User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1615 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Nov 19, 2014
    10
    The Witcher is one of the best games which I ever played. This climate (quite like Sapkowski's book), storyline and gameplay ! I would write more about this game, but my English is not perfect :).
    PS: Play with mod FCR (Full Combat Rebalance).
  2. Feb 14, 2015
    10
    10/10
    BEST GAME EVER!
    ...............................................................................................................................
  3. Jun 27, 2015
    10
    - Good: Atmosphere, Setting, Story, Characters, C&C, Music, Alchemy, Writing, Ending, Art Direction
    - Mixed: Combat, Exploration
    - Bad: ---

    Fantastic game, one of the most atmospheric RPG to date with great soundrack, story and artistic style. Choice and consequence done right.
  4. Mar 7, 2018
    10
    the beggining of the best saga of this times. masterpieces like TW never get old. i played it in 2011 and it was amazing and unforgetable
  5. Sep 12, 2018
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time, graphics/story/gameplay is just amazing and i really hope there will be a Witcher 4 coming out in a near future
  6. Aug 11, 2023
    10
    One of the best RPGs of all time! I can't believe the many choices that completely alter the entire game! You have so much freedom and the game reacts to your difficult, grey choices. Almost no other game does what the Witcher does. It's soooo good!
  7. Aug 30, 2022
    10
    The most atmospheric game in the series. In addition, I like the soundtrack in the first part more than in the other two.
  8. TimB.
    Nov 3, 2007
    9
    The Witcher is a great RPG, definitely comparable to the Greats (Baldur's Gate, Planescape). The Eurogamer review is right to point out that the game is more of a narrative rpg than anything else -- though that makes it no less of an rpg. The tiniest details are accounted for in this game world: Potion/oil making is immersive, the character development system is complicated and The Witcher is a great RPG, definitely comparable to the Greats (Baldur's Gate, Planescape). The Eurogamer review is right to point out that the game is more of a narrative rpg than anything else -- though that makes it no less of an rpg. The tiniest details are accounted for in this game world: Potion/oil making is immersive, the character development system is complicated and interesting and, above all, the world feals real. Forcing the player to actually rent a room at an inn to rest at night (rather than the usual mechanic of just setting camp whenever and wherever) because the night gets dangerous is just a small example of the little things that make the world truly immersive. My review isn't a 10 as a matter of technical issues: Forcing the computer to reload the main level after exiting from a building on that level is probably the dumbest technical decision ever made. Otherwise, it's pretty impressive how smoothly the game plays on even lower to mid-range systems. Expand
  9. JH
    Nov 5, 2007
    9
    Very good overall. I find it a bit difficult to call it a rpg, when you can't choose your character, but that doesn't affect my enjoyment. Beautiful graphics and surprisingly fast. Good combat system, though not without its problems. Tone and atmosphere interesting and consistent, though the English dialogue doesn't flow perfectly. Details mostly right: like Journal that Very good overall. I find it a bit difficult to call it a rpg, when you can't choose your character, but that doesn't affect my enjoyment. Beautiful graphics and surprisingly fast. Good combat system, though not without its problems. Tone and atmosphere interesting and consistent, though the English dialogue doesn't flow perfectly. Details mostly right: like Journal that really works as a knowledge building tool, without feeling like a spreadsheet. Expand
  10. BrianA.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    This just barely loses out to Diablo 2 for best point and click RPG ever, due to the lack of multiplayer. It's combat is innovative and fun, the storyline is genuinely interesting, and there's just so much to do. Get this game!
