or just sheer provocation.ĬD Projekt RED / The Witcher III: Wild HuntĪll this has the makings of a deep role-player, but that's just the tip of the iceberg really. And let's not forget additional items, including crossbows and bombs, that come in handy for certain combat.
To add to the mixing pot there are a variety of magical spells that are essential for tactical attack and defence - particularly when ensconced by a group of enemies. Other sword-bearing folk tend to be easily dispatched, but groups of wraiths, ghouls and the like will demand well-timed rolls and dodges to get around. It's not all slash, slash, slash button bashing either parry, dodge and use of stronger sword attacks in combination deal with different foes. The Witcher 3 is no plodding turn-based role-player: you'll need to attack in fast-paced, real-time scenarios. But there's a whole lot to master, which takes time to then apply effectively in the game. It's from here the basics of combat are learned, in a flashback to Ciri's childhood. Ok, so Geralt, the witcher you play, might've been listening to Christian Bale's Batman a little too much, but his husky voice becomes part of the game's charm.Īfter the main cutscene kicks-off proceedings - in hand-drawn graphic novel style with story narrator, a theme that continues with each loading and progress scene, but that feels distant from the style otherwise used within the game - the story begins with you seeking Ciri, your adopted daughter, who, for reasons unknown at the time, the evil Wild Hunt seek.
The open landscape throws you into a world of magic and combat, led by enticing characters and great acting that will keep you hooked. Even now, five years later, it's still a huge world to explore. When it arrived back in 2015 there was no game of the same epic scale as The Witcher 3.
Here's why, whether you're a fantasy fan or not, it's still a stone cold classic of RPGs. So, attention grabbed, nipples acknowledged, we've spent dozens of hours delving into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's world, exploring its decision-based storyline, side missions and sprawling landscapes. With millions of Game of Thrones fans the world over, there are inevitable comparisons - c'mon, even Charles Dance, voice of Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones, voices Emperor Emhyr var Emreis here - despite Andrzej Sapkowski's short stories preceding those of George RR Martin.īut whether you're an existing fan, a newcomer, or someone who's looking to replay the game on Nintendo Switch (that's why we're updating this review), the swordplay, magic, monsters and fire gods certainly make for damn good entertainment. Y'know, one where mages and magic are a normality. Yet - and despite that reading like an apparent Hollywood "sex, blood, swearing, - buy, buy, buy!" kind of campaign - it's not gratuitous, rather more representative of a believable world. Yep, Witcher 3's adult themes are quickly established from the moment the camera lingers on a bare derrière mere minutes into the game. Oh, and let's not forget the smattering of nudity.
There's a lot more f-ing and blinding for starters, the occasional c-bomb included. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a prime example a captivating game that, for our money, is the best RPG since Skyrim.īut, if anything, it's a little bit more grown-up than that 2011 Bethesda epic. (Pocket-lint) - For role-playing game fans it's only once in a blue moon a title comes along that's so engrossing you'll willingly surrender not just a little bit of time to play it, but days and weeks of your life.