The Witcher 3 is easily the most anticipated game this year – something the game’s million pre orders certainly attests to. The review embargo is up for the 25 or so publications able to review the thing, which certainly doesn’t include us. We’ll be getting the game quite a bit later to review – but here’s the current critical consensus on Geralt’s last videogame adventure.
Gamespot – 10/10
Where the Witcher 2 sputtered to a halt, The Witcher 3 is always in a crescendo, crafting battle scenarios that constantly one-up the last, until you reach the explosive finale and recover in the glow of the game’s quiet denouement. But while the grand clashes are captivating, it is the moments between conflicts, when you drink with the local clans and bask in a trobairitz’s song, that are truly inspiring.
Kotaku – Yes
Wild Hunt is a grand adventure that feels distinctly of its time. It manages to set new standards for video game technology while accentuating the fleeting nature of technological achievement as an end unto itself. It is a worthy exploration of friendship and family, mixing scenes of great sorrow with scenes of ridiculous lustiness, tempering its melancholy with bright splashes of joy and merry monster guts. Come for the epic showdown between good and evil; stay for the unicorn sex.
Pocket-lint – 5/5
You needn’t be a diehard fantasy fan either: the massive world, gorgeous landscapes, balanced gameplay, detailed quests and story are all compelling enough to hook you in and keep you there. Just be prepared to sacrifice your normal life because you’ll be scratching around trying to find the dozens of extra hours you’ll want to spend playing it.
IGN – 9.3/10
Though the straightforward and fetch-quest-heavy main story overstays its welcome, the option of joyfully adventuring through a rich, expansive open world was always there for me when I’d start to burn out. Even if the plot isn’t terribly interesting, the many characters who play a part in it are, and along with the excellent combat and RPG gameplay, they elevate The Witcher 3 to a plane few other RPGs inhabit.
Gameinformer – 9.75/10
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt encompasses what I hope is the future of RPGs. It stands out for its wonderful writing, variety of quests and things to do in the world, and how your choices have impact in interesting ways. Usually something is sacrificed when creating a world this ambitious, but everything felt right on cue. I still think about some of my choices and how intriguing they turned out – for better or worse
And Gametrailers’ review:
Seems like its pretty damned good then?
Last Updated: May 12, 2015
Brady miaau
May 12, 2015 at 16:15
um. ok. I wonder if this is a case of overpraise much? Are the reviews based on the full game?
Geoffrey Tim
May 12, 2015 at 16:17
Yeah. Some publications have had Debug PS4 review copies for weeks. I know Polygon editor hasn’t finished the game yet, so he’s holding back (60 hours in though)
Brady miaau
May 12, 2015 at 16:19
I just hope it does not go the way of some other games that were hyped before release, scored very well in initial reviews and then, after some time, perceived flaws and the public’s general expectancy of the impossible (hype train) sully the game over time
tplarkin7
May 12, 2015 at 17:38
Too many game reviews have failed us this gen.
Brady miaau
May 12, 2015 at 19:44
Ah, cool Avatar. And yes, too many have failed us.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:15
I don’t think so in this case. CDPR have set new standards with everything they’ve been doing with The Witcher 3. I’m still not expecting a perfect game, I’m just expecting a bigger Witcher 2. If that’s what this is and more, then I’ll be very happy.
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 07:44
That’s very true! I will seriously be happy with an open world Witcher 2, with the same humour, fighting and ploughing.
Brady miaau
May 13, 2015 at 08:21
You sure? Witcher 2 was just long enough. I will be happy too.I wonder about the wider internet community. I think the impossible may be expected now.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:23
Witcher 2 was a bit short for me. Just as I was really getting immersed in the world. For me, at least. I like to spend hours and hours getting to know the place and the smaller details. Really becoming a part of the world.
FoxOneZA
May 12, 2015 at 16:46
Polygon always provides the definitive reviews 😛
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 16:47
7/10 from Polygon.
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 17:05
rofl
40 Insane Frogs
May 12, 2015 at 18:36
Which will be changed to 7.5/10 in a couple of months, and then back to 7/10 …. “because arthur gies lolygon”
Skoobaz
May 12, 2015 at 16:48
umm….
