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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
Item: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Drama, Single Player

AvailableAug 30, 2016

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

DeveloperCD Projekt Red Studio

Overview

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven, open world adventure set in a dark fantasy universe. You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. At your disposal is every tool of the trade: razor-sharp swords, lethal mixtures, stealthy crossbows, and powerful combat magic. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. The Complete Edition contains every piece of downloadable content released for the game, including two massive story expansions: Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine. It's the perfect opportunity to enter this world for the first time or relive the adventure – on the go!

Elsewhere

9.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its exceptional storytelling, deep branching narrative, and well-developed characters. Critics such as Cubed3, Gamepressure, Gaming Nexus, Impulsegamer, Noisy Pixel, TheSixthAxis, VGC, We Got This Covered, XboxEra, COGconnected, Cultured Vultures, GameGrin, GamePro Germany, GameSpot, GamingTrend, Metro GameCentral, New York Daily News, Nintendo Life, Pocket Gamer UK, Pure Nintendo, Switch Player, Telegraph, The Games Machine, and ZTGD all highlight the game's captivating story, engaging side quests, and diverse characters. The positive aspects of the story are emphasized by critics who mention the exceptional storytelling, complex and engaging narrative, and well-developed characters. Impulsegamer praises the exceptional storytelling and world-building, highlighting the complex level of narrative as one of the best RPG stories around. GameSpot commends the superb quests filled with interesting characters, fantastic twists, and rewarding combat encounters. The Games Machine describes the story as intense and detailed, worth experiencing. These positive reviews highlight the depth and lyricism of the writing, the politically intriguing and impactful storyline, and the well-rounded characters that add depth to the world. However, there are a few critics who mention some negatives about the story. Pure Nintendo notes that the story tends to plod along at a slow pace with unnecessary filler and repetitive combat. While this criticism is valid, it is important to note that it is a minority opinion among the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition has a brilliant, captivating, and well-written story. The majority of the critics highly praise the game's storytelling, writing, and character development. The game's ability to maintain attention, engage players, and create a deep and immersive world is widely acknowledged. The positive reviews far outweigh the few negative ones, making it clear that the story of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is highly regarded by critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition for its exceptional storytelling, deep narrative, and well-developed characters. Positive reviews highlight captivating story, engaging quests, and diverse characters. A few critics mention slow pacing and repetitive combat as negatives, but overall consensus is that the game's story is brilliant, captivating, and well-written.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition are generally positive. Many critics highlight the immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience, with improvements in various aspects. COGconnected mentions gameplay improvements such as camera mechanics and single-button sign casting, while Gameblog.fr praises the immersive gameplay and improvements in horse riding and menu details. Impulsegamer notes that the gameplay feels faster, smoother, and more responsive on the PS5, with tweaked controls for a more realistic experience. Noisy Pixel describes the gameplay as fast, frenzied, and responsive, with rhythmic combat and engaging content. These positive opinions indicate that the gameplay of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition offers an immersive and enjoyable experience, with improvements in various aspects. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the gameplay. VGC criticizes the combat for feeling unbalanced and lacking engagement during monster battles. We Got This Covered mentions slight clumsiness in combat and using items and magic, making bigger fights feel chaotic. Game Revolution highlights that combat with Joy-Cons feels clunky and awkward, recommending the use of a Pro Controller instead. These negative opinions suggest that there are some flaws in the combat mechanics and controls, which may affect the overall gameplay experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition offers a rewarding and enjoyable gameplay experience. Critics like Cubed3 praise the huge maps and grim atmosphere, while GamingBolt and Impulsegamer highlight the smoother gameplay and improved mechanics. TheSixthAxis mentions various tweaks and quality of life improvements that enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, critics such as But Why Tho?? and Pure Nintendo find the combat to be thrilling and engaging. However, there are criticisms regarding the combat mechanics, with VGC and We Got This Covered mentioning unbalanced and chaotic aspects. Despite these negatives, the majority of critics appreciate the overall gameplay experience of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, with its immersive world, engaging quests, and addictive nature.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics generally praise The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition for its immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience, with improvements in various aspects like camera mechanics and responsiveness. However, some critics criticize the combat for feeling unbalanced and clumsy, particularly during monster battles. Overall, while there are flaws in combat mechanics and controls, most critics agree that the game offers a rewarding and engaging experience with its huge maps, immersive world, and engaging quests.