The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition

The majority of critics lauded The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition for its masterful storytelling, emphasizing its rich narrative depth, immersive world-building, and emotionally resonant themes. Publications like New York Daily News and COGconnected highlighted the game’s "rich story and lore" and its "classic tale told over a sprawling world with diverse characters," respectively. Pocket Gamer UK praised the main story for its "engaging" scope, noting how it takes players across vast locations and into encounters with supernatural and human adversaries. Cultured Vultures and IGN Italia called the narrative "brilliant" and "incredibly engaging," respectively, while GameSpot celebrated its "superb quests" and "deeply human stories." The game’s focus on moral ambiguity, impactful choices, and complex character arcs—such as Geralt’s quest to find Ciri and Yennefer—was repeatedly cited as a hallmark of its excellence. Eurogamer Italy and SpazioGames specifically noted how the expansions Hearts of Stone and Blood & Wine elevated the story, weaving modern issues into its dark fantasy setting and ensuring its legacy as a benchmark for RPG storytelling. While the majority of reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a few critics pointed to minor flaws in the narrative’s pacing and structure. Pure Nintendo criticized the story for "plodding along at a slow pace" with "unnecessary filler and repetitive combat," suggesting that some side quests or segments felt drawn out. This critique, however, was an exception rather than the norm, as most reviewers focused on the story’s strengths. Other critics, like GameGrin and Push Square, acknowledged the game’s intricate dialogue and character writing but did not frame these as drawbacks. The complaints about pacing and repetition were often overshadowed by praise for the game’s ability to balance its expansive world with meaningful, character-driven moments. Even Gaming Nexus and VGC noted that while the story’s complexity was a strength, the occasional slow moments were a trade-off for its depth. The overall consensus among critics is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition delivers a near-masterpiece narrative that remains compelling years after its release. Despite the few critiques about pacing, the game’s story is consistently described as "exceptional," "legendary," and "one of the best RPG stories around" by outlets like Impulsegamer and Gamepressure. Its ability to intertwine political intrigue, philosophical conflicts, and personal journeys—such as Geralt’s search for Ciri—was seen as a triumph, with MeuPlayStation and TheXboxHub highlighting how player decisions shape the narrative and character interactions. Nintendo Life and GamingTrend emphasized that the story’s richness and emotional weight make it accessible even to newcomers, while Hobby Consolas and Multiplayer.it praised the side quests for deepening the world and its lore. Critics across platforms, from PS5 to NINTENDO SWITCH, agreed that the game’s storytelling is a defining achievement in gaming, with Metro GameCentral hailing it as "some of the best storytelling ever in a role-playing game." The narrative’s enduring impact and complexity cement its status as a timeless classic.

The gameplay of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition is widely praised for its depth, variety, and immersive design, with many critics highlighting its strengths across platforms. Reviewers like GameRant and Gameblog.fr laud the combat system as "deep and engaging," combining swordplay, magic, and alchemy with extensive customization and strategic choices. Gamepressure and CD-Action note that the combat, while retaining its core mechanics, feels "more fluid" and "smoother" with enhancements like improved Sign control and better visibility during night battles. Impulsegamer and MeuPlayStation emphasize the PS5’s performance, describing the gameplay as "faster, smoother, and more responsive" with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback elevating the experience. GameGrin and Finger Guns acknowledge the game’s "thrilling" and "organic" design, with quests and exploration offering a rewarding, story-driven experience. Even on the Nintendo Switch, Jeuxvideo.com and GamesRadar+ praise the "fluid" and "intuitive" controls, while Gaming Age and Worth Playing highlight the vast, substantive world filled with meaningful missions and content. These positive aspects collectively underscore the game’s enduring appeal and refined mechanics, even in its remastered form. However, several critics point to specific flaws that detract from the experience, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Universo Nintendo and VGC (on Switch) criticize the repetitive quest structure and lack of a proper tutorial, with the latter noting "clunky swordplay" and "overwhelming fiction" for newcomers. Cultured Vultures and Screen Rant highlight the awkwardness of Joy-Con controls and visibility challenges in handheld mode, while TheXboxHub and IGN Italia suggest the combat feels "less engaging" compared to modern action games, with We Got This Covered pointing to "slight clumsiness" in item and magic usage. GameGrin and Worth Playing also mention that combat can feel "clunky" or "button-mashing," and Metro GameCentral dismisses the combat as "rarely interesting." These critiques often center on the game’s age and platform-specific limitations, such as frame rate drops on the Switch, but they are generally framed as minor issues rather than deal-breakers. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition delivers a highly enjoyable and well-crafted gameplay experience. While some platforms, like the Switch, face challenges with controls and performance, the majority of critics—such as GameRant, Gameblog.fr, and GamingBolt—emphasize that the game’s core mechanics, RPG elements, and exploration remain compelling. Digital Chumps and COGconnected note that quality-of-life improvements and streamlined systems make the gameplay feel more contemporary, and Nintenderos and Vooks appreciate the strategic depth and moral complexity of quests. Even TheXboxHub and IGN Italia, who point to its dated action component, acknowledge the game’s masterful design and narrative. The mixed feedback reflects the game’s age and platform-specific quirks, but the overwhelming praise for its fluidity, variety, and immersive world cements its status as a standout title, with the majority of critics agreeing that the gameplay is "very good" and worth experiencing.

