Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 679 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 529 out of 679
  2. Mixed: 63 out of 679
  3. Negative: 87 out of 679

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  1. Esthete
    Mar 22, 2019
    8
    I liked Gwent into the Witcher 3 Wild Hunt, and this one is just a bunch of special effects, a braking Unity engine, micro characters, but the story is not bad.
  2. Ryrmos
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales is a perfect game. If you are done with it, then try Gwent: The Witcher Card Game.
  3. haktaro
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    This game is just awesome. The story is amazing with interesting and engrossing characters and the gameplay is fun and surprisingly innovative. It has a lot of twists and makes you think. I just love how story and card gameplay create this epic tale in your head. Very refreshing design. Oh and the voice acting, sound and music are top notch. Im 10 hours in and can't stop playing :)
  4. Tanarur
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    This game is an absolute blast. CDPR done it again. If you told me that a card game would be one of the best games of 2018, I probably would have laughed you off. However, I'm very pleasantly surprised.
  5. Boomshakala
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Thronebreaker, once an expansion for Gwent has grown into so much more. The implementation of story specific Gwent mechanics has surprising depth to them. The cell shaded visuals bring out a certain charm very reminiscent of Telltale. I've quickly grew to love Meve as a protagonist as she is not your average elegant queen who always fights for good. Some of the choices presented make herThronebreaker, once an expansion for Gwent has grown into so much more. The implementation of story specific Gwent mechanics has surprising depth to them. The cell shaded visuals bring out a certain charm very reminiscent of Telltale. I've quickly grew to love Meve as a protagonist as she is not your average elegant queen who always fights for good. Some of the choices presented make her out to be an extremely morally grey character, very fitting for the Witcher world.… Expand
  6. Brok
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    This is a perfect bonus to Gwent: Homecoming. Excellent story and more expansive than most games double its price. Can't wait for the next one but probably should as quality takes time and this game sure does reflect it.
  7. Diptihuda
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Amazing voice acting. Top notch animation. However, the absolutely gorgeous artstyle, captivating story and genius game design is what makes Thronebreaker a cut above the rest. IMO more big companies should also start investing in more indie-like titles like CDPR did with this game.
  8. Jrgreen
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    Brilliant story, excellent characters, beautiful artwork and atmospheric soundtrack. Every decision you are asked to make has real consequences, that you really end up caring about when they have such an impact on the characters you grow to love. This is one of those games that stays with you long after you finish playing.
  9. julgzfz
    Feb 10, 2019
    9
    The core of this game is the story, and an amazing one it is. Choice & Consequence, surprises, betrayals, vengeance, redemption... fantastic.
    The rest of the mechanics, Gwent and exploring, don't rise to the same level of excellence, but they are more than fine too.
  10. td_b4ar
    Jan 18, 2019
    9
    Look, I just hope CDP will sell it, it's just awesome, i mean i,ve been playing games since Prince of Persia 1 or, hell, Dizzzy in CGA! And this. This is outstanding. Easy mechanics (i mean if you can read ;), easy to understand, seems mediocre at first sight BUUUT MAAAN it grips you right from the start. Story isn't nothing new. but it's well told, well presented and with a twist. Music,Look, I just hope CDP will sell it, it's just awesome, i mean i,ve been playing games since Prince of Persia 1 or, hell, Dizzzy in CGA! And this. This is outstanding. Easy mechanics (i mean if you can read ;), easy to understand, seems mediocre at first sight BUUUT MAAAN it grips you right from the start. Story isn't nothing new. but it's well told, well presented and with a twist. Music, encounters, effects. This game is just perfect example of (not so) low budget lo and behold, absolutely great in giving you the entertainment without needless grind. Love it. Price to fun ratio is beyiond MetaCritic scale. Buy it Full price, it's worth it. And if you happen to be an Etherlords or Magic: Planewalkers fan, it's a no brainer.… Expand
  11. pankowecki
    Jun 4, 2020
    8
    50 hours of gameplay. Wonderful art. Great story. The battles are a bit repetitive.
  12. whatever523
    Jun 16, 2019
    9
    I don't enjoy the card puzzles that are based on math. It's not about being witty or tactical, but dead boring calculation of what card you have to play when.

    Other than that, the game is pretty great.
  13. RMDsilva
    Mar 27, 2020
    8
    Great little game.
    Card game mechanics used in an interesting way, almost to the full potential.
    Story is nice and motivating, nice pacing, etc.
    Good trip.
  14. JMKM543
    Dec 21, 2018
    8
    Thronebreaker, though at face value a mere card game, proves it's merit with fantastic story/narration and player choice options that will leave you guessing if you've made the right choice. The game play is enjoyable though admittedly easy, with what seems to be an incredibly steep difficulty curve in regards to the last boss. The only thing holding Thronebreaker back is it's laterThronebreaker, though at face value a mere card game, proves it's merit with fantastic story/narration and player choice options that will leave you guessing if you've made the right choice. The game play is enjoyable though admittedly easy, with what seems to be an incredibly steep difficulty curve in regards to the last boss. The only thing holding Thronebreaker back is it's later chapters where choices feel less weighty and the horrid final boss that becomes borderline impossible without the right allies in your deck. Overall Thronebreaker proves it's worthy of The Witcher name.