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 17:06
He’s gonna get all 36 endings to make sure it gets the score it deserves
The Sten
May 12, 2015 at 16:32
People were calling it GOTY about a year ago already so I take all these with a pinch of salt.
That said I’ll be getting my copy a bit later and cant wait.
Matthew Holliday
May 12, 2015 at 17:02
scores had to live up to the hype.
for once, i think IGNs comments are going to hit closest to the mark.
fetch quests and an ok story, but so damn good. sounds remarkably close to my oppinion of the books.
its all about the characters.
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 16:16
Very happy this game is shaping up to be what everyone wanted 😀 😀
K1FF J1MB0B (sizzle edition)
May 12, 2015 at 16:22
This game looks great, but after 90 hours poured into Bloodborne it looks like Splatoon.
WitWolfy
May 13, 2015 at 11:09
I only got like 40 hrs on Bloodborne… Got too frustrating for me near the end.. Didnt want to grind anymore… I just wanted to finish the darn game!!! Guess what, I couldnt… So I’m like stuck in a gameplay limbo… close to the end, but too lazy to grind and too weak to proceed.. Got to love it…
K1FF J1MB0B (sizzle edition)
May 14, 2015 at 08:36
If you’re stuck on a particular boss then I would recommend looking up some videos on how to defeat it on Youtube.. often times it’s just about having the right strategy and then it’s a lot easier.
Sageville
May 12, 2015 at 16:39
It would take some serious fixing to post a bad review for this game methinks.
Are we looking at a “Best Game Ever” nomination?
konfab
May 12, 2015 at 16:43
It doesn’t have Tali in it so no.
Kensei Seraph
May 12, 2015 at 20:32
Or Legion.
konfab
May 13, 2015 at 06:00
So you don’t like ME1 🙁
Kensei Seraph
May 13, 2015 at 07:52
I do like ME1.
Legion was just my favourite character across all 3 games.
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 16:41
I’m still a bit skeptical…
Sageville
May 12, 2015 at 16:43
Pfft, you still gonna buy it, don’t play!
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 16:44
Same, seems mostly positive.
CypherGate
May 12, 2015 at 16:47
Why are you still skeptical though?
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 16:52
baiting XD
CypherGate
May 12, 2015 at 16:57
lol
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:16
I’m still positive. 🙂
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
May 12, 2015 at 16:42
Super excited! Pre-ordered! CAN’T WAIT!
b1nd3r
May 12, 2015 at 16:42
“Easily the most anticipated game of the year” ………Batman……
Ranting Raptor
May 12, 2015 at 16:44
wow… just…. just… who’s gifting me the game lol?
Admiral Chief
May 12, 2015 at 17:05
I have a spare copy for $7
Ranting Raptor
May 12, 2015 at 18:59
If you had a spare copy for $7 I would buy it in a heartbeat
FoxOneZA
May 12, 2015 at 16:45
Full scores? What saucery is this!!!! !!!!!
Gr8_Balls_o_KFM_Fire
May 12, 2015 at 18:45
SAUCERY ?????????????
CypherGate
May 12, 2015 at 16:47
Wow thats amazing. At last a game that achieves what it was set out to do!
Mistake Not...
May 12, 2015 at 16:48
YES!!
Mark Treloar
May 12, 2015 at 16:48
Odd to see such a high score from Gamespot
ReaperOfSquirrels
May 12, 2015 at 16:58
Currently on 93 overall for PS4 on metacritic
Edit: I think everyone is just posting it under PS4 reviews 😛
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 17:00
Shovel Knight 92 o/
Admiral Chief
May 12, 2015 at 17:05
6.7% COME ON DOWNLOAAAAAD
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 17:08
http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/loading.gif
Admiral Chief
May 12, 2015 at 17:12
YAY 6.8%
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 17:18
Are you sure it will be done by the 19th?
