The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition Review for Xbox 360

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition Box Art

System: Xbox 360*, PC
Dev: CD Projekt RED
Pub: Atari, Warner Bros.
Release: April 17, 2012
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs

Enhanced Edition is on the level of Dark Souls and Demon's Souls in terms of its difficulty, much like the original. However, I never seemed to notice when I was playing on my PC. The control scheme for the console version isn't bad, but it is easier to find yourself messing up when using a controller, as opposed to the precision of a keyboard and mouse. This will make you feel as if you are fumbling into death on more than one occasion, but it's a frustration that soon passes.

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition Screenshot

However, the real reason to get Enhanced Edition is all the additional content. In a way, Enhanced Edition is like a Game of the Year edition and a mini-sequel at the same time. It includes all previously launched DLC for the Witcher 2, and that's quite an impressive catalogue. It also includes an arena combat mode, which does away with much of the story and simply asks you to survive wave after wave of enemies. In terms of brand new content, the Witcher 2 includes a brand new CGI intro, and many between-chapter cinematics that flesh out the story. There is also a ton of new end-game content that fits in with the existing game quite nicely, and the ending drops hints about what we might be able to look forward to in The Witcher 3, should it ever come to pass.

Should you buy the Enhanced Edition if you have already purchased The Witcher 2? That's a tough question. The additional content is appealing. If you haven't played the Witcher 2 yet, then Enhanced Edition is a definite must-buy. The Witcher 2 was one of the best western RPGs on the PC last year, and the Enhanced Edition just gives you more content while opening up the game to the console masses. However, you simply can't deny that it pales in comparison to the PC version in many ways. If you are a dedicated PC gamer, get The Witcher 2 on PC, which includes all of the Enhanced Edition content in a free patch anyway. Otherwise, pick up the Enhanced Edition on your 360.

By
Angelo M. D'Argenio
Contributing Writer
Date: April 26, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.7

Graphics
Overlooking the fact that the graphics pale in comparison to the PC version's, the character models and environments are still a pleasure to look at.

3.6

Control
The control scheme is basic but it works. You can access your spells quickly, which is about all we need here.

3.4

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
If there's anything that hasn't changed much in this new version, it's the sound and music.

4.4

Play Value
If you haven't played The Witcher 2 yet, then you should probably pick up Enhanced Edition for your Xbox 360.

4.0

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Sequel to the acclaimed 2007 PC RPG, The Witcher, now allows Xbox 360 play as well.

A complex, expansive, and mature adventure with a non-linear story in which every decision may have grave consequences.

Experience an exceptionally realistic, vast game world, teeming with its own life and distinct locations.

Spectacular, dynamic, brutal combat system featuring numerous tactical options such as real-time interactive moves, ranged weapons, traps and bait, and non-lethal attacks.

Exclusive bonus items available only in this Special Edition of the game.