeks, SC2 reeks of blizzard. I only played the beta & back then I played the beta in 1024 resolution with low graphics and I still enjoyed the game play, I remember getting a 'giveaway to a friend' beta key and I put up a post over here on a gaming forum that I have one giveaway key. I got over 300 PM pleading for the key :har: These guys were at my mercy I probably could of sold the key for money. I gave it away to a poster who I remember one time helped me in a thread argument. He was sooooo happy. And I might add he was an Asian. :DL

Anyways never got round to buying the release because my computer at the time was too crap. I might still buy SC2 later on, I already have to many games to play and catch up with! I'm so far behind :haha: So im just taking one day at a time so to speak.

[Castout]

Its a great game cause its very addictive, its easy to get into and hooked on for weeks, SC2 reeks of blizzard. I only played the beta & back then I played the beta in 1024 resolution with low graphics and I still enjoyed the game play, never got round to buying the release because my computer at the time was too crap. I might still buy SC2 later on, I already have to many games to play and catch up with! I'm so far behind :haha: So im just taking one day at a time so to speak.

I wanted to get myself a ridiculously large Flanker diecast but it occurred to me once I got it I wouldn't be able to 'play' it or do anything with it.

It seems game is a more useful and more entertaining buy.

Thanks Frank because of your opinion I may get it. Maybe next week.

[kiwi_2005]

Thanks Frank because of your opinion I may get it. Maybe next week.

I prefer the Warhammer Dawn of War RTS games over SC series. Just wish they would put out a new Dawn of War. I have the Dawn of War II based on squad play good game but no base building etc

[Castout]

The package arrived today. It turned out to be the premium edition.

There's a map, game guide, manual, a stamped occult letter(with an interesting content about a foolish king), 2 paper craft sheets and an occult coin besides two DVD case, one of which is storing the Bonus DVD and soundtrack disc.

The coin is intriguing. On one side is the compass. On the other side a skull with many Octopus tentacles spread out,

Umm A compass may be a symbol of independence, of one's navigating his life with wisdom. The skull after an internet search represents mortality while the tentacles represent man's many abilities and talents and traits(obvious or otherwise). It seems too much like Masonic symbolism.

I'm just glad the patch is small so I don't have to wait for long.

I usually don't buy premium edition as I don't believe in the premium of premium edition but I don't have a choice here.

[Castout]

Somehow the game can be dizzying :shifty:

[Castout]

Umm been playing this game nonstop.

I've found a weird bug though.

When protecting King Henselt, when the magical sphere is activated and moving I found I couldn't move nor attack at all. I was forced to move by rolling and couldn't attack any enemy.

Has anyone experienced this?

Game is patched to latest through launcher.

[Arclight]

No, never had anything like that. Can't recall where that is though. :hmmm:

[Castout]

No, never had anything like that. Can't recall where that is though. :hmmm:

Umm maybe you haven't reached that?

It's Chapter II. The battle with the spectres. Not the beginning but the one after the magical ward(sphere) has been activated.

[Arclight]

Played through it once, maybe different plot-line? To be honest my memory of specifics isn't that spectacular. :88)

[Castout]

Played through it once, maybe different plot-line? To be honest my memory of specifics isn't that spectacular. :88)

Ok okay. I played it once again just to check it. Same thing lost all control but rolling.

However when I pressed block it worked and pressing block couple times returned the controls to me. Strange that no one mentioned this.

Could be my AV blocking something temporarily.

I wonder who play Obama's copy or who it ended up with

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/05/poland-gives-president-obama-the-witcher-2s-collectors-edition/

[Castout]

Umm There's a big issue with the game.

Upon exiting the game the RAM used still read over 5 Gigabyte.

I had to restart windows to get the RAM usage to normal.

Anyone with this issue?

[Castout]

I'm fighting the dragon now.

The second round where the dragon is at half health.

But this time I'm fighting the clunky controls than the dragon :damn:

Managed to close to finishing it but got tired with the control(WASD) due to ever rolling . . . . . and got killed due to it.

[Castout]

Completed the game.

There's memory issue with the game.

