The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (Enhanced Edition)
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Geralt of Rivia saved King Foltest from an unknown assassin at the end of the first game. One month later, he is locked in the dungeons pending execution for a crime he didn't commit. Somehow he must convince his jailers of his innocence and be allowed to hunt down the real Kingslayer. Teaming up with a high-ranking official of Temeria, Geralt conducts his own investigation and is shocked to discover that the mysterious killer is, in all probability, a witcher just like himself.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a single-person role-playing game in which the player takes control of Geralt the Witcher in third-person view. The fantasy world of the game is dark, and so are its evils - murder, kidnapping, torture, racism, rape, corruption and prostitution. Politics are complex, and decisions made by those in power can cause kingdoms to fall at any moment. There are monsters that stalk through the sewers and streets, forests and hills, caves and crypts. As one of the few remaining witchers, Geralt's skills are sought by many, and he will face more than atypical foes, each with its own attack methods, strengths and weaknesses. Quests can be solved in different ways, and ethical decisions made will effect which one of the sixteen different endings the player receives.
Geralt fights alone using steel and silver swords with the aid of his magical Signs. Additional tactics are possible with thrown weapons (daggers and bombs) or by placing traps in strategic locations. Time of the day as well as the weather can influence the effectiveness of Geralt's combat techniques. The game abandons the timed combo-based battle system of its predecessor, following a simpler action combat style, including light and strong attacks, blocking, parrying, and dodging. The sequel introduces more types of weapons and heavier armor management. Four difficulty modes are available at the start of a new game (Easy, Normal, Hard or Insane) but can be changed within the game.
Collecting components and reagents is necessary for the alchemy and crafting elements of the game. Pilfering items is unhindered since any chest, barrel or furnishings can be searched without repercussions. Geralt must have the appropriate diagram or formula in inventory to concoct potions and bombs, or to have an item crafted by a merchant. Some weapons contain expansion slots for the addition of magical runes. Armor can be improved with type-specific enhancements. Once endowed, the rune or addition is permanent.
Quick Time Events may appear from time to time and are handled differently depending upon the activity. During fist fights, for instance, the player must press specific keyboard keys quickly as they appear on the screen. In arm wrestling and during certain scenario-specific events, a mouse button must be pressed rapidly or held down when prompted to do so. QTEs are also used in some of the boss battles.
The newly-designed skill tree is divided into four sections, Training, Swordsmanship, Alchemy and Magic, the latter three unlocked after the first is completed. As in the first game, Geralt receives "talent points" when gaining a level; these can be distributed freely by the player to learn and enhance his abilities and skills. New enhancement mutagens can be added to specific abilities at the end of each section of the skill tree.
