9.0!!!!!

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/thewitcher2/review.html?tag=summary%3Bread-review

Excellent review. The Witcher 2 does really raise the stakes.

if that reviewer wasnt wanking while typing that,i`m a monkeys uncle...lol

You know, thats a pleasant surprise. It seems like usually when Gamespot is pokey about getting a review up, they come in with a slightly disappointing review. I was expecting 8.x from Gamespot, especially considering their console bias, not that these things matter to me.

Im really glad this is working out for CDP. They deserve it.

"The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a gift, gilded with moments that stay with you even after the curtains close on its dark tale of uncertain pasts and uncertain futures. Like the rare Roses of Remembrance you might find growing in this role-playing game's lush fields, these moments are carefully cultivated. They're meaningful not just because they are packed with excitement, but also because there are stakes--both personal and political. As Geralt of Rivia, your actions don't just bring you closer to the truths of your own murky history, but they also influence the tides of war. And just as you exert your power on this game's events, they work their power on you, drawing you further into a gorgeous world populated by quarrelling trolls and drunken, sex-crazed dwarves. Some bugs, combat quirks, and other foibles prove bothersome, but they don't greatly diminish the impact of exploring a dungeon whose walls ooze the agony you've just witnessed. This superb role-playing sequel offers a bold world woven together by tenuous alliances and closely guarded secrets."

I assume the late review has more to do with the game being a european game than anything else. Many european games don't get reviewed at all by gamespot. ;p

Surprisingly well-written, with some portions even seeming to border on blind devotion. If the warming of Gamespot's cold, Scrooge-esque hearts for a review such as this isn't a testament to the immersion this game is capable of, nothing is.

Gamespot is taking some time to do their reviews. At least the ones Kevin does.

I agree with the qualification a lot. With the good things and the drawbacks.

Indeed, combat is the only thing I don't really love right now, but seems that it get's better when you practice a little and when you advance in the game.

The meaningful choices is one thing that I really love. DA2 was a total lie when they said that choices would be important.

Since CDP didn't send out advance review copies, I'd actually be fairly suspect of reviews that were posted before this week, as it would be hard not to imagine them barreling though the game on easy in order to get the review up last week. This is a game you just need a more leisurely and invested amount of time with, to really get the measure of, I think. Kudos to them for taking that time, I say.

The Escapist reviewed the game too and I must agree with most of the "complaints" about the game stated by the author:

-Lack of proper introduction to mechanics.
-Flawed UI. (Crafting, Map, Potions)
-Control response. ("Q""Q""Q""Q""Q""Q" , knocked down by a dude, "Q""Q""Q", finally casts Queen.)

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/8905-The-Witcher-2-Assassins-of-Kings-Review

I find it somewhat puzzling that CDPR would do it as they did, as W1 had a very thorough and well-done introductory section, which explained virtually all aspects of game mechanics. Perhaps it was a time issue; they worked from the middle of the game outward, and simply had to get it out the door.