The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - Collector's Edition

by Atari

• A truly epic, intense, emotionally charged adventure with non-linear game narration.
• Rich, mature dialogue as found in Andrzej Sapkowski?s book series and The Witcher 1
• New, improved system of flashbacks.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004CQRCF4
• Media: DVD-ROM
• Release Date: May 17, 2011
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,727 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Platform: PC | Edition: Collector

Amazon.com

In Brief

The second instalment in the RPG saga about the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, features a thoroughly engrossing, mature storyline defining new standards for thought-provoking, non-linear game narration. In addition to an epic story, the game features an original, brutal combat system that uniquely combines tactical elements with dynamic action. A new, modern game engine, responsible both for beautiful visuals and sophisticated game mechanics puts players in the most lively and believable world ever created in an RPG game. A captivating story, dynamic combat system, beautiful graphics, and everything else that made the original Witcher such a great game are now executed in a much more advanced and sophisticated way.

DEVELOPER: CD Projekt RED Brief Story Description After helping to stop the rebellion undertaken by the Order of the Flaming Rose and saving King Foltest’s life, Geralt became one of the central figures of political turmoil in the Kingdom of Temeria. Geralt continues to protect the King in the monarch’s mission to bring peace to his state. The last bastions of the Order yielded to the royal army. The only remaining task is to pacify the rebellious castle of Baroness La Valette, who announced separation from the Kingdom. It’s been a month since the attempted assassination of the king, when his army arrives at the gates of Baroness La Valette’s fortress in preparation for the final battle. In the meantime, Geralt, stuck with Foltest, cannot begin his personal quest - to discover the origin and identity of the mysterious witcher-like assassin responsible for the attempt on the king’s life - a quest that would answer many questions... Key Features A truly epic, intense, emotionally charged adventure with non-linear game narration. Three independent plot lines with several alternative events are dependent on the player’s choices and lead to multiple different game endings and several additional plot forks. This time gameplay time will be shorter than The Witcher 1, but more intense and packed with events. A complex, realistic and mature story touching upon subject matter seldom seen in other RPGs, told in a manner that is understandable and attractive to contemporary gamers. We investigate the assassinations of the rulers of the Northern Kingdoms and follow Geralt’s personal theme, in which he’s looking for his own identity. Gradually we learn how powerful forces influence our situation and what role they order us to play. Rich, mature dialogue as found in Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series and The Witcher 1, presented in highly filmic cutscenes and dialogues sequences, thanks to a new game engine. New, improved system of flashbacks. Now the reminiscences of Geralt, in which we observe the link between our past choices with current actions, are realistically and smoothly woven into the gameplay. Sex and eroticism will be introduced in a much more realistic, involving and mature way, thanks to which sexual relationships are presented more credibly than in TW1. Unique, deep, consistent and rich game world established in a series of best-selling books by A. Sapkowski and recreated in the game to provide an incredible, believable story-driven experience. Believable, true-to-life characters with their own motivations and goals. During our journey we meet ordinary men, soldiers, rebels, powerful mages, rulers and their assassins. Depending on our decisions we meet different game characters, and our relationships shape further actions in the game. Highly varied, breathtaking locations, which thanks to the new engine create a cohesive, fully accessible world! Rich, living world in which every character has their own way of life and unique occupations. Our actions modify the relationship with the game-world population and, in the case of the main plot line, open or close the possibilities of interaction with the game world. Greater freedom of exploration to provide increased game realism and a wider range of new tactical options. Geralt will surmount barriers, jump over fences, scale walls and ascend rock formations.