The Nintendo Switch version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition receives mixed but generally acknowledging praise for its visual design despite hardware limitations. Critics like The Games Machine and Cultured Vultures highlight that while the graphics are compromised, the game still retains its atmospheric charm and vibrant environments, with Nintendojo noting that the artistic design remains strong. New York Daily News and Worth Playing acknowledge the visual trade-offs but emphasize that the handheld mode offers sharper visuals and a more immersive experience, while Gaming Age and Gaming Nexus point to the game’s smooth frame rate and lively presentation as compensating for texture quality issues. On next-gen platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X, reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with Jeuxvideo.com and Push Square praising the 4K Ray-Tracing, improved textures, and dynamic day/night cycles, and XboxEra and GamersRD calling the graphical overhaul "remarkable" and "visually stunning," respectively. The enhanced details in environments, lighting, and character models on these platforms are seen as a significant step forward, even if some older elements still show their age. However, the Switch port faces consistent criticism for its graphical downgrades. Gameblog.fr and JeuxActu describe the visuals as "rough," "muddy," and "blurry," with issues like flickering, aliasing, and texture compression. COGconnected and We Got This Covered note performance problems, including frame drops and resolution dips, particularly in docked mode, while GamingTrend and Pocket Gamer UK stress that the lower resolution and visual compromises are more glaring on larger screens. NintendoWorldReport and Nintendo Insider acknowledge the reduced resolution and scale issues but still find the game visually rich. Even IGN Spain criticizes the Switch version for not meeting "minimum standards," though it justifies the trade-offs for portability. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a version that prioritizes accessibility over graphical fidelity, with many feeling the visual shortcomings detract from the experience, especially when played on a TV. The overall consensus among critics is that The Witcher 3’s visual design remains a strong suit, but its performance on the Nintendo Switch is a clear compromise. While Switch reviewers like Nintenderos and Meristation concede that the game is "still enjoyable" and "playable," they emphasize that it falls short of the original’s visual standards. In contrast, next-gen versions on PS5 and Xbox Series X are celebrated for their enhancements, with Push Square and XboxEra highlighting improved textures, lighting, and immersion. Despite the criticisms, many agree that the core beauty of the game’s world design persists, as noted by Vooks and GameSpot, who acknowledge the "essence" and "impressive sights" even in the downgraded Switch version. The divide between platforms underscores the trade-off between portability and graphical fidelity, with next-gen upgrades offering a more polished experience, while the Switch version remains a functional, if less visually refined, alternative.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition as a standout element of the game, emphasizing their role in enhancing immersion and emotional depth. Reviewers like GAMES.CH highlighted the 3D audio for headphones, clear sound effects, and the DualSense controller’s fine vibrations, which added tactile feedback to the experience. Jeuxvideo.com (on both PS5 and Xbox Series X) and SomosXbox commended the "remarkable soundtrack" and "excellent sound design," noting that reinterpreted themes, medieval instruments, and atmospheric melodies—such as the "delightful, tragic, and funny performances" by voice actors mentioned by The Telegraph—elevated the game’s world-building. Nintendojo and Nintendo Life specifically lauded the "magnificent" and "superb" soundtrack, with its blend of folk songs and intense battle music, while Vandal and Vgames called the audio "impressive" and "perfect," respectively. The inclusion of high-quality voice acting, such as Doug Cockle’s performance as Geralt, was also a frequent point of praise, with TheXboxHub and God is a Geek noting how it deepened character engagement and narrative flow. However, some critics pointed out technical limitations, particularly on the Nintendo Switch version. 