I got both on Steam's Autumn Sale, but Witcher 2 was the one I was really after, I just threw in Witcher 1 because it was like $5. Should I play the first before I start the second? I'd really rather dive right in because I'm worried I'll never get through the original and thus never get to 2, but I don't know if the story wouldn't make any sense if I did that. Do they at least attempt to get new players up to speed, or even better, is it an unconnected story that simply features the same characters and world?
You don't need to play Witcher 1 to understand Witcher 2, though it might help. I played 1 before 2 but I still felt a little lost at the beginning of 2 because the world and the story are pretty complex. Witcher 2 does have a journal with character bios and stuff to help you make sense of it. The first game is pretty good and some of the choices you make slightly affect the sequel, so you might as well try it, but if you can't get into it it's fairly safe to skip it.
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My fingers -- ALIVE! And threatening me with -- DEATH!