Collector Edition Contents GAME DVD The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings game DVD. MAKING-OF DVD All the cinematic materials related to game - trailers, dev diaries, gameplay footage, interviews and making-of exclusive video. OST CD Audio-CD with in-game music. ETUI Box with all the contents of The Witcher 2 Premium Edition. WORLD MAP A map of the game's world. GAME GUIDE The Witcher 2 strategy guide for both novice and experienced role-playing fans. GAME MANUAL A rulebook and interface explanation to help you get started. PAMPHLET AND COIN A physical representation of one of the in-game items. PAPERCRAFTS Two papercraft dolls - Geralt and one random character for collectors. GERALT’S HEAD Ultra-detailed head sculpture of Geralt of Rivia. Marble imitation. ARTBOOK Extensive documentary of game's graphical assets with descriptions. Including concept art, cover renders and stories behind Art of The Witcher 2. Approximately 200 pages. DICE In-game based poker dice (5 pcs.) together with a handy bag. PLAYING CARDS Playing cards (stadard 54 pcs. set) with in-game graphics. CARDS GUIDE A guide for all those that need tips and trick on how to win in dice and cards. STICKERS Three stickers with Witcher 2 graphics. TEMERIAN OREN One Temerian Oren, a fine example of King Foltest's currency. BIG PAPERCRAFTS Draug - one of the most deadly monsters in-game, now available as a doll for your desktop. DLC Roche Commando Jacket - one of the best character customization items to be found in-game. Exclusively for Collector's Edition. BOX Thick cardboard box with Medallion image, to hold all you valuable Collector's Edition contents. System Requirements Minimal Requirements: CPU: Dual-Core, 2,2 GHz. RAM: 1 GB (Windows XP), 2 GB (Windows Vista / Windows 7) GPU: nVidia GeForce 8800 / 512 MB OS: Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7

Product Description

The follow up to the critically acclaimed and award-winning 2007 RPG of the Year is back in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. The second installment in the Witcher saga features a thoroughly engrossing, mature storyline defining new standards for thought-provoking, non-linear game narration. Featuring an original, brutal combat system that uniquely combines tactical elements with dynamic action, control Geralt of Rivia as he seeks to discover the truth behind a menacing conspiracy. A new, modern game engine, responsible both for beautiful visuals and sophisticated game mechanics puts players in the liveliest and believable world ever created for an RPG. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Collector’s Edition Includes; The Vernon Roche Commando Jacket, Making-of DVD, Official Soundtrack, World Map, Art Book, Geralt Sculpture, Temerian Coin, Dice Set, 3 Stickers, Playing Cards and Rulebook, Cursed Coin and Pamphlet, & Two Papercraft Figures + Bonus.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars REGICIDE! May 17, 2011

By NeuroSplicer TOP 500 REVIEWER

Platform for Display:PC|Edition:Collector

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

In 2007 a small Eastern European game developer (CD PROJEKT)...teaches BIOWARE how to use their own Aurora engine. The original Witcher was the game that Neverwinter Nights had promised to be. Two years later BIOWARE picks up the glove and comes back with a strong response, the masterpiece Dragon Age: Origins. Unfortunately, its 2011 sequel does not live up to expectations. And this is all the opening the perfect sequel needed to come in and, once more, steal the show.

THIS IS HOW TO MAKE A cRPG SEQUEL!
Although there may be Xbox and PS3 versions of this game later on, this is a game designed from start to finish for the PC. In an age when 5-6 years old consoles set the standard this is very important. From the brand new engine to the very last script line, everything that could be worked on was and everything that could be improved shows improvement. The story is now even deeper; the graphics are several notches higher; character development has been both streamlined and more balanced; equipping Geralt is now more detailed whereas loot is abundant.
It is possible (although not necessary) to import your character from the first WITCHER. If, like me, you liked the original game, you will simply love the sequel.

LOOK AT THE SKY: IT IS THE WITCHING HOUR - EVERY HOUR!
The graphics are simply A-MA-ZING! I like the way the rock formations catch the moving shadows and how the wind stirs up dust. I like the subtle movement of the grass and the exploding colors of the wild flowers. I like the textures of the clothes, the shine of the armor and the glint of the swords. I like the way the sun gets in your eyes and the way rays of light play with the tree foliage.
What is also important, these graphics and dynamic lighting are achieved even on medium-built systems (Minimum specs: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz/AMD 2.5GHz, nVidia 8800/ATI 3850, 1GB of RAM for WinXP/ 2GB for WinVISTA&7).
Even more impressively, the game is set in a day/night cycle, and this is reflected not only on the levels of ambient light but also on the activities of the surrounding world.