The game won't clear used RAM after exiting. So if you play the game after exiting it will use more RAM since the last one wasn't cleared.

Only a restart solves this issue.


The official forum is down all the time as well now.

[Castout]

This game is probably the most graphically immersive RPG to have graced the gaming market.

It's noticeably shorter than older RPGs such as Dragon Age Origins and Diablo 2 or The Witcher I but this is a quality game. If it was twice as long it would be perfect. The combat system is vastly better than the old one.

I'm thrilled they are making every DLC free to their customers. Looking forward to future patches and improvements.

If anyone is into RPG they must give this a try. In simple sentence it's Assassin Creed meets Dragon Age Origins.

It has its own place among Dragon Age and Mass Effect the most recent crown achievements in RPG gaming.

[Arclight]

Agreed.

Which version are you using btw? Never had the memory leak issues you're describing (To the best of my knowledge it's not even possible for a 32-bit application to call on more than 2GB to be honest). Game also became a lot smoother with 1.2.

[Castout]

Agreed.

Which version are you using btw? Never had the memory leak issues you're describing (To the best of my knowledge it's not even possible for a 32-bit application to call on more than 2GB to be honest). Game also became a lot smoother with 1.2.

The launcher patched my game automatically. I believe it's 1.2 the latest. I can tell because the items in 1.2 are there in my game.

My version is the retail premium box that came with bunch of things(I heard they never came out with anything less than premium).

Umm if you exit the game the memory used will not be cleared so when you restart the game again the total RAM used will be greater and if you repeat this process ultimately the RAM usage will exceed 5Gb and slowing your PC down even after you exit the game.

I read it's a known issue with the game.

I think it might be the problem of memory loss. All I know is that every time you restart the program, performance is degraded. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to arrive, but I had this problem the first two times I ran the game and it gets worse in the forest. Be sure to run the game off a fresh reboot. If I found other games or programs before The Witcher 2, then it does tend to some performance issues particularly around loading areas.

Source http://forums.techarena.in/video-games/1408691.htm

and some others

http://asia.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings/show_msgs.php?topic_id=m-1-59293449&pid=975399

http://answers.pubarticles.com/4108,how-do-you-fix-memory-leak-problem-in-the-witcher-2-.html

http://borderlandsx.com/witcher-2-game-fixes-crash-crc-error-lag-freeze-memory-leak-connection-error/

[Arclight]

Hardware or OS related? All I can say for certain is that the GoG version runs without issues here on Win7 64b, Intel CPU and Nvidia card.

Updated to 1.2 just a bit ago, noticed marked improvement in performance. Think I'm hitting 60 now, need to check. :hmmm:

[Castout]

Hardware or OS related? All I can say for certain is that the GoG version runs without issues here on Win7 64b, Intel CPU and Nvidia card.

Updated to 1.2 just a bit ago, noticed marked improvement in performance. Think I'm hitting 60 now, need to check. :hmmm:

I have the same setup. For now I wouldn't want to choose a reinstall as other people are experiencing the same.

I have the same setup as yours. My copy is retail. I believe that's the problem. But the patch should have removed any copy protection. I'm already playing without the disc too.

Their forum is still under construction.

Edit: I think my version is premium Namco Bandai version.

I'm re-downloading the patch now manually.

[Castout]

Can't reinstall patch.

In case anyone wondering what the retail standard(premium) edition get you I put a few pictures.

Only the coin is worth a bit something though I'd prefer a ring. It is called the cursed coin and I think the symbols on it have meaning. Even the name may have some meaning. I'd say the coin is a symbol of life as a journey and mortality(that it will surely ends at some time), hence the name curse. Sorry for the lousy shots. The game itself is close to an art ion terms of graphics. Love it. Too bad they deleted and changed any Islamic theme in it for some reasons.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/roh_kudus/11-8.jpg
The book is the game guide, the manual was in the box(not shown).


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/roh_kudus/22-2.jpg
One side of the coin depicts a human skull with tentacles.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/roh_kudus/33-1.jpg
The other side of the coin depicts a navigation compass

[Arclight]

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/07/18/bonus-witcheriness-for-no-pennies/

Patch version 1.3 coming, brings some new features and content.

