The Witcher Enhanced Edition & Small Letter to CDPR

[Veronica5585]

Hi there CD Projekt,
First of all I would like to thank you and congratulate you for your awesome work on The Witcher Series. Unfortunately I didn't play the first 2 games back when they were first released, I only discovered the witcher world with Wild Hunt and fell in love with the game like many others. So I decided to try your free to play gwent game and to my surprise I got a free copy of The Witcher Enhanced edition with it along with your love note. I love you too btw! I wasn't planning to play previous 2 games actually, because well, they are kind of old by now, the graphics and so on, you know, but since I got the first game as a gift (Thank you!) I decided to try it. It actually looks better than I was expecting as a 12 yearsold game. But sadly there's one huge problem with it, that makes the game totally unplayable for me at least: the combat system. Sincerely, and honestly it's so horrible that I just can't... Guys what were you thinking? I know you care about your Witcher games so much, so do we as the players and I was thinking may be this game's combat system can be saved from it's current disastrous state by a patch sometime? Just a humble suggestion & wish.
Love
Veronica The Witcher Fan

 

[Riven-Twain]

Yes, unfortunately, the combat system has turned off more than a few players, and rather limits the game's appeal today. It takes some patience, in order to find the rhythm.

As for a patch to change it, honestly, I doubt CDPR would do so, considering the age of the title. It's been years since the last update.

 

[Veronica5585]

Yes, unfortunately, the combat system has turned off more than a few players, and rather limits the game's appeal today. It takes some patience, in order to find the rhythm.

As for a patch to change it, honestly, I doubt CDPR would do so, considering the age of the title. It's been years since the last update.

It's definitely a big turn off. Well, you're right I don't have high hopes either, just wanted to share my opinion. I can't play a game which the characher doesn't attack the enemy when I click. You need to click at the right moment, then wait, it doesn't work, try again, it's a disaster. Sadly...

 

[SigilFey]

As someone who grew to very much enjoy the combat in TW1, I can offer some tips:

1.) Vsync ON, and set it to 60 FPS. Begin by ensuring the .EXE is set to compatability mode for Windows 7. If that does not function correctly, you may need something like RTSS or Nvidia Inspector to force it. Potentially important as certain game mechanics may rely on frame-timing, and if the frames don't line up, frustrations may ensue. (I think landing critical hits may be affected by this from what I've heard. Not sure, but if it wants the click to happen within 5-10 frames...and you're system is running at nearly ~200 FPS...see what happens?)

2.) Pause. Pause, pause, pause. Pause. When the game came out, it was very much merging a real-time fighting mechanic with the overall pausable-real-time systems used in games like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, or KoTOR. I'd argue that trying to play the game in full real-time is virtually impossible. Now, whether players love or hate that system is up to them, but using the pause feature to consider tactics, then handling challenging battles in stages of a few seconds at a time can transform a brutal fight into a relatively easy one.

3.) Use the fighting styles creatively. Yes, there is an overall "rocks / paper / scissors" approach to the three styles, but it still allows for a lot of improvisation. For example, poisoning opponents is based on a chance per hit, not the amount of damage caused, so switching to group mode even against enemies that are resistant to that style can still get the whole bunch of them suffering from poison damage in short order. The state of any enemy will affect its ability to defend, so switching to strong style against even very fast opponents that are dazed or blinded can be the most effective route. Etc.

There's a lot of tactical variety in the system, though it is...unique.

 

[Guest 2081505]

...it's a disaster. Sadly...

No, I don't think so.
First and foremost the combat system is different. And this is causing much resistance in almost any player. At first. If someone can't get into it, it will remain frustrating for the rest of the gaming time - which may be very short. -)

If one can get used to it, he discovers that the game has an intelligent, variable and elaborate combat system with full control by the player:

A lot of fun for the player - instead of frustration.

 

[qOjOp]

I am still hoping and wishing that Witcher 1 + 2 will get the remaster treatment for current gen consoles. It would be glorious!

 

[Veronica5585]

I considered what you all have written. Tried all. Kept playing till the point where you fight "the beast" And that's quite some hours of gameplay and I still hate this combat system. It's no fun and not intelligent by any means. Player control is nearly zero. Click, wait, pause, focus on the cursor, click at the right time, watch Geralt swing his sword, may be it works, may be not depends on your chance. It's ridiculous. I can't even enjoy fighting scenes because I need to stare at the cursor all the time and I can't watch what's happening on the screen. If I keep playing this I'm afraid I might end up with crossed eyes by the end of the game LOL. Damn you are ugly witcher 1 Geralt just hit whenever I click why is it so hard? I hate when he holds the sword over his head like a moron while enemies are killing him. Pure frustration.

