The Witcher

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1615 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,366 out of 1615
  2. Mixed: 145 out of 1615
  3. Negative: 104 out of 1615
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  1. JoesbkS.
    Dec 17, 2007
    9
    The atmosphere thoughout the entire game is chillingly life-like and cinematic at every turn. despite the extremely long and frequent load times, the witcher is so gripping that you'll willingly stare at the very frequently encountered load screens with a certain sense of inquisitive anticpation and constant hunger for more. the kinematics within geralt fight scenes are The atmosphere thoughout the entire game is chillingly life-like and cinematic at every turn. despite the extremely long and frequent load times, the witcher is so gripping that you'll willingly stare at the very frequently encountered load screens with a certain sense of inquisitive anticpation and constant hunger for more. the kinematics within geralt fight scenes are mind-blowingly spectacular in a way that is cool rather that downright unbelievable. (yup, no flying here) all in all, the witcher is one of the definite must have for all you medieval junkies out there =).… Expand
  2. JC
    Dec 2, 2007
    9
    An excellent CRPG without any of the usual fluff. Geralt is a likeable, intelligent hero forced to make some tough calls which affect the game world and the way people react to him. The only drawbacks are the load times between sections of the game and some dodgy feedback in fights.
  3. JasonJ.
    Dec 23, 2007
    8
    Good so far, but the game has some problems. If those problems were fixed before release, Witcher would have been in serious contention for GOTY. As it stands, it's nominations are clearly just a well-deserved nod. Witcher is a game driven by story-- and since it is, the translation to English needed to have been more thorough. Dialog vital to plot and character development is Good so far, but the game has some problems. If those problems were fixed before release, Witcher would have been in serious contention for GOTY. As it stands, it's nominations are clearly just a well-deserved nod. Witcher is a game driven by story-- and since it is, the translation to English needed to have been more thorough. Dialog vital to plot and character development is sometimes very poorly translated, or often it's just elided, which can make things downright confusing. There are also questionable word choices; it is jarring to hear modern slang used in a setting that is so successful at being visually medieval and other-worldly. The graphics are stellar, notwithstanding that they are built with a heavily modded version of a 6+ year old engine; and although it runs about twice as good, CDProjekt's version of Aurora still contains some of the flaws that hurt NWN2: Archaic character movement, general camera wonkiness, and irremediable texture tearing-- just to name a few. Some reviewers love the new 'click to chain' attack system, but I am not thrilled by it, even if it seems like it is the best that the devs could do with Aurora's native 'one click to defeat enemy' mechanics. The motion-captured medieval fighting styles, which is a truly awesome thing that other games should copy as soon as possible, don't get the treatment they deserve during combat, but they look fantastic during the many, NWN2/KOTOR-styled cutscenes. (The way the PC holds up his arms when entering 'strong stance' looks so bad, it causes some serious cognitive dissonance, while matted against such beautiful environments and non-mobile NPCs.) I started with patch 1.2 and have a high-end single GPU PC with 4 gigs of RAM; the loading is intrusive but not as horrible as it sounds like it might have been (or is) with earlier builds or for midrange or worse machines. Again, the combat itself is not very impressive, and is for me, so far, the major drawback of the game; I really wish it were better. The visuals generally, and the overall aesthetic, however, are in my opinion exactly what a fantasy-RPG should have. Leather looks like leather, steel like steel; the 'medieval' world is gritty and realistic. No one looks like a superhero made of plastic wrap. You don't get a +7 bastard sword of awesomeness. The horse carts are shabby and have wheels that wobble. The music is decent but not great, the Foley sounds are good, but the voice acting is hit and miss; most of the time it's nice stuff from someone you've never heard before; often it's downright cringeworthy, from someone you hope you never have to hear again. (One of the main NPCs, who is beautifully rendered, and has the best hair I think I've ever seen in any game ever, clearly doesn't 'get' the nuances of voice acting for games, where dialog needs to always be spoken with a hint of ambiguity so that the dialog trees don't turn out confusing or contrary-- not just however she feels like shading it at that moment.) The sexual conquest mechanic that earned the game a censored version for U.S. distribution, with it's post-coital dirty playing card mementos, is titillating and superfluous, but at least someone went there and set a precedent for adult-themed content. Short and sweet: Witcher falls somewhere between NWN2 and Oblivion, probably more on the NWN2 side. With some vigorous post-production for the English version, it could have possibly earned GOTY and an easy 9+. As it is, I've given it a very solid 8.… Expand
  4. MikeC.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    Brilliant immersive RPG based on a modified Bopware Aurora engine. Strides above NWN2 and MOTB, brilliant storyline, impressive graphics and just after a few hours play, you're totally engrossed.