  11. ReiverM.
    Jan 15, 2008
    9
    A very impressive debut that shames the established big boys in its depth, scale and beauty. The first thing that you'll notice about the game is that it's aimed firmly at adults. There's swearing and boobies aplenty but that's not what makes it an "adult game". It's the way it treats you like a capable and competent human rather than some ADHD kid who needs his A very impressive debut that shames the established big boys in its depth, scale and beauty. The first thing that you'll notice about the game is that it's aimed firmly at adults. There's swearing and boobies aplenty but that's not what makes it an "adult game". It's the way it treats you like a capable and competent human rather than some ADHD kid who needs his hand held every step of the way and every puzzle signposted. It actually makes you think about decisions and for that alone it would stand out from the current crop of so called RPGs. It also looks beautiful. Maybe not Crysis pretty but its excellent animations and art work had me screenshoting every couple of minutes as I saw something new and breathtaking. Unfortunately the obvious amount of time spent on the enviroments wasn't mirrored in the time spent on character models. Although all NPCs look great from their patched clothing to their bulky armour to their voluptous cleavage and snub nosed cuteness there's not sufficient variety for a game of this size. It's forgiveable to re-use models for the extras like villagers who've nothing to say and go about their excellently scripted routines in the background but not for main dialogue NPCs. The old man, fat merchant and old hag models are especially overused. The story is strong throughout and although it appears to have lost a little of the nuances in translation it is engaging and interesting. Basing it on a series of books gives it a weighty backstory and enough lore to provide a solid base distinct from the usual tolkein cliches. The lack of variety in choosing the PC may be seen as a weakness by some but the way I see it is you're experiencing a story as Geralt and that has its advantages as well. One of which is that the creators didn't have to budget for the 101 choices that similar RPGs give you and always seem to come up short in catering for your particular skillset. You still get to make choices in the game and to implement your personality on the game but you do so as Geralt which, imo, keeps the game tighter and less jarring compared to eg. NWN2. Perhaps not for everyone and it does have a couple of bugs but, for me, this is the game of the year and the most enjoyable RPG i've played since Morrowind. Expand
  12. JanS.
    Jan 8, 2008
    9
    A truly marvelous epic game. Easily the most engaging rpg story ever. Best voices in a game so far. Few flaws, just leave room for improvement.
  13. MarkR.
    Feb 11, 2008
    9
    I don't know if you can really say this is the best RPG ever...it's just fun and tries to be different. The developers did what they could to make it so the fighting styles weren't just endless clicking. The different fighting styles keep you on your toes as well. The sex is unnecessary, but it will be in all good games, and is thrown in there for fun. The game moves along I don't know if you can really say this is the best RPG ever...it's just fun and tries to be different. The developers did what they could to make it so the fighting styles weren't just endless clicking. The different fighting styles keep you on your toes as well. The sex is unnecessary, but it will be in all good games, and is thrown in there for fun. The game moves along at a good pace and many quests are not of the "go fetch this for me" variety. The load times were fixed in the patch. I have 2 GB of ram and going into a small place takes about 5 sec., and into larger places maybe 10 sec or so which includes an autosave. If you like RPG's, you will have a good time playing this game. Expand
  14. AndyS.
    Feb 20, 2008
    9
    A great game. The graphics when on high are clean and quite pleasing, though the old neverwinter nights 2 engine is starting to show its age. The audio is generally very good, the music especially deserves a mention, though i must admit as stated by other users that there are a few cringe worthy cases of bad voice acting/translation. The gameplay has a few flaws with the controls A great game. The graphics when on high are clean and quite pleasing, though the old neverwinter nights 2 engine is starting to show its age. The audio is generally very good, the music especially deserves a mention, though i must admit as stated by other users that there are a few cringe worthy cases of bad voice acting/translation. The gameplay has a few flaws with the controls occasionally being slightly jerky and lootable items sometimes refusing to show up until the character moves. Despite this however the story is excellent and more than makes up for the games flaws, if youre an rpg fan I'd say this is a must buy. Expand
  15. MarkWilliams
    Feb 29, 2008
    9
    Pros:
    Absolutely Epic feel to this game, amazing story.
    Insane twists and turns, not black and white gameplay. Fun weapon combo/style system. Play this game. Definitely. Cons: Load times are the suck, but every game has them. Spells aren't all that needed, they can be fun to mess around with, but I'm usually the caster class, so that was a bit disappointing.