I understand witcher fans love all the series and don't want to hear anything negative about these games, tend to defend it no matter what but come on this IS a disaster. I'm a witcher fan too and this combat system is not just "different" it's simply a horrible design.

 

[Guest 2081505]

... and I still hate this combat system. It's no fun and not intelligent by any means. Player control is nearly zero.

Maybe that you don't like the combat system, it's your personal impression, but your opinion is no fact, as I could demonstrate in the videos above - and in 100 other videos. You are seeking at the wrong end. The truth is simple enough: You are a less talented player, unable or unwilling to learn something new - with a slope to lachrymosity.

I'm glad that the devs will not change anything.

Play another game; this game is not waiting for you.

If you should change your mind:

Most of the boss fights in TW1/2/3 follow the same pattern: On the first sight they seem to be very hard, maybe almost impossible. But they are constructed as a kind of riddle: Which combat techniques, which signs, oils, bombs ... fit best on the way to success. The beast is an instructive example.

Preparation:

1. The fight will begin at 0.00 - no matter when Geralt arrives in the cave. So potions and oils may expire if applied too early.

2. Meditate in the cave until 23 h. Apply Specter Oil. Geralt consumes swallow and tawny owl.

3. Leave the cave. Interrupt cutscenes with ESC, interrupt dialogue lines by clicking into the screen.

4. If your Aard is strong enough (or you're lucky enough) the fight will be done in some seconds:

If not:

5. Choose group style before leaving the cave.

It's important to keep Abigail on her feet: She's a healer, and a good one - as long as she is in the upright position for obvious reasons.

6. Stay near Abigail and kill the barguests first (group style!!!). If the barguests are eliminated then switch to strong style and attack the beast. Aard may be useful - but not necessary.

(DL: hard)

 

[Jesting-Jack]

I like the combat in TW1, I don't even have to look at the cursor at this point because I got used to the rhythm. (finished the game on Hard once where you don't get a cursor indicator).

You don't have to look at the cursor because there's also an audio cue. Whenever Geralt finishes a combo sequence, he does a flourish with his sword, it makes a swish-swish sound. That's when I know I can press the attack button again. The combos and special moves you unlock at later levels look really cool too. Plus you also have signs, potions, oils and bombs to complement your fighting style.

The bombs are kind of weird though, you don't actually see Geralt throwing them, you just see him make a gesture at the ground and then there's an awkward scream before the explosion. (What's up with that? )

 

[SigilFey]

I'll agree that the RNG aspects of combat were frustrating at times, but like most RPGs, the game gets significantly "easier" once Geralt levels up a bit. (I'd argue it's a bit too easy, once you figure out many of the tricks.) For many "old school" RPGs, the need to save/reload was considered a feature that many players wanted. It adds that excitement of dice rolls that made PnP RPGs so exciting and tense. Unarguably, a HUGE number of players love that and are easily bored by games that don't require them to save/reload 10 times for each boss fight. It's the sense of overcoming a nearly impossible challenge, I guess.

Personally, I've always hated that. Passionately. I'm into games mostly for the experience, and I prefer systems that let me make decisions, then reward me for making the right decision and penalize me for making the wrong decision. I very much enjoy winning and losing as long as the game is clear on where I made my mistake, so I can go back and handle things differently. That's very satisfying. What I can't stand is when I make the right decision, succeed in carrying it it out, and then some arbitrary system denies me success...because bullshit supposedly makes things "fun", "exciting", and "hardcore". I totally, 100% get you.

That's not what TW1 is. I promise you.

The fight against the barghests is probably the first real fight in the game. (Geralt can lose / die almost instantly for making even one mistake on higher difficulties.) I'll also willingly admit that it's not a very balanced or new-player-friendly experience. It can also feel somewhat trifling, as even if you're smart enough to prep for the fight, the cutscene with Geralt bringing Abigail to the village will pass too much time and negate any oils you've applied or potions you've taken. The whole execution can feel really cheap. Agreed.

But that's moot. You have everything you need.

Spoiler

1.) This is not an "action" game. Spam-clicking (Diablo-style), or trying to "react" is going to get you killed. Pause. Think of the battle arrangement like a chess board. It's actually very easy to see what enemies are likely to do. (I like to imagine "pausing the game" is a reflection of a witcher's naturally heightened reflexes and intense training.)

2.) Plan ahead, and use Geralt's tools in the right order. Blizzard first. Pause again. Dodge / leap to a new spot that makes the barghests close in again. Getting behind an obstacle will buy time. Use those precious seconds to apply the oil to your blade. Pause. Dodge / leap again.

