| The Witcher Enhanced Edition (PC) |  | From: Atari
Category: Video Games
New (2) from £24.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 2681
Format: Unknown Format
Platforms: Windows Vista, Windows Xp
Media: Video Game
Operating System: Windows XP/Windows Vista
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.4 x 2.3
EAN: 3546430140260
ASIN: B001F50OEQ
Release Date: September 19, 2008
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 Nearly Perfect November 7, 2008
I've been looking for a worthy RPG to get my teeth into since Baldur's Gate 2, way back when, and finally it arrived. But it didn't come from Bioware- NWN 2 and Mass Effect didn't grab me, nor did Bethesda's Oblivion (although I appreciate I am in the minority here), it comes from a comparatively small developer in the form of CD Projekt. Not having played the original version of the Witcher, I can't comment on differences between this and that, but I can say that this grimy, dark, adult and hugely atmospheric game is the first RPG of substance that I've sat through to completion for nearly a decade.
Graphics- Superb. The locations are rendered with impressive draw distances and the weather is beautifully done. Geralts animations are top notch, and whilst the same can't be said for all his adversaries, it doesn't detract much from the gameplay. Some NPC models are repeated, which I read was a criticism of the original version. Sometimes I run in first person and stand still just to take in the sunset over the river- it really is very nice. One more thing- the combat graphics (brutal decapitations, spraying gore) is very adult and simply mindblowing.
Sound- A mix of American and British accents which are well acted for the most part. Some of the dialogue doesn't flow perfectly, because the tone of voice seems at odds with what the character is trying to say. Hard to explain but I noticed it on several occasions. The music is very atmospheric and is a perfect match for the graphical style.
Presentation- Awesome box set with a map, making of DVD, game guide and fully detailed manual. The addition of 2 Music cd's with soundtrack and inspired tunes makes this compilation excellent value for money. The in-game options are easy to navigate.
Gameplay- Crunch time, and it isn't found lacking. Combat is novel. I was sick of pausing the action and queuing up abilities from a hotbar- it's been done a million times in RPG's, but here it's replaced by a very immersive click-to-swing model which sounds very simplistic, but keeps you interested throughout the game. My only criticism is that you can sometimes find yourself running back and forth from distant waypoints to complete seemingly menial tasks, especially during chapter 3.
Overall- A nearly perfect RPG, and the best game I have played in some time. In the age of online gaming, it's worth remembering why we take RPG's offline sometimes.
 Great RPG for Adults October 28, 2008
I missed The Witcher game first time around, as reviews were unkind to it, and it left me unsure. However, the Enhanced version was recently reveiwed, and was reccomend as a better version from the origioanl game, and a must have if you missed it, like me, first time around. I completed it recently, and can confirm it is a top quality RPG, reminds me of NeverwinterN2. The only problems I found are, there is a HUGE load time, when you want to load a save game(at least you have the manuals to read), which lets the game down most. The main characters are unique looking, but the rest of the world characters are pretty much clones of the same several designs(nothing too bad). Finally, this is an adult 18 game, so the language is VERY strong, and some pornographic art. Happily however, everythingelse works great. The story is awsome & I really enjoyed it. There are at least 3 different endings too, depending on your game choices. The game guide is excellent.
Good, but still has problems. October 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I never purchased the original Witcher game as all the reviews said it had so many bugs, and if there is one thing I hate in this world, it is unfinished and shoddy games which are released too early before the developer has the chance to correct their mistakes. So when I heard that Atari had given CDPROJEKT a chance to go back and iron the game out I was delighted, firstly because I now had a chance to play the game that was originally intended, and secondly, it made a refreshing change to see a publisher go back for reasons other than money.
After I bought the game I was treated to a superb opening sequence which really set the mood. My initial delight was somewhat tempered by the god-awful camera style. Happily, I discovered the over-the-shoulder angle which changed the controls and style straight away, making the game so much more immersive in the process.
Over the course of the initial weekend I was spellbound by the story and graphics (and equally shocked by the language), and I felt like I was about to set on a gaming journey I would never forget. After about four days however, I had grown so tired of the fighting mechanics that I really started to bore of the game. The fighting consists of repeatedly pressing the mouse cursor at the right moment when facing your opponent. And you have to do this again and again. My next problem came with the mission structure which consists of the usual go to A, go to B, return to A and pick up your reward, with a lot of awful sword weilding between.
My overall feeling of the game is still one of a missed opportunity. The game has many great features such as the story-telling and charachterisation (is that a word?), but it feels so set in its ways and conforms to the old RPG stereotype so much that I soon tired of it. It is a game I would recommend to any RPG die-hard who still feels Neverwinter Nights is the best game of all time, but maybe I've played these games so much I've no longer the heart to carry on. All-in-all a game which will continue to sit on my shelf and one day I may give it another go, as Atari have so rightly done.
Witcher enhanced: buy it, but only if you don't have the original September 25, 2008
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I love this game, it is excellent, if you don't have the game yet, then buy this enhanced edition, don't even think about it, put it in the basket.
But there just isn't enough in this update to justify a new game price for existing owners. I bought it to support the developers but have now been struck by what I can only conceive as cynical marketing. I really resent now being made to pay for a work in progress.
I have my receipt and am seriously considering taking the thing back and updating through the download - most of the changes are to faulty parts of the game. Two new adventures yes, but not part of the overall game, and not justification for the price tag.
HOWEVER, I must say again, the Witcher is a fantastic game, and if you don't have a copy of it already, then buy it, and if you are going to buy it, go for the enhanced edition, in that case it will be well worth it!!
The extras are OK, but are for hard core fans only, except the game guide; the over enthusiastic review above seems rather un-naturally excited about the whole thing. I cannot imagine anyone who has bought the enhanced edition for the gaming being particularly knocked out by the difference.
I am all for supporting the developers, but there seems to be a lack of sincerity in this presentation (the distributors?) that has left me feeling very dissapointed.
The standard has been set September 23, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
CD Projekt have improved on what was already a great game.
This is the best RPG released for the PC for years. I urge you to support this organisation and buy this game. Not only have they improved the dialog and the graphics, they have included two extra short adventures.
There are tools for fans to create there own adventures as well, and I guess these will soon be coming out.
So - At least 80 hours of top class gaming with the promise of more to come...and look at the price!
Don't think twice - just order now!
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