The Witcher: Enhanced Edition

The game takes a while to get going, but when it does get going it keeps getting better. This is clear in the combat, at first it's very awkward but by the end of the game when you are used to it and there are more moves unlocked it can be a lot of fun. It took me more then 3 years to actually get the motivation to attempt to finish it, because I kept getting detracted. I'm glad I took the time to finish it this time, now it's one of my favorite games. It is also clear that the developers were motivated to make this game as good as they could at the time with the release of the enhanced edition. They took the time to continue development of the game for a year after the initial release. They listened to the players and made changes that players wanted. I've never heard of another developer going to these lengths to improve a game. This was a release from a small unknown developer that showed that dedication to quality can pay off in the long run.

When I first heard of this game, I nearly creamed my pants. The only thing preventing me from requiring a new pair of underwear was the fact that I didn't own a machine that could run this game. I had a REALLY old laptop, but that was it. Once I got this computer I'm currently on, among the first games I bought for it was this one. I want to start off by saying that I absolutely loved The Witcher Saga. It's the reason I even purchased this game. Now, onto the game itself. The game gave me mixed feelings. I was at first disappointed by the combat, assuming it would be more technical, and would have more free range (as in you have to actual aim your weapon). I was a little upset about it, but then I got a hang of the combat system, and it wasn't so bad. The sword wasn't all that fun, but not bad. You often at times have to use alchemy to defeat your opponents, weak enemies aside (drowners). You learn about the monsters you will have to face through books, and the accounts of others who have faced them. It really gives you a sense of how a witcher prepares for a fight. He must learn about his enemy to survive and complete the contract. This felt synchronized with what the author of the books was trying to address in the books. Preparation is the most important part of a witcher's work. The spell, and sword system left me disappointed. The separate styles and such was a fantastic touch, but it just wasn't what I had expected. I could simply click away with most monsters and win. The attacking while the sword icon is flaming was interesting, but you get into the groove of things, and it is no longer challenging. Click, click, click. The sounds were just top notch. The music was really enjoyable. It really helps to immerse the player in this world. The voice acting was good, though some of the voices weren't all that appealing, and they did reuse the same voice actors quite often. However, it didn't disappoint in this respect. The story delivered the Witcher experience I craved. Though not as good as reading a book, it was nonetheless good. Despite the fact that this game delivered in most respects, I couldn't enjoy the combat. It was very dull to me, and I was never excited. It could even be a little frustrating at times. I can get a great story from a book, I can get great voice acting from an animated show, but when I play a game I want good game play. That comes above all else in a game. So long as the story isn't complete a complete work of a dullard, I will enjoy it. The game play isn't "bad". That much is readily apparent by how well this game has been received by the gaming community, and I hope it encourages others to read the novels that I love so dearly. However, it just wasn't meant for me. This is my fault. I would have benefited greatly from watching some game play on Youtube or something. Get it if you demand excellent story and music from a game. However, if you want a hack 'n slash like Fable, or a more technical and free ranged sword play like TES, then maybe you ought to look else where. To all that get it, I hope you read the books. They are wonderful.

I'd assume that this game got most of its attention after the release of Witcher 3, at a time where the majority of people are used to different standards. It's not a secret that the first game in the series didn't age to well in certain areas (namely the combat system) but in all honesty, the story is definitely worth putting yourself through it. Just this once, overcome your pride and turn down the difficulty to the lowest level, it will be a better experience that way.

I didn't find anything really amazing about this game. The combat is primitive, relatively easy and lacking any depth. It's basically a click -QTE fest with no variety and the fire spell is ridiculously overpowered. The story is all right with few interesting moments, but in the end it becomes too predictable. The role-playing elements are kind of there, but won't blow you away with originality(2% to this, 5% to that, etc) and I really doubt, if they affect the gameplay in some meaningful manner. The characters Geralt(you) meets are mostly annoying and shallow. Also having some open-world areas is great, but going from one location to another usually takes huge amounts of time and will bore you to death. Basically, the only really good features this game has to offer is the alchemy (very detailed and interesting), the choices (including shaping Geralt's character and affecting his views), great design and graphics. Some quest are fun, too(but most of them- good,old fetch quests). The world seems interesting for some time, borrowing many elements from Eastern European lore, until you realize, that you are stuck in one city(Vizima) and its surroundings. In short, It is not really terrible, in fact it is an an all right game, but the main reason it got all this "RPG of the year" awards is simple: lack of any decent rivals on PC in 2007 (except for Jade Empire maybe). It's probavly worth playing once, although you"ll hardly want to replay it again.

Just be sure your machine can take it. This game has wholly modern looks, but the system performance requirements really are a world apart from the games on offer at GOG. The effects and environs are well worth it, however. Combat can get tough, too, if you do not pay attention to creature strengths and weaknesses. Other than that, it is worth it. Very good RPG with a no-nonsense hero, set in an unforgiving, cruel world, full of both love and hatred, enhanced with a touch of horror atmosphere. Sapkowski, the author of the Witcher series, is an accomplished fantasy writer, and the whole game surpasses your average "kill the beast, take the loot, fondle the princess" scheme, even though all of killing, looting and fondling are present.