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, it is evident that there is a general consensus among critics regarding the improvements made to the game's visuals. Many reviewers praised the updated graphics, enhanced textures, and improved lighting effects. Critics such as Cubed3 and Gamepressure specifically mentioned the improved textures and environmental details, while Gaming Nexus highlighted the smooth visuals, ray tracing, and enhanced draw distance. Impulsegamer commended the next-gen graphical update on the PS5, mentioning the amazing attention to detail, textures, facial expressions, and improved character models. These positive remarks indicate that the graphical enhancements have successfully revitalized the game's visuals and added a new level of depth and realism. However, there were also some criticisms raised by certain reviewers. Critics like Game Revolution and GameGrin noted that the Switch version of The Witcher 3 had lower-quality visuals compared to other platforms, with issues such as low resolution, blurry textures, and popping character models. IGN and Metro GameCentral also mentioned the graphical compromises on the Switch, particularly in docked mode. These negative comments suggest that the game's graphics on the Switch were not as impressive as on other platforms, and there were noticeable downgrades in terms of resolution and texture quality. Overall, the majority of critics expressed positive opinions about the graphics and visual design of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition. The game's graphical enhancements, improved textures, lighting effects, and attention to detail were widely praised. Reviewers like GAMES.CH, God is a Geek, and We Got This Covered acknowledged the impressive visuals and realistic details. However, there were also criticisms from reviewers who highlighted the graphical limitations and downgrades on the Nintendo Switch version, such as Daily Star and Pure Nintendo. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that the graphical improvements in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition have enhanced the game's visual experience and brought new life to the world of Geralt of Rivia.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly praise The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition for its enhanced visuals, improved textures, and lighting effects. Positive feedback highlights the next-gen graphical update and attention to detail, while some reviewers criticize the lower-quality graphics on the Switch version. Overall, the game's graphical enhancements have revitalized the visuals and added depth and realism, despite some drawbacks on certain platforms.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition are generally positive. GAMES.CH praises the game for its immersive and clear sound effects, as well as the fine vibrations and trigger usage with the DualSense controller. GameGrin also mentions the immersive sound design, highlighting the inclusion of sounds like splashes, NPC chatter, and rain effects that enhance the overall experience. Nintendo Life compliments the game's superb soundtrack, with incredible ambient music and intense battle themes. Pocket Gamer UK appreciates the well voice-acted dialogue scenes and high quality of cutscenes, where the voice acting and character animations usually fit the scenes well. Telegraph adds to the positive sentiment by describing the voice acting performances as delightful, tragic, and funny. However, there are a few negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition. JeuxActu mentions that the sounds have been compressed to fit within the 32 GB limit, which may result in a reduction in sound quality. M3 criticizes the sound for being compressed and notes the presence of some bugs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition has commendable sound design and music. The immersive sound effects, superb soundtrack, and well-executed voice acting receive praise from multiple critics. While there are mentions of sound compression and occasional bugs, these criticisms do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the game's sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition for its immersive sound effects, superb soundtrack, and well-executed voice acting, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Some critics note sound compression and bugs, but these do not overshadow the game's positive reception for its sound design and music.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. The majority of the critics praised the high quality and well-performed voice acting, which added depth and authenticity to the characters. TheSixthAxis commends the voice acting for its ability to bring the characters to life and enhance the overall experience of the game. We Got This Covered specifically highlights the impeccable and gravelly-voiced performance of Doug Cockle, who voices the protagonist Geralt of Rivia. This positive sentiment is echoed by Impulsegamer, who also emphasizes the high quality of the voice acting in the game. In terms of negatives, there were no specific criticisms mentioned by the critics regarding the voice acting in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition. It is important to note that the absence of negative feedback suggests a consistent and positive reception of the voice acting across the board. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is exceptional. The presence of both French and English voices, as mentioned by JeuxActu, adds to the immersive nature of the game. Pocket Gamer UK praises the well-acted dialogue scenes and the involvement of many voice actors. Additionally, Telegraph highlights the excellent portrayal of Geralt, capturing the gritty and dark essence of the character. The Games Machine also emphasizes the high quality of the voice acting. Taking into account the opinions of these critics, it is evident that the voice acting in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is a standout aspect of the game, contributing significantly to its overall success and immersive storytelling.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, highlighting the high quality performances that bring depth and authenticity to the characters. Doug Cockle's portrayal of Geralt of Rivia is particularly lauded. No negative feedback indicates a consistently positive reception, with critics lauding the immersive nature and well-acted dialogue scenes. Overall, the voice acting is a standout aspect of the game, contributing significantly to its success and immersive storytelling.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition vary depending on the gaming platform. On the PlayStation 5, the majority of critics praise the game's improved loading times and stability. Critics such as Cubed3 and Noisy Pixel note that the game is polished and bug-free, providing a stable and smooth experience. Gameblog.fr mentions that the game is stable and offers a new photo mode, while GamingBolt mentions improved loading times. These positive aspects contribute to an overall positive sentiment towards the Technical Performance on the PlayStation 5. On the Xbox Series X, critics highlight the different performance modes available. Gaming Age mentions that the game has two modes, one targeting 60 fps with dynamic resolution scaling and another with Ray Tracing Mode maintaining 30 fps. XboxEra acknowledges that the game is buggier than it was at launch but still considers it a cleaner package overall. While these criticisms highlight some performance issues, the overall sentiment towards the Technical Performance on the Xbox Series X remains positive. On the Nintendo Switch, critics acknowledge the hardware limitations but still find the game playable and enjoyable. Critics such as Game Revolution and GameSpot mention that the game runs smoothly on the Switch, with playable frame rates and minimal frame rate dips. However, there are some negatives mentioned by critics like Cultured Vultures and M3, including occasional frame rate drops, stuttering in cutscenes, and longer loading times. Despite these limitations, the overall sentiment towards the Technical Performance on the Nintendo Switch is mixed, with some critics praising its playability while others note technical issues. