This RPG classic needs no introduction: It made Geralt of Rivia famous outside Poland. It is also "a game with a soul", unlike most video games. The game is more or less a standard RPG with exploration, questing etc. and the story somewhat above average. This is a one-character RPG, playable with either isometric or 3rd person camera. The combat is essentially point-and-click (like in baldur's gate or neverwinter nights), not reflex-based like in action games. But you also need well-timed clicks for extra hits in a combo, and you also use signs (jedi powers, witcher version, you cannot be a pure-class mage). Things like alchemy, mini-games (dice, fist-fighting and drinking), etc. spice up the game. The graphics was pretty good in 2007 (and still looks beautiful). Why not perfect score? First, the "quicksave" is actually a full save. Translation: you have to regularly delete (and backup, if you want) by hand, otherwise thousands of saves fill your disk. You must also disable GOG cloud, because of that. Second, the "Cannot load module - invalid IFO file" bug is VERY nasty. It can be cured with some "delete temporary .sav file" trick, but I prefer games which can be actually finished without hacker skills.
Random crashes are very frequent: mostly when loading game, but also when saving or mid-game. Sometimes a save game is corrupt on save (crashes 100% on load). Things get much worse in the last chapter. It has been discussed endlessly on all forums, but no solution, just lots of nonsense like "reduce graphics settings". What's the point of having a relatively modern hardware if you are told to "reduce graphics settings to lowest"? Fake fullscreen helps a bit, but not completely. I submitted hundreds of bug tickets to Larian all by myself, one for each crash. Occasionally I experienced weird visual glitches fixed only by rebooting the PC (!). Technical issues really ruin what could have been a pretty good game. Otherwise: Extremely long load times (which makes crashes hurt more). Also the install size is pretty large for a game with a rather unimpressive graphics. Optimization? Never heard of it! Story: I personally didn't like it much, but it's clear they put a lot of effort. And the voice-acted narrative annoyed me a lot. Feels like a game created by a bunch of bored old postmodernists, no chance of real immersion. Gameplay and Combat : Similar to DOS1, a high quality turn-based combat, well-balanced skill system, pretty tough challenge on Classic, impressive boss fights. The game is pretty hardcore in every way, besides combat, it's easy to screw up a quest, or end up with an inefficient build. More mature than earlier Larian games, but could be also less fun unless you are a chess player. Graphics: Dated and deliberately un-cinematic. Even with a 3D engine it's basically an isometric tactical game. No cutscenes with people talking, you cannot even see the horizon. This is fine if you enjoyed older isometric games, just don't expect moder graphics or cinematic experience. While this game has a lot of potential, I cannot recommend it due to severe technical issues (crashes).
