An Impromptu Witcher Lets Play - now with the Witcher 2!

[Norrdicus]

No, the cut scene is in an entirely different engine that all of the others ones.

I'm guessing this is because it was made in the Witcher 2 engine. It looks like the clips from cut scenes I've seen from that game.

Note - you may have an older version of the game. This felt like something inserted later to "tie" the games together. The Epilogue stills were in the earlier art style from the Striga scene. This final cut scene was in an entirely different engine than any cut scene anywhere else in the game.

No, I played Enhanced Edition, and the final cutscene was definitely not made with the Witcher 2 engine, it was made in the same style as the Striga cinematic from when you launch the game. Definitely inferior than Witcher 2. Here, let's see the Striga intro cinematic and Foltest's assassination attempt

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

Final Thoughts.

Well, some of my final thoughts about the earlier issues with Triss's character have already been shared. I won't repeat them here.

For the game overall... I liked it. It has that nice top-down RPG feel that I came to love in games like Planescape: Torment, Balder's Gate, and Temple of Elemental Evil.

The story was good. Not the best RPG story ever (that's still Xenogears) but a fun, original one. It was very ambitious, and tried some new and interesting things (like the detective bit - I didn't say that ambitious always means successful).

I thought the combat was a good balance. Not the true "1-Click" combat of a MMO, like say Final Fantasy 12. It was more like a D&D video game. I liked that there's a bit of a rhythm game with timing your clicks to get combos. And I like that the pause feature lets you adjust your spells and equipment, even if Geralt takes his time actually doing so in game.

Also, I enjoyed potion making. Weird, but I did. It was fairly intutive, and aside from needing to explain what Albedo, Rubido, and Negrido do, it was fairly simple and straight forward. I never did try experimenting - the game handed me recipes often and I never felt the need.

The level up system was a little weird... the talents seemed kind of weirdly weighted at times, and many of the abilities got to be VERY specific. I still have no idea how to cause Blinding on a target, meaning that whole skill trees were effectively useless. Pain - that I could cause.

The GUI sometimes left things to be desired. The quest marker on the map could be misleading or even entirely inaccurate (the game was convinced that the King was in the Old Manor), the fact that you could only kneel in front of CERTAIN fires, and only with certain people's permission, was sometimes frustrating, and the lack of a fast travel system in Chapter 2 was just painful.

At the same time... the game manages to be engaging, fun, and interesting - similar, but subtly different things. I found the story interesting, the combat fun, and the world engaging - and the three together got me through the game, even during some of its more frustrating moments.

Some aspects got boring - the lack of better lead-in dialog or cut scenes caused me to eventually bore with having Geralt sleep around so that I likely missed several possible non-plot conquests. The fact that even taking a quest could lock out other quests screwed me over during Chapter 3, and the lack of storage access in Chapter 5 did nothing to challenge me, but did annoy me when I couldn't complete the Dentist quest after specifically storeing everything I needed so I wouldn't accidentally use or lose it.

Like all games, the Witcher is flawed. But then what isn't? My very favorite game, Xenogears, is flawed as well, but I don't love it any less.

It's an interesting world - more interesting in many ways that that of Game of Thrones, to which I keep comparing it.

Oh, aside - I recently bought "The Last Wish" (along with Saga) from Amazon.com. I've been reading it when time allows (particularly when I'm away from my computer for some reason) and quite enjoying it. I tried reading Game of Thrones and was bored out of my mind. The same thing for The Blade Itself. Couldn't stand either novel. So far, The Last Wish has me interested, and quite enjoying the story of Geralt.

Oh, and Dandelion was mentioned by name in the book already, so I guess he isn't just an Expy of that other Bard.

So far, I have not watched either of those videos that were posted. Since I'm going to start playing the game almost immediately, I kinda want to avoid Trailer spoilers. As to the world... will the book help? Because I'm zipping through that. I also downloaded the maps, if that helps.

Anyway, back to what I was saying. The world was interesting, and I feel like the game is helping me get to know it. It is an interesting mix of fairy tales and gritty low fantasy that I find quiet appealing. It rather reminds me of Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold.

I'm wandering off topic. I'm not a reviewer, so I don't have a score, but I will say this:

The Witcher surprised me. I still don't agree that it's some sort of RPG revolution - it's good, but Planescape Torment did much of this already, and just as well or better. However, it also is not "stoggy and boring" as Yahtzee once called it. It's a good story with some flaws, told in an interesting and engaging way, using fairly standard top-down RPG style. I was expecting something much more complex (in a bad way) but what I got was a interesting game I could play with just the mouse (and spacebar to pause).