    Pros:
    Absolutely Epic feel to this game, amazing story.
    Insane twists and turns, not black and white gameplay.
    Fun weapon combo/style system.
    Play this game. Definitely.

    Cons:
    Load times are the suck, but every game has them.
    Spells aren't all that needed, they can be fun to mess around with, but I'm usually the caster class, so that was a bit disappointing.
    Boundries can get frustrating. You tend to get roped off from places and have to go around, alot.
    Don't let these cons stop you from playing, the good points far outweigh the bad. It's amazing.
    Expand
  16. LouisK.
    Feb 9, 2008
    9
    I Have to say that I'm loving this game. The graphics are great if you excuse the over used NPC models. The story is engaging and the gameplay is refreshing for an RPG. I love the potion mixing system which a lot of reviews didn't like and I love the experience system as you don't have to wait ages to make advances, you can spend experience coins as you go, but the higher I Have to say that I'm loving this game. The graphics are great if you excuse the over used NPC models. The story is engaging and the gameplay is refreshing for an RPG. I love the potion mixing system which a lot of reviews didn't like and I love the experience system as you don't have to wait ages to make advances, you can spend experience coins as you go, but the higher levels still take work to achieve. the fact that you cant create a character isnt a bad thing as it allows the makers to tell a story about your character without worrying about loads of character versions, besides i like the main character :) a lot of the negatives I have read seemed to have been addressed with the 1.2 patch so make sure you get it. I don't have a hyper pc by far and I have not had the same huge load time problems people have described. About th e same load times as oblivion had at any rate so I can only assume that the patch addressed this issue. Try this game before you buy as its a little like Marmite you either love it or hate it. Expand
  17. LukeG.
    Nov 10, 2007
    9
    Excellent Game. Inovative and well crafted. Epic story unique RPG. instant hit.
  18. Rymdkejsaren
    Nov 1, 2007
    9
    This game is excellent overall. Beautiful graphics, wonderful settings, lovely music, good sound effects and very nice combat animations for the main character. The story has a slow start, the old amnesia trick is used but the story grows on you slowly until you are deeply involved. Unfortunately I think the dialog has lost a lot in translation from polish, it seems fragmented and This game is excellent overall. Beautiful graphics, wonderful settings, lovely music, good sound effects and very nice combat animations for the main character. The story has a slow start, the old amnesia trick is used but the story grows on you slowly until you are deeply involved. Unfortunately I think the dialog has lost a lot in translation from polish, it seems fragmented and illogical at times. Some plotlines could also use some work, there seems to be a lot of unmotivated actions and random. I'm not overly impressed with the advancement system, because in the end most characters will have a similar build. The alchemy is great fun though, and I love playing on hard difficulty where you really have to plan ahead of the big battles. Combat is fun, although could use some polishing since it seems sometimes your character refuses to behave the way you expect him to. Overall the game is excellent, but gets a slightly lower grade because with just a little more work in some areas it could have been absolutely perfect. I considered an 8 but then I remembered how much I enjoy playing the game, which is the most important thing after all. Expand
  19. AndreasO.
    Nov 1, 2007
    9
    Great visuals, beautiful and thoughtfully placed music, upstanding voice acting and a story that, while familiar, is still complex and engrossing marks this game as the RPG of the Year 2007. The gameplay gets it all right, taking the immersion factor from the Gothic series' timed combo attacks, the necessity of choosing appropriate attack tactics from Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy and Great visuals, beautiful and thoughtfully placed music, upstanding voice acting and a story that, while familiar, is still complex and engrossing marks this game as the RPG of the Year 2007. The gameplay gets it all right, taking the immersion factor from the Gothic series' timed combo attacks, the necessity of choosing appropriate attack tactics from Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy and the style from Neverwinter Nights. Probably the best RPG combat I've seen in my life. However, and this is a big however, if you want to play this game, bring a book. (Buying the books the game is based on would be very fitting, and I can easily recommend them as they're quite good) The load times are stuff of legend . . . As in, future archeologists will find computers three thousand years from now [i]still[/i] loading the Temple District. Expand
