Imagine you're working in a 9-5 corporate job, you're done with your work, you come back home, log onto Steam, see your games list for 5 seconds, buy a game on sale that you're never going to play and then switch off your PC and go to a bar. While having a drink, you think of the good times when games used to be fun and authentic. But then you tell yourself, the problem isn't the games, its you. "Its not that games aren't fun anymore, you have gotten older".

And then I play Witcher 3. And suddenly I can't wait to get myself home after work. Do you have any idea how precious that feeling is ? The feeling that you are actually immersed in the protagonist' shoes. I find myself in anticipation and excitement for the new adventures that are waiting for me, I think while driving back home...."Where is this story headed ? What new places and characters I will meet ?" And lets not talk about the characters. I thought myself as a guy who's dead on the inside and somehow these characters made me laugh, chuckle and empathise at the same time. I haven't felt these feelings for a game since 2008 when I played games such as Final Fantasy 12, Metal Gear Solid 3. Was I wrong to think that I was the problem and not the gaming industry that's shelling out mediocre AAA games with no memorable characters or storyline ?

And I got this game for 3$. 3$ !! And that includes the DLC ! I honestly feel I looted these amazing devs. And I paid twice for games that are not even worth playing. 23 hours in and I still haven't scratched the surface of the story. The side quests are actually fun. I find myself doing the side quests more because its feels like I am watching another episode of the "Witcher 3 TV show". I love this open world, I actually take my time wandering around and exploring every nook and cranny. I haven't done this since GTA San Andreas. I look at some distant island or mountain that I find interesting and I decide to just walk there just for the fun of it. That's how beautiful this Open World this. This is Open World game done right.

Thank you CD Projekt Red. You guys are a gem. I know its 5 years late and I don't know why it took me 5 years to play this, but better late than never.

⠄⠄⠸⣿⣿⢣⢶⣟⣿⣖⣿⣷⣻⣮⡿⣽⣿⣻⣖⣶⣤⣭⡉⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄
⠄⠄⠄⢹⠣⣛⣣⣭⣭⣭⣁⡛⠻⢽⣿⣿⣿⣿⢻⣿⣿⣿⣽⡧⡄⠄⠄⠄
⠄⠄⠄⠄⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣌⡛⢿⣽⢘⣿⣷⣿⡻⠏⣛⣀⠄⠄
⠄⠄⠄⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⠙⡅⣿⠚⣡⣴⣿⣿⣿⡆⠄
⠄⠄⣰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⠄⣱⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄
⠄⢀⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄
⠄⣸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠣⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄
⠄⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⠛⠑⣿⣮⣝⣛⠿⠿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠄
⢠⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⠄⠄⠄⠄⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⠄
⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠇⠄⠄⠄⠄⢹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠁⠄
⣸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠏⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢟⣣⣀

Rarely does a game come along that redefines the benchmark for excellence, but The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt achieves just that. It's a monumental experience that sets the gold standard for storytelling, immersion, and depth.
From the very first moments, the world of the Continent has breathtaking scope and detail. The windswept hills of Skellige, exploring the bustling streets of Novigrad, or wandering the hauntingly desolate swamps of Velen, the environments are alive with stories waiting to be discovered. Every corner feels lovingly crafted, every location brimming with atmosphere, history, and purpose. Seriously the lore and world building in this game is nuts especially after you read the books it really makes you feel like you are actually living in the world that Andrzej Sapkowski created.
The storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary. At its core is Geralt of Rivia, a protagonist of unmatched complexity, navigating a world as morally ambiguous as it is beautiful. The main quest—a gripping tale of love, loss, and destiny—is complemented by side quests that could easily stand alone as highlights in lesser games. These aren't mere fetch tasks but richly woven narratives that deepen your connection to the world and its inhabitants. Characters like Ciri, Yennefer, and Triss are so vividly realized that they feel like real people, their emotions, motivations, and conflicts resonating long after you've put down the controller.
Visually, The Witcher 3 is a marvel. Even years after its release, the attention to detail in its landscapes, weather effects, and character designs remains unrivaled. Taking photos of these visual marvels is a big part of what i enjoy so much about this game. The sunsets over Toussaint, the shadowy interiors of monster lairs, and the way the light dances through a forest canopy are all testament to CD Projekt Red's commitment to creating an immersive experience.
And then there are the DLCs, which elevate the game to even greater heights. Hearts of Stone introduces one of the most chilling and enigmatic villain, while Blood and Wine is practically a standalone game in its own right. With its vibrant, fairy tale-inspired setting and a deeply personal story, Blood and Wine provides a fitting swan song for Geralt's journey, offering closure while still leaving you longing for more. And with the Witcher 4 being annouced im eagerly waiting for more news on that and am very excited to play it. This playthrough on steam was my 8th one and ill probably still play more and more i just never get bored of this game :).
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is not just the best RPG ever made—it is arguably the greatest game of all time. Its fusion of narrative brilliance, world-building, character depth, and visual splendor is unparalleled. It’s a title that transcends its medium, reminding us of the power of video games to tell profound stories and transport us to extraordinary worlds. If you haven’t played it yet, do yourself a favor and step into the boots of the White Wolf. You won’t regret it.