thestrand: Block works great in combat once it's upgraded, and extra vigor helps as well. There are other abilities that allow you to block more as well. Blocking is highly effective because not only does it prevent some or all of the damage, but it also stuns an enemy momentarily and leaves them vulnerable. Currently I'm only using the rolling dodge to change positioning, that is to escape flanking enemies and get them all in front of me again. Personally, I think this makes the combat fairly realistic and rewarding.
I'm still very early on first playthrough, I haven't finished the first chapter yet, but with practice and smart play the combat is really engaging. Using block a lot I think Geralt feels like an effective swordsman and isn't rolling around on the ground constantly. I'm hardly a master player, but here are few tips from my experience.
1. Upgrade block and get more vigor as rapidly as possible. You need to invest 6 talents in The Witcher skill tree before unlocking Swordsmanship, but you don't need to get all six possible talents in the tree. Use the points for upgraded block and upgraded combat vigor regeneration.
2. Don't use the Quen sign. It's great for protection, but you are unable to regenerate vigor while it's activated.
3. Spread your attacks out. By swiveling the mouse you can rapidly change who you're attacking, keeping the pressure on multiple foes to prevent them from attacking you with impunity. I only try to focus down a foe if I can isolate him, otherwise it just opens you up to attack from the enemies you're ignoring. I haven't picked up Whirl from the Swordsmanship tree yet, but I imagine it alone will make combat a lot easier.
4. You can use the swift attack on an out of range enemy to get Geralt to leap or roll strike the foe, covering ground in the process. This is a great way to reposition yourself as enemies try to flank you. Also, it looks badass.
Hopefully we'll see more tips and advice on these forums, instead of just criticism. I felt the frustration factor at the beginning too, the game throws you into some really tough fights without the abilities you need, but the combat is exciting once you get into it.
we understand that after its been explained by numerous people. but we still do not like it.
signs should have a system separate from blocking. since when is blocking magical? when can blocking a weak enemy be the same as blocking a stronger one where they both take the same amount of vigour to block. its just not fun to me how they handled the system