[Arclight]

Patch 1.35 is up: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-11-the-witcher-2-patch-1-35-released

http://www.thewitcher.com/patch1-35/

[Arclight]

2.0 dated:

CD Projekt RED has announced that version 2.0 for The Witcher 2 will launch on September 29 for PC via an automatic update.

The update brings with it a tutorial system, a Dark Mode difficulty level, and Arena Mode which is a bit like an arcade mode where you will fight waves of enemies, and there will also be 20 new enhancements to your character, but nothing specific was mentioned
http://www.vg247.com/2011/08/17/witcher-2-version-2-0-dated-included-in-360-new-trailer/

[Hottentot]

Gah! I was planning to get Dragon Age Origins for my birthday, but then stupid GoG decided to put Witcher 2 on promo this weekend. Where the heck am I going to get money for all these games?!

Going for Witcher with this price. The first one is awesome, and I've heard mostly good things about the sequel.

[Dowly]

Gah! I was planning to get Dragon Age Origins for my birthday, but then stupid GoG decided to put Witcher 2 on promo this weekend. Where the heck am I going to get money for all these games?!

Going for Witcher with this price. The first one is awesome, and I've heard mostly good things about the sequel.

You can import your W1 save game to W2 if you still have it. It picks up some
of the decisions you made in W1 and transfers them to the W2 story. :up:

[Hottentot]

You can import your W1 save game to W2 if you still have it. It picks up some
of the decisions you made in W1 and transfers them to the W2 story. :up:

Great. I'm a sucker for continuity (Mass Effect anyone?), so now it seems I need to play trough the prequel again too. Oh well. What could be more productive way to spend time?

Thesis? What thesis?

[Dowly]

Thesis? What thesis?

:haha:

[Arclight]

Gah! I was planning to get Dragon Age Origins for my birthday, but then stupid GoG decided to put Witcher 2 on promo this weekend.
Promo? What promo? Why, this promo of course: http://www.vg247.com/2011/08/18/40-off-the-witcher-2-during-gamescom/
-----

Don't think it'll disapoint. DAO has more content I guess, but W2 is just... well, better. :D

[Hottentot]

Ok, finally downloaded it. Took me ages with this connection, but hey, at least I was able to actually write the thesis when I didn't have bandwith to post nonsense in Subsim. I'm still in the last part of prologue, but here are some very quick (possibly mistaken) thoughts...

I have mixed feelings about the new combat system. I like how you can quickly switch between quick and strong style and mix them up, though I'm missing the group style. It was my favorite in the prequel.

Parrying is a good improvement and finally hopping around seems to have actual purpose instead of just looking cool. It's easier to control now.

On the other hand, I don't like how the combat now seems to be just about tapping your mouse instead of timed hits. I would have hoped for something in between. Now it seems I can mostly just tap away and Gerald keeps jumping from one enemy to another like a blood seeking berserk bunny. But at least it isn't "Ooo, I have amnesia, I can't remember which part of the blade is used to horribly maim people" story all over again. I guess it's, especially at so early point, just natural that he can do so.

The inventory is horrible.

I understand the prologue is supposed to be sort of tutorial, but it just doesn't work. I have barely enough time to even read the messages and even then the text is so small I need to glue my face to the monitor to see it. Luckily the manual is good.

Yay! Finally Gerald has mastered his fear of heights and can cross or climb over a mighty molehill on his path instead of circling it!

Foltest is still Mr. Attitude. At first I looked at his new costume and thought what were they thinking, but I forgot all that when he decided to try to kill just one single person with a ballista.

The new Triss makes my head hurt. She sounds like a teenager Harry Potter magician now and acts like one too. The prequel Triss was more impressive, but maybe this one will improve.

Swearing seems to be more common now. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing. I liked it in the prequel, but done too much it loses its charm. Hopefully it won't.

The dice game is now better, since you can actually freaking throw the dice. But whose bright idea it was to make them look completely different from the previous that actually made sense and looked like, I don't know, dice or something.

