The five-star mark might be a wee bit misleading - the game ain't perfect nor the best. That said, playing it was pretty cool (some 40 hours to finish the main plot)! If you were keen on playing Gwent in Witcher 3, Thronebreaker has your back - although these are two different-ish card games (yet akin). The one from Thronebreaker is more or less a copy of the online Gwent, which I didn't like. However, Thronebreaker is worth the shot, as it has added value. The main feature, playing the cards (the longer and shorter battles, plus the puzzles, some of which were mind-boiling), is addicting! It is like, e.g., the Total War games - the 'one more round/game' effect kicks in repeatedly. The plot is well-written, giving additional stimuli to shuffle cards. This isn't your standard, cookie-cutter fantasy world. The atmosphere is saturated with different shades of moral grey (no, not this Grey!); choices carry their fair share of evil weight (though there are also some positive outcomes depending on how you treat your party members). The protagonist, queen Meve, is a lady of strong character, and playing a woman's woman was very rewarding (yep, this comes from a man). Other characters are equally well-developed. The graphics are pretty distinct - simplified 3D for map movements and complete art extravaganza while playing the cards. Comic book plot stories - included! Computer slowdowns during board battles as well - puzzling... All in all, a good game! PS. The Thronebreaker's Lead Writer, Jakub Szamałek, wrote a stunning trilogy with all sorts of cyber issues at the plot's core. Worth checking it out!
The game is, in all honesty, one of the best RPGs I have ever played - if not 'the' best. I mean, the atmosphere & characters get you sucked in the world instantly and keep you wanting more until the end. Add for good measure the unique graphics and music you will listen to long after the gameplay. What I also loved 'bout the game was the main character's internal landscape, with the various aspects of the self engaged in constant discussion. Talk about the reach and depth of character creation, something second to none! I also very much liked the interactions with other characters, particularly the protagonist's partner, as everybody is singular. Though the main plot might not blow your socks off, it is still decent enough to get you in front of the screen repeatedly. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is composed of outstanding elements that together make for something one of a kind. While there is no such thing as perfection (in my case, the game occasionally suffered from mostly minor graphic glitches), the set of (mis)adventures of HDB and the ever-patient Kim Kitsuragi is pretty darn close to it.
