How will parry and counter-riposte system will work in combat? Will it be like TW2, that you need to time your attack in order to make counter?
The combat system will rely on timing, quick reflexes and the knowledge of when to strike and when to counter. You will have many more options to choose from. Dodges are not limited to rolls anymore, and you can not only counter and block, but also bounce the projectiles back to enemies. We strived to improve on every aspect of the fighting system, to make it more streamlined and more responsive.
How extensive is the unarmed fighting system, can we use it against soldiers and monsters and/or combine it with the sword styles?
You will not be able to include fistfighting into swordfights, but you can try using your bare hands while fighting with guards or monsters. In the latter case, it can be useful, but expect a lot of tears and blood (especially blood) if you try to confront a Griffin or a Fiend armed only with your knuckles.
I would like to know, if Geralt has special movements with the swords or magic.
Geral will use special moves in both Signs and swordfighting. Every sign now has two different modes. Aard (telekinetic thrust) can be thrown in any direction or directly under Geralt’s feet, to create a vast wave of energy that will push everyone to the side that is surrounding him.
You will also be able to use special attacks when using swords, both in light and heavy style. You can see one of those special moves in our movie with Geralt tracking and killing the Griffin - a powerful overhead swing that the he makes is one of those attacks.
Are there attack animations (finisher or simple hits) for enemies on ground? Like in TW1 for example?
Yes, there will be special finisher animations when killing a wounded or downed enemy.
Are cloaks in or out?
That depends on which character you are asking about . Some NPC characters will be able to wear cloaks, but not Geralt. Why? Because it will not work well with his two swords hanging on his back.
Can underwater segments be explained in more detail? For example, will Geralt be hunting underwater monsters or just go in for finding treasures/transitioning to caves etc., and if the answer is former or both, will he have limitations to his skills and signs?
Short answer is: you will have plenty of opportunities to dive deep into water. Sometimes it will be a quest that will force you to swim and dive, sometimes it will be your own will to explore more of the world. Water (and what’s underneath) is an important part of our ecosystem, and we want you to experience it to the fullest.
While diving you will be able to use the crossbow only. Swords and Signs will not function while submerged.
Are there elements like light puzzles, riddles, dungeon traps similar to those from TW2's The Secrets of Loc Muinne?
Yes, definitely. It won’t be “riddled with puzzles” (pun intended), but you will encounter them on numerous occasions while exploring the world and questing.
Will Geralt be able to get drunk like in Witcher 1? (complete with blurry visuals and stumbling animations )
Yes, you can get drunk.
Can we call the horse to any place we want? What if we are on top on the mountain, island or any similar place that is hard to reach, will the map show the location of the horse we just called or will it wait in most accessible nearest location possible?
Obviously - it can’t appear in the buildings or on the top of the steep mountain.
Generally the horse will come to the closest accessible position around the place you have summoned it.
Has Dice Poker been removed and why?
Yes. Dice Poker is no more and the reason is Gwent -- our new card game, which is very popular in the Kingdoms of the North. It’s a fast, dueling game, in which two armies are pitted against each other. Each match lasts around 5 to 10 minutes and is really fun.
How do the witcher senses work in game?
Witcher senses will be useful in many different situations, especially during monster hunts,. Geralt can follow the trails left by a monster to find it. They can also be used during a fight with monsters, to discover and exploit its weaknesses. There will also be quests in which you will use your senses for investigations, i.e. you will be able to find scent trails that will lead you to the culprit, or an object required for completing the assignment.
