Simply one of the greatest games ever made. An actual magnum opus and possibly the greatest fantasy epic to ever grace video games.
This is one of those games where I wish I could just reset my memory and play them fresh all over again, despite already having a previous playthrough in the belt.

An incredible open world, fantastic character writing and hours upon hours of meticulously crafted quests and story, the Witcher 3 is simply filled with incredible mechanics and moments through and through that all come together to craft one of the most captivating and magical works of art ever put to the medium.
So much so that I feel like simply listing what I love so much would make this review 4 times the usual size. Plus, I feel like most people have heard the choirs of praise over and over again for the last decade.

If I were to put it simply, The Witcher 3 simply excels at almost everything it does and provides a mind boggling amount of content. It’s a lightning in a bottle mix of incredible content in both quality and quantity, with so many individual systems and threads that could literally suck you in for hundreds of hours.

This is the crescendo conclusion of a rich and dark universe made by a team who created something inimitable with pure passion and dedication. I have no doubt in my mind that this game will be remembered for generations to come and, if my previous paragraphs of unavoidable praise didn’t already do it justice, for good reason.

The highlight of my playthrough this time was the DLC which is the literal icing on the cake. When you think it can’t get better it just does, with hand crafted rpg perfection. Hearts of Stone delivers a perfect tie in into the main story rich with it’s own airs of conflicting moral dilemmas and heartbreakingly complex characters, while Blood and Wine goes all in with a fairy tale epilogue of twisted perversion, full with it’s own political intrigue, princesses and whole new area.

The final segments really drive in how monumental The Witcher 3 is. Where some games of such length and ambition would lose steam, The Witcher 3 kicks it into overdrive and the more you play, the deeper the hold goes, with ever expanding complexity and stakes to match character progression and explosive story beats.
It simply does not stop being great, from the moment you click on new game to the very final moments.

The only problem I have encountered during this entire playthrough was some RTX optimization bugs from the next gen update. But other than that, smooth sailing and pure fun in and out.

A masterpiece? A perfect story? An all timer role playing experience? Yes, yes and yes. But, even for how imposing such a game may sound, The Witcher 3 is one of those rare gems that leave an imprint on all that manage to handle the intimidating complexity of the first few hours.
One may say this could be nostalgia or bias, but even almost 10 years later, very few games can hold a candle to the white wolf’s triumph.

Even if you indulge in this experience for the first time or the 10th, there’s bound to be something here for you, and very possibly a game that will demolish your expectations like a bulldozer and tear down the preconceived limitations one could hold against the creative expression of gaming as an art form.

Maybe a bit dramatic, but hopefully the point still comes across. Wether you come in for the story, the characters, the action or the roleplaying, you’re in for a time to remember, filled with conspiracies, monsters, romance and swords.

Keep the potions close and the medallion closer. Good luck on the path.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an absolute masterpiece of gaming artistry that transcends mere entertainment and immerses players into a rich, sprawling world filled with captivating stories, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking landscapes. From its gripping narrative to its meticulously crafted gameplay mechanics, every aspect of this game shines with brilliance, making it a must-play experience for any gamer.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Witcher 3 is its narrative depth. The game weaves together a tapestry of interwoven stories, each one engaging and emotionally resonant. Whether it's the main questline, which follows the journey of Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his adopted daughter Ciri, or the countless side quests that delve into the lives of the inhabitants of the Northern Realms, every narrative thread is expertly written and expertly told. The choices players make throughout their journey have real consequences, leading to multiple branching paths and endings that ensure every playthrough feels fresh and meaningful.

Beyond its narrative brilliance, The Witcher 3 also excels in its world-building. The Continent feels alive and vibrant, with every corner teeming with activity and detail. From bustling cities to dense forests, from windswept plains to treacherous mountains, every location is meticulously crafted and filled with its own unique atmosphere. Exploration is rewarded at every turn, with hidden treasures, secret caves, and unexpected encounters waiting to be discovered around every corner.

Of course, no review of The Witcher 3 would be complete without mentioning its combat system, which strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and depth. As Geralt, players can utilize a variety of weapons, magic spells, and alchemical concoctions to dispatch foes with precision and style. Combat encounters are dynamic and challenging, requiring quick thinking and strategic planning to emerge victorious. Yet, even in the heat of battle, the controls remain responsive and intuitive, ensuring that every fight feels both thrilling and satisfying.

In addition to its captivating gameplay and narrative, The Witcher 3 also boasts stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that further enhance the immersive experience. From the breathtaking vistas of Skellige to the eerie swamps of Velen, every location is rendered with breathtaking detail and fidelity, while the evocative music sets the perfect tone for each scene.

In conclusion, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a true masterpiece of gaming, a triumph of storytelling, and a testament to the power of interactive entertainment. With its unforgettable characters, immersive world, and engaging gameplay, it stands as one of the finest examples of the medium and a must-play experience for gamers of all stripes.

First time playing through. Glad I waited because the Next Gen update had this looking amazing. Amazingly crafted world and quests. Never have I played a game where each small side quest felt as well written and as interesting as the main quest itself. Only complaint was the game was pretty easy even playing on the 2nd hardest difficulty, but that like everything else about the game was improved with the DLC. The DLCs very much each deliver something new that the base game doesn't and are well worth playing. Blood and Wine being the best content the game has to offer. My experience could never have matched all the hype this game gets, but at least now I understand.