The Witcher: Enhanced Edition

All the things people applaud Witcher 3 for, the great character writing, quest design, world design, music, is just as good and in some cases even better in this game, it's just held back by CDPR's monetary and creative limitations. Given this was the first game they ever made, this has to be forgiven. The world and atmosphere here is incredible. You just have to push through the clumsy prologue and mediocre combat to truly get to appreciate this delight. Great care went into even the low-level-details of this world and the passion from CDPR is evident in every chapter. This world truly feels lived in, with different characters all acting in accordance to their limited perspectives, with fleshed out lives that make you appreciate them more on second playthroughs. Speaking of replayability, the player-choice enriches your second play-through, seeing different outcomes that you would not expect. It's worth every penny, and it's a shame to see so many people discarded due to that awkward presentation, and I'm sad to say I was almost one of those people.

The age of the game shows on several occasions. Firstly, repeated character models with clunky animations. Secondly, the engine wasn't optimized to handle large number of NPCs. So the game is lagging in crowded areas. The movement is pretty limited. You can walk only on paths. You cannot cross bushes, water or jump even over small fences. You simply must go around. It is noticeable in areas outside the city, like marshes and fields. It can be pretty annoying. However, for me it has the best atmosphere in the trilogy. You really feel like the Witcher. The alchemy is integrated pretty well in the game. Something, that I lacked in the sequels. The combat is hit or miss. It took some time for me to get used to it. But in the end, I enjoyed it. Geralt has really sick fighting animations that were pleasure to watch. The story, the characters known from the books, choices that are not black and white... Those are things that hooked me to the screen. Despite its flaws and age, the Witcher holds special place among my favourite games.

Me and my wife just finished Witcher 1+2+3 and we have plans to start them again. I've played and finished probably hundreds of games since the age of 15, and this is by far the deepest one i've ever played. So much thought has been done about the story, that it's absolutely amazing. You make choices, moral choices that make A HUGE difference on how the game evolves. The game is funny, thrilling, interesting, evolving ... Playing the witcher for the 1st time, was like seeing Lord of the rings for the first time. You KNOW you're in the middle of a "one of a kind" experience, and you cherish every minute. I highly recommend on buying Witcher 1+2+3. Enjoy

Considering season 2 of the TV series came out, I suspect interest in the games may rise and I thought I write a review despite the game's age. I think this is still a great RPG. I read some reviews that recommend going directly to Witcher 3, but if you like the Witcher story, and haven't played the games yet, that would be a mistake. The first Witcher game certainly has faults. It was written mainly for a male audience (it is rather sexist), the graphics cannot be compared to the Witcher 3, the combat system feels weird (though once I got used to it, I found it to be a rather refreshing change). And yet this is one of the deepest and most mature RPGs I have ever played. There is no hand-holding, as in the Witcher 3 (where the game even tells you what level you should be to attempt a quest), and my impression is that indeed it was made for serious and mature gamers. Let me explain what this game is and what it is not, so that first-time players can know what they get. It is not a textbook RPG. You can't choose your character or profession, and there isn't really any variety in terms of weapons and armor. But this is because it is based on the Witcher stories (you play as Gerald the Witcher, using witcher's equipment), and what you get in return is a very detailed and interesting world to explore. The story is original, as it occurs after the last book from the saga, but you are introduced to all the characters because it starts with Gerald having amnesia. As such it is a great way to get into the Witcher world. And let's be honest, it is thanks to this game that the books and the TV series became popular. Hence if you are interested in the Witcher saga, with all faults the game has (as many reviews have pointed out), I recommend that you try to ignore them in return for discovering the world of the Witcher. I think after playing it you will also enjoy the TV series more, as you will understand better some of the small details, such as when Gerald uses a sign.

PROS: • The music is unique and atmospheric. It supplements actual narration excellently. • Believable and vivid portrayals of game characters by Polish voice actors. • The witcher’s fighting choreography. It makes for an amazing visual spectacle and sets him apart from other warriors. With new experience levels you can unlock new combos, which allows combat to evolve. • Intricate alchemy system. There are 5 substances required to prepare potions, oils and bombs. You are encouraged to experiment—it’s possible to discover new recipes on your own. Some ingredients have additional qualities; when combined, they offer extra benefits. • Well written plot with a surprising twist at the end. • Replayability. Depending on your choices, some of the game’s events unfold differently. • Incredible artwork displayed during flashbacks and loading screens. • Great intro and outro. • Varied bestiary. CONS: • While the dice poker minigame is cool, wining is a bit too much based on luck rather than skill. • Yrden and Axii signs take too long to cast and don’t offer much benefit. • Too many NPCs share the same character models. It breaks immersion. • Fast travel is available only for a small portion of the game. • No real challenge even on hard difficulty. • Repetitive locations, particularly interiors—the geometry might be slightly different but textures are exactly the same. You’ll spend at least a third of your time in the same places. • Annoying world traversal—Geralt cannot climb all obstacles. He has to walk around them to reach some spots (invisible walls). • Since defense is performed automatically, using dodges and rolls doesn’t make a lot of sense. • Loading happens too often when transitioning between locations. • Monster deterrents do more harm than good. • Too many fetch quests.