Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature fantasy RPG is full of sex, violence, profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this game is highly regarded for its engaging story and complex gameplay but is not suitable for younger audiences due to its intense violence, strong language, and explicit sexual content. While some reviews suggest it remains enjoyable for older teens, many express that it’s strictly for mature players, advising caution for anyone under 18.
- mature content
- intense violence
- strong language
- challenging gameplay
- age restrictions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
The follow-up to a cult hit role-playing game released in 2007, THE WITCHER 2: ASSASSINS OF KINGS is an epic dark fantasy game that follows the story of Geralt, a renowned monster hunter who, at the start of the game, is framed for the assassination of a king. As a witcher, Geralt is in possession of advanced combat skills, including acrobatic maneuvers and magical abilities. He uses these valuable skills not only in his quest to find and apprehend the real murderer, but also to carry out a wide variety of side quests that often provide players the option of choosing whether Geralt acts selflessly or greedily, on the side of good or on that of evil. Of particular note is the game's vibrant world. It's a staggeringly detailed and realistic fantasy realm that amplifies the authenticity of events that occur within it.
Is It Any Good?
The Witcher 2 stands out for its gorgeous graphics and superlative storytelling. The world you explore is enormous, stunningly rendered (assuming you have a PC powerful enough to handle it), and filled with secrets that players must seek out. Among these secrets are countless side quests that introduce you to memorable personalities and shocking events that help shape Geralt's personality. Playing the game feels like seeing an adult-oriented fantasy novel spring to life and then stepping into it.
Unfortunately, it's not exactly accessible. Combat can be exceptionally challenging, especially at first, and menu design and inventory management is clunky at best, confusing at worst. These are issues that diehard fans of dark, Western-style RPGs will gladly endure for the grander experience, but will almost certainly turn off genre rookies. Regardless, they ought not to take away from the game's significant achievements in world design and narrative.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in games. How do you feel when you fight fantastical creatures in games? Do you feel differently if your opponents are humans?
Families can also discuss sexuality in games. Should we guide children playing games the same way we do when physical romance is depicted in live action entertainment?
Game Details
- Platform : Windows
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Atari
- Release date : May 17, 2011
- Genre : Role-Playing
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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