Is The Witcher 3 as Good as They Say?

The short answer? Yes, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is every bit as good as the hype suggests, and often even surpasses it. It’s not hyperbole to call it one of the greatest video games ever made. This sentiment isn’t just based on fleeting popularity; it’s rooted in a potent blend of exceptional storytelling, a sprawling open world, and characters so memorable they linger long after the credits roll. While it has its imperfections, as any complex work of art does, its triumphs are so significant they easily overshadow any shortcomings. This analysis explores the reasons for its widespread acclaim and addresses some of the common criticisms leveled against it.

The Witcher 3: A Masterclass in World Building and Narrative

The Power of Nonlinear Storytelling

One of the most lauded aspects of The Witcher 3 is its narrative approach. Unlike many open-world games that prioritize a singular, often linear story, CD Projekt Red crafted a web of interconnected narratives. Each side quest feels genuinely meaningful, contributing to the overarching lore and offering unique perspectives on the world of the Continent. These nonlinear stories are often self-contained, allowing players to delve into intricate tales with satisfying resolutions, but they remain firmly rooted in the game’s universe, enriching the overall experience. This method creates a more realistic and engaging world, making players feel like they are a part of a living, breathing environment, not just passive observers.

An Unforgettable Cast of Characters

The Witcher 3’s real strength lies in its characters. From the stoic monster hunter Geralt of Rivia to the fierce sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg and the enigmatic Ciri, every character is intricately developed with their own motivations, flaws, and strengths. The depth of these personalities is what sets this game apart. These characters aren’t just pixels on a screen; they feel like real people with complex relationships, creating emotional connections that resonate with players deeply. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often heartbreaking, further amplifying these bonds and drawing players into their narratives.

Open World That Truly Works

The Witcher 3 doesn’t just offer a big open world, it offers a purposeful open world. Each corner of the game’s map feels meticulously crafted, filled with engaging side quests, points of interest, and secrets that reward exploration. The world feels alive and organic, with its inhabitants going about their daily lives, completely unaware of Geralt’s presence. This sense of immersion contributes to the feeling of being part of a vibrant ecosystem. The world’s design encourages players to venture off the beaten path and discover compelling stories that often surpass the quality of those found in the main storyline.

Addressing the Criticisms

While the praise for The Witcher 3 is substantial, the game is not without its detractors, with most criticisms focused on the combat mechanics.

Combat: Clunky or Purposeful?

Some find the combat in The Witcher 3 to be clunky, sloppy, and inelegant, often drawing comparisons to the more deliberate and challenging systems of the Dark Souls series. While it’s true that the combat isn’t as fluid or responsive as some players might prefer, it’s important to understand that combat is not the primary focus of the game. The Witcher 3 excels in its storytelling and character development, not its intricate battle systems. The combat serves its purpose adequately, allowing players to engage in thrilling encounters without detracting from the overall experience. It also requires strategy, utilizing signs, potions, and proper gear to overcome challenges. The focus on character progression allows for experimentation with different armor sets, mutations, and skills, offering a layer of customization.

Why it Remains Highly Praised

Despite some critiques, The Witcher 3 remains a benchmark in open-world RPGs due to its:

• Emotional Depth: The narrative explores themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity, often forcing players to grapple with difficult choices. The game offers a spectrum of outcomes, creating a very replayable experience.
• Meaningful Choices: Player decisions have tangible consequences, shaping the game’s story and affecting the lives of characters. The game boasts a staggering 36 possible endings, a result of countless narrative permutations woven throughout the adventure.
• Rich Lore: The game is based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and draws heavily from the source material, creating a deeply immersive and believable world.
• Longevity: With hundreds of hours of content, including the excellent Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions, The Witcher 3 offers tremendous value and keeps players engaged for extended periods.