3DJuegos and Meristation noted that audio compression affected quality, with "less pronounced" secondary sounds and "no noticeable compromises" in some cases, but others like IGN Italia and M3 criticized the "slightly inferior" audio for less important NPCs and "bugs" in the Switch port. Worth Playing mentioned "hit-or-miss" voice acting, including "muted voices and missing dialogue," while JeuxActu and XGN acknowledged that the game’s "overwhelming sound effects and music" were tempered by the 32GB storage constraints. Additionally, Universo Nintendo and Nintenderos noted the absence of Spanish dubbing, which could limit accessibility for some players. These critiques often centered on the Switch’s hardware limitations rather than the design itself, with many agreeing that the core audio elements remained strong despite these issues. Despite the technical caveats, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a defining strength of the game. While Nintendojo and PLAY! Zine praised the "atmospheric and emotional" soundtrack, and Hobby Consolas highlighted the "excellent" use of medieval instruments, the majority of reviews—across all platforms—emphasized how the audio "complements the atmosphere" and "enhances the immersive experience" (as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and GameGrin). The Switch’s compression issues were acknowledged but not seen as deal-breakers, with Impulsegamer and Vooks affirming that the "excellent" soundtrack and "detailed" sound design remained intact. Even Worth Playing, which critiqued some audio flaws, admitted the music was "praised" and the voice acting "well done." This suggests that while platform-specific limitations introduced minor drawbacks, the game’s audio achievements were widely recognized as a key factor in its enduring appeal.

The majority of critics praised the voice acting in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition as a standout element that significantly enhanced the game’s storytelling and immersion. Multiple reviewers highlighted the high quality and natural delivery of performances, with Digital Chumps and Gamersky noting how the voice acting contributes to character immersion and narrative depth. Jeuxvideo.com and PlayStation Universe emphasized the emotional resonance of the performances, while We Got This Covered specifically commended Doug Cockle’s "impeccable and gravelly-voiced" portrayal of Geralt of Rivia. TheSixthAxis and SomosXbox also praised the depth and authenticity of the voice acting, with TheXboxHub highlighting Cockle’s adaptability in bringing Geralt to life. The consistency across platforms—whether on PS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch—underscored the universal acclaim for the vocal work, which many felt elevated the game’s already rich world-building. While the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, a smaller number of critics pointed out minor flaws. IGN Italia noted "minor differences in audio quality" across supported languages, and Nintendojo mentioned that "a couple of characters" had less impressive performances. Worth Playing observed instances of "inconsistent sound quality and missing lines in some quests," though they still acknowledged the voice acting’s overall contribution to immersion. Jeuxvideo.com (on Nintendo Switch) and JeuxActu briefly mentioned the presence of multiple languages without elaborating on quality, suggesting that while the voice acting was generally strong, there were occasional technical or regional discrepancies. These critiques, however, were overshadowed by the widespread praise for the vocal performances. The consensus among critics was that the voice acting in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition was a critical success, with nearly all reviewers agreeing it was a key strength of the game. Eurogamer Italy, Everyeye.it, and Universo Nintendo emphasized how the voice acting deepened emotional connections to characters, while Pocket Gamer UK and PLAY! Zine highlighted the "unforgettable" cast and well-acted dialogue. Even critics who noted minor issues, like Worth Playing, acknowledged the overall positive impact of the voice work. The repeated praise for Doug Cockle’s performance as Geralt, along with the high-quality deliveries in multiple languages, reinforced the idea that the voice acting was a cornerstone of the game’s success. Despite some technical hiccups, the overwhelming majority of critics agreed that the vocal performances were a vital component of The Witcher 3’s enduring appeal.