THE WORLD AROUND YOU COMES TRULY ALIVE
Remember how in most RolePlaying games approaching a Non-Playing Character (NPC) usually means he or she would utter any one of a small number of preset phrases? After a while, you have heard them all and it got very predictable. Well, prepare to be surprised. Again and again.
This is a world you will truly be immersed into. A world that wakes up, goes to work, gossips, bickers and barters, and unwinds in the tavern. Walk the same streets at night and they are eerily empty. And that is without taking into account the ever changing weather!
The immersion is so total for yet two other reasons: not only is the world fully open from the very beginning (no blocked areas or closed bridges!) but there are no loading delays between areas (only between chapters).

THE LIFE OF A WITCHER IS NEVER BORING
Geralt is a real warlock, combining a mix of sword fighting with potions and spells. These are the three main character developing trees, Swordmaster, Alchemist or Mage. Sword moves, potion ingredients and spells can be combined - and all choices are meticulously balanced.
With the original WITCHER it took me a while to master the timed sword-strokes - but it was really satisfying after that. In the sequel, sword-fighting has been simplified to the classic mod - and that is one of the gripes I have with this game. The other is the short dialogue options. I like my cRPGs wordy.
Now, the story is far from being linear. Choices matter and choosing a path will bifurcate the story, most of the times irrevocably. And the story in WITCHER 2 is as important as the fighting.
What I also appreciated was the return of consequences. Those of you who have played BALDUR's GATE Saga know that bashing or picking the lock of a chest was a punishable offense if anyone saw you. In contrast, in DA-O you could rob the town blind and (quite unrealistically) the NPCs could not care less. Well, in this game, your character better behave or face the ever vigilant guards.

ADJUST TO YOUR ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF BINDING
Most retail versions of the game come with a simple disc-check, implemented by SecuROM. If you own FALLOUT 3, for example, you have experienced the same thing. Compared to the customer-abusing schemes out there (UBISOFT's and 2K GAMES' ears should be burning at this point) I find this solution not ideal but palatable. And yet it gets better: if you are objecting even to this mild version of SecuROM, the developers made sure to also release the (digital) GOG version of the game which is DRM-free. Just for giving us this option, THE WITCHER 2 gets full marks in my books!

A FINAL SPELL
I have only praises for this magnificent sequel to a great game. It was one of the rare cases when I pre-ordered a game before I knew anything about it and was rewarded with a game that exceeded my highest expectations. I do have some advice for the game developers though.
First, keep showing the same respect to your customers and you will see that gamers know how to repay this with equal respect and loyalty. And finally, when the mega-publishers show up at your door with their mesmerizing bags of money, try to remember what happened to so many great game developing groups in the past that did not resist to temptation.

WITH MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATIONS!
(and not only because they promised all of their future DLCs to be free!)

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC GAME! BUT NEEDS BETTER PACKAGING!!! May 18, 2011

By Erick

Platform for Display:PC| Edition:Collector|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

First of all, let me list my Specs:

AMD PHENOM 1055T OC'ed @4.1 GHZ
Corsair 8GB DDR3 XL3 RAM
Dual EVGA 570's
All water cooled.

Performance & GFX:
Game runs maxed out @ a resolution of 1920x1080 (everything enabled in advanced settings)
Constant 40+ FPS with sometimes dipping below it also. THIS GAME IS VERY DEMANDING!

Environments are lush, character models are awesome. The animations are very fluid!

Sound:
Character voices are great! Music and all other sounds are awesome!

Game play:
You need to plan ahead of time each time you go into battle (ie set traps, make potions, take potions) You cannot take potions when fighting or running, only during meditation! You may die allot, but you will learn from it. Also, use your silver sword when battling monsters!

