Wicther 2 play through help

[agnes]

So, because I never really bothered with the first, and because I didn't realise you needed a PC built by NASA to run #2 with Ubersampling, thus making me regret spending money on it. Until yesterday I saw in a review they turned this feature and only this feature off with everything else at ultra. Allowing my 670 to make mince meat of this!

I have not got much Wicther experience under my belt! I would much prefer to play this type of game on the 50" plasma with a 360 controller, which is good on the PC version as it does change the buttons over and give some decent guidance on the tutorial.

Good job devs! This is what I like to see!

However, the game play it's self, what sort of RPG is this like, I can't see it as a RPG in my eyes, and I am a HUGE RPG fan... It feels sort of like a DA RPG, however, only me to control...

Basically, anyone got any links to a decent starter guide that explains what I should be focusing on and such, not just how to navigate the menu options.

Finally, how long is this game?

 

[ColdAsIce]

The Witcher 2 is quite short, there is also a TV mod you can download from Witcher Nexsus, so you can see the inventory and options easier on your TV.

Don't worry that the game is a sequel, the story is pretty much a separate entity, just soak yourself up in the story and make the choices that feel right for your play through. There are two separate paths so you won't be able to see the whole game in one play through.

Remember Silver Sword for killing Monsters and Steel Sword for killing Humans. Don't focus on the potions on your first play through and instead focus on the magic. This will make your 1st play through a much easier experience

 

[agnes]

Ah, yes, magic. Now what? Why have I been given a ton of magic to start with? What sort of progression is there? Different armors? Different play styles? Or is it always hacking with a sword?

Good tip on the potions, you make it sound like I will want to play through again so that gives me some confidence haha.

TV mod? Will check it out now

 

[Parky]

You get different armor and weapons that increase in damage and protection, but also start to add new effects and have upgrade slots that can add a variety of effects.

When you start to level up you'll be greeted by four different skill trees, one that you have to progress through for a while which gives a bit more health and magic, then you can move to the other three which focus on swordplay, magic, and potion making.

The magic skill tree increase damage, duration of spells, gives you more magic slots etc. After a while some of your spells become extremely powerful and useful, the best being the sign which adds protection (can't remember the sign).

If you go down the sword play path you do more damage, you can start to attack multiple enemies, you can dodge and block without using stamina and some other added effects like bleeding damage I think.

As mentioned I would stay away from the Alchemy skill tree until another play through, although it can be extremely powerful, you have to know what you're doing from the start and you set yourself up for a harder play through if you don't.

In my first play through I focused mostly on the magic skill tree, mainly upgrading the protection sign, then I used the skill to hit multiple enemies in the sword skill tree. I was a walking tank by the end of the game. However I've seen people on youtube who focused entirely on one skill tree and could dish out tonnes of damage as well.

Just upgrade what you think you will use the most, but avoid trying to fill up all of the skill trees.

 

[Pestilence]

So, because I never really bothered with the first, and because I didn't realise you needed a PC built by NASA to run #2 with Ubersampling, thus making me regret spending money on it. Until yesterday I saw in a review they turned this feature and only this feature off with everything else at ultra. Allowing my 670 to make mince meat of this!

I have not got much Wicther experience under my belt! I would much prefer to play this type of game on the 50" plasma with a 360 controller, which is good on the PC version as it does change the buttons over and give some decent guidance on the tutorial.

Good job devs! This is what I like to see!

However, the game play it's self, what sort of RPG is this like, I can't see it as a RPG in my eyes, and I am a HUGE RPG fan... It feels sort of like a DA RPG, however, only me to control...

Basically, anyone got any links to a decent starter guide that explains what I should be focusing on and such, not just how to navigate the menu options.

Finally, how long is this game?

It's deceptively long, for the first two acts anyway, as long as you don't skip too many side quests.

Which is my best piece of advice... do the side quests! Take up all the monster hunting quests you can get, and complete them. You'll need the experience points if you don't want to get hugely frustrated.

The RPG stuff will come gradually, as you're forced to make choices in various quests and the main storyline. In fact, a major choice changes the entire second act of the game depending on which way you decide to sway.

Pay attention to your equipped weapons, armour and trophies. You'll likely loot better stuff and not even know it until you're having a random scan through your inventory. The gameplay and story is so good that you're mostly captivated by it and totally forget to make sure you're well kitted out.

Also be sure to pick up pretty much all of the plants and various ingredients you come across, and regularly top up your potions and bombs by meditating and going to the crafting window. Also be aware that you cannot use potions while in combat... so if you're entering what you think may be a dodgy area (caves especially... Nekkers and Rotfiends are NOT nice encounters in the early game) make sure you meditate and swallow (pun intended) a couple of potions.

Most of all, don't go attack mad -- launching into combos willy-nilly will get you killed. Fast. Hit and run tactics are a must, as well as regular use of signs. Aard will get you through most encounters. I usually level that up pretty early to get the extra stun/crit chance.

 

[Narj]

Aard, Quen and Igni were mapped to buttons on my mouse as I used them so frequently. MMB for Aard and side trigger for Quen is very handy in combat IMO.