Witcher 2
Witcher 2
It would have been better to tackle the earlier Witcher games first. The initial Witcher entry might be a bit tough to start with, but I fully endorse playing Witcher 2. Plus, you get to interact with elf girls and succubi—depending on your decisions. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I enjoyed Witcher 2 before 3 and found it amazing, so I recommend trying it! It sparked my interest in the rest of the games (and I did). If you enjoy the series, consider getting the books—fan translations are quite accurate. They provide great insights into the world, characters, and more.
The battle in the W1 feels quite old-school, yet I enjoyed playing it for narrative purposes. You're right, the third game only gives part of the picture—just answering questions won’t capture the whole story.
I generally prefer newer titles over older ones after trying them (that's my taste). Witcher 2 was an enjoyable experience (though I don't believe it matches the quality of 3, which is a positive point). It offers solid combat, storytelling, and characters, making it a fun choice even on sale for a great price. If you're interested in other stronger games, definitely try Witcher 2. For those who prefer different experiences, watch a video on the first game—I think it's outdated and I wasn't particularly into its fighting style.
Looking back, the experience was quite disappointing. It leaned heavily toward a straightforward path, often limiting creativity and making camera work feel restrictive. The branching story had some appeal but introduced significant challenges. You'd need to replay the game to truly grasp its depth, and your first playthrough heavily shaped your second. The overall narrative felt weaker, and the RPG elements were underwhelming, especially with a shallow equipment system and awkward sign interactions—Quen was the standout. Combat lacked polish, making it less engaging than Dark Souls. The game’s flaws were compounded by its poor storytelling compared to Witcher 3. In fact, SuperBunnyHop had a point: Witcher 1 offered a more immersive feel, while Witcher 2’s mechanics and story fell short, especially with its confusing references.