I've been playing the Witcher 3 for a few weeks now, and I love the game. I also hate the game. Initially the game was nothing short of amazing, but after a week, the "jank" began to shine through. I experienced several broken quests, missing NPCs, crashes, and my horse....is another story completely. Despite a long list of technical short comings I can't stop playing. I find myself taking small breaks, only to feel the urge to dive back into it's dark fantasy world for a few more hours.
Writing this only a few weeks out from the game's release, I currently hold a spot for it in my top 10 games of the year. Come November, I feel my list may look very different. That is not to say I am dissatisfied with the Witcher. I love the game. Well, I love the world, the characters, and the writing throughout, they're outstanding. The game's mechanics, on the contrary, are just above average. Battles would often feel like work, as would games of Gwent.
That being said, I challenge you to find a game written as well as the Witcher 3. This does not feel like another, "You are the chosen one...and must save the world" main quest scenarios. The main campaign has a heart, as do the side quests. Speaking of side quests, I would recommend doing ALL of them. It truly is remarkable how well side quests are interlaced into the main plot.
While on a positive note, I should mention the visuals. I've been playing the game on PS4, and it easily stands out as one of the best looking games on consoles to date. CD Project Red continues to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity when it comes to creating a fantasy world within their medium. Getting back to the negatives, having amazing graphics, only makes it that much more jarring when your horse's head clips through a wall during a custcene (specifically those involving coitus).
Most will think that I am being too hard on the Witcher, a game that I really enjoy. I hold the game in high regard for many of its excellent qualities, which is why I criticize it firmly. The world and characters are very well realized Throughout the plot is interesting, and despite the disappointing combat, there is a certain rush to defeating the larger enemies.
CD Project Red has always treated the series with the utmost respect and it shows as the world and story in a class of their own. Those facts alone should appeal to any fan of well crafted RPGs. Less patient gamers, and those unforgiving of technical flaws may want to hold off until the inevitable Witcher 3: Enhanced Edition release.