3.) Drink a Swallow. You're going to take hits, so no reason not to preempt it. Pause. Switch to group mode and figure out where you need to be in order to hit as many of the weaker barghests as you can. Dodge / leap into position and try to get a critical or 2 on them, but no more than a few second's worth! Pause. Above all, don't be in range of their howls. If you get stunned, you're in trouble. On the second-hardest difficulty, I may get away with being stunned once. Twice is death sentence. (Miracles can happen...but that would be a miracle.)

4.) By now, Abigail may already be in trouble. If so, dodge / leap into position to draw aggro. If the Beast is attacking her, switch to strong mode and ensure it needs to pay attention to you. Aard can be an absolute godsend in this situation, as it will guarantee an interrupt and can knock the barghests down, allowing for an instant execution. (Including the Beast itself -- but there's only a small chance of that.) As soon as the hounds are looking your way, pause. Back to group mode, and dodge / leap away from Abigail. Here, I may want to avoid attacking if wounded and just keep repositioning to let the Swallow heal me up some. (All told, it has probably been only 10-15 seconds of real-time.)

5.) Tactics. Numerous enemies can compile damage over time and leave me in an impossible situation. Right now, mitigating the number of individual threats is paramount. Pause and switch from group mode to fast mode to finish off the weaker barghests one-at-a-time once they're around 50% health. Every one I drop will make the battle much, much easier. Just remember to regularly pause and check on Abigail, drawing aggro as needed.

6.) Stay reserved and focused. The Beast is a pain. Once the weaker barghests are dead, it's easy to think, "It's over, sucka!" and start trying to go Drizzt Do'Urden on it. Don't. It can still stun you and kill you in 2-3 hits. Pop another Blizzard and take another Swallow if you need to. Switch to fast mode. A few attacks, then dodge away. Pause whenever you need to. It may take a while. That's fine. Geralt is a professional, not an action hero. Steady, methodical attacks. Keep up the pressure; don't over extend for a quick finish. Normally, I just finish it in fast mode. No more than 1-3 attacks before I dodge behind it / roll away if it's going to howl. Should only take another 10 seconds or so. Use Aard whenever it's ready. If you can knock it prone, that's the end.

In short, while this is a heck of a lot to ask of players that are still getting used to the controls for a very awkward and unusual combat system...the strategy and tactics involved are great!

I initially tried to play it like an action game. Was very frustrated.

I finally said, "Fine, game. I'll simply pause to plan every single move and unload my entire arsenal of gear to get through this!" Then, I was like -- "Ohhh...cool!"

 

[Guest 2081505]

It can also feel somewhat trifling, as even if you're smart enough to prep for the fight, the cutscene with Geralt bringing Abigail to the village will pass too much time and negate any oils you've applied or potions you've taken.

This is annoying indeed, SigilFey, but I described above how to avoid it:

1. The fight will begin at 0.00 - no matter when Geralt arrives in the cave. So potions and oils may expire if applied too early.

2. Meditate in the cave until 23 h. Apply Specter Oil. Geralt consumes swallow and tawny owl.

3. Leave the cave. Interrupt cutscenes with ESC, interrupt dialogue lines by clicking into the screen. This takes some seconds.

 

[SigilFey]

This is annoying indeed, SigilFey, but I described above how to avoid it:

1. The fight will begin at 0.00 - no matter when Geralt arrives in the cave. So potions and oils may expire if applied too early.

2. Meditate in the cave until 23 h. Apply Specter Oil. Geralt consumes swallow and tawny owl.

3. Leave the cave. Interrupt cutscenes with ESC, interrupt dialogue lines by clicking into the screen. This takes some seconds.

Heh...in all the times I played this, I never once realized that. (Didn't see your post, either -- I often start drafts of responses and have to finish them later.)

I would call that a "workaround", but needing to skip through cutscenes in order not to have my planning wasted is still clunky, in my book. Have the game simply end the cutscene with Abagail in the cave. Time passes to midnight. Geralt says something about needing to prepare, and the player is allowed to apply oils, take potions, etc. Leave the cave, and it moves straight to the quick cutscene and encounter with the Beast. (I imagine this is one of the moments in development where the desire to tell a story got in the way of building a game.)

Small niggles, though. In the end, there's really no need to prepare for the fight. Slightly annoying, is all. (Sort of like being attacked by hellhounds in the middle of the night while escorting a witch back to a village that hates her. Tuesdays...)

