The Witcher 2: 15 Reasons It's A Hidden Masterpiece You've Ignored

12. Subtle Moral Choices

A huge appeal of enabling player choice in game design is using it to force the player to make moral choices. Most players really enjoy this process because it gives them an outlet to explore their own sense of morality in a safe, virtual setting. It€™s a really fun intellectual exercise, and maybe a tad stressful. That being said, most games that do this are not exactly subtle when it comes to moral choice and consequences. Typically, choices generally considered to be morally good reward the player with positive outcomes, while morally bad choices punish them in some way. Choices are either good or bad; rarely is there ever something in between. Most gamers will play the system; gravitating towards the good side knowing that they will be more adequately rewarded. The Witcher 2 is also a game that has the player make moral decisions, but what separates it from other similar games is the subtlety with which it is executed. While most similar types of RPGs keep track of the player€™s choices and place them on a moral gradient based on the results, The Witcher 2 does no such thing. There is no good or bad; blue or red; paragon or renegade. Instead, you are presented with choices, you make a decision, and the story adjusts accordingly. At no point does the game make you aware of whether you made the right or wrong choice. You can€™t game the system, instead it is wholly up to you to decide for yourself, and that€™s pretty awesome. So, if you want to experience a game that allows you to really flex your moral muscles, give The Witcher 2 a try. Who knows, you might learn something about yourself.