A great game for it's time, but awkward controls and stilted mission structures hold it back from really being enjoyed in today's landscape. If you're a big Witcher fan there are mods to make the game far more playable, otherwise maybe wait for the announced remake.

32 hours of gameplay of a old ass game that i bought on steam sale, damn some of the best money i've spend in my life i wish the companies still had these devs that actually loved what they done.

Like most people, I came to know The Witcher through the internet, specifically YouTube and social media posts—not deliberately, of course, as the general public always seems to hype something, whether it's because they genuinely love it or because they profit from doing so.

I liked how the third game looked so much that once I learned it was part of a trilogy, I decided to dive deeper. Then, I realized the games were all based on a series of books. Naturally, I went ahead and read all of them.

After finishing the last book, I purchased every single Witcher game I could find and started with this one. It did not disappoint. Why am I mentioning all of this? Simply so you know that, unlike most people entering The Witcher world, I'm a big nerd. I won't be judging the game solely on its graphics or combat system. I'm stating this to let you know that this review is not like that of a teenager whose favorite games are GTA V or Assassin's Creed. This review is 100% neutral.


(Most of this game's issues are due to its age and the developers' experience, so you can't really consider them dealbreakers. I'll mention them anyway.)

The gameplay is probably the biggest problem, and I'm not talking about the combat right now. As a matter of fact, I did enjoy the combat, but more on that later. The issue with the gameplay lies in its pacing—not because of the story, but because of its travel system.

The game primarily involves going back and forth between NPCs, initiating dialogues for new information or items. This process becomes tedious and frustrating as you progress. It’s particularly annoying when you can see your destination but are forced to walk around an entire area because the game doesn’t let you climb slightly elevated terrain or bypass obstacles like leaves.

Also, you need to use your mouse while running forward, as the game doesn't allow full directional control using just the keyboard.

There are only about three armors in this game, one of which you get near the end of the final chapter—essentially making it pointless since there's little time to enjoy it. The weapon selection is similarly limited, with most being either weak or filler. You're often better off sticking to quest weapons.

Even though the Enhanced Edition resolved many bugs and animation issues, the game is still riddled with them.

Pro tip: Save the game manually before every crucial event or significant story point. The game can crash randomly—not often, but often enough to frustrate you. You may encounter NPCs with floating hair, camera glitches, or enemies getting stuck in door frames. Quest-breaking bugs can also prevent you from finishing certain tasks.

Just don’t bother, lol.

Even though I enjoyed the game and invested in it emotionally, the replayability is limited. You can't fully develop your character because the game ends before you can unlock the entire skill tree. Similarly, upgrading your swords with rune stones becomes pointless, as later swords are strong enough without upgrades. Once the story ends, that’s it—there’s no option to go back and finish unfinished quests.

Few will notice this, but the first game has some inconsistencies with the books, particularly regarding dates.


The story is simply top-notch. It's niche and requires real investment to fully grasp. You’ll need to read in-game books, letters, formulas, and documents—and it helps if you’ve read the source material. The narrative is filled with plot twists, dark and gory side quests, and well-written characters with relatable motives.

If you enjoy stories that keep you on the edge of your seat and curious about what happens next, this game is for you.

Unlike most, I quite enjoyed the combat system. Being my first Witcher game, the alchemy system also amazed me. It does require some effort and reading to get used to, but once you do, you’ll love it.

The skill tree is deep, and you need to choose upgrades wisely. Alchemy is crucial, even on normal difficulty, so you’ll spend a lot of time gathering ingredients, reading formulas, and crafting vital potions for combat and navigation.

This game can give you chills, especially if you’re playing in the dark and alone. The caves, soundtracks, voice acting, glowing specters, and vampires fading into the horizon—all create a haunting atmosphere. Some quests and NPCs add to this eerie vibe, making it feel like a horror game at times, particularly in the early stages.

This section isn’t about the moral choices or the impact of decisions on the story, though I did enjoy those elements. Instead, I admire how the developers chose to design the game. Its maturity, romance, gore, and atmosphere all contribute to its unique identity.

The game doesn’t pander to the masses; it stands out for its authenticity. From the mature tone to the depressing quotes from dying NPCs, every aspect of the game exudes a bold, artistic vision that I adore.

The only reason this game isn’t widely appreciated is because much of the gaming community consists of people who prefer style over substance. You can't expect someone who thinks GTA V—a game with a dead world, non-existent story, and repetitive online play—is the pinnacle of gaming to enjoy a title that requires thought and patience.

This game was my first Steam purchase, and I finished it on my new gaming laptop. I can’t believe that the upcoming Witcher games can surpass this gem.

DEFINITELY WORTH PLAYING IN 2024.