[mothra]

hi, long time no see.
I did not post any review of the witcher 2 yet because I have not played it often enough to give a definitive answer.
I "only" played it 4 times and still have not seen all possible story permutations.
Sure, I did some reloads but if you wanna go all the way you have to start a new game.
I already plan a few lengthy new sessions after the 2.0 version hits. but in the end, as all of the above show:
it captivated me enough to replay it.
Corylea noticed that the characters are all business and some of the off-banter was missing, making some of the
characters seem shallow which I can agree with. But I am impressed by the atmosphere, locations and the turns the
story take. I love that there is no "clear" climax, that there is much open for TW3, Geralt's past really takes center
and the political turmoil is just mind-boggling. Nobody can stay clean and emerge victorious, it is cutthroat-
backstabbing hell and the only advantage Geralt has are his knowledge and skills. The villain is just another villain
and the ending gives you the option to express your feelings in numerous ways, not only in the fight with Letho but in
all events leading up to it. I love, love, love what they have done with the different "paths" and both give you
memorable setpieces and insights to the overall story. I know I love Bergen more because of its cozy atmosphere and
its lovely inhabitants but I equally love the military camp and the re-enactment of the curse.
I like the new combat system more although it seems a little inaccurate and clunky and with the right powers
unlocked totally overpowered. I certainly do NOT like the alchemy changes, being: you have to drink before the fight.
Well, what fight ?
Which potion should I use ?
you do NOT know unless you already played the game which defeats the purpose.
when you enter the woods you can encounter insectoids, humans, elfs, nekkers, drowners...that's just stupid.
I would have altered quen to a defensive stance for a short time where you can cancel and apply different potions
midfight with a long cooldown. Meditation is for level up and learn new monster lore, meaning read a book gives you
tactics but fight monsters + meditate gives you bonuses like more damage/resist, whatever. But those are all minor
gripes, I was in there for the story and what a ride it was:
Eyes get gouged out, women get raped, mobs kill nobility, kinky sorceresses double-cross each other,
massriots break out, a vast field of fighting spectres has been crossed in a mind-boggling setpiece,
quiet moments have been found in taverns or random encounters along the way and Geralt is looking up the high hill he has to climb and sees the broken pieces of his past come tumbling down towards him like they want to bury him again
and this time for good.
EPIC

PS: oops, I wanted this to add to another thread but seem to have started a new one, my apologies.

This post has been edited by mothra: 26.09.2011 @ 15:26

[fchopin]

Welcome back.

I haven't posted a review yet either but will do eventually. I played the game 6 times so far and waiting for 2.0.

[dmcaldw]

Welcome back .
Good review I agree but I think the best review is the number of times you have already played it . How many games do people play more than once especially close together replays ?

I am on 7th or 8th time losing track the quirks have been very easy to over look .

[mothra]

I am counting the hours to 2.0
and I am crossing my fingers that the xbox version will sell well,
more money to CDPR so they can continue to give away free stuff.

but like mentioned, I must love the game, I think the only game I can really rate it against
is TheWitcher 1 and that is why I am still torn and have to play on. Is it better than TW1 ?
Maybe in a different way, it is not clear cut in a very witchery way.

[Seeker]

Welcome Back Mothra it been a long time
nice review
I also look forward in reading yours as well fchopin

[slimgrin]

I agree with most points Mothra, except your take on Alchemy. In TW1, we still had to commit to drinking a certain potion without knowing what we were getting into. We could surmise, but if we got it wrong we had to find somewhere to meditate or use another potion to erase the toxicity. It's pretty much the same in TW2. We have to make an educated guess on what we'll be encountering, and if its wrong, well, we've learned. This seems more realistic to me. Also, in both games sometimes you can see the enemy type in the distance and prepare accordingly.

What I don't like is having to sit through the meditation cut scene. I use alchemy a lot, and it just gets old.

[mothra]

that is true, but I was a min-maxing like crazy in TW1. I had more fun with alchemy in TW1
Meaning: take the highest tox potions - meditate 1-2h -> that means I have their effect still active but the tox is
almost gone. then take the normal potions (like swallow/tawny oil), put some oil on my sword and off I go.
If I encountered special monsters or my potions ran out I used an upgraded quen to drink during the fight.
One playthrough of TW1 was totally, completely, constantly drunk - I loved it
That are some of the combinations I am missing. In TW2 I just did not take any potions at all besides the most basic
stuff since the combat system was pretty OP. The moment heliotrope AND adrenaline trigger almost constantly you are god.
I killed the Draug in 30 seconds on Hard (holy sh*t that boss looked awesome).
Yeah, they could have just removed Alchemy from Meditation, meaning you can drink when you want except fights
but if you want to get rid of your tox then you have to meditate or use a cancelling potion.
That would have been a nice compromise for gameplay reasons. Scrolling info for herbs was annoying and the
Alchemy tab picking herbs for you as well but these are minor nitpicks.
What I did not like was the frequency the game throwed super-swords and armors at you in LocMuine.
They could have spread that out more over the game. But with the new dark mode sets for each Act that will be rectified.
So good job, CDPR. I want to buy more games from you.