The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)
First Released
May 19, 2015 (8 years 4 months 7 days)
Genre
Official Blurb: RPG and sequel to The Witcher 2 (2011), The Witcher 3 follows witcher Geralt of Rivia as he seeks out his former lover and his young subject while intermingling with the political workings of the wartorn Northern Kingdoms.
93.75
Exceptional
From the bustling cobblestone streets of Novigrad to the wind-swept isles of Skellige, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt immerses players in a vibrant and intricate world that is at once breathtaking and perilous. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this epic fantasy role-playing game (RPG) draws you into the narrative with compelling storytelling, a vast and stunningly detailed world, and a complex moral compass that constantly challenges your decisions. It's not merely a game, but a journey, lived through the eyes of the white wolf, Geralt of Rivia.
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Editor review
1 review
Through the Eyes of the White Wolf: A Journey into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Reviewed on Windows in December 2022 (Updated: July 26, 2023)
Overall rating
94
Fun Factor
95
Visual / Sound Quality
98
Replayability
90
Level of Challenge
92
From the bustling cobblestone streets of Novigrad to the wind-swept isles of Skellige, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt immerses players in a vibrant and intricate world that is at once breathtaking and perilous. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this epic fantasy role-playing game (RPG) draws you into the narrative with compelling storytelling, a vast and stunningly detailed world, and a complex moral compass that constantly challenges your decisions. It's not merely a game, but a journey, lived through the eyes of the white wolf, Geralt of Rivia.
An Odyssey Rooted in a Dark and Twisted Fairytale
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you inhabit the hardened boots of Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter or 'witcher,' driven by a deeply personal quest to locate his adopted daughter Ciri. Embellished with elements of Slavic mythology, this tale does not shy away from the darkness lurking in its corners. Its narrative strength lies in the weaving of grand overarching narratives and intimate personal stories, where each quest is steeply rooted in its richly-detailed environment, compelling characters, and a world deeply affected by the chaos of war.
The Allure of the Path Less Traveled
CD Projekt Red did not just create a game; they breathed life into a sprawling world begging to be explored. The Witcher 3 offers a vast open-world environment that is as beautiful as it is deadly, with each region having its unique culture, landscape, and folklore. The map is dotted with various points of interest from hidden treasures, monster nests, places of power, to secondary quests and Witcher contracts that can distract you from the main story. The allure of the path less traveled is one of the game's standout features, making even the side quests feel significant and connected to the world around them.
A Symphony of Steel and Sorcery
The combat system in The Witcher 3 is a fluid dance of swordplay and magic. It can be deeply satisfying yet challenging. The game features a diverse bestiary that forces the player to adopt different strategies, from brewing specific potions, selecting the right bomb, or using a particular sign (Witcher magic). It is this strategic depth and the underlying RPG mechanics that elevate the combat from a hack and slash routine to a more tactically rewarding experience.
Choice and Consequence: A Double-Edged Sword
Decisions in The Witcher 3 carry weight, and not always in ways you might expect. The game presents you with a spectrum of moral choices where there is rarely a clear right or wrong. You are often left in the aftermath of your decisions, facing the far-reaching consequences that resonate throughout the world and your story. This intricate web of choice and consequence reinforces the complexity of the narrative, making every decision a double-edged sword.
The Artistic Spell of the Continent
One cannot overlook the game's stunning visual and auditory presentation. The richly detailed environments, dynamic weather systems, and day-night cycle amplify the realism of the game world. The character designs, animations, and visual effects are nothing short of spectacular. Accompanying this visual feast is an enchanting soundtrack that beautifully encapsulates the various moods and regions of the game. From the melancholic tones of the war-ravaged Velen to the energetic folk tunes of Novigrad and the haunting Nordic chorus of Skellige, the music is an integral part of the Witcher 3 experience.
Untangling the Threads of Destiny in Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine
The Witcher 3 also boasts two story-driven expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. These are not mere add-ons but fully-fleshed narratives that could stand as games in their own right. Hearts of Stone delivers a haunting tale that tests Geralt's heart as much as his blade, while Blood and Wine takes you to the vibrant yet secretive land of Toussaint, culminating in a fitting send-off to the White Wolf's saga.
