For fans of role-playing games, it's only once in a blue moon that a title comes along so engrossing that you'll gladly give up not just a little time to play it, but days and weeks of your life. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a prime example; a gripping game that, for our money, is the best RPG since Skyrim.


But, if anything, it's a bit more adult than that 2011 Bethesda epic. There's plenty more f-ing and blinding for newbies, the occasional C-bomb included. And much more blood. Oh, and let's not forget the touch of nudity. Yes, Witcher 3's adult themes are quickly established from the moment the camera lingers on a bare behind just minutes into the game. Yet - and despite this reading as an apparent Hollywood "sex, blood, swearing, - buy, buy, buy!" kind of campaign - it's not free, but rather representative of a believable world. You know, the one where mages and magic are normal.


It's also a timely release. With millions of Game of Thrones fans around the world, there are inevitable comparisons - come on, even Charles Dance, the voice of Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones, the voice of Emperor Emhyr var Emreis here - despite Andrzej Sapkowski's previous news those of George RR 

Our quick review

We've spent a lot of time playing The Witcher 3. After finishing it in 2015 when it first launched, we're now immersed in the Nintendo Switch version and still loving every minute of the experience.


We can forgive a dodgy camera angle here, a little too much nipple there, or even a misbehaving horse bumping into another tree because all those other shiny moments of brilliance equal something bigger. . The Switch version also comes with all downloadable content (DLC) locked, creating an even more complete experience.


You don't need to be a fantasy genre fan either: The Witcher 3's massive world, gorgeous landscapes, balanced gameplay, detailed quests, and story are all compelling enough to tune you in and keep you there. Be prepared to sacrifice your normal life, as you'll be trying to find the dozens of extra hours you'll want to put in.