I've never felt so connected and like I had so much power over a virtual world before. In one case, I chose between a brother and sister for the throne and saw the empire flourish due to my decision. It made exploring the world a blast I always looked forward to revisiting past people I helped to see what path I set them on. I was surprised at the variety and how well-written the quests are – everything holds an unexpected story, like a jealous woman trying to steal her sister's werewolf boyfriend. Hundreds of quests are available across the map, focusing on monster contracts and treasure hunts, while smaller story quests center on the inhabitants of each town. Unlike games that offer a few key choices to alter the narrative, The Witcher 3 provides abundant options that can shape the world in all kinds of ways. For instance, I told off a religious man preaching about the dangers of witchers, and he later sent thugs to beat me up. You can choose how involved you want to get, and even little choices carry consequences. You never feel like a bystander – you are a part of what's going on around you. The towns feel alive with events happening all around, like drunken bar fights and houses burning down. You never know when you might find a hidden cave, discover a hidden treasure underwater, or stumble upon crafting materials for potions or new armor. From snowy mountain tops to beautiful waterfalls to wildlife running across the forests, CD Projekt RED created a landscape with an excruciating amount of detail that makes it a thrill to explore. What makes the choices so interesting is the immersive world that they shape.

With abundant improvements, a bigger world, and more exciting choices on every level, The Witcher 3 is one of the best games I've played in recent years, providing a stimulating challenge on and off the battlefield. CD Projekt RED doesn't disappoint, proving once again why it's a genre juggernaut. Every entry in the series has taken the concept one step further, but The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the most ambitious attempt yet, showing the ripple effect of tons of choices across a large world. Ever since The Witcher's 2007 debut, the series has been raising the bar for choice and consequence in role-playing games.

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