Admiral Chief
May 13, 2015 at 07:42
Well its at 33.2% now
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 07:43
0%. Waiting on that physical disc! O_O
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:44
Same here. But it’s so worth it to go physical
Admiral Chief
May 13, 2015 at 07:50
DAT DAY ONE PATCH THOUGH
Krabby Paddy
May 13, 2015 at 07:51
Will hopefully be tiny in size.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:52
Ag, I don’t mind. Half a day’s wait is not really going to break my heart. But not having those goodies with the physical copy might.
Admiral Chief
May 13, 2015 at 07:55
Not having to pay for the game is what keeping my heart strong
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:56
That is very nice, and I’m quite jealous.
I paid with a smile for this one though.
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 07:54
One day patch that is not needed! Gawsh it’s like Ryanza’s rants were all in vain.
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 07:53
Let’s get physical!
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:54
In The Witcher it really does mean two things.
WitWolfy
May 13, 2015 at 11:11
Correction you’re waiting on that day one patch!
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 15:05
DRM-free. Thus the patch isn’t compulsory. I can play it offline without updating anything.
Hammersteyn
May 13, 2015 at 08:00
So no?
Mark Treloar
May 13, 2015 at 07:10
71.5%
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
May 12, 2015 at 17:09
Good lord! That’s impressive! Well then it’ll be money well spent for the first time since Mordor came to visit, I am now fully hyped for this…
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:17
Shadow of Mordor was not money well spent for me. If the game was R150 or R200 cheaper it would’ve been, but not at full price.
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
May 13, 2015 at 08:46
Really? I enjoyed the crap out of Shadow of Mordor, to me the fighting was especially rewarding, levelling up though was a bit of a hamper, but having the wraith ability just made it shine(quite literally)…I don’t know hey, I’ve spent way too much time going back to it… I should also mention that it is probably because I was so disappointed in last years’ offering in games though…
Kromas,powered by windows 10.
May 12, 2015 at 18:23
11/10 Would bed Triss again – Kromas
40 Insane Frogs
May 12, 2015 at 18:59
Still won’t pre-order! For I am a member of House Biscuit! A biscuit never pre-orders.
Matthew Holliday
May 12, 2015 at 23:47
biscuits will have to pay R500+ for a pc copy then.
non-biscuits got the R450 price.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:18
Depends on the format though. Steam non-biscuits still paid R550+ WITH the 20% discount.
Matthew Holliday
May 13, 2015 at 08:59
yeah, but if you’re gna take the 54$ steam option over the R450 retail one (gone up to R499 now) then yeah….
Krabby Paddy
May 13, 2015 at 07:45
I’m sure there are plenty of biscuits that are going to crumble for this.
40 Insane Frogs
May 13, 2015 at 10:38
Always reminds me of that Call of Duty boycott group on Steam. 😀
Ghost In The Rift
May 12, 2015 at 20:13
I still need and answer that the review doesn’t cover Geoff.
TRISS or Yennefer DAMMIT?!?!?
Geoffrey Tim
May 13, 2015 at 07:06
Triss, obviously. I have a think for redheads though.
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 07:15
RinceTriss is single. Just saying.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:19
XD
RinceThis
May 13, 2015 at 08:03
Someone call?!
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:10
Yes, just not you ;P
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:19
You have a think? No need to think Geoff! ;P
Admiral Chief
May 13, 2015 at 07:42
O_O
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 08:00
‘n Rooikop wat nie n@#$ se hare is gedye.
RinceThis
May 13, 2015 at 08:03
*RUNS
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:10
I can picture it now, you running towards Geoff, you jump as you get near, and he catches you & twirls you around as you giggle happily in his strong manly embrace. I’m happy you’re happy!
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:12
THIS^
RinceTriss
May 13, 2015 at 08:13
Geoff? Strong manly embrace? And that comment of yours smacked of jealousy…
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:48
Jealous? I was trying to be nice. Everyone knows Geoff would take one look at you flying at him & step out of the way, laugh at you when hit the ground face first, probably give you a kick for good measure, then walk off to torment Darryn & take pictures of some hipster sandwich.
RinceTriss
May 13, 2015 at 08:50
Nope. You are unable of being nice 😛
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:51
Do you even English? 😀
Kensei Seraph
May 12, 2015 at 20:29
Maybe I should have read the reviews before doing my pre-order 5 minutes ago…
*Looks through review scores*
As expected it wasn’t an issue.