The Witcher was quite good. I enjoyed it. And I look forward to playing the Witcher 2 and reading the Witcher stories.

I did NOT expect to say that when I first started this thread. What a long way we've all come.

Thank you. See you (soon) in the Witcher 2.

And... in general thread discussion, obviously.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

....

Oh. I never actually watched that scene past "castle exterior" - so the first five seconds or less. I always hit Esc to get to the main menu.

That style is used no where else in the game (that I recall) so it seemed weird. Had I actually watched the pre-main menu scene, I would have recognized it.

Okay, I was wrong. ^^;; Also, thank you for posting this video. It's good that I actually got to see that at some point.

 

[Norrdicus]

For the game overall... I liked it. It has that nice top-down RPG feel that I came to love in games like Planescape: Torment, Balder's Gate, and Temple of Elemental Evil.

It's a good story with some flaws, told in an interesting and engaging way, using fairly standard top-down RPG style.

Aah, so you are part of the minority who played Witcher 1 in top-down view, eh? Most people, including myself, played "over the shoulder"

Also, I enjoyed potion making. Weird, but I did. It was fairly intutive, and aside from needing to explain what Albedo, Rubido, and Negrido do, it was fairly simple and straight forward. I never did try experimenting - the game handed me recipes often and I never felt the need.

I liked the alchemy as well, especially with the whole Toxin mechanic. Because most games let you chug down gallons of magical potions without penalty, you never really have good access to the very powerful ones. In Witcher and Witcher 2, you can turn a fight around with just 2-3

Oh, and Dandelion was mentioned by name in the book already, so I guess he isn't just an Expy of that other Bard.

Yeah, Geralt can pretty much thank Dandelion for his fame/infamy

As to the world... will the book help? Because I'm zipping through that. I also downloaded the maps, if that helps.

If you understand what countries I'm talking about when I say Temeria, Kaedwen, Redania, Aedirn and Nilfgaard, it should be alright. Otherwise, prepare to be confused for your first playthrough

Oh. I never actually watched that scene past "castle exterior" - so the first five seconds or less. I always hit Esc to get to the main menu.

I figured as much, just don't do the same thing with Witcher 2 D: ! That game has a bit more story-critical pre-menu cutscene.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

Aah, so you are part of the minority who played Witcher 1 in top-down view, eh? Most people, including myself, played "over the shoulder"

Why would a fan of classic PC RPGs do otherwise? Top-down gives one a better tactical sense of the battlefield.

If you understand what countries I'm talking about when I say Temeria, Kaedwen, Redania, Aedirn and Nilfgaard, it should be alright. Otherwise, prepare to be confused for your first playthrough

Temeria and Redania I'm pretty familiar with.

Nilfgaard - or MILF-Guard, as I tend to think of it - I've heard a lot about in that there was a war with it, but I don't know much beyond that.

Oh - I watched that video. Apparently I can "recluse King" and "racist King" to the two kings I already know. The one getting his armies ready WAS the King in the Mirror (who was marrying Adda) from the first game, yes?

Still didn't give me any new info on Milfguard.

I figured as much, just don't do the same thing with Witcher 2 D: ! That game has a bit more story-critical pre-menu cutscene.

I'm not used to the premenu cut scene being important in a game. Usually, it's just a trailer for the game. Or, if it is important, it is usually repeated in New Game.

 

[Norrdicus]

Temeria and Redania I'm pretty familiar with.

As you should

Nilfgaard - or MILF-Guard, as I tend to think of it - I've heard a lot about in that there was a war with it, but I don't know much beyond that.

Yes, the old war. Since that man in the black suit who talks to the Witcher is a Nilfgaardian ambassador, you can expect them to have at least minor relevance

Oh - I watched that video. Apparently I can "recluse King" and "racist King" to the two kings I already know. The one getting his armies ready WAS the King in the Mirror (who was marrying Adda) from the first game, yes?

Correct. Racist king is from Kaedwen and the recluse failking is from Aedirn.

And yes, that king readying his troops is the king in the mirror, Radovid. Actually... you know, I think it's possible that you might not really see him at all depending on your story decisions.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

In case everyone's wondering about the lack of update - I have a job interview tomorrow, so haven't started the Witcher 2 yet. I don't want to be distracted from either the interview or starting the game, so I'm going to wait until after the interview.