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Technical Performance of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition are generally positive across all gaming platforms. The PlayStation 5 version receives praise for its improved loading times, stability, and bug-free experience. The Xbox Series X version is commended for its different performance modes, despite some bugs. The Nintendo Switch version, while limited by hardware, still offers a playable experience with minor frame rate drops and technical issues. Despite these platform-specific criticisms, the overall consensus is that the game's Technical Performance has been improved and provides an enjoyable experience for players on all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praise The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition's Technical Performance on PlayStation 5 for improved loading times and stability, Xbox Series X for different performance modes, and Nintendo Switch for being playable despite hardware limitations. While some issues are noted on all platforms, overall sentiment is positive for providing an improved and enjoyable gaming experience across the board.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's extensive content and the inclusion of all previous DLC, making it highly replayable. Critics such as Gaming Nexus and Pure Nintendo mention the various ways to replay the game, including starting from the beginning, continuing where you left off, trying new game plus, or playing the DLCs. The game's massive and enjoyable world to explore, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel, adds to its replayability. The engaging quests and side missions, as noted by TheSixthAxis, provide additional replay value. The ability to make choices that have serious repercussions, as mentioned by GameSpot, and the 36 possible endings, as highlighted by Pure Nintendo, further enhance the game's replayability. The game's addictive nature and packed content, as stated by M3, contribute to its replay value. Overall, the positive aspects of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition's replay value are its extensive content, inclusion of all DLC, various ways to replay, engaging quests, and the ability to make impactful choices. While the majority of critics found the replay value of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition to be very good, there are a few negative opinions. Some critics, such as Gameblog.fr, mention that players who have already played the game may not find enough new content to replay it. COGconnected also notes that there is no new content for veterans and limited appeal for new players. GamingTrend suggests that the game may be better enjoyed on other consoles. These opinions highlight the potential lack of novelty for players who have already experienced the game and the limited appeal for certain audiences. However, these negative aspects are outweighed by the positive aspects mentioned by the majority of critics. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition offers excellent replay value. The inclusion of all previous DLC, the various ways to replay the game, the engaging quests and side missions, and the ability to make impactful choices contribute to its high replayability. Critics such as God is a Geek, We Got This Covered, and Pocket Gamer UK express their temptation to relive the whole story again and highlight the many wonderful experiences and moments in the game that make it worth replaying. The extensive content, addictive nature, and the potential for multiple endings further support the positive consensus. While there are some critics who mention potential limitations for certain players, the majority of opinions emphasize the game's strong replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition's exceptional replay value due to its extensive content, all DLC included, diverse ways to replay, engaging quests, impactful choices, and multiple endings. Some critics note limited appeal for veterans and new players, but overall, the game's positive aspects outweigh any negatives. Critics agree that the game offers a compelling and worthwhile replay experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment among the critics regarding The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the game for its exceptional storytelling, enjoyable gameplay, and immersive fantasy atmosphere. Critics such as Cubed3 and Gameblog.fr described the game as an exceptional and must-play experience, with Gameblog.fr specifically recommending it to those who haven't experienced it before. The update to the game was also highly regarded, with critics like Gaming Age and GamingBolt stating that the upgrades further solidify The Witcher 3 as one of the all-time greats. The improvements in graphics, gameplay, and performance were highlighted by critics such as God is a Geek and Impulsegamer, who referred to the game as a next-gen experience with incredible visuals and improved gameplay. The overall consensus among the critics is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is a deserving victory lap for CD PROJEKT RED and is considered one of the best games ever made. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics regarding certain versions of the game. The Nintendo Switch version, in particular, received mixed reviews. Critics like Cultured Vultures and GameSpot acknowledged the graphical downgrade and performance limitations of the Switch version, but still recommended it as a fantastic experience that shouldn't be missed, especially for long-time Witcher fans. However, critics like COGconnected and Critical Hit expressed disappointment with the Switch version, citing it as the worst version of the game and not recommending it for Switch owners. Some critics also mentioned minor flaws in the game, such as floaty combat and movement (XboxEra) and some technical issues (Metro GameCentral, Pure Nintendo). These criticisms, however, were overshadowed by the overall positive reception of the game. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is an exceptional and must-play game. The game's exceptional storytelling, enjoyable gameplay, and immersive fantasy atmosphere were highly praised by critics. The update to the game, which brought significant improvements in graphics, gameplay, and performance, was also well-received. Despite some criticisms regarding the Nintendo Switch version and minor flaws in certain aspects of the game, the overwhelming sentiment is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is considered one of the best games ever made. Critics such as Cubed3, Gameblog.fr, and GamingBolt highly recommended the game, further solidifying its status as a must-play experience.

