The Witcher 2

The Witcher 2

The Witcher was a game that took me a couple tried to get into. It had a fighting system that took getting used to and not using the right enhancements and oils before a fight could make some fights near impossible to beat. Once I figured out the game though I absolutely loved it. I took time to look for crafting materials to make better blade coatings, to make better armour and potions.

The Witcher 2 changed the fighting system for the better I think. Instead of clicking the mouse then waiting for the prompt to click again to complete combos, you have a light attack and a heavy attack. You can block and parry as well. Another button will use one of your spells and another button will throw whatever other object you have selected.

You can easily switch between spells and throwable objects by holding the control button. Time will slow down while you select which spell to use and whether to use throwable daggers, bombs or drop a trap. Its pretty easy to use overall.

Like the first game, if you don't take time to do side quests to level up and upgrade your character, and if you don't take time to get better crafting materials to have people craft better amour and weapons for you then you will find lots of the battles pretty tough.

There are lots of returning characters and plenty of new ones to help flesh out the story and to tag along with Geralt to help him recover his memory. There is a part in the game where you are to make a decision about which direction to take in the story. I chose the path of following after Triss because to me it seemed more appropriate for the story, however I made a save before the option so I can go back and play through the section I miss for making the other choice.

In this game, Geralt is on the trail of a Kingslayer to clear his name after people accuse him of killing the King he failed to protect early in the game. Like the first game there are politics, personal relationships, side quests and lots of monster slaying.

The graphics have taken a nice upgrade as everything has great detail from castle walls, to the water, sky and characters. The different weapons you use like the steel sword and the silver swords as well as the different armours all have different and distinct looks to them.

Another thing the game has going for it is choice. There are many times where you choose how to solve an issue. Will you kill a troll that is causing trouble for the town or will you listen to people who sympathize with it and help the troll out so that he goes back to maintaining his bridge?

Will you side with the elves or with the humans? Will you kill the kingslayer or let him go on his way because you understand his reasons for what he did?

You get lots of choice in this game and you really can play it how you want. If you're wondering if you should play this game before starting The Witcher 3, I would personally say "yes" you should. I would even recommend playing through the first game as well because you will get a greater sense of the characters and the world that you are spending all this time in. Its very immersive.

CD Project Red delivered a great sequel, and they even delivered another enhanced edition for free, and its a game you can pick up on sale frequently for $5 or less. I'm looking forward to using my Witcher 2 save game and starting the Witcher 3.