This is the review of the first act in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, published on a Polish gaming site. You can use Google to translate it to English, but if you don't want to, here's a summary (I would've gladly translate the entire article here, but I'm not sure if it's legal to do so):
- It took at least 10 hours to beat the prologue and the first act (bonus time spent on replaying some parts to see different outcomes).
- The choices you'll make will have a visible consequences. A different choices in the first act will mean completely different main quests for the next act.
- Grey and Grey morality once again. Apparently, there will be two sides of the conflict (it isn't stated in the review what kind of conflict it is, but it is implied that it's something about the titular Assassins of Kings), and both have some rights.
- More references to The Witcher novels, as Geralt will start regaining his memory. Don't worry though, it's not necessary to read the books to understand the game. It's just a bonus for the readers.
- We'll meet Triss, Dandelion and Zoltan early in the game.
- Many sidequests, and most of them can also end up in a few different ways depending on your actions. The review briefly mentions a side quest, where you can meet a Troll who is an alcoholic. Sounds fun
- Hunting sidequests are still present. Geralt still has to learn about the creatures he has to kill, but in addition to reading books about them (learning their weak spots etc.), he can also learn it by practice ie. killing a certain number of a said monsters. To claim the reward though, Geralt has to destroy the monster's hive, eggs, the queen etc.
- Not much about the leveling system is revealed. The only thing I could read about, is that Geralt can learn bonus combat techniques like 'Counter attack' (apparently it's a roundhouse kick, Chuck Norris style), if you'll invest in 'dueling' skills. The fighting has been already covered elsewhere, left mouse button for fast style, right mouse button for strong style + combos. Seems like a standard stuff these days.
- The alchemy stayed the same. The only difference is you can drink the brewed potion only during meditation, which means you have to prepare yourself properly before bigger fights.
Bonus rumor I heard on a Polish gaming forum. Don't quote me on that, but it will be awesome if true - There are supposed to be 4 possible beginnings. Thanks to a save import option from the first Witcher, you can start a game in a three different ways, depending on who you helped in the last game (Order of Flaming Rose, Sco'iatel or nobody). The fourth beginning is for people who didn't import the save.
. You should probably visit their website frequently to find out more.
