The Witcher

I managed to get some tech support from Gamefly when I contacted them. It was successful and I managed to get the game installed. However, the problem is still there so I sent an email back saying it would be a good idea to add the tip that managed to help me to the faq for the game so that other buyers with the same issue wouldn't get all upset about not being able to get something they paid for.

Like I did.

Necro to ask about this game, what's it play like, whether it's recommendable, and such.

Well for starters, you can check out this page.

The first game plays like Neverwinter Nights 2 with added timed combo attacks and a darker fantasy feel(which makes sense because it's made on Bioware's Aurora engine, the same engine that NWN 2 was made on). I'd say it comes recommended, especially if your rig isn't good enough to properly run the second game.

edited 1st Sep '13 9:24:31 PM by Nettacki

Bumping after nearly a year because I just got this one, and I'm liking it so far. I'm only at the outskirts of Vizima, so I haven't run into too much of the stuff y'all were discussing, but my two cents:

• I like the controls for the first one, other than the dodging being a little unresponsive at times. I loved Prince of Persia the Two Thrones, and that had a QTE-option for quick-killing enemies. So the twitch fighting doesn't bother me. I'm enjoying it. I've found that you can target enemies before they charge you, and get in the first hit. If you keep the twitches going, you can keep them from hitting you before you kill them.

• The sex . . . As far as that goes, I'm not a good judge. The extent of my experience has been porn and playboy, so I don't have a good handle on what makes a mature handling of the subject. I will say that the three Romance Cards I've collected have suited the personalities of the partners involved quite well. Triss is a love interest, not just a one night stand, so her first card only showing the barest outline of her body works very nicely. Vesna has to pretend to be virtuous because she lives with her grandmother. Plus most of the time you see her is at work. However, she IS the one who suggested the abandoned mill, so she definitely has a sexual side hidden away. Her card? She bares her chest and legs, but those legs are crossed, showing you both her sexy side AND the fact that it has to stay hidden. Now, the third card is where things start getting silly, but it totally fits what we see of that character. She's some random blonde peasant who gives you a roll in the hay just because you gave her a flower. She doesn't even ask for pay, just a flower. Her card? She bares her chest and behind, and has a ladle of milk pouring down her breast. It's silly, but completely fits the spontaneously passionate, highly sexual creature we meet. So far I'm seeing them do wonderfully at capturing the spirits of the women Geralt gets to enjoy. Sorry for the long spoiler, I just didn't want to spoil things for those who are just getting into it too.

I bought it on the Steam Sale and liked it a lot. The graphics are a bit dated but it's still pretty functional, and though the combat is somewhat monotonous I liked it.

Good game, the combat feels a little more tactical and flexible than the sequel.

The first game's movements between blade styles was great and you felt more epic, in my opinion, than the Witcher 2's more dynamic combat - taking out a group of drowners with a group move was great.

Don't get me wrong, I love the sequel, but something about the witcher was just... fun.

The sex collector cards, well. Yeah they're objectifying and vaguely immature, but to be honest, it was portrayed exactly in line with Geralt from the books and took the place of an actual sex scene which would've come across as ham fisted (Aside from Chani and Triss' I mean) and most of them were optional. It's titillating mainly. It wasn't a draw for me, aside from unlocking as much story and sidequests as I could.

It'd be better if there was a game series that did something similar for the girls in the audience, for the sake of balance...

How far through are you now?

I took a break yesterday, and I've been getting into the latest patch of Dwarf Fortress, so it might be a bit before I go any further. I'll definitely keep up on the card collecting, considering I have yet to deal with one that didn't involve a quest of some kind to do something nice for the women involved. Sometimes it's even been a violent challenge instead of a collection quest, so it makes you feel like you've accomplished a small bit of good in the game's world.

Necromancy...please don't sic witcher-mods after me.

Started playing the game, late to the party as usual. Friends got me into the novels.

So, still early on, outskirts of Vizimia. I was wondering if there were any items in the game that were Vendor Trash. My inventory is full of booze, food, and monster chunks, and I have no idea what may be useful. Like, do I sell the food for cash, throw it at hungry people for gossip and clues, or eat it to regain health?

You can eat food to regain health but you need a lot of the alcohol and whatnot for crafting purposes.

Geralt of Rivia. Butcher of...Bel~whatever. Monster hunter. Dude who steals food from peasants to feed old crones to hear faerie tales.

THE WITCHER!

Blaviken.

IN A WORLD!!!...where water is more nourishing than beef...

Started this recently and am currently in the middle of chapter 1. I haven't played too many WRPGs, but it's fun so far. The combat is meh, but serviceable once you figure it out. Though I still haven't figured out how to parry. Any particular tips?

Which Witcher game are you playing? The first one? Or the second or third?

The first. Didn't think I could run the third on my laptop, but all the hype made me want to check out the series anyway (only costing like $2 helped as well).

You do not parry there. Instead it's timed hits. You parry automatically because it's a lot of dice-rolling.

So just worry about getting the right timing when the fire symbol pops up? That makes sense since that's what's gotten me this far at least.

Yeah, You're basically waiting for the sword icon to flash red, and click then if you want to do the best you can.

Also, don't forget about switching combat styles and also using potions and signs. That stuff is vital.

Combat positions and signs I've mostly got down, but potions are going to be an issue with my hoarder instincts (and I've never had an eye for crafting/alchemy anyway). Well, I'm sure I'll be able to figure out what's needed as long as I can find the right ingredients.

Any particular skills I should get or avoid?

edited 9th Apr '16 2:48:02 PM by Sterok

I don't really recall the level-up portion, but you will always have enough materials to make more potions, and they're vital when you're hunting stronger monsters, especially ones that give you a trophy. Get over your hoarding habit. As long as you have alcohol and the proper ingredients you can make as many potions as you want.

the combat always turned me off the original, though it is in dire need to a HD remake with the combat of the newer games, just so we can experience the story from one end to another...

Finally got back to this, now with the intent to beat it. Chapter 2 was a slog between the annoying swamp, confusing Vizima, and generally having a hard time figuring out where to go. But chapter 3 was perfectly fine, and I was enjoying the game again once I was consistently making progress on quests. Chapter 4 is keeping up the nice pace with having a good amount to do without being confusing. Main problem is inventory space. Annoying having to keep track of how much I can carry, and I think I'm running low on how much I can store are inns. Guess I'll have to dump all that extra food I've been storing for no particular reason.

I utterly hated the swamp in Witcher 1. A lot of my time was spent preparing for the stuff I had to deal with inside it.

Beat chapter 4. Sided with the Order. Not sure if I'm satisfied with that, but Siegfried has been a bro to Geralt, and Triss did tell me to firmly choose a side.

Beat the game. Chapter 5 and Epilogue were great, making up for the slog that was chapter 2. A few tough parts, but nothing a couple of potions couldn't handle. Story was nice with a decent number of twists. Alvin I kind of saw coming. Dandelion was the best. Are there any canon paths that lead into the sequels? Overall, a good RPG despite lacking in the moment to moment gameplay.