  5. DavidO.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    Amazing game, i am not sure why this game is so unknown, its amazingly fun, i put about 20 hours into it in the last 2 days. Loving every moment of it from the attack system to the story to the cutscenes.
  6. RobE.
    Oct 28, 2007
    9
    This is a great game in the vein of Neverwinter Nights, but with an original storyline. The prologue is a poor example of this games normally very high production value. 20 hours into it, I am still impressed by the high quality of visuals, and 100% spoken dialog. The only thing that keeps this from being a 10 is long load times, even on a modern PC.
  7. GuyM.
    Jan 26, 2008
    9
    Hi just wanted to say I have been playing NWN2 for the best part of 2007 and find The Witcher as being a ray of light,the graphics are second to none the game play very good and look forward to more like this a big thumbs up for all involved in the production of this groundbreaking game.
  8. AZawada
    Feb 25, 2008
    10
    Very good and captivating game, a few bugs and slightly long loading times slightly annoying but other than that you can get entirely engrossed in the world that the 'Witcher' lives in
  9. JimM.
    Mar 12, 2008
    9
    Just what the doctor ordered for us hard line RPG fans, who don't want to play on line.
  10. JasonC.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    While not perfect, this is by far one of the greatest rpgs made. Though before you play I recommend reading the Last Wish Novel which you can order off of amazon's uk site. The game still has crashing bugs and the load times are somewhat excessive at times, but this is the first RPG since Baldur's gate 2 that has held my attention throughout the whole game. I am now replaying on While not perfect, this is by far one of the greatest rpgs made. Though before you play I recommend reading the Last Wish Novel which you can order off of amazon's uk site. The game still has crashing bugs and the load times are somewhat excessive at times, but this is the first RPG since Baldur's gate 2 that has held my attention throughout the whole game. I am now replaying on hard. A MUST BUY for any fan of RPG games. Great job CD Projekt.… Expand
  11. AdamC.
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    Ok the good, the bad and the beautiful, good: the game is a dark deep immersive and unmissable experience it combines an excellent combat system with lots of imaginative and interesting npcs the story line is sublime and the game addresses many adult themes. where the game shines is in the decisions you will make throughout its course that you may think insignificant at the time but will Ok the good, the bad and the beautiful, good: the game is a dark deep immersive and unmissable experience it combines an excellent combat system with lots of imaginative and interesting npcs the story line is sublime and the game addresses many adult themes. where the game shines is in the decisions you will make throughout its course that you may think insignificant at the time but will have effects on the later stages of the game it runs surprisingly well on a variety of machines new and old bad: loading times are horrendously long up in the 30 second bracket depending on your machine it goes up to 5 minutes which will occur everytime you enter a house or new area beautiful: ever played neverwinter nights 2 if so get a picture of that games graphics in your mind and now look at the witcher which is using th same aurora engine (modified obv.)… Expand
  12. meestyk
    Nov 21, 2007
    10
    A list bar none as is. Throw in a couple cool drinks, and you're taking that fine lady out. This guy is pure enjoyment. Total freedom in the gameplay. For once, you got all the goods in the right places. Support this guy, you can't go wrong if you're into this type of game. Kudos.
  13. Colby
    Nov 24, 2007
    9
    This game is great. Simply put. Bioware did a great job with The Witcher. Wonderful non-linear storyline and it really lives up to that title. Splinter Cell Double Agent was supposed to be non-linear, but it wasn't. In the Witcher, your choices really do affect in-game events and the development of who your character really is. The combat system and skill tree was beautifully done, This game is great. Simply put. Bioware did a great job with The Witcher. Wonderful non-linear storyline and it really lives up to that title. Splinter Cell Double Agent was supposed to be non-linear, but it wasn't. In the Witcher, your choices really do affect in-game events and the development of who your character really is. The combat system and skill tree was beautifully done, and I liked that you could switch between OTS and Bird's Eye views of the combat. My only complaint is the long loading times. I would definitely recommend this game.… Expand
  14. ThomasR.
    Dec 16, 2007
    10
    Love it! Great Story, Visuals and atmosphere - addictive!
  15. AnthonyL.
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    This blows every recent RPG out of the water. Its funny comparing it to NWN2, which was made with a version of the same engine. Its like night and day. NWN2 plays like a poorly made mod, where as thw Witcher feels like a professionally made game.
