And Geralt dies.

I had hoped to escape on my own, but Geralt has to work with Roche in order to survive? If not, why the option? So, there is no neutral path in this game...

Because having your main character killed as a result of a dialogue was an "Oh shiiiiii--" moment for a lot of people. You have a lot of options the more you get into the game, but that isn't a point where you're in a position to do much.

You know, you also have the "choice" to let an enemy nekkar kill you. That doesn't mean its a good choice, or you should choose it. But if you do, well it is your choice...

Lets summarize something here, you are in a prison accused of murdering the king, and you PUNCH not just the only guy who cares about the truth, but who also is the commander of the Temerian special forces. What did you expect to happen? ;)

But Geralt is a badass witcher who is adept at hand to hand combat.

Vernon Roche defines the word bad-ass though

I laughed at it personally

Clearly its there for all those who want to act and think like they can do anything and there will be no concequences (acting evil prick in any Bioware game for example).

I look at it as early game warning to those kind of players as a message that they do have to work with others and use their brains rather then just hack and slash mindlessly through every encounter!

I gotta admit, im interested to hear how punching Roche in the face and refusing his help makes you neutral... not really grasping that assumption you leaping to there!

When you're a dick to everyone, no one wants you to take their side. Boom, instant neutrality!

yep. revolutionary stuff. i saw it also as a big fuck you to any prick who thinks he can still make stupid choices in the game and simply walk off with a grin on his face. nope, choices have consequences, that's what witcher 2 has taught us. time to say goodbye to bioware and company and welcome the new king of rpg.

Love it!

I never tried this, I think that sounds awesome. A lot of games, it is assumed that all dialogue options lead to the same result, that the choices are for mere flavor. (unless it's explicitly framed as a choice between two things) and as a result people put little thought into what they say, just mindlessly clicking away till the dialogue comes to an end. The paragon/renegade thing in Mass Effect led you to consider your character motivations, but the end result was generally the same, your progressed, just in a different way. This is there to show people that dialogue choices can have serious effects. Generally, they are not as severe as death, but... It's a heads up to pay attention and that being a complete asshole in the game will not get you very far.

ROFL, ummm being a dick and no one supporting you doesnt make you neutral

it makes you a dick

Not the same thing

I mean, again, show me where its written to be neutral means your a dick and abuse people cause im very well read and never heard that definition of neutrality!

Off topic: This sounds like something Cave Johnson would say.

On topic: I laughed so hard when THAT just happened

You get a similar outcome in Act 2 with Iorveth.