    Reviewed on PS4    … Expand
  15. mrdocmrdoc
    Dec 30, 2018
    10
    Got it on PS4. The storytelling it up there with Witcher 3. I havent been able to put it down! MUST for people who loved Witcher 3 story.
  16. MarcusYami
    May 25, 2019
    10
    Great story, if you like point a clicl games with a good story and interesting puzzles, and decisions that make a difference than this is a must play!
  17. sanyadita
    Feb 4, 2020
    9
    I think this game is very unappreciated. It has own story and interesting gameplay. As for me I don't like multiplayer games, but adore card games. And this game is exactly that I need. Singleplayer project where I can relax after hard working day
  18. ksejoshot
    Jul 16, 2020
    8
    30 horas de juego para el modo historia de gwent, con decisiones que tienen peso en la historia y buenos giros de guión, buenos escenarios, y eso que nunca he sido fan de los juegos de cartas, pero el The Witcher 3 me enganchó con ese minijuego, es buenísmo aquí el modo combate estrategia de cartas. Recomendado, vale cada euro.
  19. Jellygrass
    Oct 28, 2018
    8
    As a person who bought the game just because it's from the witcher series,I must say I am enjoying it rather well even though it is a card game which i don't usually play whatsoever. From the graphics down to the game play mechanics and story telling, It is superbly made. I especially like the moral choices which actually enhances the game play more since walking around collecting items isAs a person who bought the game just because it's from the witcher series,I must say I am enjoying it rather well even though it is a card game which i don't usually play whatsoever. From the graphics down to the game play mechanics and story telling, It is superbly made. I especially like the moral choices which actually enhances the game play more since walking around collecting items is what you will be doing most of the time. But, the game is far off from perfect. I do have some nitpicks that really disrupts the pacing of my game for the first half of my playtime. Some might agree with me on this one

    It's the puzzles.Oh god,the puzzles. Im not gonner go in dept about it of it but basically to me it's just trial and error. You keep doing over and over again until you find the right solution and it can be repetitive at times. Finding the solution took me more time than it should for me to advance the game even though the puzzles are optional. I felt like they should have placed it in the middle of the game instead at the end of the tutorial since most players like me are still trying to figure out how the game mechanics works and a unfortunate soul like me stumble into one right after I've finish tutorial. I can't lie but there are some puzzles that are fun and kept me captivated.

    Overall, it is a solid game made from CD Project and a great time waster if you have extra hours on your hands. The price I would say is just right with the additional 4k graphics pack( which is free btw) and oh, just remember that this game is a little different from the gwent you used to play in the Wither 3 The Wild Hunt. To me, it's just gwent with extra 'steps'    … Expand
  20. Brickthegrim
    Dec 1, 2018
    10
    Why a ten? This is an indie game made by a AAA developer. So although the gameplay is simple the graphics are beautiful and the story was engaging and phenomenal. The characters are well developed and interesting and the world they are in that of the Witcher lore is always nice to learn more about.

    I would highly recommend this game even just for the lore and story. My single only    Why a ten? This is an indie game made by a AAA developer. So although the gameplay is simple the graphics are beautiful and the story was engaging and phenomenal. The characters are well developed and interesting and the world they are in that of the Witcher lore is always nice to learn more about.

    I would highly recommend this game even just for the lore and story.

    My single only complaint is after a while I created an overpowered deck and the game just got to easy.    … Expand
  21. mrdollar
    Nov 25, 2018
    10
    I love how the jealous hates rate this game as 0 meanwhile marking garbage Fallout 76 or Mass Effect 4 as 10. If your chosen series sucks at least don't try to harm others by faking the score.
  22. passionne
    Jan 7, 2019
    9
    Good :

    - awesome mix of a cards game and a RPG, where strategy is key - many actvities : puzzles, normal battles... - numerous cards types : units, artefacts... - good story - many choices with consequences - charismatic characters - 50 h of game - voice acting and sound excellent - The Witcher world - brief apperance of Geralt, Gaskier... Bad : - The map graphic quality    Good :

    - awesome mix of a cards game and a RPG, where strategy is key
    - many actvities : puzzles, normal battles...
    - numerous cards types : units, artefacts...
    - good story
    - many choices with consequences
    - charismatic characters
    - 50 h of game
    - voice acting and sound excellent
    - The Witcher world
    - brief apperance of Geralt, Gaskier...

    Bad :

    - The map graphic quality is not great but not really a problem since the map is not used too often, compared to the time we play the cards.

