Different, in a mostly good way.

User Rating: 9.5 | The Witcher PC
The Witcher is as solid of an RPG that has come out in a while.

As with many Euro based RPG's your character is more focused (re pregenerated) and there is a railroading feel to character development. You will get all the same talents and skills (for the most part) it is just a matter of time and sequence. To the American role player this is a turn off, but the story is so solid and focused on Geralt that what I normally find as a flaw is largely rendered moot.

There is certainly a great deal of moral ambuguity in the game and the role playing angle is perhaps a little more nuanced than some other RPG's. There are big decisions to be made, but also some small and amusing ones. Try inviting Carmen to the get together for old friends and you will see.

Combat is different, it almost plays out like a rythum game than a click fest or click once model. There are three attack styles (fast, group and strong) each with associated skills to make Geralt more deadly. Additionally combat against humans and monsters are also different styles, so skills are split amongst six styles. Attacks start small and build up with chained attacks. When the swords starts burning you need to click in a timely manner or the chain is broken. As you gain in levels and get used to the timing combat can be impressive and rewarding.

Skills are all nearly combat related (spells and weaposn) anything else is done by buying, stealing or earning books. Which in terms of direct game play equate to potion ingredients, potions and quests. You will be perpetually nickled and dimed buying books to gain knowledge to complete quests to get money for buying books. But don't expect Geralt to be a thief or a bard. He is a randy killing machine it is mostly an issue of what kind.

Quests are a mixed bag. While there seems to be a lot of them, many are related and dove tail together. There might be an initial panic. but for the most part explore, talk and read carefully and it is less daunting.

The interface has some issues and it is mostly an annoyance. but in combat sometimes it is not quite as reactive to clicks as I would like. Also the inventory system is horrendous. it is literally a four bins of stuff and there are some stacking issues. Luckily there is not a ton of loot to get in the game, but you will be goign to the inn to drop stuff off or to a merchant to sell stuff fairly often.

Luckily a lot of inventory is taken up by potion components. Potions (especially on harder levels) are critical to the game and give Geralt an edge. There are only so many to take however as potions are toxic. Potions are more effects over time than instant gratification. While this is completely an homage to Ultima IV, making potions is simple. Potions you can make are listed and if you have the ingredients the game choses the herbs or monster parts.

The Wicther is an adult fantasy. While the US version is slightyl sanitized (i.e. no nudity) the Euro version is not. I would recommend the Europ version, because even self censoring for the uS market is a bit of a slippery slope. Gerald likes the ladies, but witchers are sterile and immune to discease... so why not have a bit of fun? But beyond the sexual nature of the setting, the plot is morally ambiguous and you will have to make soem unpleasant decisions. You do have to chose sides and sometimes that side is the one who is less evil.

Good:
A very solid plot and a world that feels lived in
An adult fantasy story (more so for the uncensored version)
Solid graphics, especially combat animations
Reasonable system reqs
A different and rewarding combat system
Greed is largely mitigated in the game

Bad
Repediitve NPC graphics, very few character models
Uneven voice talent
Some interface issues (ie click and the game does not respond)
An inventory system that would be archaic ten years ago.
Limited character building choices
Not a ton of loot