Greetings,
so, where do I begin?

My unit of TW2's CE has waited for more than three weeks to be used, for several reasons, but finally I got a chance to play. Now, five days later, I am on my second playthrough, actually close to finishing Act II (Eternal War – then there is probably Vergen's Siege left) to be more specific and most likely will beat the game tommorow, for the second time, with 50hrs + total. Kudos, one of the best ever. But here is what I would like to discuss:

Siding with Vernon is the natural choice for me – not because I lack empathy and understanding for Iorweth's motivations, but mostly because of the respect and loyalty I feel towards Roche, which at the very end payed off – I was relatively satisfied with his conclusion.

On the other hand, I must admit, that after marvellous prologue (one of the best openings ever) and Act I (I absolutely loved its gloomy, unforgettable uniqueness, one of my favorite game-locations ever, could stay there for a long time) and „Roche's” Act II, I have reached some conclusion regarding the shape of the latter – simply, it is not particularly as compelling, captivating and engaging as the previous chapters. I mean – loved it, it is at least very good in all meanings and still praise-worthy, definitely worth experiencing (well, certainly everyone should complete both paths), but it was not at the same level anymore. And now, after 9hrs of struggling on „Iorveth's” path in Act II I just cannot comprehend one thing.

What-the-...? I'm amazed.
Yeah, undoubtedly Roche still means more to me and it truly hurts to betray him, generally I prefer him as character, he is masterfully written, plus there were a few cool quests and a chance of hanging out with the Blue Stripes, but that's it. That's it.

Because Vergen, ladies and gentlemen, is even more than worthy successor of previous locations; I would risk saying, that nowhere in TW2 is as beautiful and safe as there.
Because the company is excellent and eminent – Filippa sweeps Dethmold's and Sheala; Kaedwen's soldiers seem ridiculous when compared to the dwarves; Saskia and Cecil exceed Henselt (probably I'm one of a few with such opinion); Zoltan and Dandelion have slightly more significant roles.
Because only in Vergen there is a real tavern to be found, filled with life and warmth.
Because only there you can hang out with your dwarven homies, drink some beer and then begin a decent small journey to kick monsters arses.
Because mentioned quest is not the only one which generally tend to have more substance here.
Because walking through the mist is a little bit more complex and exciting.
Because after that you get a chance to co-operate with Roche for a while – when depending on choice you may not even see Iorweth on Roche's path.
Because there is more stealth-mode wandering here.
Because history seems to be illustrated in more intriguing way.
Because there is an opportunity of getting to know closer potentially two ladies in Vergen, as a result of choices and effort (Ves is gorgeous, though).
Because track „Vergen by night” is like a captured dream.
Because this path is longer.
Because, to be trivial at least once, it gives more... exp, which may result in impact on character's build creativity.

And I did not even reach Vergen's Siege so far – heard it is also superior.

I just do not get, what was the intention of developers – as I mentioned, they did a hell of a job on both sides of the story, but while Roche's path is „just” very good, Iorveth's one is pure genius and it is so obvious to me after all and not sure if it is a matter of taste. Did they lack a budget, were they in a rush? It is just like... It feels like it is main and Roche's is extra one. And we know very well there is not such a thing as „main”, as in fact both are supposed to be equal. I have not decided yet what is gonna be my perfect choice for the next installment, but regardless of how I admire Roche, there is a lot to be excited about with Iorveth.

Kudos for the best developers from my country, which I am proud of!

Anyone shares my thoughts?

Oh yes, Vergen by Night is simply amazing. I often stopped in my tracks and just admired the cityscape while listening to this track when in Vergen. Meaning that everything took more time. :)

I sided with Iorveth first and then took the Roche path. I must say I was really pleased to get to know the Roche side of the story in chapter 2. It was quite good up until after the Eternal Battle where it sorta collapsed, Roche was suddenly a kingslayer and a plotter himself, Henselt raped Ves, Dethmold started hanging people and Kaedwen became Geralt's enemy.

You're probably right that it was rushed a bit.

Edit: Don't read this topic before you've finished the game with Iorveth but it has similar sentiments to yours: Iorveth's Path > Roche's Path (MAJOR SPOILERS)

They should have included the succubus quest and maybe 2 or so others in Roche's Act 2, you go to Vergen anyways, may as well do some quests while you're there. It would have made Roche's path a little meatier I think.

I just finished my first Roche playthrough and ever since choosing Roche I felt kinda rushed. It's really hard to beat Vergen though, it's so beautiful and there's no Vizima sized town in the game.

Thanks for your answers.
Ren02, I will definitely contribute to that thread.
Jeffro, that is correct, I really do hope there will be another major city in TW3.

At this moment in playing through, I'm 15-20 min in Act III, and what I have to say?

14th reason - Indeed, Vergen's Siege is better on this side, you really participate in defense actions and it is hard to replace Zoltan as commander. :P Plus Iorveth's arrival!
15th reason - Maybe it will sound a little bit corny, but I really had a feeling, that I made a world a little bit better place - Henselt's expansion plans are finished, non-humans will have their own enclave, Dethmold is dead - although he deserved more official judgment...

Now, at the beginning of Act III it also seems more interesting - Iorveth has more history-vibe things to say than Roche, also entering Loc Muinne is more exciting.

I really do not understand why they did not try harder - yes, the game is still a masterpiece and their work deserve all the praise, but it is a pity. Roche deserves better. :)

I totally agree with the sentiment. After playing Iorveth's path I feel like my after game-is-over world is a better place (though there are definitely some bad things too). Looking at my decisions on Roche's path versus Iorveth's path it seems that I played Roche's path much more 'self-centered' and Iorveth's path as more of a 'magnanimous' and 'generous' character.

I want to go back and play TW1 and then continue with that save through TW2 at some point this summer (as I did for ME1 and ME2 because I wanted a 'canon' character), but I think that choice between Roche and Iorveth is going to be my hardest one.

Yes, playing Roche path feels rather poor/average while Oriveth's path is much better.