  20. VikramP.
    Nov 26, 2007
    9
    Graphics and gameplay are good and very well-done considering this is not a big budget title. The story is excellent (with some hokeyness) and the atmosphere will suck you in - points added for originality. Music is amazingly good. Add a party system and this is what NWN2 should have been. All in all, a great throwback to days of Baldur's Gate, NWN, and classic Ultima.
  21. NealV.
    Nov 4, 2007
    9
    Fantastic game from an unknown company fills the RPG void after the relative failures of NWN2 and Gothic 3. Unique setting, fascinating characters, above-average voice acting, beautiful visuals, and many other well composed elements. Your standard high fantasy setting done in a remarkably fresh way, the likes of which Forgotten Realms and the BG series could never achieve. The game puts Fantastic game from an unknown company fills the RPG void after the relative failures of NWN2 and Gothic 3. Unique setting, fascinating characters, above-average voice acting, beautiful visuals, and many other well composed elements. Your standard high fantasy setting done in a remarkably fresh way, the likes of which Forgotten Realms and the BG series could never achieve. The game puts you in the middle of conspiracy and political intrigue and allows you to actually play a part in influencing major developments. The major problem is that combat can dry up if you take too long to move to a new area, but luckily the game moves quickly enough and introduces enough new enemies and combat skills that this will rarely be a problem. I've never heard of GameDaily and chances are neither have you. Pay attention to IGN's review instead, GameDaily clearly awards scores based on ad sales. Andreas, the archaeologist comment must be because you bought an artifact from one and called it a PC. I have never had a loading screen for more than 20 seconds. Expand
  22. JoeF.
    Nov 5, 2007
    9
    I'm truely amazed at some of the professional review scores I'm seeing here. It's rare for a game to live up to the hype surrounding it's release (even when that hype is limited). "The Witcher" has been one of the most fun RPG's I've played in recent memory (that includes NWN2, The Mask of the Betrayer NWN2 expansion, and oblivion). I'm finding it I'm truely amazed at some of the professional review scores I'm seeing here. It's rare for a game to live up to the hype surrounding it's release (even when that hype is limited). "The Witcher" has been one of the most fun RPG's I've played in recent memory (that includes NWN2, The Mask of the Betrayer NWN2 expansion, and oblivion). I'm finding it refreshing to advance the story line after finishing the side quests. There are alot of "Sherlock Holmes" moments in act I, where if you pay close attention to the things people say you can figure out alot about the storyline before it's full out shown to you after advancing the storyline later down the line. The click style combat is simple but unlike diablo isn't going to cause anyone carpel tunnel as the mouse is clicked at specific times in a combination rather than repeatedly. The games not perfect. It is a huge system hog, load times are horrible at times, and there are random crashes. However, I haven't been this drawn into a game since Knights of the Old Republic. Expand
  23. PhilippN.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    This game is the best rpg for years. The Witcher has got a great atmosphere. It's not without flaws but the good sides make that up. It has all a rpg should have and is a most enjoyable experience.
  24. VoytekK.
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    This product is that rare gem of a game which has had someone's soul put into it and thus belongs in the same category as classics such as Fallout and Planetscape Torment. Excellent story telling and very good execution of gameplay and production values. The only rough spot in the game is the somewhat 'rough around the edges' UI. If you're a fan of Sapkowski's This product is that rare gem of a game which has had someone's soul put into it and thus belongs in the same category as classics such as Fallout and Planetscape Torment. Excellent story telling and very good execution of gameplay and production values. The only rough spot in the game is the somewhat 'rough around the edges' UI. If you're a fan of Sapkowski's books don't hesitate to buy this game. If you haven't read them, get the game for the sheer pleasure of enjoying an excellent grown up tale. Expand
