The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition
" Engaging RPG with deep political storyline and tactical combat but frequent crashes and bugs "
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition Review
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition is a mature, dark action-RPG that builds on its predecessor with improved graphics, a gripping narrative, and more complex gameplay mechanics. Players control Geralt of Rivia through a politically charged story filled with morally grey decisions that significantly impact the game world and outcomes. The game features multiple chapters with sandbox-like maps evolving based on player choices, combining fast-paced combat with tactical elements like crafting and potion use.
Despite its strengths, the game is often criticized for technical issues such as crashes, bugs, and finicky hitboxes. Combat, while improved from the first Witcher, can feel clunky and sometimes unbalanced. The story pacing and quality vary, with some chapters feeling less engaging. The UI and quest design receive mixed feedback, occasionally causing confusion. Still, the game is praised for its rich storytelling, atmospheric world, and political intrigue, making it a worthwhile experience especially for fans of the series and those interested in the lore leading to Witcher 3.
Highlights
Players particularly praise the game's engaging and mature storyline with impactful choices and political intrigue that deepen immersion. The improved combat system offers a more tactical and responsive experience compared to the original. Graphically, the game was ahead of its time, featuring detailed environments and cinematic cutscenes that still hold up well, especially with mods enhancing visuals. The dual-path structure provides replayability and varied experiences. The rich character development, especially of figures like Iorveth and Roche, and the atmospheric music further elevate the narrative depth.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include frequent technical issues such as crashes, bugs, and stability problems that disrupt gameplay. The combat system, while better than the first game, is often described as clunky, stiff, or unbalanced, with problematic hitboxes and occasional difficulty spikes. The pacing and quality of the story can be uneven, with some chapters feeling dull or less well-written. Players also note confusing UI, poor quest markers, and restrictive map designs that limit exploration. Additionally, mechanics like potion use are criticized for being unintuitive, and some side quests are buggy or incomplete.
Pros
- • Engaging political storyline with meaningful player choices and consequences.
- • Improved, more tactical combat system compared to the first game.
- • Detailed, atmospheric graphics that still impress, especially with mods.
- • Two distinct narrative paths enhancing replayability and depth.
- • Strong character development and memorable companions like Roche and Iorveth.
- • Rich world-building with immersive environments and lore.
- • High-quality voice acting and cinematic cutscenes.
Cons
- • Frequent crashes and bugs leading to frustrating gameplay interruptions.
- • Clunky combat mechanics with problematic hitboxes and stiff controls.
- • Uneven story pacing; some chapters feel dull or poorly written.
- • Confusing UI and poorly implemented quest markers causing player frustration.
- • Restrictive map design limits exploration and immersion.
- • Potion and alchemy systems are unintuitive and limit combat flexibility.
- • Side quests sometimes buggy or incomplete, reducing enjoyment.
Rating Criteria
A time of untold chaos has come. Mighty forces clash behind the scenes in a struggle for power and influence. The Northern Kingdoms mobilize for war. But armies on the march are not enough to stop a bloody conspiracy...