Conclusion

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an exceptional game, flawed, but magnificent. Its strength lies not in perfect execution in every aspect, but in its ability to create a captivating and unforgettable experience through its storytelling, characters, and world. The combat might not be for everyone, but the game’s accomplishments in narrative and world building more than compensate for any minor shortcomings. For anyone seeking a truly immersive and emotionally engaging gaming experience, The Witcher 3 is a must-play, and it absolutely lives up to its reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you jump straight into The Witcher 3 without playing the previous games?

Yes, you can absolutely jump straight into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt without playing the first two games. The game does a good job of bringing players up to speed with the essential information, and while previous games provide some context, they are not necessary to enjoy the third installment. Characters like Ciri and Yennefer, pivotal to The Witcher 3’s narrative, aren’t even in the first two games.

2. Is The Witcher 3 too stressful?

While the game is not as challenging as a FromSoftware Souls-like, The Witcher 3 does offer tense moments, depending on the quests and difficulty settings. Some quests present unique challenges that can be stressful, but the game allows players to adjust the difficulty to their preference.

3. Is it possible to be evil in The Witcher 3?

Yes, while Geralt isn’t designed to be an out-and-out villain, players can make choices that lead to more negative outcomes. These decisions can significantly impact the storyline and result in a darker experience. However, going completely evil is difficult, as Geralt’s personality is deeply ingrained.

4. Why do some people not like The Witcher 3’s combat?

Some players dislike the combat because they find it clunky, slow, and lacking in responsiveness compared to more action-focused games. It’s not primarily a combat-focused game, and therefore, the combat system isn’t as polished as its narrative.

5. Why is The Witcher 3 so highly praised?

The Witcher 3 is lauded for its nonlinear, rich stories, its incredibly well-written characters, its expansive and detailed open world, and the meaningful choices players make that influence the narrative. These factors contribute to an immersive experience that is rarely seen in open-world RPGs.

6. How many hours does it take to complete The Witcher 3?

To complete the main story, it takes about 51.5 hours. For 100% completion, players will spend around 173 hours, potentially more if including the expansions.

7. What order should I play The Witcher 3 quests?

While the game is open-world, the prologue starts in Kaer Morhen. After that, it’s generally advisable to follow this sequence: Lilac and Gooseberries, The Beast of White Orchard, Incident at White Orchard, Imperial Audience. Following these in order is a good starting point.

8. Is there a “bad ending” in The Witcher 3?

Yes, there is a bad ending. It’s triggered by making consistently negative decisions regarding Ciri’s well-being during crucial quests like Battle Preparations, Blood on the Battlefield, and Final Preparations.

9. Why are fans upset about the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher?

Much of the fan outrage stems from race-swapping characters in the show, which some fans view as a departure from the source material. This controversy also sparked debates about political correctness within media adaptions.

10. Why did Henry Cavill leave The Witcher series on Netflix?

It’s widely speculated that creative differences between Cavill and the showrunners were the reason for his departure. Cavill reportedly wanted the show to be more faithful to the source material, specifically the books.

11. Why is The Witcher 3 so cheap nowadays?

The game’s price has dropped due to its age and the fact that most people who would pay full price have already bought it. It’s a way to expand the market and reach new players, often accompanied by holiday sales.

12. Is The Witcher 3 better than Cyberpunk 2077?

While both are excellent games from CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3 is considered superior in its nonlinear storylines and the impact of choices. Cyberpunk 2077 leans toward a more linear story, but it’s not necessarily worse, depending on individual preferences.

13. Which is better, The Witcher 2 or The Witcher 3?

While both games have their merits, The Witcher 3 is considered the superior game due to its open world, expanded narrative, and characters. However, The Witcher 2 has a more focused and less meandering plot which some players prefer.

14. What is the recommended order for playing The Witcher 3 DLCs?

The best experience is achieved by playing the DLC in release order: first the main Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, then Hearts of Stone, and finally Blood and Wine. However, Hearts of Stone can be started even before the main campaign, without significant narrative confusion.

15. Is The Witcher 3 the longest single-player game ever?

While not the absolute longest, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOTY Edition averages around 126 hours for a playthrough, making it one of the longest single-player games in recent memory, if completionist runs are taken into account.