The Witcher: Enhanced Edition

The title of the review is the most accurate description I can come up with for this game. I got this game for free, perhaps an year or two ago? Can't remember. I was excited because at the time I had seen plenty of praise regarding this franchise. So I installed it and went on to play. However, my expectations were not met in many aspects. I wasn't satisfied with the quick-time-event combat system, the abundance of cutscenes, the voice acting and the general feel of "What am I supposed to do here?" that it gave me. I moved past the prologue, hardly understanding any of it and then quit soon after starting out on the outskirts of Vizima. A few months ago, I was bored and wanted to play something so I went right back to it, hoping a second experience will be more interesting. I started the game all over again from the prologue, dipped my toes into two or three quests from the first chapter then I got bored again and ultimately uninstalled, deciding to just not play it ever again. Thank fuck I didn't keep to my decision. A few days ago I decided to give it another chance. Third time's a charm, right? Well... it was!! My God, I feel bad for disregarding this game for so long. Sure, it's very rough around the edges but the story is intriguing! I was finally able to understand the premise and it suddenly made everything so much better. I finally began understanding the mechanics and it's so much easier to delve into the experience and to feel the game. I've just finished the first chapter of the story and I must say, I've been nothing but surprised by it. I'm sorry, CD Projekt Red, for so quickly misjudging your game. I had to take a little time off to write this review but I can't wait to continue my adventure! To anyone out there who's first picking up this raw gem, don't do the same mistake I did. Give the game a chance, it will surprise the hell out of you!

Best game ever!!!

I'm a huge fan of the Witcher, since I grew up on Sapkowski's books and the hilariously bad polish TV series based on the short stories. So when first Witcher game rolled out, I was super excited. And most importantly, I wasn't disappointed after playing it. I've played the game at least ten times since it came out, probably more. If that doesn't spell "great game" to you, I don't know what will. The combat system is a love or hate relationship. I personally love it. What a fresh change from usual clicking like a mad-man, Diablo (or Witcher 3) style. Sure, you gotta learn how to use it, but at least the game challenges you on that front. I love the potions and oils making, something that was really missing from following Witcher titles. Again, you gotta work towards making anything in alchemy, which makes the whole thing more believable. The skills tree was perfect, if maybe a bit unusual, but it's again something I missed in following Witcher titles. So on the front of skill trees and alchemy, I'd say first Witcher is far better that W2 and W3. The environment, especially what you're allowed to do, gets a lot of hate, but I'm kind of 50:50 on that front. The game doesn't flaunt it's an open world and it's not. The fact that you can't jump or get to places you see, unless the devs made a path, is kinda annoying, but it's just how it is. On the other hand, you visit so many different, beautifully made areas, that you surely won't feel bored by your surroundings. If you don't expect freedom Witcher 3 or Skyrim style, you most likely won't be disappointed. The story is pretty great and fits with books rather nicely. However, it is kinda obvious that devs didn't really believe in making more Witcher games after this one. Or rather, they changed the course of the story after they made this game. But if you haven't played this game already, it can explain a whole lot of things happening in W2 and W3. I just wish the game treated its female characters better.

Dated controls but not so bad just don't spam the left click and you'll learn how it works. Good story just like any witcher game with choices changing ending of missions. Didn't finish it yet but i freakin loved this game. Worth every dollar if you didn't get it for free.

What I mean by that, is all these years later, I STILL remember getting up and pacing before I made a decision. Who to believe? What's the best thing to do? I was totally transported back when this game first came out. It has to rank as one of my all time best gaming experiences. In fact, I'm playing it again and surprised by how much of it I actually remember 12 years later. It makes it so much deeper than a typical game if you care about the characters. What an accomplishment. And of course, I've since read most of the books and I'm genuinely excited about the Netflix series. I hope they do the tales justice.