[Arclight]

Hrm I think you'll quickly unlearn button-mashing for combat. Groups can easily interrupt you while twirling about.

The "tutorial" is horrible, no doubt. They listed a tutorial system for version 2.0 as a new feature, so I guess what's in there now really isn't more than a prologue with some reminders. :hmmm:

[Hottentot]

Been playing little more now. I have some sort of love-hate relationship with the game. It's good, occasionally even great, and just as often some of its design choices make me rip the hairs out of my head. Spoilers may follow, read with caution:



The good things:

The new Triss still makes my head hurt, but the other characters are pretty cool. Compared to the first game: I could only once bring myself to stand that elf leader (Yaevin, I think) and his endless rantings of pseudo-philosophy just to play trough that path as well. And you must point a Luger at me to have me do it again. Whereas in this game both path choices and their characters made sense. I ended up "choosing" the elf pretty much by accident.

The new combat system has its flaws but it works once you get used to it. Between it and the prequel's style I can't choose, both have their good and bad sides. If there ever will be Witcher 3, I hope they will find some sort of balance between the two.

The new character development also causes mixed but mostly positive feelings. Again, can't choose between the two alternatives. I like how I don't need to spend talent points to learn new sword moves and can concentrate on other aspects of combat instead. On the other hand Witcher 1 gave more room for customizing. The new system is very straigtforward, which is both good and bad thing depending on how you look at it. But it works.

Meditating everywhere is great, especially if you must wait for certain time of the day for something to happen.

No need to hunt for endless supply of alcohol for potions anymore. Then again getting Geralt drunk as pig was fun in Witcher 1.

The occasional quick choices you have to make in dialogues give them a nice rhytm. I also like the persuasion and indimitation options, but hoped I could have spent talent points directly to them like to any other skill. Or, even wilder, have no "skills" in such sense at all and have the success depend on some other factors. I mean, come on: I have two bloody swords on my back and a fishmonger peasant tells me to piss off because my indimitation skill is not high enough? When do the games get over this?

The contracts are better. In Witcher 1 it was just "kill X amount of monster Y". In the sequel they have some actual point. On the other hand I miss trophy hunting.

The amount of gear is impressive, even if half of it is useless. I like customizing the looks of Geralt instead of just staring at the armor values.

The humor is still way above average game.



The bad things:

Puzzle bosses. Genius. The Kayran was cool for the first three times, then it simply became a burden. I didn't win that fight with wits or skill. I won it by learning the monster's movement by heart and due to trial and error for not being able to know exactly what the developers were thinking.

Respawning monsters get old really quickly. Fight them on your way in, fight them on your way out, fight them when they spawn behind your back, fight them before you try to loot something, fight them when you are again trying to loot the same thing...

Am I watching a movie here? How many cutscenes does a game need and how long do they need to be? And the staring in them. Sometimes the dialogue goes like:
Random dude: [Long, silent stare] "I'm going to tell you something very important."
Geralt: [Long, silent stare] "Go on."
Random dude: [Long, silent stare] "I saw a crow today!"
Geralt: [Long, silent stare] "Really?"

I get it that the plot is complex and that I'll maybe understand some things on the second or third time I'm playing trough the game, but it could have been done better. I had no problem following the first game's plot whatsoever, even though I had not even touched any of the books the games are based on. Here I'm completely lost all the time: why am I doing this? Why am I going here? What does this relate to? Is this a major quest or a sideplot? Huh?

Sneaking. Freaking sneaking. At least they did the obligatory "lost all your gear, got captured and now have to sneak out" part in the beginning of the game.

Drinking potions only when meditating. I could accept not getting yourself buffed in the heat of the battle, but having to watch Geralt kneel, drink, wipe his head and throw the bottle away every time I need to drink a cat potion in a dark tunnel? Bleh.

Monsters were little meh, but this was a problem in the first Witcher too. Just calling a harpy with a different name doesn't make it anything else than a harpy.

You know, dwarves. Because they are dwarves, they are supposed to carve into any big rock cities that don't make any sense. It's like in the Bible or something. A minor complaint, but the second chapter was a pain because I couldn't for the life of me learn to navigate in Vergen. The useless minimap and the slightly-less-useless big map didn't help.

