The Witcher 1 is free on GOG

People are modding 1 and 2 to play with the 3rds hardware.

Yoaaaah!!!

Thank you my friend.
I can start on teh gheyme now... 

Always wanted to know what all the Witcher fuss was about...
Now I can find out ! 

I started with 3, and it is great beyond words.

Haha, yes, it's not everyone's cup of tea - in the sequels, they went for a standard "action" combat, but the first one is more similar to an early 2000s MMORPG. It gets more complex and enjoyable later, though. As you have the chance to prepare more potions and have more different abilities, the combat becomes more deep and involved, as it is built around preparation instead of reaction. It's all about knowing which potions and abilities you'll need and using them at the right time.

But what really shines through the game is the world itself. It's always interesting and your choices truly matter - it's easily on the level of the first Deus Ex in that regard. There are entire sections later in the game that change completely depending on which sides you've chosen and which characters were saved or left to die. Do keep in mind that it's not an open world game: it has a few chapters, each one in a different location; these locations are open just enough to give you plenty of exploration without being completely free to wander around. The first village is a very small location, but the next sections are in much larger places.

My recommendation is: keep at it. This is a good game once you get around its outdated elements, especially the combat. I remember having enjoyed it a lot when I played and I still like it better than The Witcher 2 (though I'm sure 3 is the best one, I'll see if I can by it in the summer or Christmas sales).