The technical performance of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition varies across platforms, with notable positives for next-gen consoles and mixed results for the Nintendo Switch. On the PlayStation 5, critics like Gameblog.fr and MeuPlayStation highlight fast loading times and a stable experience, while Push Square praises improved performance modes and enhanced textures. The Xbox Series X sees praise for optimized loading times and a "cleaner package" post-launch, as noted by XboxEra, with SomosXbox noting smooth gameplay despite minor bugs. The Nintendo Switch receives mixed feedback: IGN Spain and Gameblog.fr commend its stability and balanced loading times, while SpazioGames and Vandal acknowledge stable frame rates despite graphical downgrades. Overall, next-gen consoles benefit from hardware upgrades, while the Switch’s performance is more constrained but still playable for many. However, the Nintendo Switch faces significant technical challenges, with multiple critics highlighting its limitations. Nintendojo and Hobby Consolas report crashes, audio issues, and long loading times, while Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it note frame rate drops and performance below 30 FPS in docked mode. Switch Player and Worth Playing mention lower framerates and glitches, though they acknowledge the port’s impressive execution. On the PlayStation 5, VGC and Game Rant criticize unstable ray-tracing performance and minor frame drops in dense areas, while CGMagazine notes frame rate dips with ray-tracing on the Xbox Series X. Despite these issues, God is a Geek (PS5) and MeuPlayStation praise the absence of bugs, and Gaming Nexus highlights post-update improvements. The Switch’s struggles with resolution and performance in complex scenes remain a recurring concern. The overall consensus among critics is that The Witcher 3 runs more smoothly on next-gen consoles, with Push Square and MeuPlayStation emphasizing stability and enhanced visuals, while the Switch version, though playable, suffers from hardware limitations. While IGN Spain and Gameblog.fr praise the Switch’s consistency, Nintendojo and Hobby Consolas criticize its technical flaws. On PS5 and Xbox Series X, updates have addressed many early issues, with GamingTrend and Gamersky noting improved stability and performance. Despite platform-specific challenges, the game’s technical performance has seen significant improvements, particularly on next-gen systems, though the Switch’s compromises remain a point of contention for many reviewers.

The majority of critics praised The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition for its robust replay value, emphasizing its expansive content, narrative depth, and player-driven choices. Many highlighted the game’s ability to encourage multiple playthroughs through its branching storylines, diverse endings, and rich side quests. For instance, TheSixthAxis noted the game’s engaging quests and side missions, while Everyeye.it and Vandal celebrated its immersive world and narrative that entice players to revisit. The inclusion of DLCs, new quests, and quality-of-life improvements further enhanced replayability, as noted by TheXboxHub and God is a Geek, who emphasized that the next-gen updates and new content made the game worth revisiting for both veterans and newcomers. Additionally, Finger Guns and Pocket-lint pointed to the game’s vast world and player choices as key factors in its enduring appeal, with NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo citing multiple endings and varied playstyles as incentives for replaying. However, some critics raised concerns about the game’s replay value, particularly for players who had already experienced the original release. COGconnected and Eurogamer Italy argued that the lack of new content for veterans and the absence of cross-save features on the Nintendo Switch limited its appeal for returning players. Gamepressure and Gameblog.fr noted that while the update added quests and outfits, the review did not clearly address replayability, leaving some ambiguity. GamingTrend also suggested the game might be better enjoyed on other consoles, implying platform-specific limitations. These critiques, though fewer in number, underscored that the game’s replay value may not justify a second playthrough for those who have already completed it, especially without significant new content. Despite these reservations, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition offers exceptional replay value. Multiplayer.it and Universo Nintendo highlighted the game’s extensive content, including expansions and side quests, while VGC and We Got This Covered emphasized its ability to tempt players to relive the story. Critics like XGN and Meristation praised the inclusion of all DLCs and the flexibility to explore the world in different ways, reinforcing the game’s status as a definitive experience. While some noted limitations for veterans, the general sentiment was that the game’s depth, narrative complexity, and immersive world make it a compelling choice for both new players and those seeking to revisit its rich universe.