Now call me weird, but: sex and swearing. I don't mind seeing boobs and I swear in real life as much as any Finn. But here? Made little sense, nothing they couldn't accomplish in similar fashion as in the first game. If I want to see boobs, I'm going outside. Whereas in the game it seemed to be more for shock value like: "LOOK! NAKED!!" Yeah, naked. I was born naked, take my daily showers naked, sleep naked...so freaking what?

The same with swearing: "Ooo, he said the F-word. Ooo, he said it again! Wow, now it was the S-word! Cool, bro!" There are situations where it's called for, but those situations don't feel like anything after the profanities are being heard in any other dialogue.

[kiwi_2005]

Been playing little more now. I have some sort of love-hate relationship with the game. It's good, occasionally even great, and just as often some of its design choices make me rip the hairs out of my head. Spoilers may follow, read with caution:



The good things:

The new Triss still makes my head hurt, but the other characters are pretty cool. Compared to the first game: I could only once bring myself to stand that elf leader (Yaevin, I think) and his endless rantings of pseudo-philosophy just to play trough that path as well. And you must point a Luger at me to have me do it again. Whereas in this game both path choices and their characters made sense. I ended up "choosing" the elf pretty much by accident.

The new combat system has its flaws but it works once you get used to it. Between it and the prequel's style I can't choose, both have their good and bad sides. If there ever will be Witcher 3, I hope they will find some sort of balance between the two.

The new character development also causes mixed but mostly positive feelings. Again, can't choose between the two alternatives. I like how I don't need to spend talent points to learn new sword moves and can concentrate on other aspects of combat instead. On the other hand Witcher 1 gave more room for customizing. The new system is very straigtforward, which is both good and bad thing depending on how you look at it. But it works.

Meditating everywhere is great, especially if you must wait for certain time of the day for something to happen.

No need to hunt for endless supply of alcohol for potions anymore. Then again getting Geralt drunk as pig was fun in Witcher 1.

The occasional quick choices you have to make in dialogues give them a nice rhytm. I also like the persuasion and indimitation options, but hoped I could have spent talent points directly to them like to any other skill. Or, even wilder, have no "skills" in such sense at all and have the success depend on some other factors. I mean, come on: I have two bloody swords on my back and a fishmonger peasant tells me to piss off because my indimitation skill is not high enough? When do the games get over this?

The contracts are better. In Witcher 1 it was just "kill X amount of monster Y". In the sequel they have some actual point. On the other hand I miss trophy hunting.

The amount of gear is impressive, even if half of it is useless. I like customizing the looks of Geralt instead of just staring at the armor values.

The humor is still way above average game.



The bad things:

Puzzle bosses. Genius. The Kayran was cool for the first three times, then it simply became a burden. I didn't win that fight with wits or skill. I won it by learning the monster's movement by heart and due to trial and error for not being able to know exactly what the developers were thinking.

Respawning monsters get old really quickly. Fight them on your way in, fight them on your way out, fight them when they spawn behind your back, fight them before you try to loot something, fight them when you are again trying to loot the same thing...

Am I watching a movie here? How many cutscenes does a game need and how long do they need to be? And the staring in them. Sometimes the dialogue goes like:
Random dude: [Long, silent stare] "I'm going to tell you something very important."
Geralt: [Long, silent stare] "Go on."
Random dude: [Long, silent stare] "I saw a crow today!"
Geralt: [Long, silent stare] "Really?"

I get it that the plot is complex and that I'll maybe understand some things on the second or third time I'm playing trough the game, but it could have been done better. I had no problem following the first game's plot whatsoever, even though I had not even touched any of the books the games are based on. Here I'm completely lost all the time: why am I doing this? Why am I going here? What does this relate to? Is this a major quest or a sideplot? Huh?

Sneaking. Freaking sneaking. At least they did the obligatory "lost all your gear, got captured and now have to sneak out" part in the beginning of the game.

Drinking potions only when meditating. I could accept not getting yourself buffed in the heat of the battle, but having to watch Geralt kneel, drink, wipe his head and throw the bottle away every time I need to drink a cat potion in a dark tunnel? Bleh.

