But that would waste even more oxygen...

Here's a picture to exemplify the witcher 2's UI designs as a port for consoles, to our fellow 'gamers'. I might not have a valid point for the combat status display, but it is a valid point towards the combat selection menu. I support the OP towards some extent.

Pic: http://i.imgur.com/j8sPb.jpg

Imgur converted the png to jpg. Quality degrades, but still readable.

The radial menu isn't even a problem. Just don't use it. However, the inventory system is horrible. They took like 10 steps back from TW1's inventory.

Well The Witcher was not great when it was released and it went to v 1.5 so I maybe going overboard to soon. They fixed Witcher 1 up so in time they will have Witcher 2 up to snuff I hope.

Dude, I have exactly the same feel about this game.
I loved the previous witcher because of the original gameplay: fighting styles, one of the rare well implemented alchemy systems, uncensored titties, and a decent scenario.

So, they threw out fighting styles and replaced with usual run and strike and run console crap. Alchemy system, being restricted to the "meditation" mode, is now awkward and boring.
Titties are still there, but those two good points cannot save the game.

In other words, this is not a Witcher game anymore, this is something else.
Finally, if you're an old guard, hardcore FRP/RPGer, I recommend not to waste money on this.