The Witcher 2 (was split from - Poll: Choose My Own Adventure)

[Rath Darkblade]

Apparently, GOG is having a 12th Anniversary sale, which includes the Witcher games. I don't know what the equivalent prices would be in Australian dollars, but probably not all that different from Canadian dollars (CAD).

• The Witcher: Enhanced Edition (a game I wouldn't recommend, but you seem interested in regardless) is 85% off at $1.99 CAD.
• The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition is 85% off at $3.99 CAD.
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Game of the Year Edition is 70% off at $20.99 CAD.

If you were so inclined, you could get all three for $26.97 CAD.

Sweet. Picked up 1 and 2. I have 3. But my main machine is just shy on the recommended speed so on big fights, it gets laggy. So I will enjoy 1 and 2.

I just picked up Witcher 2. Since I'm new to the Witcher thing, I chose the easiest difficulty. Even so, it was a little difficult to get past the prologue (especially the fist-fights in the La Valette dungeon and escaping from that dungeon), but I finally did it. Just docked at Flotsam. Hopefully I can rest for a while and do some shopping there, as I'm tired of fighting.

I'm enjoying Witcher 2 so far. It's tough, but not unbeatable.

By the way, I'm curious: why am I not allowed to pick from the "sword", "alchemy" or "magic" trees (i.e. the perk trees)? I'm playing easiest difficulty, so I understand the alchemy/magic trees are out. But why not the sword-fighting one? Just curious.

The reviews of PoE -- basically view it as a homage to classic RPGs like Baldur's Gate. But with terrible writing and characters that take themselves and their own world far too seriously.
If that's what PoE is ... well. No thanks.

So, random reviews over someone you know on the forum?
Terrible writing? As someone who loves lore, don't you think I would have bitched about the terrible writing?
And the characters that take themselves and the world far too seriously?
Thankfully Dragon Age isn't like that, right? Because you hate Dragon Age.

Not gonna change your mind, but I am going to tell you that POE is chalk full of some fun lore, some great adventures, some tough encounters, has an interesting story with interesting characters you can bring into your party. To me, it's Baulder's Gate (which was OK) injected with Dragon Age (Origins), which was great - making a unique, interesting game.

The start of the game IS unusual. Both you and the character will be confused as to what's happening. But when the pieces begin to fall into place, it becomes pretty epic.

The second POE, I enjoyed. But I did have a small problem with it (the immediate "big threat" is revealed in the intro to the character - so the character doing optional side quests seems ridiculous - but sailing, discovering, naming islands, was really fun). It reminds me of POE injected with Ancient Art of War at Sea, in some aspects.

I'm sorry, Tawm. I wasn't aware it wasn't like that. Thank you for correcting me.

I've had a look at POE again. I think I may grab it the next time it's on sale.

Unfortunately my internet connection is still being slow ... I started downloading Witcher 2 (20 GB) at 10:45am and it finished about 2:45pm, so about 4 hours. Better than it was before ... still not great, but it is what it is.

You mention you enjoyed the second POE. Did you enjoy the first one? I've never played any of the Baldur's Gate games, so all I know of them is that they're RPGs.

[Tawmis]

This is a night and day difference between Witcher 1 and Witcher 2. They took everything horrid about the first one and combat and threw it out.

Made the prologue and tutorial great.

Witcher 2 so far has been enjoyable. However, when it's just the three of you on the walk - and that dragon appears again - hit me before I could evade, and instadeath. lol

Still, enjoying this immensely over the $#!+show that was Witcher 1.

I did find it odd..

In both Witcher 1 and Witcher 2 - it starts with him running. Shirtless. Through a forest. Passing out. And two people approaching him. Odd that they started both games pretty much exactly the same.

[DeadPoolX]

In both Witcher 1 and Witcher 2 - it starts with him running. Shirtless. Through a forest. Passing out. And two people approaching him. Odd that they started both games pretty much exactly the same.

Not odd for Geralt, though.

[Tawmis]

In both Witcher 1 and Witcher 2 - it starts with him running. Shirtless. Through a forest. Passing out. And two people approaching him. Odd that they started both games pretty much exactly the same.

Not odd for Geralt, though.

Apparently not. Though the Witcher 2 has a ... better opening (in the tent)

[DeadPoolX]

By the way, I'm curious: why am I not allowed to pick from the "sword", "alchemy" or "magic" trees (i.e. the perk trees)? I'm playing easiest difficulty, so I understand the alchemy/magic trees are out. But why not the sword-fighting one? Just curious.

You need to spend six points in the Training path before you gain access to the Sword, Alchemy, and Magic paths.

You can spend more than six points in the Training path, but I wouldn't recommend doing that. You're better off putting all points from there on into the other three paths.

BTW, why do you think the Alchemy and Magic paths are locked out because you're playing on Easy?

[Rath Darkblade]

By the way, I'm curious: why am I not allowed to pick from the "sword", "alchemy" or "magic" trees (i.e. the perk trees)? I'm playing easiest difficulty, so I understand the alchemy/magic trees are out. But why not the sword-fighting one? Just curious.

You need to spend six points in the Training path before you gain access to the Sword, Alchemy, and Magic paths.

You can spend more than six points in the Training path, but I wouldn't recommend doing that. You're better off putting all points from there on into the other three paths.

Oh! OK then, I didn't know that. Thanks.

BTW, why do you think the Alchemy and Magic paths are locked out because you're playing on Easy?

Because when I started the game, it told me that "Easy" meant that I can beat all monsters with just my sword? So I figured that the other paths would be locked out, because I wouldn't need them.