Instead, I'm currently reading The Last Wish. I really like the framing story. Also - oh look, the Order is in the books too.

No wonder Sapkowski was pissed off.

Sapkowski: "What do you mean the Order that I created for my novel series was created by some time-traveling kid?!"

Even if he liked the rest of the game (and bringing back someone's dead character is usually a good way to piss them off - just ask Sir Conan Doyle), that alone would probably have ticked him off. Even if it is an awesome plot twist for the fans.

By the way - I loved the Beauty and the Beast story. It's my favorite so far.

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

The top-down view is pretty good if you're on the hardest difficulty, as things like dodging/evading and understanding where every enemy is becomes important (dodging and leaping over enemies is easier in top-down view) but on the medium difficulty it requires more or less no strategy, so 3rd person is fine.

The 2nd game is much harder then the first but no strategy is required, it's an action difficulty. If you're going to play it up to date then do not take that other poster's advice on spamming Quen (shield). It was fortunately nerfed.

 

[Norrdicus]

Instead, I'm currently reading The Last Wish. I really like the framing story. Also - oh look, the Order is in the books too.

No wonder Sapkowski was pissed off.

Sapkowski: "What do you mean the Order that I created for my novel series was created by some time-traveling kid?!"

Even if he liked the rest of the game (and bringing back someone's dead character is usually a good way to piss them off - just ask Sir Conan Doyle), that alone would probably have ticked him off. Even if it is an awesome plot twist for the fans.

You sure it's not The Order of the White Rose that's in the books? Alvin essentially resurrects it as Order of the Flaming Rose

Edit: Might as well give some rather basic gameplay tips as you're now between games.

If you don't play action games such as Dark Souls, Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry and such, don't take it lightly if the game tutorial suggests you to play the game on Easy difficulty. You will die. A lot. You can totally play on Normal if you can handle potentially dying in some spots 3-4 times in a row

The first half of the prologue can be played in a non-chronological order, but it'll be easier for you if you do it in the right order, in both understanding what's going on, and the difficulty curve.

Do not reveal your back to the enemy whenever possible, back attacks deal tremendous amount of damage.

Don't spam spells at the wrong moments if you plan on sword-fighting efficiently. Geralt with full Vigor (mana/mp/whatever) will attack and block with 100% efficiency, while with empty Vigor, he'll do it at 50%, those are the cold hard numbers. So when you cast that Aard or Igni, make it count.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

You sure it's not The Order of the White Rose that's in the books? Alvin essentially resurrects it as Order of the Flaming Rose

Ah. Yes, it was the Order of the White Rose. They acted the same and had a very similar name/description.

So Alvin didn't found the order out of nothing. He rebuild a fallen organization. Huh.

Wait... so does that mean that the Order of the White Rose will be destroyed within the books? Perhaps by one particularly noteworthy white-haired Witcher or his actions?

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

The Witcher 2: Tutorial

Okay, first things first. I have it set to "Lowspec" and... well, when I loaded the Tutorial, the game slogs. My mouse seems to react about one second slower than it should, and keeps going for a second after I stop. I turned the sensitivity down to 1 in an attempt to stop it going past where I want to click, which helped some, but not much.

Second things second - is there no option for the over-head mouse control like there was in the Witcher 1? I really dislike the over-the-shoulder third person - it just doesn't work for me (particularly with the Slow Mouse making Geralt unable to walk straight up a damn path without running into the invisible walls).

During dialog, the audio continues on just fine, but the character animation crawls - the movements are at about half speed, so that after the audio dialog finishes, the characters continue gesturing in silence for a few seconds before the camera changes and the next audio plays while the characters slog along.

The combat was worse. Focusing on a single enemy is difficult, and mouse clicks lag, and sometimes don't even response unless I hold the click down.

Combat isn't difficult - it's impossible. Everything is constantly in slow-motion, like Geralt is swimming through molasses. The enemies are just as slow, but aren't required to time their clicks when the graphics and the rest of the game are on two different timetables.

The Throwing Knife challenge was the WORST. Getting one of those damn things aimed, with that TINY target market, while the mouse was constantly going too far and moving after I'd stopped, and the mage casting fucking fire balls at me constantly... yeah.

Is there anything I can do about this? Would "Enabling the Steam Cloud" help? Is there any way to get my top-down Isometric RPG view/feel back?

