The Witcher: Enhanced Edition

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3308 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,624 out of 3308
  2. Mixed: 466 out of 3308
  3. Negative: 218 out of 3308
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. aborle
    May 3, 2013
    7
    The witcher is recommended for fans of wrpg games but might not be suitable for others.
    Here's whats good in it :
    - Superb and unique setting based on slavic culture (rarely seen in rpgs) - Mature and engrossing storyline -Time delayed choices (ie the decision u make may not affect u instantaneously but will reward or bite your ass later) -The soundtrack (i still hum it from time to    The witcher is recommended for fans of wrpg games but might not be suitable for others.
    Here's whats good in it :
    - Superb and unique setting based on slavic culture (rarely seen in rpgs)
    - Mature and engrossing storyline
    -Time delayed choices (ie the decision u make may not affect u instantaneously but will reward or bite your ass later)
    -The soundtrack (i still hum it from time to time!), though its not TES quality, it still is memorable.
    Here's what's bad in it :
    - backtracking, tons and tons of it.
    -the combat, though unique doesn't feel satisfactory
    -no fast travel
    -You will feel tired by the end of the third chapter. the fourth chapter is slow but will ultimarely pick up pace later on.

    So if u can forgive "the bad". You can enjoy the game. A 7/10 from me.    … Expand
  2. VitchRazor
    Jul 17, 2013
    8
    The scenario, the gameplay, the atmosphere, everything in this game is absolutely amazing. Well, almost everything. I would've given it 10 if it weren't for two reasons: first, there is the lack of emotion in the character's faces during the dialogues; and the second, and main reason is the fact that you can't change the game difficulty once you've chosen it at the beginning... and thatThe scenario, the gameplay, the atmosphere, everything in this game is absolutely amazing. Well, almost everything. I would've given it 10 if it weren't for two reasons: first, there is the lack of emotion in the character's faces during the dialogues; and the second, and main reason is the fact that you can't change the game difficulty once you've chosen it at the beginning... and that "medium" difficulty is actually pretty hard. I lost many (frustrating) hours because of that. I almost gave up at some point.
    However, I would definitely recommend this game to anyone who likes RPGs. Just think twice when choosing the difficulty level.    … Expand
  3. jcasetnl
    Jun 26, 2013
    8
    Witcher doesn't do everything right but where it's good, it's great!

    Finally we get a story where choices matter and the player isn't treated like an idiot. Compared to the average game these days, the interface is a little daunting at first. Soon enough it's easy to work with. The combat mechanics are this game's weak point. Occasionally you need to think strategically in    Witcher doesn't do everything right but where it's good, it's great!

    Finally we get a story where choices matter and the player isn't treated like an idiot.

    Compared to the average game these days, the interface is a little daunting at first. Soon enough it's easy to work with.

    The combat mechanics are this game's weak point. Occasionally you need to think strategically in combat but on normal difficulty it becomes fairly easy if you've invested time in side quests to boost your skills. Players who want to be forced to master the intricacies of the combat system should definitely play this one on Hard.