Mossel
May 12, 2015 at 22:08
Bloody hell! How glad am I too be single in such exciting times! Also have an ankle injury so guess I will have to take 6 weeks off exercise.
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 07:15
As much as I want to say that’s lucky, you’re going to suffer when you go back. I took last week off because I buggered up my foot & when I went back on Mon I kakked off like you won’t believe just doing half my normal workout heh.
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 07:42
Yeah I know! It really sucks, even just taking a week off really takes its toll. I will still go to gym, just hopping around on one foot haha. But what bothers me now is losing fitness, don’t know what cardio I can do that doesn’t need an ankle. Rowing perhaps.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 07:45
I took two weeks off over my honeymoon and then got sick the second I was back, so took another week. Lost 8kgs simply because I haven’t been to the gym in so long. Started this week again, now I’m suffering.
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:07
So the moral of the story is that getting married makes you feel worse. Got it JJ.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:08
http://cdn.meme.am/images/11274146.jpg
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:10
haha 😀
RinceTriss
May 13, 2015 at 08:13
BWAHAHHA! THIS
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 07:56
Try swimming, you’re not really putting much pressure on it in the water.
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 07:58
Swimming at the gym…*shudders
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:08
It’s not so bad 😛 It used to be my main form of exercise for a couple of years. Distance swimming is great for disconnecting from the world for an hour.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:09
It’s not bad for you yes. What about the rest of the people?
RinceTriss
May 13, 2015 at 08:14
lol
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 08:09
Dammit you might be right. Don’t I need like a speedo or some shit? Or those weird hats?
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:10
Swem kappie. Makes me feel like a cling-wrapped meal.
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 08:12
I heard chicks dig it. xD
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:14
Stays fresh, so I can understand it.
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:14
You need a swimming cap, goggles are a good idea unless you feel like having red eyes. Don’t need a speedo, you can wear swimming shorts or whatever, but they’re much more difficult to swim in because of the drag.
And like I told my one friend, no ones going to see her in her swimming costume because it takes 5 seconds to get into the pool from the change room & then you’re under water anyway.
Mossel
May 13, 2015 at 08:19
That’s very true. Think I might work this into my routine about once a week! I know it’s a really good exercise.
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:21
I actually really enjoy swimming.
RinceTriss
May 13, 2015 at 08:22
You just used ‘her’. Was she under dedress? Tehehehe
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 08:24
…
RinceTriss
May 13, 2015 at 08:51
Teheheh
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 13, 2015 at 07:13
…
Krabby Paddy
May 13, 2015 at 07:36
.– — .–
RinceThis
May 13, 2015 at 08:00
9.3? 9.75? BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:02
Decimals confusing you? ;P
RinceThis
May 13, 2015 at 08:04
No, their point does… Get it?! GET IT?! Talk about contrived…
Captain JJ Browman
May 13, 2015 at 08:05
Haha. Well played.
RinceThis
May 13, 2015 at 08:05
SOOOO Much win here.
SEGA Neptune
May 13, 2015 at 09:05
Nep Nep thinks we can all forget about the 11th of November 2011 now 🙂
Sir Faulty
May 13, 2015 at 10:49
I am a bit skeptical of all these positive reviews. I normally end up being massively disappointed when I finally play the game being raved about.
Although granted there have been two hyped games this year that have lived up to their lofty review scores (Pillars of Eternity and Grand Theft Auto V PC) so I remain hopeful.
Deceased
May 13, 2015 at 12:08
Love the Kotaku review 😀
Tbone187
May 13, 2015 at 13:07
Lets be honest, you’d still buy it if the scores weren’t as good. But seriously, 10/10…? Impossible!!
bushmisfite
May 13, 2015 at 14:19
A way to very Easy with lazygamer < my classmate's step-aunt makes $72 hourly on the laptop . She has been fired for 7 months but last month her payment was $17104 just working on the laptop for a few hours..
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oOqUiS
May 13, 2015 at 20:38
Can’t wait for Angry Joe’s review. Just hoping day one patch isn’t a monster.