RPG Rumble: The Witcher 2 vs. Risen 2

I’m not a fan of putting two titles with very different design tenets against each other in a comparison, but that’s what Strategy Informer has done with The Witcher 2 and Risen 2, based on the fact that the two titles have been released closed to each other, at least considering the Enhanced Edition of the first as a new release. Here’s a snip on combat and story:

COMBAT

A year ago this would’ve been a much harder decision to make. Witcher 2 out the gate had frustrating combat, with difficult to dodge attacks, enemies boxing you in, and no real explanation of the fighting mechanics. Fortunately CD Projekt have worked hard at patching the game and we’re now at the Enhanced Edition, with still challenging combat but much more fair on players, which is of course more fun. Now we come to Risen 2, which is out the gate with frustrating combat, difficult to dodge attacks, enemies boxing you in, and no real explanation of the fighting mechanics. Oh dear. Hopefully Piranha Bytes are as diligent as CD Projekt. And at least implement a dodge button.

Winner: The Witcher 2

STORY

Oooh, tough one. I’ll be going into more depth to other areas of storytelling, but I may lose friends by saying the full plot isn’t particularly gripping in either game. Yes Witcher 2 wonderfully adapts to your decisions and filters the story appropriately, but the search for the Kingslayer kind of just peters out and Geralt’s returning memories of the Wild Hunt are left until the next game for a resolution. Risen 2 on the other hand, while not having the most exciting plot around, at least has a beginning, middle, and satisfying end (apart from Mara being a bit of dull villainess). And according to page one of ‘˜How To Write Stories’ this is a good thing.

Winner: Risen 2

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