gaming Should I buy the Witcher?

[Steel Accord 6,660]

So I could use some advice. I'm considering getting into the Witcher series, but I have to ask is it worth the purchase price on steam? And also, can I get away with skipping the first game?

[Dark Horse 12,962]

By this are you referring to the Witcher 2 or 3? Or both perhaps? You can easily get away with skipping the first game. In fact most people have actually started with Witcher 2, myself included, thanks to its release on consoles whereas Witcher 1 was PC exclusive. It is not a direct continuation on Witcher 1's story.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

By this are you referring to the Witcher 2 or 3? Or both perhaps? You can easily get away with skipping the first game. In fact most people have actually started with Witcher 2, myself included, thanks to its release on consoles whereas Witcher 1 was PC exclusive. It is not a direct continuation on Witcher 1's story.

 

I was asking if I could skip the first time and just get into the game with the Witcher 2. Tell me, is the appraisal around it true? If you were called upon to describe the tone of the story in a few sentences, how would you describe it?

[Dark Horse 12,962]

Ah, I see. Well then yes, you certainly could.

 

Hmm... the thing I love most about the Witcher's story is that it places a heavy emphasis on morality and consequences of actions right from the off. It's a game I feel that really makes you pay attention to what you have learned and experienced through interaction with others, because at numerous points you will be faced with making choices which have morally difficult outcomes, especially when it comes to discrimination between the various species of the world. Sometimes what would seem like the right thing to do at first glance may suddenly have much more sinister implications if you have taken the time to dig deeper. The game doesn't hold your hand or make it easy to distinguish this either. It's actually quite easy to make a mistake if you're reckless or impatient, and the plot will punish you for that when it comes to the fate of certain characters.

 

In short, the world of Witcher is a morally and politically complicated place. You have to pay attention to it. It wants you to understand just how it works.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Ah, I see. Well then yes, you certainly could.

 

Hmm... the thing I love most about the Witcher's story is that it places a heavy emphasis on morality and consequences of actions right from the off. It's a game I feel that really makes you pay attention to what you have learned and experienced through interaction with others, because at numerous points you will be faced with making choices which have morally difficult outcomes, especially when it comes to discrimination between the various species of the world. Sometimes what would seem like the right thing to do at first glance may suddenly have much more sinister implications if you have taken the time to dig deeper. The game doesn't hold your hand or make it easy to distinguish this either. It's actually quite easy to make a mistake if you're reckless or impatient, and the plot will punish you for that when it comes to the fate of certain characters.

 

In short, the world of Witcher is a morally and politically complicated place. You have to pay attention to it. It wants you to understand just how it works.

 

Does it reward that discretion and discipline though? Can the world ultimately be saved? I ask only because I've heard the series compared to Game of Thrones and I don't want to slog through a journey that ultimately punishes heroes. (And I mean real heroes not "do-gooders.")

Edited January 12, 2016 by Steel Accord

[Dark Horse 12,962]

Does it reward that discretion and discipline though? Can the world ultimately be saved? I ask only because I've heard the series compared to Game of Thrones and I don't want to slog through a journey that ultimately punishes heroes. (And I mean real heroes not "do-gooders.")

 

As I said, if you take the time to delve in and uncover the often bigger pictures of a situation, you will generally be able to come out with a more optimal solution. The game rewards you for your time and effort. I wouldn't really compare it to Game of Thrones myself personally. It still is a bit "gray" in a number of areas, but nowhere near to the level of Thrones, at least in my opinion. If you work towards it you can certainly give Geralt his 'Golden' ending, though certain consequences are unavoidable as it leads into the plot of Witcher 3.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

As I said, if you take the time to delve in and uncover the often bigger pictures of a situation, you will generally be able to come out with a more optimal solution. The game rewards you for your time and effort. I wouldn't really compare it to Game of Thrones myself personally. It still is a bit "gray" in a number of areas, but nowhere near to the level of Thrones, at least in my opinion. If you work towards it you can certainly give Geralt his 'Golden' ending, though certain consequences are unavoidable as it leads into the plot of Witcher 3.

 

Thank you, last but not least how's the combat? I've heard some say it's tedious and annoying.

[Aladdin Mane 17]

You could probably skip 1 but there's little reason to. Graphically, it's quite flawed but otherwise stands the test of time.

And 1 has three different possible endings. Not sure about the rest. But I'd assume they have the same, with at least one ending per each being the coveted 'save the world' option.

 

1 also has what the game calls "romance cards", which are basically just the Witcher version of Playboy. You get them for making choices that lead to Geralt screwing somebody. Witchers are both sterile and immune to disease and take great advantage of this. Some found this mechanic outright offensive. I didn't (in fact, I spent my first hour tracking down de-censoring patches because America is stupid) but hey.