Pretty much everything above is a criticism of the game running like shit on my computer, which may not be its fault, and either the lack or my inability to fine my preferred layout. I don't WANT to use WASD - I want to click and have my character go where I clicked.

On actual gameplay issues... why do I have to enter meditation to drink potions? I used to be able to drink potions during combat, when I NEEDED to. Now... ugh.

I do like that I can meditate whenever, rather than only at a fire, and only if the game feels like letting me. Being able to make potions without resting for an hour is nice.

But having to enter that menu to drink them (and I'm guessing that menu is locked out during combat) is kind of ass.

The last game felt like a D&D-esque Planescape Torment kind of deal, and I loved it. So far... not liking the combat in this game at all. Of course, much of that is the massive slow-down.

Any thoughts/suggestions about how I might fix some of this?

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

Any thoughts/suggestions about how I might fix some of this?

For performance issues, maybe try turning your resolution way down? I had a friend who was trying to run the game at 2560 x 1600 on his iMac with a GTX 660m. It... did not go well for him.

It's worth noting that, for me, the tutorial was the most demanding bit of the game. It was really quite annoying.

As far your issues with the gameplay go, IIRC it can only be played with WASD and over-the shoulder cam. They pretty much ditched the traditional CRPG gameplay entirely.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

I tried lowering my screen resolution from 1360x768 to 1024x768... and then to 800x600. Didn't help. It did make things more pixily though.

I have an HD quality screen. 800x600 makes me sad.

Texture Downscaling is High
Texture Memory Size is Very Small
Shadow Quality and Number of Shadowed Lights are both Low.
LOD Distance is Minimal.
Bloom, Light Shafts, Anti-aliasing, Blur, Vignette, Wet Surface Rain Effects, SSAO, Motion Blur, Dangling Objects Limit, UberSampling, Vertical Sync, and Decals are ALL Disabled.

Depth of Field Gameplay, Cinematic, and Cutscenes are all Disabled as well.

And... the mouse is still shit.

Note: It is really bad in the Ctrl "pause" menu where I select things, the Meditation menu where I make potions etc, the Esc Menu where I save and quit, and during Dialog when I'm asked to make a choice.

Meanwhile, the mouse is FINE on the Main Menu and the Inventory screen. To test my new settings, I loaded the game and (after initial sucking) opened the inventory and had a fun time re-equiping Raven's armor, Excalibur, and the sword Adda gave me. Awesome. I knew I held on to everything for a reason.

And, in main game control, the mouse is... middling. A little slow, but not as bad as it was before I downgraded EVERYTHING.

I'll admit - I am running two internet browsers in the background (Chrome and Firefox) keeping pages like the Escapist and my webmail open. Also Nostaliga Chick and SF Debris. And Kickstarter. Also several Wordpad documents. So that MIGHT have something to do with it. However, I had all those same things open while playing the first Witcher game and it wasn't a problem.

I did a google search for advice, and (in addition to what was said here), one person recommended 1024x768 resolution, so I think I'll stick with that. Otherwise, Depth of Field was called out a lot, so I disabled all versions of that as well. It has only kinda helped, and has not helped on the main issue (the mouse in the combat "quick" menu) or dialog. I hesitate to go into combat like this.

I am still in the tent with Triss, FYI. I think the adjustments have her lips moving at the proper rate, but I'm not sure.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

I'm still curious about this Steam Cloud thing. Does this mean that some computer at Steam HQ would run the game while I played it over the internet?

If so, I might consider trying that. My WIFI is pretty stable, and I could always plug in for even better connectivity.

Edit: Also, because if this is the case, then couldn't I run it as much HIGHER specs? And enjoy the game the way it was intended to be - all pretty and shit?

 

[Norrdicus]

Wait... so does that mean that the Order of the White Rose will be destroyed within the books? Perhaps by one particularly noteworthy white-haired Witcher or his actions?

Wouldn't be surprised

Second things second - is there no option for the over-head mouse control like there was in the Witcher 1? I really dislike the over-the-shoulder third person - it just doesn't work for me (particularly with the Slow Mouse making Geralt unable to walk straight up a damn path without running into the invisible walls).

Nope. Told ya, action game. In fact, if you can get a controller, it might play better.

During dialog, the audio continues on just fine, but the character animation crawls - the movements are at about half speed, so that after the audio dialog finishes, the characters continue gesturing in silence for a few seconds before the camera changes and the next audio plays while the characters slog along.

