Upgrade in progress…

All of combat is based on fighting stances and your timing in completing a combo combined with some special abilities. We have three fighting stances and 4 types of weapons. The steel sword, silver sword, one slot for small weapons (a dagger or a torch) and a slot for bigger ones like axes or maces. Plus, each weapon can be upgraded to give more damage or be more effective against specific monsters.

The special abilities are called “Signs” and there’s 5 of them:

- Aard that causes knockdown or stun

- Igni shots fire bolts, waves of fire and can incinerate targets

- Quen will give damage absorption and different resistances

- Axii causes hex and strike fear into opponents

- Yrden causes pain and blinds enemies.

As you kill monsters and complete quests, your experience will increase and Geralt will gain a level. Then you must meditate in front of a fire  (in a house, on the field, it really doesn’t matter where you are as long as you have matches or the Igni Sign spell to start the fire).

Talking about skills, let me introduce you to the character development and available skills in the game. You can upgrade your combat skills only and end up as a powerful warrior; go for a great mage using spells or you can mix them in a manner that will suit your gaming style.

When you gain a new level, you will receive bronze, silver or gold points to spend in one of most complex skill trees seen in a game. When Geralt is low level, he will gain only bronze skill points to spend but the further you go into the game the more skills are unlocked with silver points and gold for special skills.

I need alcohool

Another major part of the game is Alchemy. The player can mix different plants or oils to create bombs, special oils applied on the sword for increased damage against monsters, rejuvenation potions, health or endurance potions and more. All potions require use of alcohol to create: wine, beer, liquor… pick one. In the end, the same mutagens that give him special abilities like “cat reflexes ” are the ones who deny him a normal life as he will be forever a witcher, a person who people will fear and dislike. Geralt will learn a lot about monsters, plants, potions, women… everything around him. All these are key factors in the game: knowing the surroundings, the enemies and their weaknesses.

Beside the usual rewards for completing quests, money, items or fame… most of women will offer.. herselves. Yes, you heard right. Our boy Geralt, being a witcher and having that animal instinct within, is the ladies man when it comes to physical attraction and as a bonus we get "sexy" cards with the lovely ladies in distress. Check out some of them but … shhh don’t tell anyone