Conclusion: A Witcher's Legacy
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an extraordinary feat in video game storytelling and world-building. Its complex narrative, enriched by profound character development, engaging combat mechanics, and a vast, living world, is a masterpiece that takes the player on an unforgettable journey. It's more than just a game; it's a testament to the rich tapestry of the human condition, depicted through the life of a Witcher. CD Projekt Red crafted a truly immersive experience where every choice matters, every character is memorable, and every quest carries weight. This is a game that leaves a lasting legacy and sets a benchmark for future RPGs. Undeniably, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Fun Factor: 95/100
Without a doubt, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a fun factor that sets a benchmark for RPGs. From its intricate combat system that's as much about preparation as it is about execution, to the exploration of its rich and diverse world, to the engagement in its narrative that encompasses a myriad of interesting quests, there's always something captivating to pull you in. The engaging characters, the breadth of strategic options in combat, and the richness of the world-building all contribute to an overall sense of enjoyment and immersion that's hard to match. The game only slightly falls short with its sometimes cumbersome inventory management and horse navigation.
Visual & Sound Quality: 98/100
The visual and sound design in The Witcher 3 is nothing short of phenomenal. Each location you visit, from the war-ravaged lands of Velen to the ethereal vistas of Skellige, is rendered with an incredible level of detail that makes the world feel alive and immersive. The dynamic weather and day-night cycle add another layer of depth to the environment. Character models and animations are high quality, and the sound design is exceptional. The score perfectly complements the atmosphere and emotion of the game, creating a truly immersive experience. Minor visual bugs and glitches slightly mar the otherwise exceptional presentation.
Replayability: 90/100
The Witcher 3 boasts a high level of replayability, largely due to the impact of player choices on the game's narrative. The branching storylines and multiple endings invite you to play through the game several times to witness all possible outcomes. Furthermore, the game's sheer scale - including its numerous side quests and large-scale expansions - ensures there's always more to explore and discover. However, the game's vastness might also be overwhelming for some, and the time commitment needed to replay such a colossal game could be daunting.
Level of Challenge: 92/100
The game does an excellent job of offering a robust challenge that feels satisfying and balanced. Its combat system, while initially straightforward, reveals more depth as you progress, demanding strategic preparation and sharp reflexes. The different difficulty settings allow you to tailor the challenge to your liking, making the game accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the RPG genre. However, some elements of the game, like its alchemy system, could be initially overwhelming and might require external guides to fully understand.
In summary, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers an impressive gaming experience that excels in many critical areas. The few minor issues do not significantly detract from the game's overall quality, making it an essential addition to the library of any RPG enthusiast.
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About the game
All Releases:
PS4, Windows, Xbox One - 19 May 2015
Nintendo Switch - 15 October 2019
PS5, Xbox Series X/S - 14 December 2022
About the game:
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.
Updated to the latest version, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt comes with new features and items, including a built-in Photo Mode, swords, armor, and alternate outfits inspired by The Witcher Netflix series — and more!
Behold the dark fantasy world of the Continent like never before! This edition of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has been enhanced with numerous visual and technical improvements, including vastly improved level of detail, a range of community created and newly developed mods for the game, real-time ray tracing, and more — all implemented with the power of modern PCs in mind.
Trained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.
• Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic.
• Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities.
• Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.
Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity.
• Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas.
• Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services.
• Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
Updated to the latest version, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt comes with new features and items, including a built-in Photo Mode, swords, armor, and alternate outfits inspired by The Witcher Netflix series — and more!
Behold the dark fantasy world of the Continent like never before! This edition of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has been enhanced with numerous visual and technical improvements, including vastly improved level of detail, a range of community created and newly developed mods for the game, real-time ray tracing, and more — all implemented with the power of modern PCs in mind.
Trained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.
• Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic.
• Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities.
• Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.
Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity.
• Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas.
• Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services.
• Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
Take on the most important contract of your life: to track down the child of prophecy, the key to saving or destroying this world.
• In times of war, chase down the child of prophecy, a living weapon foretold by ancient elven legends.
• Struggle against ferocious rulers, spirits of the wilds, and even a threat from beyond the veil – all hell-bent on controlling this world.
• Define your destiny in a world that may not be worth saving.
• In times of war, chase down the child of prophecy, a living weapon foretold by ancient elven legends.
• Struggle against ferocious rulers, spirits of the wilds, and even a threat from beyond the veil – all hell-bent on controlling this world.
• Define your destiny in a world that may not be worth saving.
MATURE CONTENT DESCRIPTION
The developers describe the content like this:
This Game may contain content not appropriate for all ages, or may not be appropriate for viewing at work: Nudity or Sexual Content, General Mature Content
The developers describe the content like this:
This Game may contain content not appropriate for all ages, or may not be appropriate for viewing at work: Nudity or Sexual Content, General Mature Content