I think that's more a problem with the tutorial, it's the only place in the game where I remember stuff like that happening

The combat was worse. Focusing on a single enemy is difficult, and mouse clicks lag, and sometimes don't even response unless I hold the click down.

Yeah, you really need that Alt key for the lock-on when you try taking out one enemy.

Combat isn't difficult - it's impossible. Everything is constantly in slow-motion, like Geralt is swimming through molasses. The enemies are just as slow, but aren't required to time their clicks when the graphics and the rest of the game are on two different timetables.

Unless you're getting single digit frames-per-second, it's something that you'll eventually get used to. The lack of quick response is a problem, but not something you can't adjust to. Except any fights that start the second a cutscene ends, in those the enemies kinda get a cheap advantage since your weapon is sheathed

The Throwing Knife challenge was the WORST. Getting one of those damn things aimed, with that TINY target market, while the mouse was constantly going too far and moving after I'd stopped, and the mage casting fucking fire balls at me constantly... yeah.

Don't worry, throwing daggers are mostly shitty and expensive and I *always* use the quick targeting by tapping R rather than throwing "accurately" in slow-mo

Is there anything I can do about this? Would "Enabling the Steam Cloud" help? Is there any way to get my top-down Isometric RPG view/feel back?

Pretty much everything above is a criticism of the game running like shit on my computer, which may not be its fault, and either the lack or my inability to fine my preferred layout. I don't WANT to use WASD - I want to click and have my character go where I clicked.

No way unless maybe if you mod it. It's a multi-platform action RPG

On actual gameplay issues... why do I have to enter meditation to drink potions? I used to be able to drink potions during combat, when I NEEDED to. Now... ugh.

I do like that I can meditate whenever, rather than only at a fire, and only if the game feels like letting me. Being able to make potions without resting for an hour is nice.

But having to enter that menu to drink them (and I'm guessing that menu is locked out during combat) is kind of ass.

It's very much ass, and Witcher 3 will change that (sorta). In Witcher 3, you still have to drink out of combat, but you can trigger the effects when you want, kinda like a Witcher controlling their metabolism

I'm still curious about this Steam Cloud thing. Does this mean that some computer at Steam HQ would run the game while I played it over the internet?

No, it means Steam'll back your save files, afaik

Steam cloud provisioning has expanded from 1 MB per user to 100 MB per user, per game. The Steam Cloud API allows your game to write and retrieve files for each user. Use it for personalized settings like keyboard, mouse, and gamepad configurations, multiplayer sprays, or even saved games. Steam Cloud is a natural extension of the portability that Steam affords gamers. Shipped first with Left 4 Dead, Steam Cloud is now a proven resource and is becoming an integral part of the Steam experience.

I'll admit - I am running two internet browsers in the background (Chrome and Firefox) keeping pages like the Escapist and my webmail open. Also Nostaliga Chick and SF Debris. And Kickstarter. Also several Wordpad documents. So that MIGHT have something to do with it. However, I had all those same things open while playing the first Witcher game and it wasn't a problem.

Let me put it into perspective: Witcher 1 was a game from Mass Effect 1's time that used the Neverwinter Nights 1 engine. Witcher 2 is a game that demanded some massive downgrading in order to get to the Xbox 360. So Witcher 2 barely managed to fit this console generation

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

Unless you're getting single digit frames-per-second, it's something that you'll eventually get used to. The lack of quick response is a problem, but not something you can't adjust to.

During the tutorial, I may well have been getting single digit FPS. It isn't that bad anymore, but that Ctrl menu is still sticky. And, I noticed during the tutorial, slows combat but does NOT pause it fully. So while I'm struggling with the mouse, the enemy can get hits in.

Oh, and when I say things are unresponsive - I'm also talking button presses on the keyboard. the Alt key wasn't responding unless I HELD it down while remaining focused (with the mouse) on the enemy. Same for the Use Trap or Grenade button.

No way unless maybe if you mod it. It's a multi-platform action RPG

So was the Witcher 1. Wasn't it? I thought I saw X-box copies of that.

Also... can I mod a game from Steam? Or would I need to uninstall my steam version, install my GOG version, and THEN mod it? Because... if there's an isometric mod, I just might do that.

Although, I'd still like to hear about that Steam Cloud option first....