TL;DR

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition receives overwhelming praise from critics for its exceptional storytelling, enjoyable gameplay, and immersive fantasy world. The game's updates were highly regarded, with improved graphics and gameplay making it a next-gen experience. While some critics raised concerns about the Nintendo Switch version and minor flaws, the consensus is clear: The Witcher 3 is a must-play game and considered one of the best ever made.

MONSTER

Reviews

115 reviews found

100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is a must-play game with exceptional storytelling and enjoyable gameplay, despite some minor flaws.

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100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Jan 3, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on the PlayStation 5 is a next-gen experience, with improved graphics and gameplay. It is a must-have game for 2022 and beyond.

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100

Gameblog.fr

PlayStation 5

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is an exceptional game and a must-play for those who haven't experienced it before.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the upgrades further cement The Witcher 3 as one of the all-time greats.

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100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is a fantastic upgrade and recommends it to both existing and new players.

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100

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 5

Dec 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends The Witcher 3, praising the next-gen update and the free addition of a new quest. It describes the game as one of the best games of all time and clears away the bad blood felt towards CD Projekt after the Cyberpunk launch debacle.

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100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is a must-play game with incredible graphics, improved gameplay, and a stable performance.

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100

VGC

PlayStation 5

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witcher 3 is gaming's definitive fantasy RPG with a rock-solid 60FPS mode and unimpeachable writing, but some cracks are beginning to form around the edges

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is a deserving victory lap for CD PROJEKT RED, showcasing why the game is considered one of the best ever made.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Dec 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the update brings significant improvements to the game and breathes new life into it.

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