Premium and Collectors’ editions for The Witcher 2

Namco Bandai has announced that The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings will be released on May 17, 2011 in Premium and Collectors’ Edition sets.

The Premium Edition represents the standard version available to customers for an “extremely limited” time from launch. In this edition gamers will find a Making-Of DVD, the game’s Soundtrack (OST), a printed map of the world, a game guide, a physical pamphlet and a coin – representing yet to be revealed parts of the game – and two of the highly praised papercraft figurines.

The true Witcher fans will want to check out the limited Collectors’ Edition. This massive box set will feature everything included in the Premium Edition, plus a 200 page artbook, the infamous dice poker set (5 pcs.), a set of playing cards, a ‘how-to cheat guide’ for dice and card games, three stickers to customise your belongings, an exclusive papercraft figurine (including Draug – one of the deadliest creatures in game), a real Temerian Oren – very handy if you ever happen to visit the kingdom of Temeria, an ultra-realistic head sculpture of Geralt and exclusive DLC which can be only found in this edition: the “Roche Commando Jacket” (boosts Geralt’s sword fighting skills and is one of the best items within the game).

The Collectors’ Edition will be exclusively available to customers who pre-order online at retailers, including Play.com, Amazon.co.uk, Game.co.uk and HMV.com. The set will retail at £79.99, while the Premium Edition will be priced £34.99.

In addition a number of pre-order incentives are in place at various retailers.

– Finisher Pack: This pack contains additional finishing move animations which were especially motion captured and additional advanced fighting techniques. Available via pre-order at thehut.com and Gamestop (for Irish customers).

– Mysterious Merchant: In each chapter you’ll find a shady tradesperson offering unique items which usually can’t be bought in-game. Available via pre-order at GAME and Game.co.uk.

– Ultimate Alchemy Suit: THE ultimate suit for every player focusing on alchemy. It contains unique items, increases the loot output and extends the duration of potions. Available via pre-order at HMV and HMV.com.

– Ultimate Magical Suit: If players focus on spells and magic this would be their DLC of choice. Contains a unique set of items, enhances the new sixth magical sign and boosts the effectiveness of all other signs. Available via pre-order at Play.com.

– Ultimate Swordsman Suit: The art of sword fighting is led to new heights with this pack. Like the other suits it contains a set of unique items but also boosts the sword fighting statistics as well as increases the chance for triggering rare effects in combat. Available via pre-order at Amazon.co.uk.

Earlier today CD Projekt revealed it also plans to sell the game through GOG.com, the digital store previously reserved for good old games only.