    Another issue is stability. The game tends to crash, particularly in certain graphically intense areas of Chapter 2. Save and save often. Normally, this would be a deal-breaker for me, but the games other positives allow me to me to give it a pass.    … Expand
  4. OnkelHarreh
    Jun 21, 2013
    9
    Once you get the hang of the unusual combat system (which will seem alien to most), there remains an incredibly touching and moving story of evil and hate, and being stuck somewhere between the two. Deep lore, which sets the game to have choices with what seems infinite possibilities, lays the way for great re-playability and a very interesting RPG.
    Only problems are having unusual times    Once you get the hang of the unusual combat system (which will seem alien to most), there remains an incredibly touching and moving story of evil and hate, and being stuck somewhere between the two. Deep lore, which sets the game to have choices with what seems infinite possibilities, lays the way for great re-playability and a very interesting RPG.
    Only problems are having unusual times for your computer to be sent into full stress when loading or at menus. Although, this is the only performance bug I encountered, and it may be my problem.    … Expand
  5. Sirik_Matak
    Sep 15, 2014
    7
    It's a really good game gameplay wise. The Aurora engine was brought to its limits with this title I think. The monotonous, but yet easy to control combat system works as intended, character development has a point being there (even if most magic signs are just gimmicks and I never use them).
    The game shines at dialogues, lore and setting, even if the main plot is average at best (you    It's a really good game gameplay wise. The Aurora engine was brought to its limits with this title I think. The monotonous, but yet easy to control combat system works as intended, character development has a point being there (even if most magic signs are just gimmicks and I never use them).
    The game shines at dialogues, lore and setting, even if the main plot is average at best (you couldn't care less about it). But the loads of sideplots, bonus quests and characters is magnificent and keeps you playing just because you really want to see how a certain substory ends, not because "I need to finish this game for the sake of it". But talk about disappointment and uninspired ending, oh God.    … Expand
  6. Nimbus1701
    Sep 9, 2013
    9
    I am playing this in 2013, for the first time. The Witcher is a long, immersive, detailed RPG. The story's flow is similar to likes of Baldur's Gate. The dialogue is mature, with some dry humour thrown in. Slightly different to your classic Warrior-Mage-Priest-Protagonist RPG types when it comes to character development, in that you are primarily a sword-user who can mix in various formsI am playing this in 2013, for the first time. The Witcher is a long, immersive, detailed RPG. The story's flow is similar to likes of Baldur's Gate. The dialogue is mature, with some dry humour thrown in. Slightly different to your classic Warrior-Mage-Priest-Protagonist RPG types when it comes to character development, in that you are primarily a sword-user who can mix in various forms of magic during combat, as well as crafted/purchased potions. Combat itself can be a little difficult at times, but you get used to the click-to-combo fight style after a few hours (I found playing a warrior in Dragon Age to be harder). It covers mature themes and is probably not for children. If you had not played this when it came out many years ago this can fill the void. It's as enjoyable as Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age and while it's closer to those games than Skyrim, it tries to offer a similar level of lore and fantasy. A tremendous effort by the developers, and one for the history books.… Expand
  7. HarrisonPudding
    Aug 4, 2013
    9
    I just played this for the first time and it still holds up well even five years later. The quests are great, the narrative is engaging and intelligent and I felt like the choices I made for Geralt had real consequences. I also enjoyed the fact that there was no judgment or sense that the choices would be right or wrong. Combat was intuitive and you can see Geralt turn into a powerhouseI just played this for the first time and it still holds up well even five years later. The quests are great, the narrative is engaging and intelligent and I felt like the choices I made for Geralt had real consequences. I also enjoyed the fact that there was no judgment or sense that the choices would be right or wrong. Combat was intuitive and you can see Geralt turn into a powerhouse swordsman by game's end.

    Only two criticisms: 1. The game is an absolute gpu hog. I had to overclock my Radeon HD 7970 to get the frames even close to stable. I also have a six core processor, so I wonder if the game was optimized in the best way or not. 2. The Raven armor is only available at the very end of the game, and while I understand the reasoning, I had little time to enjoy the benefits of having it.

    If you haven't, pick it up. And I would suggest using the over-the-shoulder camera for the best experience in terms of movement and gameplay.    … Expand
  8. i0n
    Sep 4, 2013
    8
    Incredibly immersive, this title boasts brilliant writing and a truly engaging storyline to keep you glued to the screen until completion. While not without faults, any issues that arise are minor enough to blend to the background while gameplay, plotline and the host of well crafted characters take center stage. Very enjoyable title.
  9. LairdEJM
    Aug 2, 2014
    8
    The Witcher is a very strong, and in many ways, very different game from most RPGs on the market. It's take on fantasy adventuring offers emphasis on themes often overlooked by it's rivals in the genre; such as a focus on alchemy.