The morality system is rather more realistic than usual, less binary and with more complex, delayed consequences. In Infamous, you steal something, your meter shifts a little toward 'evil'. In the Witcher, it's more interesting (spoiler for the first 'moral' choice):

One of the first big moral choices comes when doing errands for this aristocratic dipstick in exchange for entry into a quarantined city. Somebody's been stealing his goods so he assigns you as an overnight guard. A group of bandits belonging to a racist (anti-human) organization come to raid for medical supplies. Yeah, it's theft, but they've got people dying. And humans suck in this world anyway - they certainly don't like you.

I let them take the supplies myself. The guy got upset but I still managed a way into the city. Figured that was the end of it.
About an hour spent in the city, I find I have need of a particular citizen's aid. I go to his house. Place is trashed. Nobody home.
Turns out he was framed and arrested for the theft of those supplies.

The combat is interesting. You have three styles - strong (for brute force), fast (for agile enemies) and group (for when you're surrounded). You get a steel sword good for killing humanoid types. Silver for monsters. A variety of oils and grindstones can be used on either blade to grant various benefits (I.E., necrophage oil makes it more powerful against undead/phantom things). Attacks operate on specific timing rather than an Elder Scrolls press-button-repeatedly-until-it's-dead mechanic. An icon can be turned on to aid in timing. You can also alter the camera angle, options including a camera more akin to third-person adventure games, or another more akin to Diablo, sort of an angled top-down affair.

On blade enhancements: They're not really needed. The game's combat is not greatly balanced or difficult. But there is a combat overhaul mod that will change this if you like. For example: Base game - You don't really need necrophage oil to kill undead things. But it adds damage, making it faster. Combat Mod - You do not stand a chance against them without it. All the combat extras, the oils, the potions, alchemy...Basically the prep stuff and strategery...Become much more necessary with the mod. Not really necessary at all without. So if you want a challenge of any level, mod it. Just want to see the game through, go vanilla.

There are also various potions and such to buff yourself up for combat. You can even get optional perks (there is an extensive perk tree) that allow you to take/do more damage while drunk. Fighting drunk though...Oi, it's a challenge. XD

Edited January 13, 2016 by Aladdin Mane

[Steel Accord 6,660]

 

 

(in fact, I spent my first hour tracking down de-censoring patches because America is stupid) but hey.

 

And like that you've lost me.  

 

 

On blade enhancements: They're not really needed. The game's combat is not greatly balanced or difficult. But there is a combat overhaul mod that will change this if you like. For example: Base game - You don't really need necrophage oil to kill undead things. But it adds damage, making it faster. Combat Mod - You do not stand a chance against them without it. All the combat extras, the oils, the potions, alchemy...Basically the prep stuff and strategery...Become much more necessary with the mod. Not really necessary at all without. So if you want a challenge of any level, mod it. Just want to see the game through, go vanilla.

 

I'm not looking for challenge. Quite the opposite. My impression was the combat mechanics being so arduous and difficult to learn that combat is too hard for some. 

[Aladdin Mane 17]

And like that you've lost me.  

 

 

 

I'm not looking for challenge. Quite the opposite. My impression was the combat mechanics being so arduous and difficult to learn that combat is too hard for some. 

The mechanics are "change your style depending on the enemy type" and "click when the timing icon says to click" (granted, you can choose to disable the icon and just go off of visual-audio cues). Anybody who ever found that difficult...Well, yikes. XP

Edited January 13, 2016 by Aladdin Mane

[Steel Accord 6,660]

The mechanics are "change your style depending on the enemy type" and "click when the timing icon says to click" (granted, you can choose to disable the icon and just go off of visual-audio cues). Anybody who ever found that difficult...Well, yikes. XP

 

Okay, if it's nothing as extreme as say Dark Souls is reportedly, than I can handle it.

[Aladdin Mane 17]

Okay, if it's nothing as extreme as say Dark Souls is reportedly, than I can handle it.

Nothing is as extreme as the Souls games. Except perhaps Dwarf Fortress, where a badger can bite off your ear.

[Grtxkkyz 388]

Of course! But that depends on which title is the one you're most interested in

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Of course! But that depends on which title is the one you're most interested in

 

Well I'm looking to get into the series as a whole, I was just trying to save some money if I could by skipping the first if it wasn't necessary.

[El Duderino 879]

If you are not sure about getting them, then wait until they are sale. Steam will eventually have them on sale for at least 50% off, maybe more. On sale price, they are a must have.