The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - What We Know So Far

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OK, the title might be a little misleading. There is a lot known and a lot to know about The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings to date. So while I won't be covering everything, I will be covering some the latest and greatest news on The Witcher 2 since our last foray into the wonderful world of Geralt of Rivia. To make up for the wait, I've added some eye candy for you: A gallery of some of the newest screens and a gameplay video so you can see The Witcher 2 in action. Ready? Let's go.

What we know: We know that that it's coming out on May 17th, 2011, conveniently just after finals and the beginning of summer break for students. We know there will be a collector's edition of the game with so many goodies even the most hardcore Witcher fan will be satisfied. It will have items like a making-of DVD, art book, Temerian coin, a unique in-game item called the Vernon Roche Commando jacket that boosts the player's sword-fighting ability, and a plethora of other articles for $129.99 USD.

Some  good news for console gamers: last month, CD Projekt Red told us that The Witcher 2 is possible to play on current gen consoles, which almost certainly means that it will appear on the PS3 and Xbox 360 after it debuts on the PC.

As for the story itself, a fact sheet was released last year detailing much of the game, but in short, perhaps the biggest changes are that the game will have three different plot threads and that choices with in-game NPCs will mean more to the story now. The storyline will once again be thoroughly engrossing and mature and will likely define non-linear game narration. The combat system is more fluid and dynamic, and of course the graphics are further advanced, and frankly gorgeous.

Something that made The Witcher so famous (infamous?) were the sex scenes and sex cards. While the sex cards have been removed due to the controversy of the collectible nature, romance is more tied to the storyline and still abounds. Still worried if you won’t get to have off-road romps as Geralt? Don't fret. When asked in an interview if Geralt would be too busy in The Witcher 2 for afternoon delights, senior producer Tomasz Gop responded "He [Geralt] wouldn’t be himself if he was too busy for sex.”

All of the aspects that made The Witcher so memorable and innovative are still present, only more advanced, with additional depth and sophistication. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings seems to be a game well worth waiting for.

Check out footage of the gameplay below.

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