    Conclusion : one of the best games I have played. The developer and editor CD Project Red is really talented : the 3 Witcher games were jewels and Thronebreaker is the worthy heir. Other companies like Electronic Arts and Activison which make bad or average games should draw from them.    … Expand
  23. nickderpderp
    Oct 24, 2018
    9
    I wouldn't say it's better than witcher 3, but it's great rpg, 9/10.
    If you don't like the card battle system you should still buy it for the story, quests and lore.
  24. styku91
    Oct 24, 2018
    10
    I have been a Gwent player roughly since the start of open beta and I have seen the game change for the better and for worse. I got Thronebreaker as soon as it came out, because it seemed like the new Gwent with some extras, hoping for some relaxing single-player games and puzzles.

    Little did I know Thronebreaker is only partially about Gwent. Narration and story-telling blew me out -    I have been a Gwent player roughly since the start of open beta and I have seen the game change for the better and for worse. I got Thronebreaker as soon as it came out, because it seemed like the new Gwent with some extras, hoping for some relaxing single-player games and puzzles.

    Little did I know Thronebreaker is only partially about Gwent. Narration and story-telling blew me out - it is flat out superb. Finely written story is accompanied by beautiful 2D animated scenes and, most notably, fully voiced. Yes, all of the characters, even the narrator. Every mundane banter, every cutscene. And it is not just any voice-over: quality, variety and acting are what you would expect from AAA titles, not a little spin-off game.

    Speaking about little... it is not. I remember those single-player campaigns from Hearthstone that were similarly priced. I was of course expecting more from CDProjekt, but they still managed to surprise me positively. The game offers you more gameplay than majority of blockbusters. Don't get me wrong - many games offer 50+ hours of gameplay by forcing you to repeat certain portions of the game, or by filling it with mindless, repetitive activities and FEDEX quests. It's not the case. Here we are speaking about story-driven gameplay with Gwent puzzles and battles here and there.

    I have seen some complaints about the difficulty level. I believe for experienced Gwent players that may be valid - although for most of us difficulty would seem about right. I still found myself struggling a little bit with some of the puzzles, but even on the highest difficulty standard battles do not pose a great challenge for anybody that is well accommodated with Gwent.

    This is a game that I can with clear consciousness recommend to anybody. It has a lot to offer for fans of puzzles, visual novels, card games, RPGs, and Witcher universe. If you're a fan of any of the above, you'll have a great time. If you're a fan of all of the above, JUST GET IT!    … Expand
  25. zacuL
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Was worried about card battles, but as soon as I started playing all I wanted to do is to play another battle and another one and maybe just another one... Great Job CDPR
  26. Aryman
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Great game so far, best card game I played and story far better than in most RPGs these days :)
  27. Rosenkranz
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Amazing mix of Rpg, storytelling and card game. New and fresh. Good job cd projekt red.
  28. Hora09
    Oct 24, 2018
    10
    Super pretty game! The story is something that takes and keeps you in this universe. Dialogues are interesting and funny here and there. Character voices are great.
    Nice to change the language and here the characters talking in Japanese, Turkish and so on :)
    Battles are levels appropriate and make you think how to solve the puzzles.
    Would recommend the Thronebraker experience!
  29. schindlabua
    Oct 27, 2018
    8
    In many ways Thronebreaker feels like a 2008 flash game but made by a company that can afford to put a million or two into development. I love it!
    It's a simple concept well executed, with enough card variety to keep me engaged for 30 hours, and a great story on top of that. It's a bit on the easy side but that doesn't really matter; I had a great time. I mean, it's more gwent, what's not    In many ways Thronebreaker feels like a 2008 flash game but made by a company that can afford to put a million or two into development. I love it!
    It's a simple concept well executed, with enough card variety to keep me engaged for 30 hours, and a great story on top of that. It's a bit on the easy side but that doesn't really matter; I had a great time. I mean, it's more gwent, what's not to like?    … Expand
  30. Mets123
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Thonebreaker is awesome. Totally hooked. Way better than expected. Psyched for Cyberpunk!
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best PC Game of 2018
31
#31 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018
37
#37 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. CD-Action
    Feb 13, 2019
    80
    Thronebreaker is a feast for those collectible card games fans who don’t care for online play or tournaments and instead would like to follow a well-written story that introduces an array of vivid characters and presents you with tough choices. [12/2018, p.56]
  2. Worth Playing
    Jan 18, 2019
    90
    Overall, Thronebreaker is a revolutionary game within the CCG genre, and I hope other companies take note. With a 40-hour story to support an engaging card game, there's nothing else quite like it, and its unique nature is to its overall benefit. It's made me realize how much I can and do enjoy card games when they're done right.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer.nl
    Jan 2, 2019
    85
    A singleplayer version of Gwent, that sounds boring, but it actually is amusing. It's written very well and tactical it knows how to challenge a gamer.
    Read full review
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