    Firstly the positives: The game's lore is very well developed, and makes for an interesting setting, (obviously based on the books). The number and diversity    The Witcher is a very strong, and in many ways, very different game from most RPGs on the market. It's take on fantasy adventuring offers emphasis on themes often overlooked by it's rivals in the genre; such as a focus on alchemy.

    Firstly the positives:
    The game's lore is very well developed, and makes for an interesting setting, (obviously based on the books). The number and diversity of quests is extensive and can make for lots of game time.
    There is a focus on player choices which is always, in my opinion, well received, and the overall feel of the game is one of polish and time investment. There is also a semi-sandbox feel to the game, with NPCs strolling around the lands and changing their positions with respect to the time of the day.
    It should also be noted that the game's primary pathway, that of hunting monsters, is pleasingly explored. Being a monster hunter feels gratifying and feels like a respected and realistic profession within the game's universe, and there are other things to occupy your time when not monster hunting; such as dice poker which makes for a fun mini-game.

    The negatives:
    The combat within the game, although perhaps appealing to some, is too simplistic and feels too unreaslistic for my personal taste. It has a floursihed arcade-style form of combat, similar to the kind of high pulsing combat you would find in a game like Super Smash Bros, or Soul Calibur. The NPCs and the world in which they inhabit (although perhaps a flimsy criticism I acknowledge) feel, to be honest, really weird to the point of being creepy. I often found it impossible to immerse myself in the game and it's lore because I found the characters portrayed to be amazingly un-charismatic, although this could be down to the below par voice acting.

    The game is very unusual however in that it feels unlike any other RPG I have played and so is immune from comparison. I would encourage people to play this game to develop their own view on it, and not least because despite my few criticisms it is a very strong game to enjoy.    … Expand
  10. Dcruize
    Oct 7, 2013
    2
    An interesting (if rather linear) story spoiled by the worst combat system I have ever used. On my first play I died about 14 times on the Act I boss because I hadn't min/maxed my talents I finally beat him through sheer RNG by one-shotting him. Restarted the game at that point to repick the recommended talents and got bored 2 hours later.

    You left-click on an enemy to start swinging    An interesting (if rather linear) story spoiled by the worst combat system I have ever used. On my first play I died about 14 times on the Act I boss because I hadn't min/maxed my talents I finally beat him through sheer RNG by one-shotting him. Restarted the game at that point to repick the recommended talents and got bored 2 hours later.

    You left-click on an enemy to start swinging your sword. After a few seconds the cursor changes and you left-click again to keep the attack going. Rinse/repeat until you have left-clicked the enemy to death. It feels like a step back from the combat system of the original Diablo....    … Expand
  11. pekmatyi
    Oct 20, 2013
    10
    There isn't any perfect game, but i haven't met a storiline like this before. Great graphics, great soundtrack, good combat (for an rpg), good paragraphs. The ballance isnt the best, but it gives some time of prepering, and thinking before big battles and overal. When I first played the game, it had half an our loading screens on my pc, now with the enhanced ed and my laptop its around 3There isn't any perfect game, but i haven't met a storiline like this before. Great graphics, great soundtrack, good combat (for an rpg), good paragraphs. The ballance isnt the best, but it gives some time of prepering, and thinking before big battles and overal. When I first played the game, it had half an our loading screens on my pc, now with the enhanced ed and my laptop its around 3 seconds. So this game is really close to my heart, and I think its a classic of the genre:D… Expand
  12. wadaltmon
    Jul 4, 2015
    8
    A strange, and strangely engrossing, RPG that took my about 80 hours to finish. About 30 of those hours were well-written, but generally poorly voice acted, story content. About 15 of the hours I spent were in the game's simplistic and easy, though annoyingly unresponsive sometimes, combat system. Finally, about 35 of the hours I spent were those simply running from place to place. TheA strange, and strangely engrossing, RPG that took my about 80 hours to finish. About 30 of those hours were well-written, but generally poorly voice acted, story content. About 15 of the hours I spent were in the game's simplistic and easy, though annoyingly unresponsive sometimes, combat system. Finally, about 35 of the hours I spent were those simply running from place to place. The massive levels in this game and the fact that there is really no fast travel system makes it a chore to get from place to place for quests and other tasks.
    However, the story content, characters, and player choices in gameplay (that have immediate and deferred consequences) make it all worthwhile. Overall, it was an incredible experience to play, although it still runs less than adequately on modern systems.    … Expand
  13. BigDegs29
    Nov 11, 2014
    8
    Decided to pick this up on a whim, and I'm glad I did as it led me to one of my favorite RPGs of all time (The Witcher 2).