Monsters were little meh, but this was a problem in the first Witcher too. Just calling a harpy with a different name doesn't make it anything else than a harpy.

You know, dwarves. Because they are dwarves, they are supposed to carve into any big rock cities that don't make any sense. It's like in the Bible or something. A minor complaint, but the second chapter was a pain because I couldn't for the life of me learn to navigate in Vergen. The useless minimap and the slightly-less-useless big map didn't help.

Now call me weird, but: sex and swearing. I don't mind seeing boobs and I swear in real life as much as any Finn. But here? Made little sense, nothing they couldn't accomplish in similar fashion as in the first game. If I want to see boobs, I'm going outside. Whereas in the game it seemed to be more for shock value like: "LOOK! NAKED!!" Yeah, naked. I was born naked, take my daily showers naked, sleep naked...so freaking what?

The same with swearing: "Ooo, he said the F-word. Ooo, he said it again! Wow, now it was the S-word! Cool, bro!" There are situations where it's called for, but those situations don't feel like anything after the profanities are being heard in any other dialogue.

hehe great review man.

[Dowly]

If I want to see boobs, I'm going outside.

Really?! Where exactly do you live? I'm moving there! :rock:

[Hottentot]

Might add that the game just managed to crack me up (in a good way) by reminding just how clumsy game dialogues can be. Quotes from memory:

Geralt: [Explains vaguely something really plot related]
The Elf Dude: "I'm confused"
Geralt: [Explains what he means, because the dumb player, who was likely staring at the screenshot of naked Triss anyway, can't have grasped it on his own.]
The Elf Dude: "I'll kill that bitch!"

I nominate this for the literary genius award.

[Hottentot]

Really?! Where exactly do you live? I'm moving there! :rock:

Tampere is known as a leftist town isn't it? And the left have usually been somewhat more...morally relaxed. :03:

Come with earplugs, though, so you don't actually have to listen to them.

[Dowly]

Come with earplugs, though, so you don't actually have to listen to them.

:rotfl2:

[Arclight]

2.0 Patch, dl and changelog:

http://en.thewitcher.com/patch2/

Oh and it's on sale too.

[0rpheus]

2.0 Patch, dl and changelog:

http://en.thewitcher.com/patch2/

Oh and it's on sale too.

Yup, waiting for Steam to get its act together. :O:

Really loving this, perfect warm up for Skyrim. :D

[Castout]

My 2 favorite game developers are Bohemia Interactive and CD Projekt(Witcher 1 and 2)


They always offer TERRIFIC support. BI is still patching ArmA 2 :doh:, coming out with betas every week or so.

CD Projekt offer improved Witcher for free to their Witcher 2 buyers. :yeah:

[Drewcifer]

What difficulty do you guys play this game at?!

I swear normal is like hard for anyother game I spend so much time kiting and scampering for a tiny advantage to beat one guy... it makes you feel like Geralt is a big wimp.

I'm refering to the boss fight at I belive the end of act 1. Where you fight the assassin. That is just entirely too much work to beat a guy... and I played Dark Souls so I know what hard is.

There is just something about the normal difficulty of this game that just seems way to high I never not once feel like the Witcher is at all a badass... He is a wimp.

[Arclight]

Difficulty kinda scales backwards on this one. The beginning is tough as nails but it gets progressively easier as you become more powerfull.

Played it through at normal, trying on higher now but I keep getting distracted by other games.

[Arclight]

Enhanced edition is out: The Witcher 2 Is Now The Witcherest Of All (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/04/17/the-witcher-2-is-now-the-witcherest-of-all/)

[seaniam81]

I'm having huge problems getting the EE. It keeps telling me that the download isn't available and I have to restart. It's driving me nuts. Almost done bin file number 14. How many left?

[Arclight]

Greased Lightning: Witcher 2 Semi-Official Combat Mod Out (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/06/20/witcher-2-combat-mod/)

And it looks very fancy indeed.

