The Witcher 2 HANDS DOWN THE BEST LOOKING GAME ON PC TO DATE!

[Carfax83]

You compare games out of the box vs. out of the box. Not modded and altered vs. out of the box. That's just silliness there. I bought Crysis when the whole dealio was 9.99 and didn't see what the big hardon was for it. It's just a game that stressed systems and people now equate that to it being the best graphically.

I only had one mod that I used in those screenshots...to enable parallax occlusion mapping with anisotropic filtering enabled.

Everything else is from an ordinary config, so it's not like it was heavily modded or anything.

And like one guy said, Crysis is over 3 years old, so it's not a fair comparison to begin with from the get go.

I like what I've seen in TW2 more than I did in Crysis.

To each his own I suppose..

 

[Carfax83]

ROFL. You complain the lighting is messed up because his face is lit up with no light source on his face, then find out there is a light source on his face, and someone the lighting system is still messed up? wat?

I didn't say the lighting is "messed up." I said the lighting and shadow system is comparatively poor compared to the other aesthetic features, ie texture quality and artwork.

And it is. Look at the lights and shadows in the Witcher 2 and compare them to Crysis or Metro 2033 and you'll see DX9's shortcomings.

 

[IcePickFreak]

Yeah ,this game is only running my VGA @ 75% load @19x12 on a yorkfield quad core maxed out 3.6, VGA settings at High.

This is a CPU bound inefficient Direct X 9 hacked game so it will run on consoles eventually.

They are hacking the visuals into Direct x9 ,if it was direct X 11 it would be able to multi thread through vga drivers if properly coded, which (no pun intended) would be an increase of about 25% efficiency and frames.

I'm just saying ....

This is a sweet game .

So it's a CPU bound game, but if the graphics card could run 25% more efficiently it would run faster?

Personally I could care less if it's the best looking game evar made. It looks good, it runs smooth (at least on my not-so-up-to-date system,) and I'm enjoying the gameplay and story. Last I checked that's a rare combo in the current gaming world.

 

[Zorander]

Pardon me if this question has been asked before: Do I need to play the first game before playing Witcher 2?

 

[Phobic9]

Pardon me if this question has been asked before: Do I need to play the first game before playing Witcher 2?

For story and continuity purposes I would way play the first one. It's totally up to you though but I just couldn't get into the first game at all mostly due to how the game was setup. The first parts of the first game are just mind-numbingly boring. I'm enjoying this sequel a lot more.

 

[Emultra]

I can max the game out at 2560x1600 with everything turned as high as it goes, but, ubersampling. I get about 40-70 outdoors and 100+ indoors. My FPS grinds down to 10-20fps with ubersampling turned on, useless feature at this point. If it runs on my rig that poorly, it's not going to run on anyone's rig at a playable framerate. My impression is that it is some sort of supersampling type AA, but it doesn't look like SSAA when enabled, so I'm not really sure what it is beyond an FPS killer.

Maybe an i7 980 Extreme hexacore, 16GB of the best RAM, quad-SLI 4x590 and the best SSD can run it after a SLI patch.

 

[Necc]

Awesome game, also looks pretty with ubersampling but getting 20-25fps, how does it scale with crossfire? might get a 2nd 5870 for the cause.

 

[Mem]

Awesome game, also looks pretty with ubersampling but getting 20-25fps, how does it scale with crossfire? might get a 2nd 5870 for the cause.

I read no crossfire support at the moment,might change with a patch or two.

Btw read this,

As for ATI users:
1)Install latest drivers ATI Hotfix.
2)DIsable anisothropic filter, antialiasing and adaptive antialiasing and Catalyst A.I.; this can be done in the CCC panel.
3)Try running the game in windowed mode.
4)For dual cards linked into crossfire, turn off one of the cards or use the Dirt 2 profile.

AMD/ATI plans to release hotfix drivers dedicated to The Witcher 2. They will resolve problems with game's efficiency for crossfire users. This information will appear on: http://support.amd.com/us/Pages/Catalyst-Hotfixes.aspx"

 

[Pray For Death]

After finishing the game twice taking a different path in Ch2 each time (you HAVE to play both or you'll miss out on a TON of content) I have to say screenshots don't do this game any justice. You must see it in action to fully appreciate it.

I was able to run it at max settings (minus ubersampling) at 1920x1200 on my Geforce 9800 GT. FPS was 15-25, but I prefer image quality over framerates so I didn't mind. I'd have to say the game is fairly well optimized... totally didn't expect my GPU to run it at that quality. (was running patch 1.2, with the latest nvidia drivers.)