    This game is great for two reasons. First, it has some great ideas. Unfortunately, many of these great ideas aren't fleshed out as much as they could be; the developer being a small Polish company restricted how far they could take the game. Nonetheless, it still    Decided to pick this up on a whim, and I'm glad I did as it led me to one of my favorite RPGs of all time (The Witcher 2).

    This game is great for two reasons. First, it has some great ideas. Unfortunately, many of these great ideas aren't fleshed out as much as they could be; the developer being a small Polish company restricted how far they could take the game. Nonetheless, it still takes RPGs down roads they've never been before.

    Second, it's not afraid to be dark and realistic in its themes. As an adult, I want tough, no-win choices, I want realistic violence, I want shades of grey in the story, I want dark humor, I want sex/nudity, and I want deep, interesting characters. The Witcher has all of that.

    The Witcher is a worthy entry into the series and a good precursor to the amazing game that is The Witcher 2.    … Expand
  14. VidyaBum
    Feb 7, 2016
    7
    Feels like a book series was made into a videogame by people that didn't really know how to make a videogame.

    Probably because that was their exact case. The Witcher 1 is ok to look at(terrible glitches on hair physics that make a lot of characters look extra stupid though) and has some nice musics, but the distance between its world and storyline quality and its gameplay is    Feels like a book series was made into a videogame by people that didn't really know how to make a videogame.

    Probably because that was their exact case.

    The Witcher 1 is ok to look at(terrible glitches on hair physics that make a lot of characters look extra stupid though) and has some nice musics, but the distance between its world and storyline quality and its gameplay is appalling.

    The former deserve high praise, although few characters are all that good, they all decidedly give you the same vibe of a powerful, living breathing world, which is the star of this game. The storyline is exciting and you do root for Geralt's quest and success as he braves constant adversity with seemingly neither fear nor anger. He is a great hero.

    But for all the praise here, the terrible downer that is the gameplay gets stronger with every quality in the story.
    It's bad.
    Poorly designed, stock and uninventive, no not even uninventive, because the very concept of invention is utterly absent here. Literally every single last quest, except the main storyline one, is a fetch quest. EVERY SINGLE QUEST.

    Meet character x. x needs item a. Go find characters y, w, and z, to find a.
    The line I just wrote defines almost every single quest of the game.

    More than that, combat is very very weak and uninteresting, locations and level design is very nice but the backtracking is weighing on the game horrendously, and in general the strong feeling of being part of an interactive book absolutely does not leave me throughout the whole game.

    A more modern game with this much plot and this little gameplay might've ended up a VN rather than an RPG. That's how little good gameplay there is in this.    … Expand
  15. mickaelm
    Apr 29, 2014
    8
    Great game !
    I don't understand why people hate on the control of the game they are fine by me.
    I only played for a couple of hour but already I fined the story realy good.
    So I am giving this an 8 out of 10.

    Recommended for people who love RPG's, great STORY's and fun GAMEPLAY ( this is a personal opinion).

