What to say? I'm not yet fully done with the base game, and still need to play the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine DLC contents, that I need to express my total enthusiasm in front of this third iteration of the franchise - and this comes from an usual jrpg (you read me right, once again...) and eastern games lover, as well as from someone who although had played some of the two first, never went through to the end with them.


It's jank, but good jank. And it's an action rpg, but with no doubt among the very best you can find on the gaming market to date. My only complaint is that there aren't enough beautiful / hawt women, gniark-gniark-gniark (because there are never enough, are they ^^)


But to speak more seriously / sincerely, playing it just expanded my horizons as a player - aside for certain exceptions I would have forgotten about, well it is one of my very first "westerner" game I'm about to beat as a single player game, and for which I don't regret playing one sole second. There were sometimes feelings of slow burn once roaming through its really large map, but before I could know, I was simply hooked to the game with no way out, aside the ending to come.

It's from 11 years ago, alright - but don't be fooled, this is a pure total ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ masterpiece, that I believe every player should at least try out. And come back to, if they first drop it. It's just as a classic medieval rpg developed with modern technology, should be done. Its story is full of passion, humor, fright, twists and turns, darkness, as well as moments of light / lightness, and most obviously, friendship, love and lust. Everything which has been ported to the screen in a masterful way, with a coherent world, charismatic (and much less) characters and foes, quests and subquests that are actually interesting, and a profusion of beautiful sceneries, all of this carried by an intriguing and captivating main story.


So, I won't spend my time describing all the aspects that make The Witcher 3 an absolute must-play, many have already done this long before me, in a better manner than I could - I'll just very strongly recommend to anyone who hasn't yet tried out The Witcher 3, to do so, and persist, if the first dozens of minutes feel tedious - this is one amazing game, one of the best of its generation and beyond, which I can safely say is making me a better / more cultured player, so I'll be expecting The Witcher 4 with very high hopes, so fears - and I once again hope that many late players will come to play the franchise in spite of its age, because this is not about the *FOMO* but simply about playing a game that may change your, perspective on gaming, in an evidently positive way.

Phenomenal game. There is some jank, annoyances, things that could've been done better, but none are really worth mentioning. You won't remember them, but you will remember the characters - ones you met briefly and incidentally, and ones that stuck with you throughout the whole game. You will remember the quests, the stories they told - sad, humorous, small and epic. And you will remember your time in that world, doing mundane monster slaying as befits as witcher, dealing with lowlives and their problems, helping powerful rulers with their state affairs, and of course playing part in saving the world. Witcher 3 may not be as immersive as some other games, and your choices may not matter as much, but that does little to stop it from being a top contender for one of my favourite games ever.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – A Masterpiece in Every Sense

Playtime: ~640 hours (4-5 Playthroughs)

This isn’t your typical Steam review, because The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt deserves something much more. It’s not just a game – it’s an experience, an artwork that raises the bar for RPGs and world-building.

The Witcher franchise has become popular, especially with the Netflix show, but the roots go deeper. Andrzej Sapkowski’s books serve as the foundation, and while I’ll admit, the novels weren’t the easiest reads for me personally, I can still appreciate the incredible world he built. The writing and story arcs are often scattered and hard to follow, but the world, characters, and overall lore are phenomenal.

And this is where CD Projekt Red shines. They took Sapkowski’s world and distilled the best parts, leaving behind the fluff. With The Witcher 3, they’ve reached their absolute peak, in my opinion. And while you don’t need to play the earlier games to dive into Witcher 3, if you’re looking to be fully invested, I’d recommend playing them first.

Why is this game so good?

Simply put, The Witcher 3 is a masterpiece. It's easily one of my all-time favorite games (only Fallout 2 has more hours for me, but that’s another era). There are so many aspects that make this game incredible, but I’ll highlight a few major ones that stand out:

Worldbuilding & Lore
The world of The Witcher 3 is alive. You won’t find a more believable fantasy world (RDR2 is a close second). This isn’t your typical Ubisoft checklist where you’re just ticking boxes. Every location is brimming with history, culture, and lore, and there are countless secrets to uncover. Whether you're exploring dense forests, wandering through bustling cities, or just taking in the view from a cliffside, the world draws you in.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack is exceptional. It’s not just background noise – it’s an integral part of the experience. The music will stick with you long after you’ve turned off the game. Some tracks are perfect for playing in the background during board games or other fantasy activities. It’s that good.

Quest Design
The quest design in The Witcher 3 is on another level. While other games might fill their world with repetitive "bring this, fetch that" tasks, CD Projekt Red crafted quests with multiple layers. For example, a simple "kill a monster" quest can turn into a complex investigation that uncovers dark secrets about the village and its inhabitants. The choices you make matter, and the game constantly challenges you to think critically. Do you go with the easy, obvious answer, or dig deeper and uncover the truth?

Emotional Investment
This game makes you care. You’ll start to recognize the gray areas in every situation, and you’ll be forced to make difficult choices that impact the world around you. It’s not just about slaying monsters – it’s about engaging with the people, the struggles, and the consequences. You’ll find yourself thinking about how your actions shape the world, and you’ll develop genuine feelings for the characters.

Audiovisual Quality
The graphics hold up even after years, and the voice acting is spot on. The cast brings the characters to life in a way that feels authentic. Whether you’re witnessing a battle or simply listening to a character's story, the game delivers an incredible audiovisual experience. Plus, I've played through multiple rigs, and the performance is smooth every time. Oh, and the modding support? Chef’s kiss.

The Two Major DLCs – Perfect Extensions of the Game

If you thought The Witcher 3 was a masterpiece on its own, the two major DLCs (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine) elevate the game even further and add countless hours of additional content.

Hearts of Stone introduces a dark and deeply emotional story with one of the best-written antagonists I’ve ever encountered. The expansion features its own unique set of quests, a fantastic new area to explore, and a rich, well-developed narrative that adds layers to Geralt’s journey. The decisions you make here will weigh heavily on your conscience, continuing the theme of morally gray choices that make this game so memorable.

Blood and Wine takes you to the lush, vibrant land of Toussaint, a stark contrast to the war-torn landscapes of the main game. The setting is beautiful, the characters are engaging, and the story is just as rich and captivating as the base game. It’s more than just a typical “expansion”; it feels like an entirely new chapter in Geralt’s life. The new monsters, quests, and overall vibe add a fresh layer of enjoyment to the experience, making it a must-play for anyone who loved the main game.

Both DLCs integrate perfectly into the world of The Witcher 3, providing more opportunities to explore, interact, and be emotionally invested in the story. They’re not just extra content – they’re essential for anyone who wants to get the full Witcher experience.

A Minor Flaw – Combat & RPG System

If I had one critique, it would be the combat and RPG system. It’s solid, no doubt, but I wish there were a bit more depth or variety in the styles of play. That said, it’s still incredibly enjoyable to fine-tune Geralt's abilities and take on enemies with your chosen playstyle. Combat can be intense and satisfying, even if it doesn’t reach the complexity I’d hoped for.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, The Witcher 3 is an absolute masterpiece, and writing this homage barely scratches the surface of what makes it special. Whether you’re into deep lore, impactful story choices, or simply losing yourself in a breathtaking world, this game has it all. The two DLCs (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine) add even more depth and replayability, making this a game you can keep coming back to for years.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend diving in – and if you’re already a fan, I hope this tribute reflects your love for the game.

Looking forward to the next chapter, and I can’t wait for The Witcher 4. In the meantime, enjoy every moment of this masterpiece.