There are different reasons why you want or bought this game. First: Because you played The Witcher. Compared to it there are some improvements like a way more flexible battle system, a better organization of the inventory, better graphics and animations. On the other hand, the characters and quests are often more superficial than the ones you find in the first game and the general atmosphere is brighter and happier too. Also, for me, The Witcher 2 is too short, while you had 5 acts in The Witcher 1 you only have 3 in the second, leaving you with the desire for more. The side quests are few and there isnt much good old monster hunting. Though I strongly believe that CDProjekt (unlike other developers) will add a lot of missions and plots as DLC's in the future (thats why I give it 5 stars and not 4). The is also a rumour about an expansion. Second: If you haven't played the first Witcher and this is your first you will find a kind of rpg which is pretty different from The Elder Scrolls, Dragon Age or others. You decissions in the plot have a deep and sometimes disgusting effect in the future. The battles can be pretty challenging at first but are beautiful to watch. You use alchemy to enhance your abilities and you can craft armor, weapons and more. And the graphics are the best for now in a rpg. You will want to replay the game at least once. Third: If you read the books and/or the story of The Witcher 1 you will notice that Geralt has quite left the path of a monster slayer. Thus, the name The Assassins of Kings is well chosen for the game, due the fact that almost everything in the plot is about politics. Conclusion: The Witcher 2 has a lot of technical improvements but also lacks the details of cruelty, dirt and uglyness in quests, conversations and happenings which give The Witcher 1 a darker atmosphere. Don't bother though: Buy both games, for they are epic games and you will not regret it.