 

[Veronica5585]

your opinion is no fact

Neither is yours.
What I was talking about is not even an "opinion" it's how the game's combat system is. If it was that great, fun and awesome we would be seeing similar combat in many other games. It's bad. That's why you don't see the same nonsense in TW3. (I didn't play 2 yet so I don't know about it but I'm guessing we don't have a similar combat system in that game also)

The truth is simple enough: You are a less talented player, unable or unwilling to learn something new - with a slope to lachrymosity.

You're absolutely very very wrong. Why so much arrogance my friend?

Play another game; this game is not waiting for you.

I don't remember asking what to do.

 

[Riven-Twain]

Moderator: Let's keep this discussion friendly, and respect each other's opinions, please.

 

[Proteus1946]

2. Meditate in the cave until 23 h. Apply Specter Oil. Geralt consumes swallow and tawny owl.

Specter Oil has been referenced on both this and other threads. I can see where Specter Oil would be very handy in several spots throughout ACT IV. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have a formula to blend it, even though I've read every book and scroll available or outright purchased formula whenever offered. Where is the formula for Specter Oil to be found???

The above quote is from June 2019, so a little old (kinda like me). If anyone is still reading this forum, I would like an answer to this question. I do have other questions, and will endeavor to find an answer before asking.

Thanx in advance
Proteus1946

 

[SigilFey]

Specter Oil has been referenced on both this and other threads. I can see where Specter Oil would be very handy in several spots throughout ACT IV. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have a formula to blend it, even though I've read every book and scroll available or outright purchased formula whenever offered. Where is the formula for Specter Oil to be found???

The above quote is from June 2019, so a little old (kinda like me). If anyone is still reading this forum, I would like an answer to this question. I do have other questions, and will endeavor to find an answer before asking.

Thanx in advance
Proteus1946

Let me introduce you to the power of the Wiki:

Specter Oil

"There is a mysterious boundary between the worlds of the dead and the living, one which is easier to cross for restless specters than for humans. To injure a spectral opponent, first anoint a blade with this oil. Only then will the weapon truly part the curtain dividing the worlds, thereby...

witcher.fandom.com

You can get it from Abigail at the beginning.

 

[Proteus1946]

Thank you so much for the rapid reply, I was really concerned that very few were following these forums at all. Also, thanks for the reference to the Witcher Wiki. The Neverwinter Nights Wiki was a favorite with me, but, somehow, I never even got into the Witcher Wiki. No excuse, just stating a simple fact. The Wiki reference you gave was especially helpful. Now I have at least the formula I can 'experiment' with. If successful, It will be added to my 'Known' formulae, and will be much easier to use. I'll give it a try next time I Meditate.

You can get it from Abigail at the beginning.

No wonder I couldn't find it. I must have missed it at the very beginning, and it was never offered again. Perhaps I had spent all of my orens before I met Abigail, or just missed it with an early conversation with her. My BAD, indeed.

Just for those who are having a problem finding 'Specter Oil', Here is the formula:
BASE: Any GREASE
Ingredients:
1 X Vitriol
1 X Rebis\
1 X Aether
EFFECT(S): Damage +100% vs. SPECTRES
DURATION: 24 Hrs.
NOTE: if the above is too much of a spoiler, the moderators should feel free to delete the formula part.

Strangely enough, there is no DEFINATION of exactly what a SPECTER is. I'm going to ASSUME that a specter is a non-corporeal entity (that is 'ghost-like', no 'solid' body). So are Noonwraiths or Moonwraiths affected by SPECTER OIL?

Curious minds want to know.

Thanx again,
Proteus1946

Post automatically merged: Jul 18, 2023

Something else I learned from dinging around the Witcher Wiki concerning formulating potions. I had notice this effect before while mixing potions, but had no idea what to make of it.

Let me quote from the Witcher Wiki:

Additional substances​

There are three additional (or secondary) substances:
ALBEDO dominance — Reduces toxicity of all potions consumed within the next in-game hour.
NIGREDO dominance — Increases damage inflicted by 20% for 4 hours.
RUBEDO dominance — Accelerates regeneration of vitality lasting 4 hours.

Another thing to bear in mind is that White Gull can also be mixed to contain a dominant substance as well as being used as a potion base. If it has a dominant substance and is used to create another potion, the rest of the ingredients need to contain the same secondary substance as the White Gull or a normal potion will result. If it contains no dominant substance while the rest of ingredients all contain, say, rubedo, then a potion containing rubedo will result.

Also, potions with a dominant secondary substance will stack separately from "regular" potions in Geralt's inventory.

Something anyone mixing potions should be aware of, but VERY poorly explained in the Game Manual.

Cheers,
Proteus1946