Mature and Quirky
The Witcher is a strange and unexpectedly rewarding role playing experience. Its dark story tones and ambivalent moral landscape are a little off-putting (it took me 18 months to sum up the courage to finally play it!), but the world is very immersive. As Geralt of Rivia, the player is given a monster hunter's perspective on a divided, racist state where thugs rule and the power of enchantment is quenched by the cruelness of the sword.
There are many things to enjoy here, from the game's uniquely drawn environments (I've never seen more interesting swampland in my life!) to the game's odd but effective combat. The point-and-click combo system is unusually fun, largely thanks to superb animation. Geralt doesn't just look like a seasoned warrior, he plays like one. In addition, as the player you're required to be thoughtful about combat, combining alchemical skill, potions, magic, and choosing the right sword for the job (steel for humans, silver for monsters). This is supported by a robust levelling system, with some excellent abilities.
The Witcher's most significant aspect, in my opinion, is its treatment of dialogue and moral choice. Whilst the Bioware model of Western RPG a la KOTOR strongly innovated moral alignment, The Witcher really masters the concept of choice. Rather than taking sides (Good or Evil), however, Geralt's world revolves around the concept that there aren't good and evil choices, only decisions and consequences. This necessitates a keen sense of what's going on in the world, and the ability to negotiate between what sometimes seem like two evil outcomes. Being attentive to NPCs, books and so on is no chore though; it is rather engrossing, and at times, verges on being literary. (No wonder, seeing as the game is based on a series of Polish novels.)
The Witcher is a strange game, and some of its quirks, not to mention its dark environs and story, may be a deterrent to some. Still, it is a long, deep and immensely rewarding experience for those who like their RPGs raw and uncompromising.