By the way, I can already see that this gameworld is ENORMOUS. I'm a bit lost in Flotsam! I tried going out into the forest, and got lost there, too. Killed a few kenners (? goblins?) and an arachna (giant spider?) before finding my way back to town.

Also, how can I make some money? I spent my few last coins on making a silver sword.

[Rath Darkblade]

In both Witcher 1 and Witcher 2 - it starts with him running. Shirtless. Through a forest. Passing out. And two people approaching him. Odd that they started both games pretty much exactly the same.

Not odd for Geralt, though.

Nope. He appears to spend the entire first act shirtless (in the dungeon). What is this, Captain Kirk syndrome or something?

As for the beginning ... gee, in the Elder Scrolls universe, you always start out being imprisoned. And then get released somehow. It's a tradition.

By the say, speaking of TES ..... I think I figured out Witcher 2: it's like TES Morrowind, yes? In that in the first town you come to, you're surrounded by a forest full of nasties.

[DeadPoolX]

Because when I started the game, it told me that "Easy" meant that I can beat all monsters with just my sword? So I figured that the other paths would be locked out, because I wouldn't need them.

No, you can still put points into the Magic and Potions paths and use both. What that message meant was that most players probably wouldn't NEED to use magic or potions to succeed on Easy.

By the way, I can already see that this gameworld is ENORMOUS. I'm a bit lost in Flotsam! I tried going out into the forest, and got lost there, too. Killed a few kenners (? goblins?) and an arachna (giant spider?) before finding my way back to town.

Yes, The Witcher 2 is big, and The Witcher 3 is even larger.

Also, how can I make some money? I spent my few last coins on making a silver sword.

The ways I recall to make money included: playing dice (generally not a good idea), arm wrestling, brawling in pubs, crafting and selling potions (which is probably something you can't do yet), killing monsters, fulfilling Witcher contracts, and selling loot.

There are ways to "cheese" the game and earn more money, but I don't know if you want to do that and there's the possibility those options may have been patched out. Most of the advice you'll find about The Witcher 2 is outdated, ranging from 2013-2018, with most being around 2015 or so. This means it's likely any exploit or easy way to farm enemies has been fixed by now.

That said, earning money becomes easier later, but early on, you won't have a lot of cash. Just don't spend it unless necessary at this point, although it sounds like you're already broke.

If you're having a lot a trouble, there are probably some mods to get off NexusMods that could help. You'll need to figure that out on your own, though.

[DeadPoolX]

By the say, speaking of TES ..... I think I figured out Witcher 2: it's like TES Morrowind, yes? In that in the first town you come to, you're surrounded by a forest full of nasties.

No, it's nothing like Morrowind aside from being an RPG. As for the part within spoiler tags, that could describe just about every town in every RPG.

[Tawmis]

RE: Money.

Just pilfer everything you see.

[Rath Darkblade]

The ways I recall to make money included: playing dice (generally not a good idea), arm wrestling, brawling in pubs, crafting and selling potions (which is probably something you can't do yet), killing monsters, fulfilling Witcher contracts, and selling loot.

There are ways to "cheese" the game and earn more money, but I don't know if you want to do that and there's the possibility those options may have been patched out. Most of the advice you'll find about The Witcher 2 is outdated, ranging from 2013-2018, with most being around 2015 or so. This means it's likely any exploit or easy way to farm enemies has been fixed by now.

That said, earning money becomes easier later, but early on, you won't have a lot of cash. Just don't spend it unless necessary at this point, although it sounds like you're already broke.

If you're having a lot a trouble, there are probably some mods to get off NexusMods that could help. You'll need to figure that out on your own, though.

Hmm ... I'm not having too much trouble, but the map is taking some getting used to. I'm sure I'll realise how it works the more I play, though. But having some more money would be nice.

I'm only broke because I got the blacksmith to create a silver sword, plus I purchased the design for a rune. (I didn't realise it would cost so much). I still have two whole shining coins! Yay.

All kidding aside ... yes, I can craft potions (and sell them, perhaps?), but so far, all I can craft are common and/or magical potions. They won't sell for more than 30 coins or so (each). Is that much? I don't know, but I doubt it.

By the way: as for the quest to get the formula for the poison gas, I wasn't successful -- and now the merchant and his cronies locked me in a cell. Is there any way out?

[Tawmis]

Dumped all the Witcher 2 convo into it's own thread, and broke it off from the poll thread originally found here:
http://sierrahelp.com/forums/viewtopic. ... 730#p76730

[DeadPoolX]

By the way: as for the quest to get the formula for the poison gas...

Try peppers, onions, garlic, refried beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and any dairy product if you're lactose intolerant (and forget to take Lactaid).

... I wasn't successful -- and now the merchant and his cronies locked me in a cell. Is there any way out?

Hell if I know. It's been too long since I played. You might want to consult a written/video walkthrough.

[Tawmis]

I'd imagine if it doesn't go to an "End Game" sequence, there is a way out.

[Rath Darkblade]

By the way: as for the quest to get the formula for the poison gas...

Try peppers, onions, garlic, refried beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and any dairy product if you're lactose intolerant (and forget to take Lactaid).

That ... is so not what I meant. Phooey.

... I wasn't successful -- and now the merchant and his cronies locked me in a cell. Is there any way out?

Hell if I know. It's been too long since I played. You might want to consult a written/video walkthrough.

Drat. All right, back to ye olde drawing board (or previously saved game) ...