    Thank You for reading my review.
  16. Paulystan
    Jun 3, 2014
    7
    It is a good, mostly fun and playable RPG. It has one or two glitches and the fighting mechanics could be a bit better but a good game all round. Some good humour here and there too.
  17. Roxaryz
    Jun 24, 2014
    8
    The Witcher is a great RPG. The story is intriguing, the combat difficult, and the graphics, if you compare them to a game like dragon age origins,are pretty good. The combat system, on the other hand, isn't optimal. You have to choose between three different styles of fighting after which enemies you are facing. But, I would say that that is basically one of the only things that isThe Witcher is a great RPG. The story is intriguing, the combat difficult, and the graphics, if you compare them to a game like dragon age origins,are pretty good. The combat system, on the other hand, isn't optimal. You have to choose between three different styles of fighting after which enemies you are facing. But, I would say that that is basically one of the only things that is negative about it. It is a good game, and you have to buy it.… Expand
  18. Meta-reviewer
    Aug 1, 2015
    7
    This game has a very slow start where it very slowly teaches you how to play. Once you get over this part, you'll find yourself absolutely hooked!

    Pros: Fascinating story. It's like reading a book, once you start it's hard to put down. The gameplay is very in depth, aside from sword fighting there are also spells that allow players to make more choices in a fight. Alchemy is fun in    This game has a very slow start where it very slowly teaches you how to play. Once you get over this part, you'll find yourself absolutely hooked!

    Pros:
    Fascinating story. It's like reading a book, once you start it's hard to put down.
    The gameplay is very in depth, aside from sword fighting there are also spells that allow players to make more choices in a fight.
    Alchemy is fun in ways that you could explore and make your very own potions. This allow the player to explore and discover their own way of playing the game which I really like.

    Cons:
    The major reason why this game is just good and not great is to do with the movement and animation.
    1) Too much running around. Yes I know this is the consequence of having a large map but this game needs more fast travels. In a 60 minute gameplay you'll find yourself spending at least 20 minutes running around with your middle finger on the w key.
    2) Fight mechanism isn't as engaging as it could be. All you do is just click at certain times. They should at least allow you to crouch, jump & block etc. The fighting mechanisms are sometimes quite glitchy. For example, if you and the enemy attack at the same time, you may only see your enemy receiving your attack and flinch after getting hit. However, the truth is his attack that happened at the same time will also be registered, if your hero doesn't parry he will take damage.

    Overall these are just minor problems and are easily outweighed by all the good components of the game. I strongly recommend this game to anyone who are willing to try a new genre and are willing to learn. Trust me it's worth it.    … Expand
  19. pnowacki90
    Aug 25, 2015
    9
    Many people are complaining about control settings, about romance cards, about voice acting. However, I love that game. I may be biased, because I'm a huge Witcher books fan, but still. References to culture, literature, and slavic and nordic myths are spot on, the whole game is full of them. These are not even easter eggs, the game is BUILT AROUND this references and you have to haveMany people are complaining about control settings, about romance cards, about voice acting. However, I love that game. I may be biased, because I'm a huge Witcher books fan, but still. References to culture, literature, and slavic and nordic myths are spot on, the whole game is full of them. These are not even easter eggs, the game is BUILT AROUND this references and you have to have pretty impressive knowledge to see.
    Story-wise its a great continuation of the Witcher Saga. Many characters known from books are present in the game. Shani, Triss, Zoltan and more.
    Controls could be better. Its a mild disadvantage that you cant use a controller. In sequels you can use a controller and the experience is so much better.    … Expand
  20. Amsheagar
    Jun 2, 2016
    10
    The atmosphere, the graphic, the landscape art are amazing. The music and sounds fit the game. The fighting system is very creative, i liked it. I liked the story too. Maybe the best RPG, i have ever played.
  21. flamesfanadam
    Oct 1, 2015
    8
    The Witcher is an incredible RPG. I could not stop playing. The story is absolutely amazing, it really keeps you interested and all the characters are very believable. The world is not completely open but it feels open. The gameplay is a little rough but eventually you will get used to it and the story will make you want to finish.
  22. ExKaiser
    Feb 9, 2016
    8
    Rather good RPG but now gameplay and graphics feels kinda old. There is a lot references to The Witcher books what is nice. The score I gave to this game is based on my last experience with it.
  23. Calasade
    Jan 10, 2017
    8
    The graphics didn't hold up well, but this game features an intriguing story, great characters, and gray choices. The world is dark and gritty. Among my favorite RPGs.
  24. arostislavna
    Sep 8, 2022
    7
    If you're a modern gamer, then this game may feel dated to you, but to get the most out of the Witcher story you should still play it.
  25. compot8
    Oct 18, 2016
    7
    The Story is amazing but sadly the gameplay is lacking. The timing becomes so intuitive after awhile that it poses 0 challenge and alchemy isn't enough on it's own(playing on hardest difficulty). Still better than so many other games but could be better(like it's younger brothers).
  26. BlackChurch
    Jan 20, 2017
    10
    This is a great universe! Every RPG-fan must have it!
    So if you have a lot of time you should play the Witcher. This is a beginning of the epic history.
  27. auditbadger
    Jul 30, 2017
    8
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  28. Knightsabez
    Aug 29, 2017
    8
    I have always wanted to play the Witcher games, and I have to start with the first ones. It's a very solid game with a deep and impacting story.

