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Ranking:
Release Date: November 27th, 2014 Movie Release Year: 2014

The Witcher Adventure Game

Overview -

Converting physical board games to digital versions is becoming more and more common. Considering the functionality and portability of a tablet, this marriage seems like a near perfect fit. Integrating the rule's intricacies and nuances into a package that accommodates for quick play sessions is an option that I expect owners of iPad devices will continue to see more of in the future.

The past few years, board gamers have seen a number of video game titles hit their tabletop. From 'Gears of War' and 'Bioshock: Infinite', to 'Civilization' and 'Starcraft', this transformative popularity continues to rise. One recent addition is based on CD Projekt Red's forthcoming release of 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt'. Appropriately titled 'The Witcher Adventure Game', this digital board game is based on the physical version recently developed by one of the more notable companies in the industry, Fantasy Flight Games. As popular as this method has become, I'm fairly certain that 'The Witcher Adventure Game' is the first iPad game to be based on a board game, which is based on the award-winning video game series, which originated from a series of best-selling novels that began in 1992. Although the concept of 'The Witcher Adventure Game' may have deep roots and a long development path, is the final product worth the effort?

OVERALL:
For Fans Only
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Release Date:
November 27th, 2014

Video Review

Ranking:

As is the case with most of the titles developed by Fantasy Flight Games, 'The Witcher Adventure Game' is exceedingly well presented in terms of both the artwork and overall layout. The board is grand in scale, nicely detailed, allows for rotation through standard swiping gestures, and highlights objectives for easy identification. Simple animations overlay the board – snow blows from the mountaintops and winged creatures watch over a variety of regions - adding to the overall fantasy theme.

Unfortunately, during every game session I encountered at least one instance of a severe drop in frame rate, making the graphical presentation slow to a crawl. While never inhibiting gameplay, these instances only lasted for a few seconds before the game smoothed itself out.

Audio Review

Ranking:

'The Witcher Adventure Game' could have benefitted from a dramatic voice-over option for the numerous flavor text cards. I imagine Ian McKellen (in his best Gandolf) lending his voice and adding an even greater amount of theme to an already thematic game. However, even without a proper voice-over, the renaissance-like musical score and repetitive sound effects for when a wound is taken or a creature comes into play, was used to average effect and prompted me to continually use my headphones with each game.

Experienced board gamers will find a great deal to enjoy when playing 'The Witcher Adventure Game'. The art, flavor text of the many cards, and virtual rolling of custom dice all scream tabletop gaming. Those less inclined to sit down for a grand tabletop adventure might find this game somewhat slow and repetitive. Giving in to the theme and immersing yourself into the experience is a quick way to overcome any such reactions. Anyone averse to reading an abundance of flavor text to complete this objective should avoid this game at all costs. Those that can appreciate a grand adventure requiring a bit of player investment should give 'The Witcher Adventure Game' a look. Hopefully, it can tide series fans over until the new 'The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt' release date of May 2015.