CORE CHANGES
• Up to 80% increase in responsiveness per Geralt’s animations.
• Up to 50% increase in responsiveness per NPCs animations.
• Added strafing while being locked on an enemy and walking.
• Geralt can block while moving ( NEW ANIMATIONS ). Static Guard Stance is no longer required to parry enemy attacks.
• Geralt automatically parries enemy sword attacks and deflects incoming arrows. It doesn’t mean Geralt is invincible. It’s not a 100% chance to parry and the value is not constant. It changes depending on how many hits you block in a short time and from where does the hit land.
• Geralt and his attackers are no longer bouncing off parry. It allows to continue attack sequence.
• Monster attacks still cannot be parried with a sword.
• While using Guard Stance Geralt channels an active Quen shield.
• Above listed changes to defence mechanics decreased importance of rolling in combat.
ENEMIES
• Durability of enemies is based on their defensive skills and armor, not just high vitality.
• Mages and assassins don’t use duration based shields, instead they have a chance to block each attack seperately, including witcher Signs. This removes the duration godmode from enemies that forced player to run away.
• Letho and elite assassins will counterattack when player is relentlessly attacking them.
• Arachas and Endriaga Queens learn they should defend against sword attacks after receiving few hits.
• Removed knockdown effect from enemy swordsmen attacks.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
• Decreased the number of skills to ensure quality over quantity. Experience rewards and leveling were adjusted to current character development.
• Geralt now starts with core witcher skills already learned. No need to go through Training tree before unlocking other branches.
• Removed many passives from skill tree to replace them with more active abilities. Remaining passives are changed to make them more attractive.
• All skills now have one level ( previously 2 ).
• Aard and Igni Signs have been changed from projectile to cone area of effect.
• Riposte doesn’t require Guard Stance to activate, only attacking in a timed window.
• Changed riposte animations ( NEW ANIMATIONS, DUH ) to prevent Geralt from sliding on enemies.
• Experience points are given only for progressing through quests, not for killing enemies. This encourages role-playing without worrying about missing experience.
• Geralt no longer buys witcher specific recipies from random merchants. He recalls lost memories as a part of character development.
BALANCE
• Each enemy is balanced according to his constitution, combat skill, combat style, weapon and armor type. Following this pattern allowed to created consistent rules that every character follows. A barechested bandit won’t survive more hits than a knight in platemail just because the bandit was encountered later in game.
• Decreased the disproportion in stats between starting equipment and late game equipment.
• Changed Geralt’s starting equipment. He now carries core alchemical recipies and schematic for silver sword.
• Moved the weight of character power from equipment to character development. Learned skills should have as big impact on Geralt’s badass factor as items.
• Geralt’s armors are split into 4 categories: leather jackets, heavy leather jackets, combat jackets and heavy combat jackets. Heavier armors impose small damage penalty on Geralt. Players need to choose between max damage and protection.
• Items imported from The Witcher savegames are of the same quality as in the first game. An exceptional armor and weapon remains valuable. This makes the game easier, but it is an intentional reward.
• Set elixirs and oils duration to 1 hour.
• Added potion overdose and heavy overdose debuffs on toxicity thresholds 55 and 65.
• Removed Fatigue penalty that decreased sword damage and damage reduction on block when Vigor was spent on Signs or Parry. It discouraged some players from using Signs becaused it decreased Geralt’s sword DPS.
• NPCs deal full damage to other NPCs.
• Removed 50% Hit Points condition for throwing enemy off height with Aard.
• Decreased Riposte damage multiplier to 1.0, but added 30% enemy parry chance debuff.
• Riposte no longer costs Vigor.
• Silver throwing daggers are considered as silver weapons for damage calculations against monsters.
• Made range weapons ignore armors when calculating damage — armor penetration.
• Inceneration, Bleeding and Poisoning effects are allowed to be active at the same time.
• Made quest experience rewards more consistent. There are no longer any situations where player is rewarded with 50 experience points for one quests and 2000 for another.
• Made moral choices in quests equally rewarding in terms of experience and items. Players should be encouraged more to role-play instead of weighing quest rewards.
