I've just started a new playthrough now that EE has arrived, and I'm going to be playing at Dark Mode to test the new gear. Since I'd like to play as different from my first playthrough as possible, I've decided to not specialize in swordsmanship.

That leaves me with the question of whether to go Alchemy or Signs, I believe. To be honest, neither are particularly appealing to me since alchemy is seems tp be about strengthening rather short buffs etc, and Signs only improve the rather limited magic system in the Witcher, and it doesn't make you a standard RPG mage or anything. Hence my indecision.

So I'd really like some input regarding the viability and fun of other builds, as well as how I should spec if I decide to go a certain path. Is for example getting the Vigour upgrades in the Witcher mini-specialization path worth it if you decide to go for Signs? How does the Alchemy witcher play; is it for example much like the Swordsman, except relying on steroid buffs rather than ripostes and combos?