The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition (X360)
Developer: CD Projekt RED
Publisher: Warner Bros Games
Genre: Strategy \ RPG
Platforms: PC, X360
Price: Rs 2500 (Flipkart.com)


Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings has to live up to great expectations, especially after the success of the first game. The protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, reprises his role as a witcher (monster hunter) in the video game adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski's books.

A work of skilful design and scripting, the opening sequence sets the tone for this RPG. You play the role of Geralt — a mutilated human warrior caught in an interspecies war between elves, dwarves, and humans. In the midst of this chaos, the protagonist finds himself blamed for the assassination of King Foltest of Temeria.
 

In a world where magic and blade coexist, combat is as profound as the narrative itself. For the novices, the game offers a crash course in swordmanship, spellcasting, potioncrafting et al. With the ability to set traps, throw grenades, and cast spells, the battles don't feel monotonous at all. Sword fighting is very satisfying and forms the crux of the combat system. Sorcery and magic potions complement the hack-and-slash routine well enough. Hoewever, all this action can take a toll on your fingers.

This game takes no prisoners — beginners will find a lack of hints rather daunting. As a consequence, you may find yourself getting slain a lot before you figure out how to dispatch certain types of enemies. Old-school gamers may, on the contrary enjoy this manner of a challenge.


Beyond What Meets The Eye
It's not all hack and slash though. The intricate plot weaves together cultural nuances, political rivalries, and social turmoil to good effect. Every decision you make in your quest and side quests has a domino effect that trickles down to change the course of the story.
 

Although you are a witcher caught between the crossfire of accusations and boiling anxiety, there are so many issues to tackle that the instalment doesn't feel like yet another RPG fantasy. It's good to know that your karma doesn't constantly juggle between good and evil in this game. At least, you are not constantly reminded to follow the path of righteousness. Adding further depth into the plot is the struggle faced by the witcher to recover his lost memory and discover the world that lies beyond.

Meanwhile there are numerous side quests and activities to pursue. Ergo, there is no reason why you wouldn't find yourself gambling, fist-fighting, or doing odd chores for weeks together. Furthermore, the game design is such that every additional quest you take impacts your journey, thus enhancing replay value.
 

Not Really Picture Perfect
On the whole, the visuals are quite appealing. Detailed graphics and vivid colours churn out environments that justify in-game situations down to a tee. Geographical landscapes come alive in comprehensive designs just as much as the eyes of the witcher. To top it all, the background score, dialogues and voice acting make this instalment an engrossing RPG to play.

Then again, not everything about this iteration leaves you with a smile. Checkpoints are spaced out over several small missions, so a premature death will force you to take the same route all over again. Although visuals are top notch, textures and frame rate are less than spectacular.
 

Bewitching
A few hours into the game were enough to tell that not playing the PC version Witcher is a shame, since the console version isn't as pretty in the graphics department. Only a few RPG behemoths such as The Elder Scrolls games can compare to the polish and attention to detail evident in The Witcher 2. This game is gratifying on so many levels that it's difficult not to feel overwhelmed by the experience. Its multilayered plot, excellent narrative, engaging dialogues, and a brilliant blend of combat and magic makes it worthy of your lunch money.


Gameplay And Design: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Mojo: 4.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5

TAGS: Gaming, Xbox, Sanali