• Geralt gains knowledge about monsters faster.
• Changed rewards for gaining knowledge about monsters to monster specific oils for swords.
• Set minimal damage dealt by Geralt to zero ( was 5 ).
• Removed bonus damage for backstabs. Geralt is not parrying attacks coming from behind, so it is a penalty already. Backstab damage bonus would be an overkill. As for the the enemies, this change removes the urge for immersion breaking behavior, like constantly rolling behind an enemy for bonus damage.
• Changed arena item rewards for each wave to fit mod item progression.
• Decreased amount of enemies in few arena waves.
• Finally soaked boots in tutorial weigh more than dry boots!!
ECONOMY
• Moved DLC armors from starting equipment to quest rewards and shops.
• Decreased the number of armors and weapons present in game. Amount of equipment is adjusted to provide smoother item progression without making huge amount of items useless stat-wise.
• Weapons and armors that are present in the game were picked according to these rules: visual differentiation, witcher low level magic setting. Some items available in game assets but not used in original game were reintroduced.
• Moved more quality items from quest rewards to shops and distributed them among Chapters. Player should be encouraged to regulary spend money in shops.
• Decreased buying cost of swords and armors. Player should be able to buy items more often, not hoard money.
• Decreased amount of loot dropped from enemies.
• Removed some of the junk items from container definitions.
• Made vendors specialize in certain type of merchandize.
• Witcher specific recipies cannot be bought but also cannot be sold to merchants.
VISUALS
• Added Focused Combat Stance. Geralt enters focused state during challenging encounters. It’s a visual eyecandy, so it happens automatically based on calculated combat threat level.
• While in Focused Stance Geralt performs piruettes ( NEW ANIMATION ) instead of rolling and uses Guard Stance idle animation.
• Enemies explode when killed by mage spells. Does not apply to witcher Signs – they are not that powerful.
• Made finisher animations which use Signs unlocked by upgrading Aard and Igni in character development.
• Removed cutscene swords. Geralt will use his currently equipped sword in all cutscenes.
• Equipped enemies with swords according to their social status, wealth and current situation in the game. For example, soldiers patrolling areas near ghost fog in Act 2 are equipped with silver swords like the story suggests.
• Decreased camera shake effect used on each step of huge creatures like trolls and golems.
• Removed green cloud effect from enemy poisoning FX.
FIXES
• Tweaked anim events in all combat animations to improve timings and responsivness.
• Fixed sword oils not providing bonus damage against monsters.
• Fixed Circle of Power: Endurance giving Circle of Power: Vitality bonus.
• Fixed a bug where Geralt was always doing 2 more steps after roll before stopping.
OTHER
• Removed mashable quick time events. Single button QTEs that can end with player’s death can be disabled from game options.
• Decreased cooldown for returning to exploration after combat from 7 to 2 seconds. Geralt will be able to interact with environment quicker after combat.
• Removed necesity to enter meditation panel to learn new skills on difficulty levels above Normal.
• Changed item rarity names to reflect witcher’s low level magic setting. Items are no longer MAGICAL and EPIC.
• Decreased attacked enemy importance for targetting to make switching enemies easier.

http://redkit.cdprojektred.com/index.php?c=mod&m=show&p=77

[Cybermat47]

A Witcher II thread? All I have to say is this:

SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEX.

Not that I've actually played it, I just saw Angry Joe's review :)

EDIT: The post before mine is the interesting one.

[Arclight]

The Golden Joysicks are nearly here. They are not for plugging into your PCs, but for rewarding the year's best games and game creators. In addition, they are for the world first showing of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's opening cinematic. You can see the full thing on 24 October at 3:45pm BST, live on the Golden Joysticks Twitch channel. Before that, you can see this brief teaser, by casting your eyes slightly upwards and pressing play.http://www.pcgamer.com/watch-the-teaser-for-the-witcher-3-opening-cinematic-reveal/

[Dowly]

Happy Birthday to The Witcher! :woot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgqz8Je7P0s

[Dowly]

Just finished watching NoClip's 6 part documentary on CD Projekt RED and The Witcher (mostly W3). Definitely can recommend it. :up:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-THgg8QnvU6WuPJmh19U8cAFjzXHCgvk