GWENT: The Witcher Card Game

A majority of these reviews were written the day the game went from beta into the final release version without giving it much time to get used to the changes at all. The game has changed quite significantly from then and is now an excellent CCG and only getting better with each update. Pro's -Artwork: It has been said many times before and with good reason. This game simply has the most stunning artwork in the field of card games, no question about it. I would even go so far as to recommend you to download the game even if you are not interested in card games at all, just to have a look at the incredible premium animated cards. -Business Model: Another category that Gwent is unchallenged in. By far the most generous card game in terms of allowing the player to build a sizeable collection just by playing the game. Even if you don't spend a single penny on this game, you will be able to craft a competetive deck within weeks of playing. Player Control: In beta, especially before the midwinter update, the game had little to no RNG (randomness) in it. It has increased slightly since then, but in my opinion, every game feels like it is won or lost because of the way you played or the type of match-up your deck had against the opponent, not because of random effects. Compared to games such as Hearthstone and Artifact, the difference is night and day. Constant support: The game has been receiving constant updates throughout the past months and will continue to do so in the future. CDPR has demonstrated that they listen to the playerbase and have confirmed that there will be at least one balance patch per month and new expansion adding new cards and mechanics every couple months Con's Card variety: I will admit, most of the card effects at this stage are quite similar, namely "Boost" or "Damage". I am 100% confident however that new mechanics will get added in the future, the first batch of which will probably arrive in March with a content expansion.

Gwent has hands down the best artwork in any card games right now, and with a unique twist in gameplay. It recently suffered a large set of changes due to the Homecomming update but despite some minor imbalances here and there the game is quite fun and polished now. It's also incredibely generous to players in terms of rewards and progression so grinding for cards is very fast and very rewarding as well.

I was intially angered with the drastic changes from the Beta. But now after ~100 hours into the new game. It is clearly better. The original game had turn issues....if you played 2nd, you had a HUGE advantage (kill initial plays and have the last play). The new game fixed this. The order and charge mechanics do add depth as advertised. I do wish they stuck with some of the same aesthetics. And the 'boss' 3D models are a little hoky looking.The loss of some other mechanics (like better reveal and moonlight cards) are desired as well. But these are small nits. This is CLEARLY the best online card game out there. In my humble opinion. And that is after looking at this game with a strict lense after the Beta. When you get a unique deck you put together and it 'clicks', its one of the best gaming experiences out there.

Whit the new updates they are back on track and the games feels really great

I've played Gwent since closed beta started in October 2016, playing at the top level of the ranked ladder during most of this timespan. The game has changed a lot since then, but the unique fundamentals (3 rounds system creating a need to conserve resources and consistent execution of deck's gameplan due to the number of cards drawn) are still there and make it unique. The release version added persistent abilities to cards on the board which adds an additional layer of strategy, and a revamped 2-row system with card row preference adding to the decision-making process. The developers make regular changes to adjust game balance and add new content in the form of cards and events. Cards have beautiful 3D art. Extremely generous free-to-play economy system and progression. Card games aren't for everyone but if the genre appeals to you give the game a try, it's free.