The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Role-Playing Paradise

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game unlike any other, which sets the highest precedent for role-playing games. Furthermore, the potent blend of mystifying mythos and a charming cast compliments its expansive open-world to create a game that stands at the pinnacle of its genre. As a result, Geralt, alongside his merry band of brothers teleport us to a divinely inspired land. Further still, the high-fantasy setting, packed with mystery and magic all around, envelopes the player right from the off. Finally, this is a game that you must play before your time is up.

The developer’s CD Projekt Red have created something special, and genuinely unique with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Quite simply, it is easy to run out of superlatives for this paragon of the role-playing realm. But just what is this elusive quality or shall we say “Je ne sais quoi” that sets the game leaps and bounds ahead of the pack.

Based on the Witcher series of novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt develops on the core themes inherent in its predecessors. Better still, the game possesses a charm and identity of its own. Partly though, this is due to the lucrative lore and sprawling environments. But enough hyperbole, albeit warranted. Let’s explore everything the game has to offer.

Witcher 3 Wild Hunt: The World

 

Perhaps the single greatest draw factor to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the world it contains. So then, the awe-inspiring landscapes are a sight for the eyes to see. All around, the untamed plains carry with them an abundance of life and vitality; it’s a world rich in spirit and sparkle, what’s more, it’s a visually stunning world set in a high fantasy universe.

The game takes place on the Continent, a kingdom undergoing a period of conflict and civil unrest. As a result, the bloody war between the Empire of Nilfgaard and the Redanian forces ruled by King Radovid V acts as the backdrop, with events unfolding around this pretext.

Besides great visuals, a gamut of mythical creatures and races inhabit the land — these range from elves and dwarves to vile monsters, ethereal spirits and of course, humans. In this alternate existence, non-humans are considered inferior and are looked down upon by many. The lore, heavily influenced by Nordic myths and legends, often draws on themes of historical reference — for instance, the Viking-like breed who control the Skellige islands.

Witcher 3: Wild Hunt The Gameplay

 

The game-play of Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is as gripping as its story. Overall, there is just so much to occupy you on the continent. Whether that’s through the compelling main quest or the plethora of side quests that open up to the player after the discovery of a location, the world is your oyster. I’m sure that most of you will be familiar with the loveable rogue Geralt and his monster-hunting duties.

This hybrid brute of a man is a ruthless chain-mailed killing machine. The protagonist comes armed with a steel sword for slashing humans, and a silver blade for chopping down monsters. What’s great is that Geralt can effortlessly sheath and draw weapons with ease. Indeed, this comes in handy during the heat of battle. In addition to sword-based antics, Geralt has five magic signs at his disposal, each of them providing a temporary bonus in combat. Within, Geralt can issue burn damage, slow down enemy movements and use telekinetic powers. Although, these do drain stamina and need to be used cautiously in battle, as is there temporary nature.

Battling it out against vile foes makes up large parts of the game. Thankfully, the enemy A.I is fine-tuned and responsive. As a result, combat is slick and precise, right down to the last thrust and swing of the blade. Furthermore, a dynamic night-and-day system changes creature behavior, whereby werewolves gain advanced powers under the light of a full moon. Seemingly, this adds a greater sense of challenge.

On a similar note, a complete weather system provides immense realism and fleshes out the immersive environments. Initially, the odd beasts which roam the lands can pack quite a punch. So then, it is only right that Geralt has access to a Bestiary. A compendium of knowledge detailing all lore and mythos. Not just that, but among the creative, creature sketching’s lies clues of enemy’s strengths and weaknesses.

Witcher 3: Wild Hunt the Story

 

Sometimes, RPG’s don’t do justice to the world which they exhibit, and the story can often be hit and miss. Impressively, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt acts as an exception to this rule. The mostly cinematic narrative, with its wealth of dialogue options open to the player, presents a feeling of control. Meaning, the player can carve out their slice of history, unique to them, with decisions that impact the story — each with their set of caveats and consequences.

All in all, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will go down as one of the best games ever. Remarkably, it manages to find a happy medium between a non-linear game and a plot-driven story. The result is an immersive open-world, filled with relevance and revelry. Whether that’s the magical mythos or the sprawling landscapes belonging to the continent, I can’t recall a game ever in my life being so inviting to play.

How does the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt fair in your list of RPG greats? Overrated, or out of this world? Let us know in the chat below.