Wraith
Bettyswollocks
The Witcher 3: The Wild hunt
This is my first look and release experience with this the 3rd installment in the Witcher franchise, I have played the previous 2 games and fell in love with the 2nd after just 5 minutes of game play, after completing it I was simply aching for more. Now when CD Projekt RED announced a third game to continue the story I was ecstatic I won't lie, and a little apprehensive as well as we well know most Devs try to up their game and it very rarely goes well with the small exception of Skyrim, GTA V and maybe Trine.. The key in my opinion is to keep the format the same and make it prettier, and CD Projekt RED have done just that.
My system:
Intel i5 4440 (3.3 Ghz)
Asus GTX750 Ti 2GB OC
8GB Corsair Dominator Platinum (1600Mhz)
256GB Corsair Force LX SSD (Contains Game Install 24.6GB)
All game settings set to medium and resolution is set to 1920x1080, V-Sync on and Hairworks off.
Averaging 35fps.
Introduction.
First thing that you are hit with when starting is a little story, a brief insight into what happened at the end of the second game and a fantastic comic style artsy opening gambit of what's to come, the following cinematic trailer is amazing and also the beginning of the training session (should you wish to do it) I advise you do as there is some story in there. On the other hand you could always skip this step and jump straight into the game as the control system and UI is very much identical to the previous game, which is fantastic (if it ain't broke).
Moving swiftly onto the graphics, which are drop dead gorgeous even using the medium settings, the environment is rich, detailed and massive and I mean massive! Which is made even more impressive when you consider there are no in game loading segments even when moving into and around buildings, traversing this monstrous terrain is made easier with your trusty steed "Roach" who is always a quick whistle away and also quick travel points which are added to your map when you find them.
Geralt & NPCs (None player characters), the attention to detail on the characters are amazing, leather, fabrics, skin, eyes even none Hairworks hair is a delight to view, as an amateur 3D game modeler I find myself scanning every scene looking in awe at the amount of detail and masterful model work, and it doesn't end there the dialog is better and movements more fluid than before, I must say that when following a NPC now you actually follow them at the correct pace, it's small details like this that make me just want more.
Another thing that struck me right away was the unique weather system, rain makes things wet, wind actually makes trees sway and eb over, leaves and particles flutter in breezes, the sun scorches through the trees and cast rays as does strong moon light it feels almost real. Also the weather doesn't just switch, it gradually changes and you can feel when it's changing, clouds grow denser and darker and you just know what follows.
UI, the user interface has remained largely unchanged from the second game and again I'm pleased as punch with that, you have everything right where it was before from upgrades, databases, crafting, inventory, map, quests. The control system also remains unchanged from the last installment whether that be the keyboard & mouse combo or the 360 controller everything is where you left it (thank you CD Projekt) for those new to the game series the controls are very similar to that of Skyrim so pretty easy to pick up and play.
In conclusion, after only 6 hours of in game time with The Witcher III: The Wild Hunt, I can safely say I'll be seeing this through to the very end and absorbing every tiny pixel of it, would I recommend this game? Most definitely! it's magnificent and has been well worth the wait. I would say though if you're into your adventure games for the plot you should also make your way though the first 2 games the story is fantastic.
As far as rating such a gem, 10/10 easy. Look at this game Ubisoft this is how it's done, no crashes, no update 10 minutes after release, and Bethesda this is what TESO should have been! Massive Kudos to CD Projekt RED for taking the time and listening to your fans you have created a masterpiece I bow to you.
And last but not least a huge thank you and much kudos to Pogal_31 for the game key, you sir are a legend.
This is my first look and release experience with this the 3rd installment in the Witcher franchise, I have played the previous 2 games and fell in love with the 2nd after just 5 minutes of game play, after completing it I was simply aching for more. Now when CD Projekt RED announced a third game to continue the story I was ecstatic I won't lie, and a little apprehensive as well as we well know most Devs try to up their game and it very rarely goes well with the small exception of Skyrim, GTA V and maybe Trine.. The key in my opinion is to keep the format the same and make it prettier, and CD Projekt RED have done just that.

My system:
Intel i5 4440 (3.3 Ghz)
Asus GTX750 Ti 2GB OC
8GB Corsair Dominator Platinum (1600Mhz)
256GB Corsair Force LX SSD (Contains Game Install 24.6GB)
All game settings set to medium and resolution is set to 1920x1080, V-Sync on and Hairworks off.
Averaging 35fps.
Introduction.
First thing that you are hit with when starting is a little story, a brief insight into what happened at the end of the second game and a fantastic comic style artsy opening gambit of what's to come, the following cinematic trailer is amazing and also the beginning of the training session (should you wish to do it) I advise you do as there is some story in there. On the other hand you could always skip this step and jump straight into the game as the control system and UI is very much identical to the previous game, which is fantastic (if it ain't broke).

Moving swiftly onto the graphics, which are drop dead gorgeous even using the medium settings, the environment is rich, detailed and massive and I mean massive! Which is made even more impressive when you consider there are no in game loading segments even when moving into and around buildings, traversing this monstrous terrain is made easier with your trusty steed "Roach" who is always a quick whistle away and also quick travel points which are added to your map when you find them.
Geralt & NPCs (None player characters), the attention to detail on the characters are amazing, leather, fabrics, skin, eyes even none Hairworks hair is a delight to view, as an amateur 3D game modeler I find myself scanning every scene looking in awe at the amount of detail and masterful model work, and it doesn't end there the dialog is better and movements more fluid than before, I must say that when following a NPC now you actually follow them at the correct pace, it's small details like this that make me just want more.

Another thing that struck me right away was the unique weather system, rain makes things wet, wind actually makes trees sway and eb over, leaves and particles flutter in breezes, the sun scorches through the trees and cast rays as does strong moon light it feels almost real. Also the weather doesn't just switch, it gradually changes and you can feel when it's changing, clouds grow denser and darker and you just know what follows.
UI, the user interface has remained largely unchanged from the second game and again I'm pleased as punch with that, you have everything right where it was before from upgrades, databases, crafting, inventory, map, quests. The control system also remains unchanged from the last installment whether that be the keyboard & mouse combo or the 360 controller everything is where you left it (thank you CD Projekt) for those new to the game series the controls are very similar to that of Skyrim so pretty easy to pick up and play.


In conclusion, after only 6 hours of in game time with The Witcher III: The Wild Hunt, I can safely say I'll be seeing this through to the very end and absorbing every tiny pixel of it, would I recommend this game? Most definitely! it's magnificent and has been well worth the wait. I would say though if you're into your adventure games for the plot you should also make your way though the first 2 games the story is fantastic.
As far as rating such a gem, 10/10 easy. Look at this game Ubisoft this is how it's done, no crashes, no update 10 minutes after release, and Bethesda this is what TESO should have been! Massive Kudos to CD Projekt RED for taking the time and listening to your fans you have created a masterpiece I bow to you.
And last but not least a huge thank you and much kudos to Pogal_31 for the game key, you sir are a legend.
~Wraithguard~
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