The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

We expected a deep RPG experience and The Witcher 2: Assassins of King doesn't quite deliver on that front as much as its predecessor. I think the alteration of the combat system receives most of the blame for that...In short, frequent hack'n'slash style action puts less emphasis on tactics, character development or anything else that constitutes a really good role-playing game.

Rather than creating a character, you're stuck as the brooding, white-haired monster slayer Geralt. Anyone who enjoyed the role last time will be happy to bear with him while the game meanders to its point. Anyone else will need an extraordinary level of patience.

An ambitious and morally complex role-player, but one still limited by a poor script and half-broken game mechanics.

It starts off as a deeply unsatisfying game which wants to punish players who try to enjoy it, then becomes rather endearing, with the acquisition of power and loot at least providing a traditional sense of accomplishment. When all's said and done, however, the game's high points arrive too late and provide too little. While hardcore fans will likely dive into the game and have fun, those who don't feel that they should be made for pay for a game with their patience will be put off.