  16. Adanedhil
    Jan 5, 2012
    9
    One of the most interesting role-playing games that I played. Non-trivial plot, lot of skills, charismatic characters, non-linear quests, moral choices and perfect soundtrack. Well done, CD Projekt.
  17. MetaBart
    May 24, 2011
    9
    The best game I have been played.Why innovating fighting system, beautiful world , amusing music, intelligent story, clever dialogues. Many hours spend in very special world.
  18. fhouse
    Nov 30, 2012
    7
    I'm in 7 hours into this game so far and I'm not into fantasy settings. The story did not really unfold yet, but the quests are interesting enough to push on. Alchemy is fun once you get the hang of it, and I found myself buying books from a traveler just to know more of the world and be better in alchemy. The fight system needs a little getting used to, but works well, alchemy makes yourI'm in 7 hours into this game so far and I'm not into fantasy settings. The story did not really unfold yet, but the quests are interesting enough to push on. Alchemy is fun once you get the hang of it, and I found myself buying books from a traveler just to know more of the world and be better in alchemy. The fight system needs a little getting used to, but works well, alchemy makes your life 100 times easier. I like the multiple types of control schemes also, you can control with one mouse if you like, or go with the kb+mouse over the shoulder camera setup.… Expand
  19. Lead
    Sep 11, 2012
    10
    The Witcher Has A Great Atmosphere.
  20. Pr8Dator
    Mar 7, 2014
    9
    The Witcher is a game that feels dated by today's standard but strangely one game that despite its flaws, never fails to have me glued to it two to three hours a time, for me, thats a very long time to be playing games! The clicking style combat is boring for me and serves no purpose but its really the story that keeps me glued to the game for hours a time. The whole world is so alive withThe Witcher is a game that feels dated by today's standard but strangely one game that despite its flaws, never fails to have me glued to it two to three hours a time, for me, thats a very long time to be playing games! The clicking style combat is boring for me and serves no purpose but its really the story that keeps me glued to the game for hours a time. The whole world is so alive with everything and everyone living their own lives with or without you. There's so many ways to handle everything that you can really get creative... want to buy a kickass piece of gear? You can either gamble for it, fight for it, trade stuffs for it... etc... its just how much you want it. This is truly an amazing piece of RPG which doesn't really deliver on the action side but its RPG elements are what I have never seen before... much better than Baldur's Gate. If you want good action and awesome enemy design, this is not the game for you... every other action games out there ace this game in terms of these two areas but if you want a DEEP, and I mean DEEEEEP, RPG... this is for you!… Expand
  21. xXDrowXx
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    10/10
    BEST GAME EVER!
    ...............................................................................................................................
  22. FBD123
    Aug 6, 2011
    3
    I was looking forward to this game's storyline, but found it unplayable. OK, that's an exaggeration, but it's not an enjoyable game to play. For frame of reference, I got huge enjoyment out of Dragon Age Origins, the storyline initially, but it's the gameplay that provides the lasting value. It's hard to pinpoint where the Witcher fails by comparison. I'll admit that, when I sit down toI was looking forward to this game's storyline, but found it unplayable. OK, that's an exaggeration, but it's not an enjoyable game to play. For frame of reference, I got huge enjoyment out of Dragon Age Origins, the storyline initially, but it's the gameplay that provides the lasting value. It's hard to pinpoint where the Witcher fails by comparison. I'll admit that, when I sit down to play, I have no tolerance for bugs and idiosyncrasies. This starts with the Load Game screen. The mouse cursor is missing and you have to search the net to find that holding the shift key brings it out of hiding. The screen designs that show your characters stats, selected weapon, maps, progress, inventory etc. are poor. Too colorful and too disorganised, with no sense of where the background graphics end and the useful information begins. The combat, as has been mentioned, is atrocious and simplistic compared to other RPGs. Other things seem, at times, needlessly complicated, taking too many mouse clicks or keystrokes to accomplish.

    This is a game with an adult storyline. If you are, like me, an adult who has a job and whose time is worth something, perhaps you'll feel the same way. There are better titles out there and you'll never play them all. Don't waste your time.    … Expand
  23. Hiei987
    Jul 3, 2011
    10
    A very underrated game, mostly because a large amount of people did not really try this game before Witcher 2 came out. While this game doesn't have the amazing visuals of its sequel, it still provides an excellent story and exciting combat. A great title for any RPG fan.