Here are some of the best looking areas in the game:

Castle siege in the prologue: Environment is extremely well detailed, and view distance is marvelous. Once you climb the castle and look at the horizon the view is breathtaking.

Prologue dungeon: Lighting and shadowing is phenomenal. The walls are very detailed with individual bricks jutting out and giving them a very palpable feel.

The forest in Chapter 1 looks brilliant during the day. And Flotsam looks amazing at night.

The "Eternal Battle" realm in Ch2 is a marvel to behold. A very artistic and unique environment, and the constant twilight gives it a surreal atmosphere.

The snow mountains in ch3 are also captivating, a pity you only stay there for a short time.

The lack of loading screens in the game (background streaming) really helps with the immersion, and is a welcome change after playing other games (Witcher 1, Portal 2, Mass effect, etc...)

 

[Pray For Death]

Pardon me if this question has been asked before: Do I need to play the first game before playing Witcher 2?

Not really. I've played the first one, but the game does a decent job of introducing you to the world and my friends who haven't played W1 still liked it.

And if you're doing it for the save file, you only get your swords/armor transferred from the first game (they're good), and a few minor plot changes. Nothing significant imo.

Not to mention the first game can be very very long and time consuming, and the pacing is a lot slower than Witcher 2.

 

[Liet]

The first game can be an acquired taste... It's definitely slow-paced, but if you've got the patience (and apply the high-texture mod), you'll be rewarded with a great storyline in a wonderful universe, and some memorable gameplay.

EDIT:
I LOOOOOVE the Witcher 2. I'm even alright with the combat. It's REALLY fun getting high and wandering through the forest. Ahhhh, mist and fog and a massive Veyopatis head. SWEET.

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

My 5850 runs this game very well as long as Ubersampling stays off. I think more VRAM would help.

 

[TheVrolok]

Wow, I was thinking about picking this up but it looks like I'll need an upgrade before considering it. Don't think my Q6600@3.0 and GTX 285 are going to cut it. A shame I won't be upgrading for at least a year.

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

Wow, I was thinking about picking this up but it looks like I'll need an upgrade before considering it. Don't think my Q6600@3.0 and GTX 285 are going to cut it. A shame I won't be upgrading for at least a year.

You will be able to play it. I think a GTX 285 is about equal to a GTX 460 and that isn't a slow card. You will be fine imo.

 

[skace]

I just wanted to note, relevant to the thread. That Crysis was not just a beauty contest winner but also a physics juggernaut, which is why it is still benchmarked and referenced today. It wasn't only that the textures looked nice, but also that you could shoot your way through a forest, knocking over trees, get in any vehicle and fly into the sky or water, smash over houses. The physics were very demanding and powerful and that is what allowed for other things, such as the mountain tearing apart in the background throughout the campaign and the frost effects that were ever-so demanding. The only thing I can't really comment on is whether the conversion from jungle to snow was anything other than a wholesale map swap.

Games will eventually have prettier faces than Crysis, but that doesn't mean they match the graphical prowess. Just like very few games will tackle Doom 3's indoor environment complexity and reflective surfaces for many more years - especially as most games strive for greater complexity outdoors.

Understanding why a gaming engine is powerful is very important. Not just to take a screenshot of each and say one is prettier than the other. However, given that, I do think the Witcher 2's engine is nice. I like many of the environments painted, like the beginning siege and how dense the forest can be in the woods. I've yet to push further into Ch2 at this point but I'm sure there will be other things to wow me.

 

[viivo]

You've played it for a whole hour and you think it should be the game of the year... and we're only in May.

There goes your credibility, right out the window.

Just curious if anybody has pointed out the irony of someone with a Duke avatar talking about quality and credibility.

On topic, good looking game, wonky translation.

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

Just curious if anybody has pointed out the irony of someone with a Duke avatar talking about quality and credibility.

On topic, good looking game, wonky translation.

I think the refrences to "ploughing" are intentional.

 

[TechBoyJK]

I just wanted to note, relevant to the thread. That Crysis was not just a beauty contest winner but also a physics juggernaut, which is why it is still benchmarked and referenced today. It wasn't only that the textures looked nice, but also that you could shoot your way through a forest, knocking over trees, get in any vehicle and fly into the sky or water, smash over houses. The physics were very demanding and powerful and that is what allowed for other things, such as the mountain tearing apart in the background throughout the campaign and the frost effects that were ever-so demanding. The only thing I can't really comment on is whether the conversion from jungle to snow was anything other than a wholesale map swap.