    The first thing I noticed was the gameplay. The game is pretty old now, and this concerned me. The gameplay is one of the things I appreciate most in games, along with immersion and story. The combat reminds me of MMO combat, where you click on    I have always wanted to play the Witcher games, and I have to start with the first ones. It's a very solid game with a deep and impacting story.

    The first thing I noticed was the gameplay. The game is pretty old now, and this concerned me. The gameplay is one of the things I appreciate most in games, along with immersion and story. The combat reminds me of MMO combat, where you click on your enemy, and you attack. The combat here is deeper than that, but not by mutch. But once you begin exprerimenting with alchemy, it gets much deeper. With the right combination of potions, blade oils and bombs, you can make a hard fight much easier and funnier. You can also upgrade your fighting moves.

    The worst part about this game in my eyes, is the walking. The map is quite huge, especially when you have to walk everywhere, from quest to quest. This made me feel like I was wasting time. The cutscenes are also quite awkward, but the story makes up for it.

    But the best part about this game is the story, watching you decisions have consequenses. The choises you make, feel like they matter.

    I spent 50 or so hours on this game, I always do sidequests and such, but the main story is about 30 give or take.

    All in all, great game with great characters, and the end make me so pumped to play though the next one :)    … Expand
  29. Kaszmiro
    Nov 1, 2017
    9
    This game gave birth to one of the best series in game history
    Pros
    + Storyline, voice acting and player choices are on the highest level + Graphics and music as for 2008 are amazing + Every quest, even side quest is very interesting and makes you want to complete it + Game isn't linear, so u can complete chapters at your own way + Takes some time to finish and offers amazing    This game gave birth to one of the best series in game history
    Pros
    + Storyline, voice acting and player choices are on the highest level
    + Graphics and music as for 2008 are amazing
    + Every quest, even side quest is very interesting and makes you want to complete it
    + Game isn't linear, so u can complete chapters at your own way
    + Takes some time to finish and offers amazing adventure
    Cons
    - Strange combat system that a lot of players dislike
    - Equipment system sucks since u get better armor 1 or 2 times in game    … Expand
  30. Remurr
    Nov 15, 2017
    9
    I am delighted with the atmosphere and characters. About background music I can tell just that I downloaded it and listening almost every day during my work hours. This game done really well. Don't hesitate to play this in 2017 - it is still way better than most of modern games
Page:

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PC Game of 2008
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. 1UP
    75
    The main adventure still has serious pacing problems, combat's still too easy for the most part, and load times -- though reduced -- continue to get in the way of the action.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    80
    The new and improved package is increasingly attractive. There are still some rough edges, and moments of genuine drama are still undercut by how they're performed, but this is an agreeably driven RPG in an agreeably ornate package.
    Read full review
  3. PC Format
    88
    Finally, The Witcher fulfills its potential, and, best of all, it's available as a free update, just in case you bought it anyway. [Nov 2008, p.110]
See all critic reviews »