It's very much ass, and Witcher 3 will change that (sorta). In Witcher 3, you still have to drink out of combat, but you can trigger the effects when you want, kinda like a Witcher controlling their metabolism

Oh, that's a much better idea.

I also notices that potions no longer last for HOURS. That sucks. I could get through an entire dungeon on one Swallow potion in the first game. It was awesome.

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

I don't think the isometric view was popular enough among players to really warrant its inclusion in the second game. Those who used it were an extremely, extremely small minority compared to those who used 3rd person. Can't really blame for that. I can't imagine how The Witcher 2 would really work in an isometric style anyway.

I don't mind the meditation-requirement. It's quite lore-fitting. Witchers would never take a potion on the fly, they need to be in a correct state of mind, so that was done well (remember, potions are very dangerous things, even for Witchers). The short time a potion lasts, however, isn't done well. They should be extended far beyond 10 minutes, same for oils. There are mods that change the lengths though, they could be worth looking into.

Edit: As for all the technical issues, I'm guessing your PC just isn't powerful enough. It's a very demanding game, and my own PC, which is pretty damn good, has to run it on mostly medium settings.

 

[Norrdicus]

So was the Witcher 1. Wasn't it? I thought I saw X-box copies of that.

Also... can I mod a game from Steam? Or would I need to uninstall my steam version, install my GOG version, and THEN mod it? Because... if there's an isometric mod, I just might do that.

Although, I'd still like to hear about that Steam Cloud option first....

They were planning an Xbox version for Witcher 1 at some point but scrapped it.

I've not managed to find an isometric mod so far myself, even in Witcher Nexus. Steam doesn't block modding, just makes the file locations a bit different. I'm running Fallout New Vegas' steam version heavily modded

Remember, there's a difference between "Cloud saves" and "Cloud computing". If you wanted to play Witcher 2 on a bad computer, you should have bought the OnLive version

I also notices that potions no longer last for HOURS. That sucks. I could get through an entire dungeon on one Swallow potion in the first game. It was awesome.

Yes, that sucks a whole lot. 10 minute duration (for most potions) compared to the former 24 and 72 minutes.

You need to go down the Alchemy talent tree in order to boost the duration, though it ultimately isn't much, just 40% increase, the chances that your potions only last a single fight are still very big, especially since the timers can run out during dialog.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

Edit: As for all the technical issues, I'm guessing your PC just isn't powerful enough. It's a very demanding game, and my own PC, which is pretty damn good, has to run it on mostly medium settings.

Remember, there's a difference between "Cloud saves" and "Cloud computing". If you wanted to play Witcher 2 on a bad computer, you should have bought the OnLive version

Hey! My computer exceeds the minimum specs in all categories. I believe my computer actually exceeds the "recommended" specs on several points. Something is wrong, but at this point it clearly isn't the main game settings.

I'm not the only one having this problem - there are multiple articles online about this mouse issue. Some recommend messing with the drivers for my mouse. Others want me to edit ini files. I tried the easiest to adjust things first (the game settings) but that didn't help the real issue (and as noted, my mouse is fine in some menus).

I also included the times when the mouse lags because I thought that might help determine what was causing it.

As for Steam Cloud, is that just saves? It doesn't say on the option, and I haven't looked into it further.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

I edited my ini file and the mouse is still laggy.

I tried the Arena combat mini game - sadly, I'm guessing that the four levels I gained there don't carry over. **sigh** It did show, however, that combat is less impossible than I originally assumed. Some of my changes - either the ini or my other adjustments (I went back up to 1024x768; it didn't seem to make a difference) have made combat better.

One reason I know it isn't my computer sucking is this - Mass Effect made my computer overhead. The Witcher 1 made my computer get a little hot. The Witcher 2 is NOT making my computer hot, and is certainly not overheating. My computer is not pushing its limits like it did with ME. It's specifically a mouse issue.

Someone online said "Adjust your mouse DPI" and I'll admit I'm not sure how. I went to Control Panel, Mouse, and clicked on the options, but there wasn't one for DPI (or words that could be abbreviated DPI). Another guide said "invert Mouse DPI" which is even less clear.

FYI, I'm using a Plug-and-Play HP mouse from a different computer. Do I need special Drivers to adjust this "dpi"?

Aside from that, the only other piece of advice I can find for this is, and I quote "running it on highest settings, ubersampling off"

Could the key really be to turn the game settings UP? Could the game be lagging because I'm denying it system resources that I could choose to let it use?