Witcher 2 "Assassins of Kings" Xbox 360 Game Review Summary

Hi Alf The Helper here!!  :)

...unfortunately mr.Elderly is too busy at present getting to grips with the Witcher 2 control system to blog himself.  In fact between you and me, his game tutorial retention was so bad the game started him on Easy mode.. hee hee...!

Okay first off, the bits you already know, Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings is a third person non-linear RPG based on a series of books by Polish fantasy writer Andrzej Sapkowski.

And it's for Adults... containing as it does, "very strong language, strong sex (I have no idea what that means) and bloody violence".  As described in mr.Elderly's earlier post, the game comes in two shades Enhanced and Dark Editions, with the Dark Edition amongst other extras including a very cool wolf medallion.

Elderly: Whadda doing.. I can't be dead!! I annointed my bloody blade!!!..

Sorry just a second....

(Alf closes the door to the elderly gamer's room...)

Originally a hit on PC, Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings is actually the second instalment in the RPG saga about the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia. (that be him above).  Indeed some of you may even remember the 2001 film The Hexer again based on the antics of our hero.

What it says on the tin
"The game features an original, brutal combat system that uniquely combines tactical elements with dynamic action. A new, modern game engine, responsible for beautiful visuals and sophisticated game mechanics puts players in the most lively and believable world ever created in an RPG game."

The Plot
You play as Geralt Rivia one of the few remaing Witchers.  Witchers are essentially monster hunters for hire, master swordsmen, possessing (with the help of the odd herb, brew and incantation) superhuman abilities.
A sumptous opening fmv, precedes a brief but weighty tutorial which introduces you to the game mechanics, following a trial to test your newly learned skills, the game sets it's difficulty level based on how well you did.  Following a strange dream you awake to find yourself chained in a prison facing an interrogation, there then follows a thoroughly engaging romp across two discs with many different paths and storylines, along with multiple endings.

With 42 critic reviews in so far, Metacritic have awarded the game a magnificent 90% But is it all that?
Quotes of the Bunch:

"makes Skyrim look like something you'd find in the Early Learning Centre"
Bickle77


 "...characters that have a depth and complexity that makes them really come to life..."
Games from the Void

Reviews Summary:
Treats sex like a mature theme and not a juvenile goal. It's not to be missed.
One of the few adult video games that doesn't feel like it was made purely for teenagers.
One of the most engaging and immersive games of this console generation.
An unforgiving and challenging RPG, refreshment amongst a market of identikit RPG's afraid to take risks

The best fantasy RPG on Xbox 360.

The Witcher 2 is a tough game, no doubt. Dare I say it, too tough.

The pros more than outweigh the cons.

A steep learning curve that is not for the uninitiated or faint of heart.

The Witcher 2 on the X360 is a masterpiece.

Most crucially, the journey is worth every minute of effort

Official Website

So there we have it, a masterpiece RPG for adults.....

  

Elderly: Godammmtttt.... who designed the interface... it's wrecking my head.. I'm starting again...

....with a steep learning curve, and ...

Elderly: Alf!!! get in here, I was nearly through the trebuchet scene and they go and launch another wave... damitt I'll beat this if it kills me!!!!


..a rich and colourful backstory and characters...


Thank you for listening :)

(Alf The Helper, is new to the game blogging scene, an orphan, left behind by a group of blog decorators he was later adopted by the Elderly Gamer.  To date he has made some stunning avatars and written some essential pieces on the Elderly Gamer.  Alf is currently paid very little for his sterling work, and is looking for anyone who will put his considerable skills to use.... for a living wage )