  25. JeremiahG.
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    This is one of the best rpg/adventure I've played in years. The atmosphere of the setting, the quest lines, the voicework and dialogue are all very well done for the most part. Especially for the main character, Geralt. The combat is more hands on then your usual rpgs, though there are a few problems where you seem to just "not" attack when you click for some reason (read the This is one of the best rpg/adventure I've played in years. The atmosphere of the setting, the quest lines, the voicework and dialogue are all very well done for the most part. Especially for the main character, Geralt. The combat is more hands on then your usual rpgs, though there are a few problems where you seem to just "not" attack when you click for some reason (read the official boards, many people are having this problem) but it doesn't happen too often for me so it's not a huge deal. There's a ton of skills to learn, I mean you literally have like 5 tier's of skills for every combat stance (six total, 3 for each of your two swords) then 5 tier's for all your signs, then 5 for all your attributes (Sta/dex/int/str). So many to learn and some that sound great too. I went mostly with Dex so far because of the skills that just sounded fitting for the type of character I want to build (IE deflect arrows, higher dodge, etc). Speaking more of the atmosphere of the game and characters. The game, even though it features dwarves and elves, is told in a much more "realistic/gloomy" matter, not your usual high fantasy stuff. The dwaves/elves are treated as outsiders and "lower class" of humans and racism among other things you will see throughout the game. The characters themselves are brought to life with some overall good voicework which just goes to show how far a good writer (for the dialogue) and voice actor can take a game that much further. Some models are used over and you will notice "clones," even sometimes standing right beside each other. However after you get into the game this won't be an eyesore really as the characters you converse with and talk to are generally very well done. The world itself has a more late middle-ages germanic countryside feel to it. Some great time of day effects that are not only cosmetic but actually affect things in the world (IE certain monsters come out only at night, some only lwheln it's raining, etc). The world itself is filled with more mature things that rpg's have been lacking since games like Fallout/Daggerfall/Baldur's gate left the scene. You'll encounter the things you'd expect, Violence, sex, coarse language among more importantly, the storylines and context of the world and characters. I have only a few minor gripes in the whole so far. The lack of a screenshot button (have to use fraps or alt-tab) and no ability to hide the hud that I can find are a bit annoying, especially because of some of the beautiful scenes and environments you'll see exploring the world. For some reason the cutscenes sometimes lag. At first they were doing really really bad lag, but I turned off Depth of Field (which is only used in cutscenes) and put things to medium and now it runs fine for the most part. The loading in and out is the biggest hit to the game. Having to load a small hut going in, then turning around after just a few seconds inside to have to reload the exterior cell can take a while, and if you like to explore every nook and cranny in rpgs as I do, it will annoy you from time to time. In closing, even with the loading problems and other ones they are dwarfed by how fun and great the game as a whole is. This is one of the best rpg's I've played in some time and I hope it won't be the last from CD Projekt. Expand
  26. DrewH.
    Jan 18, 2008
    9
    Graphic are fantastic, camera can take getting used to unlike other rpg. fighting is great fun though, all in all. will buy this game.
  27. MichaelR.
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    One of the best roleplaying games that I have ever played.
  28. KarlG.
    Nov 22, 2007
    9
    A real RPG at last. More linear than Oblivion but definately a thumbs up for creativity and imagination. Left me feeling sorry to end the game after playing through for a long while!
  29. Mike
    Nov 23, 2007
    9
    Load times are the only negative - this game is engrossing, interesting, and FUN
  30. PeterT.
    Nov 23, 2007
    9
    Great graphics, interesting story, a real-time combat system that isn't retarded like the one in Oblivion, real choices and consequences instead of fake dialogue options like you have in Bioware games... On the negative side: long loading times, an awful inventory and some minor scripting inconsistencies. Hands down one of the strongest CRPGs in years.
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 50
  2. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.