  24. DrBrogbo
    Oct 19, 2011
    4
    Truth be told, this wasn't a terrible game. Key word being "wasn't". I had a decently good time (I may have rated it 8/10) playing through it right up until the swamp level. The game was inherently easy up to that point, when it became literally impossible. There was this one vine enemy that was absolutely impossible to beat, and hordes of regular enemies that would not give me even aTruth be told, this wasn't a terrible game. Key word being "wasn't". I had a decently good time (I may have rated it 8/10) playing through it right up until the swamp level. The game was inherently easy up to that point, when it became literally impossible. There was this one vine enemy that was absolutely impossible to beat, and hordes of regular enemies that would not give me even a moment's reprieve. I would've had to fight a few of them, rest and recover, move 10 feet, fight more, rest and recover, etc etc. I can understand games getting difficult, but to get SO difficult SO suddenly is ludicrous. The game became so tedious that I quit, and after trying (and failing) a few more times at later dates, never ended up playing it again. When I looked up tips on how to beat the swamp level, they all said I had to be X level (I was higher), use X potions (I had been), and fire (also had been). Games should be fun, not tedious.… Expand
  25. Ziamboni
    Sep 19, 2011
    6
    I give it 3 points for trying, and another 3 for trying kinda nice. The Witcher sucked me for the first part. But after I got to Triss I just lost my interest. I couldn't stand Witcher as detective.
  26. Adam
    Nov 2, 2007
    5
    Nice try... but overall the product is mediocre. Cinematics are stunning, but gameplay is rough. Amateurish design haunts the interface. Well that eventually done, but not well done.
  27. OmbarKryshnak
    Feb 8, 2008
    3
    Just don't waste your time. The Witcher has very little to offer aside from a Konami-style "click-the-enemy-at-the-right-time-to-get-your-combo" combat system and the possibility of having sex with just about any non-linear woman NPC you meet to get rewarded by her sex card, which is basically as sexy as a bra magazine. Graphics are ok but in the end it's just so disapointing...
  28. EliasO.
    Jan 24, 2008
    3
    This game is a huge failure, I got bored after just a few hours into it, because I realised something, it's just a MMO but in offline mode! It's nothing when compared to the classic RPG's, Fallout, Arcanum, Planescape, & Icewind Dale.
  29. DavidD.
    Jan 4, 2008
    5
    I got this game because i have never seen such a high cumulative rating for a game from users in a long time. Oh, and also because of so many damn people mentioning it in the same breath as Baldur's Gate and Planescape. If i read one more person compare it to those games, i am going to shoot someone!! It is NOTHING like those games!! In fact, it's not even close. I'm sorry I got this game because i have never seen such a high cumulative rating for a game from users in a long time. Oh, and also because of so many damn people mentioning it in the same breath as Baldur's Gate and Planescape. If i read one more person compare it to those games, i am going to shoot someone!! It is NOTHING like those games!! In fact, it's not even close. I'm sorry but this game never engaged me in any way. Also, the game is a huge system hog. Lots of Ram is recommended. I don't know how people can get into a game that has that many loading sessions also. Way overhyped!!… Expand
  30. ThomasN.
    Jan 5, 2008
    6
    I must say, that i had high hopes of this game, when i heard of all the praise it has been given. when the game started, and i saw the intro movie, i was thrilled, and couldnt wait to start. but when the game started (after an awfully long loading time) all i saw was sloppy animation nad awful voices, sure the history might be good, but i still wants some graphics backing the story up. my I must say, that i had high hopes of this game, when i heard of all the praise it has been given. when the game started, and i saw the intro movie, i was thrilled, and couldnt wait to start. but when the game started (after an awfully long loading time) all i saw was sloppy animation nad awful voices, sure the history might be good, but i still wants some graphics backing the story up. my hopes had not dropped altogether yet though, i was still waiting to see how the fighting turned out. alas, another dissapointment, an uninspiring combat system and boring attacks, made me wish to just uninstall the game altogether. my hopes rose a bit again when i reached the first town, filled with live and ambience. this, though, was not enough to make me play on. i am utterly dissapointed.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PC Game of 2007
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. Game Over Online
    78
    So if you’re looking for a dark and moody role-playing game that is different than everything else out there, and if you have a reasonably powerful computer that can handle the engine, and if you don’t mind adult themes that are more than a little male-centric, then the Witcher is certainly a game to consider.
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  2. Game Revolution
    75
    Trading more traditional, menu-drilling RPG “depth” for sheer style, action, mechanical elegance and what might be called a refreshingly grim mood, The Witcher is one of the most compelling - if not the cheeriest - fantasy excursions to come along in many a moon.
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  3. PTGamers
    90
    The Witcher is a fantastic RPG, a perfect recreation of the world imagined by Sapkowski. Being focused in a complex story as it is, the many hours of play will make us completely disregard the absence of multiplayer of any kind.
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