Games will eventually have prettier faces than Crysis, but that doesn't mean they match the graphical prowess. Just like very few games will tackle Doom 3's indoor environment complexity and reflective surfaces for many more years - especially as most games strive for greater complexity outdoors.

Understanding why a gaming engine is powerful is very important. Not just to take a screenshot of each and say one is prettier than the other. However, given that, I do think the Witcher 2's engine is nice. I like many of the environments painted, like the beginning siege and how dense the forest can be in the woods. I've yet to push further into Ch2 at this point but I'm sure there will be other things to wow me.

Yep.. The engine 'market' is getting pretty intense. Several companies have developed amazing engines and they all feed off each other. It's just going to keep compounding and things will get more and more amazing. I really can't wait to see C2 in with High Res textures, and all the goodies that DX11 offers. It will be even better when they release the editor and users can start making their own mods and milking the engine even more.

Anybody seen Uningine?

 

[brblx]

crysis still seems to have better 'features' to me. on a technical level it impresses me in a way that the witcher does not. TW2 mostly looks good because of high quality execution- even if something like lighting or shadows aren't as good as they COULD be, it doesn't really matter. meticulous texturing, animation, and general attention to detail makes it a pretty great looking game. and even though crysis is a big world, TW2 seems to have a far grander scale to it. seeing a pretty bush and another bush and then also a bush and lots of pretty trees isn't as good as any of the views in the witcher.

i'm running it in DX9 on high with all available options on. AA, vsync, and triple buffering on. c2d 3.3ghz, 2gb, 560ti. not a very impressive system. game still looks and runs great.

 

[Kristijonas]

Hello, is it worth it to play Witcher 1 before playing Witcher 2 ? Can you transfer your character from one game to another? How are these two games different and how are they connected?

 

[Attic]

I think everyone is to busy playing it, cause the few forums I go too, there are no pics posted yet lol.

I can't wait to play it, it is like torture right now, I have it downloaded and ready to go, but I am replaying the first one currently for a save file and to remember everything since it has been awhile since I've played it.

:thumbsup:

You will be rewarded.

Edit: Holy crap, just realized I quoted a post from the first page. I should go home, 12 hour work days lead to unnatural behavior.

 

[Attic]

Hello, is it worth it to play Witcher 1 before playing Witcher 2 ? Can you transfer your character from one game to another? How are these two games different and how are they connected?

Hi.
Yes.
Sort of.
Witcher 2 is more streamlined and better while following closely the world created from Witcher 1.

 

[Pray For Death]

Wow, I was thinking about picking this up but it looks like I'll need an upgrade before considering it. Don't think my Q6600@3.0 and GTX 285 are going to cut it. A shame I won't be upgrading for at least a year.

You should be able to run it just fine. Like I said, it ran well on my 9800 GT, although I do have a better CPU (Phenom II X4 @ 3.6Ghz)

Hello, is it worth it to play Witcher 1 before playing Witcher 2 ? Can you transfer your character from one game to another? How are these two games different and how are they connected?

Witcher 1 is kinda hard to get into, but the story is amazing. Yes you can transfer your character and bring some armor/weapons from Witcher 1 and affect the story a little.

The combat is completely different between the 2 games (the second game is more action oriented, with a lot more tools at your disposal during the fights such as bombs, traps, throwing knives, etc.)

The story of Witcher 2 begins 1 month after the end of Witcher 1, so yes they are well connected, but the game does a good job of getting you acquainted with the world. So playing Witcher 1 is not mandatory to understand the story.

 

[Carfax83]

Just a friendly tip for those running Nvidia SLi hardware.

Don't know if this will work on other people's systems, but try maxing your pre-rendered frames to 8. I noticed that increasing this value helped speed up the first time (repeat loads are done from memory so now worries there) loading transitions when entering new areas significantly, which resulted in less hitching and stuttering during those events. In fact, it completely removed it in many cases to my surprise.

How it does this I am uncertain, but since this value determines how far head the CPU can prepare frames for rendering, I suppose that it reduces the latency involved in sending the data to the GPU.

If you're still on HDD like I am, then this might help to improve your Witcher 2 experience

 

[Carfax83]

Witcher 2 patch 1.3 is now available!

I can now play the Witcher 2 without those annoying black bars And SLi performance has increased substantially as well!