Contents of collectors edition:

The bust of Geralt came chipped and scuffed, was definitely disappointed with that.
Art book is very detailed, dice are awesome, so are the cards and the paper craft thingies. Comes with 2 codes for dlc's and a coupon for 10% off a EVGA gfx cart (560ti I think)

Overall a great game, but needs better packaging, but I wont remove any stars for that. Don't know whether if I should send it back or not, any advice would be nice!

-Erick Chavez

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars In depth Collector's Edition review. June 26, 2011

By Valtiel

Platform for Display:PC| Edition:Collector|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

First things first, let's set some of the other reviewers straight. People are complaining that the bust is 'damaged' upon arrival. This is not the case, some people are just a little slow on the uptake. The bust is designed to replica a classical piece of stonework, and to look ancient. The scuffs and cracks are intentionally there, to make it look weathered and authentic.

The set as a whole, the collector's edition, is one of the best I've ever seen. Most collector's edition sets are made for a small fraction of the price above a regular edition, and charge a great amount more. This is the first such set I have seen that is worth the money.

The whole thing comes in a large high quality cardboard box, not cheap plastic like most other collector's eds. The artbook is clearly the best thing in there. Hardback, 200 pages, glossy full colour A3 size paper, great content. A beautiful collection of works from hand drawn concepts to final digital designs.

The stickers, are....stickers. You know what you're getting there. 3 of them, good for laptops.

The bust is larger than expected, a little over six inches, and nicely designed. The interior box mold that 'holds' all the content is made of a black felted plastic, which can rub off on the bust. A wet cloth removes it just fine.

The dice come in a neat little bag, VERY similar to the World of Darkness brand dice sets sold in stores. Black and printed with a Witcher design. The dice themselves, 5 of them, are nicely made, if of a simple light-weight plastic. An off-white bone colour, with designs actually etched in, not just printed on. All five dice are the same.

The card deck comes in a fitted cardboard box with Geralt on it, simple enough. It's a full deck, just slightly smaller than regular card size. The backs have an original design on them, the aces feature another original design, and each of the 12 'face' cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks) features artwork of a different appropriate character on each one. Dandellion features on the three Jokers. All the remaining cards are as a regular deck.

With the dice and cards comes a 16 page booklet, written in character as Dandellion, detailing some in world card and dice games, as well as some trademark wit.

The coin, a Temerian Oren, is made of solid metal, about heavy as a British 50 pence piece or an American silver dollar. And bears the resemblance of King Foltest and the arms of his city on the reverse. Nice, simple.

A letter is also packaged within, in a designed envelope on mock stained paper. This is an in world replica of a call to arms, and inside is a propaganda leaflet against King Henselt, in the style of Victorian publicity. Also within the envelope is a tiny coin, the size of a British 5 pence piece or an American dime, bearing the sigil of the game's villain, an actually rather cool cephalopoid skull. I prefer this one to the larger Oren, myself.

Two bonus pieces of Downloadable content come with the collectors ed, one specifically from Amazon. The ultimate swordsman suit, and the Roche Commando jacket. These downloadable outfits enhance Geralt's abilities in game.

Last, is of course the papercrafts. The collectors edition comes with a large 'Boss' papercraft, the Draug. Two more smaller ones are also packed, which also come with the regular edition of the game. The first is Geralt De Rivia himself, the second is random, so you don't know who you will get from several others.

As with the Regular edition, inside the game package itself, you will find a large sized two sided map of the realms of the Witcher, featuring some nice artwork. A DVD that contains the games soundtrack, well beyond any soundtrack to an American game in years, and a selection of videos and development diaries. These contain information on characters, design, the game engine and other such diaries. Lastly on the DVD are the game trailers, screenshots, and some promotional art images.

Like the platinum edition of the first game, also packaged is a game guide, full of information on quests, locations, secrets and tips for the game itself.

The game comes on two DVD discs, along with a user manual.

As this is a review of the collectors Edition, I won't go into detail on the game itself, other that to say there are many reviews around the internet, and the vast majority of them agree, The Witcher 2 is probably the best RPG of the decade. Outdoing most everything else in it's class, and putting American game developers to shame.
It is adult, well written, complex, and above all, uses the world of the Witcher brilliantly.