CharlesGrey: Opinions vary, but to me the combat system of the first Witcher game is just about its worst feature. I think the combat in the second game is a vast improvement, with a much more intense and direct feel to it. It does however feel more like Action-Adventure style combat, I suppose, rather than traditional RPG combat, so that's probably why some people didn't like it.
toxicTom: I really liked the combat system of the first game with the different styles and finding/keeping the right rhythm. I have a lot of problems with the controls in the second game - but maybe I'm just getting old and slow ;-).
I would have been fine with a more traditional turn-based system, but Witcher 1 had that weird blend of real-time and turn-based, or rather... delayed real-time combat? It just felt awkward to me. Didn't like it when I first started playing it, and never really warmed up to it. Didn't help that the game is overall not as polished as its sequel. Many of the animations feel choppy or "floaty", and there's no real sense of impact as you hit opponents.
The different combat styles for different types of opponents were interesting, though. Maybe they'll bring some of that back for the new game?
