Leading up to the release, Witcher 3 would very often get compared to the Skyrim, and why not? The Elder Scrolls game is considered as the industry benchmark for doing sandbox RPG – the direction where Witcher 3 was seemingly headed. Both games were fantasy RPGs, with a huge world to explore filled with quests and mysterious begging to be discovered. Once the game got released however, the discussion took a turn and instead focused on the stark contrast between the two games. At that point, trying to draw further similarities with Skyrim quickly ends dead in the water though. Where Skyrim puts fantasy and sandbox gameplay at the forefront, Witcher 3 pushes it to backdrop. Instead, it uses it as a setting to explore mature themes which appear not so different to the time we live in.

Players are given full reign over the decisions Geralt faces throughout his adventure. They come in all shapes and forms. What is even more impressive, the effects of these decision are very unpredictable, and can be felt right away or…after several hours. This provides an illusion over the decisions, as the player cannot tell whether the decision will have an impact or not, keeping players from making rash decisions and altering the game world in interesting ways. As you work your way to slaying the monsters, the revelations leading to it often paints a darker scenery. Forcing Geralt – hence the player – to ponder: who is the real monster here, the beast? or the man?

A true masterpiece that will stand the test of time for a long, long time to come. A solid 10/10

Leading up to the release, Witcher 3 would very often get compared to the Skyrim, and why not? The Elder Scrolls game is considered as the industry benchmark for doing sandbox RPG – the direction where Witcher 3 was seemingly headed. Both games were fantasy RPGs, with a huge world to explore filled with quests and mysterious begging to be discovered. Once the game got released however, the discussion took a turn and instead focused on the stark contrast between the two games. At that point, trying to draw further similarities with Skyrim quickly ends dead in the water though. Where Skyrim puts fantasy and sandbox gameplay at the forefront, Witcher 3 pushes it to backdrop. Instead, it uses it as a setting to explore mature themes which appear not so different to the time we live in. Players are given full reign over the decisions Geralt faces throughout his adventure. They come in all shapes and forms. What is even more impressive, the effects of these decision are very unpredictable, and can be felt right away or…after several hours. This provides an illusion over the decisions, as the player cannot tell whether the decision will have an impact or not, keeping players from making rash decisions and altering the game world in interesting ways. As you work your way to slaying the monsters, the revelations leading to it often paints a darker scenery. Forcing Geralt – hence the player – to ponder: who is the real monster here, the beast? or the man? A true masterpiece that will stand the test of time for a long, long time to come. A solid 10/10