About signs through the Witcher franchise...

[ellestin]

About signs through the Witcher franchise...

I’m curious since my own experience with signs has been quite versatile from one game to the next with no pattern I can readily analyze.

In TW1, I was basically on Aard most of the time and a bit of Igni, never using Quen, Yrden nor Axii.
In TW2, it was Quen, Quen, Quen forever, quite a lot of Yrden and Aard and just a bit of Igni, and still no Axii.
In TW3, I find myself using Axii a lot this time around, Quen at least once before every encounter and lots of Igni. Aard never except for breaking walls, Yrden only against wraiths.

So in the end, I guess that TW3 does a better job at enticing the player to mix it up, but maybe it’s just because Axii is too successful (basically works 100% of the time on humans and beasts) and the flamethrower is so awesome (best weapon in a game ever?).

Thoughts?

 

[Me_HD_i]

I'm finally satisfied with how Signs work in TW3. Very enjoyable to use too.
My most favorite has always been Igni, quite the pyromaniac I am, always been. Quen would be the second favorite, quite handy for when you're encountering a fiend with a crushing blow, keeps you from getting one shot-ed.
Aard comes third. It is loud and fun to use specially around multiple bandits, drop'em down and it's all automatic finishers from there.
Axii comes in handy in some specific encounters but I like how it gives you better chances of delusion in conversations.
Yrden, never been my favorite but it's certainly not a favorite for Wraiths either.

 

[peiyuanchao]

No thoughts

 

[lamontagne]

Totally agree. I'd say I used Aard 95% of the time in 1 & 2, others only if it was explicitly beneficial. I found every boss fight was Aard > Opportune attack a couple of time > Roll > Repeat.

I knew they nailed it when I'd left White Orchard and had not used Aard once, well, I think once just to check the physics. I've actually focussed on the Signs branch in my playthrough, which never tempted me before, and at level 12 I've churned my points into Signs I would never use before (Igni, Yrden and Axii). I think it's testament to the thought and refinement that's gone into many aspects of this series.

I'm having a blast with it as well.

 

[dumaraz]

No thoughts

Lolz.

 

[NicodemusTNT]

I didn't use signs much in TW2, but am loving it in TW3. I'm doing Death March as a Quen build, but wind up using every sign, as well as multiple bombs. Also had to learn to use dodge better in addition to roll. The bombs don't hurt my immersion much. I just view them as an extension of magic.

 

[rikj1984]

I didn't play TW1. In TW2, it was Quen and Axii - protect myself and get mobs to fight each other. Now I still use Quen every fight. Aard is used in any fight that involves something that flies. I still use Axii sometimes, but can't give you a case off the top of my head where it is better than Aard. Just habit I guess

Yrden is for wraiths (or the Kayran if you're playing TW2) and I've never really bothered with Igni.