GWENT
Mini-game becomes big deal
Speak to anyone about playing The Witcher 3 and they’ll likely recall an allconsuming obsession with Gwent. Even though the main game offered superb RPG mechanics and an engrossing narrative, people were enthralled by its in-game card battler.
This standalone, free-to-play version has undergone expansion, but its core mechanics remain intact. Each round involves players engaging in one-onone battle, with victory achieved by amassing more power (read: points) than your rival across your three combat rows – Melee, Ranged, and Siege. Cards come in different tiers (bronze, silver, and gold), and most offer extra abilities, making for some devastating encounters. Multiplayer sees us take on real-world players for rewards. In addition to extra cards, winnings include ores and scraps that allow you to buy and craft your own cards. The added rules offer more complexity, but there’s been a clear effort to retain balance. Employing a cunning strategy frequently sees us turn the tide in our favour, even when we’re outmatched in terms of strength.
The presence of microtransactions is concerning, but so long as it doesn’t fall foul of the pay-to-win approach, the added depth should ensure that Gwent remains as addictive as ever – if not more so.
“MOST CARDS OFFER EXTRA ABILITIES, MAKING FOR SOME SERIOUS BATTLES.”