The Witcher Adventure Game

Editor's Notes

iOS version reviewed.

Introduction

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?

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

'The Witcher Adventure Game' accommodates for 1-4 players and provides an opportunity to assume the role as one of a variety of popular characters from the franchise, including Geralt of Rivia – Monster Hunter, Triss Merigold - Sorceress, Dandelion – the Roguish Bard, and Yarpin Zigrin – Dwarvin Warrior. Establishing a game is simple and intuitive and allows for local pass-and-play, as well as online multiplayer. However, as of the writing of this review, my repeated attempts to experience the online functionality have gone unfulfilled; searching for other available players has consistently been met with failed results.

That's not to say playing 'The Witcher Adventure Game' offline has been any less interesting and enjoyable. Beginning a new game is as simple as selecting the character(s) you would like to play as, and assigning any number of the remaining characters as computer-run AI. It provides a nice opportunity to experience each of the four characters – and their unique skill sets – separately.

At it's heart, 'The Witcher Adventure Game' is an RPG that tasks each player to gain victory points, manage resources, and be the first to complete a predetermined number of main and side quests. Depending on the number of players, as well as the selected number of main quests – one, three, or five - dictates the length of the game. An average playthrough of a two-player game with three main quests to complete can last between 45 minutes and an hour.

But how does the game play?

In an attempt to avoid becoming too rules heavy, 'The Witcher Adventure Game' allows each player to select two actions during their turn: travel, investigate, rest, develop, or prepare. No single action can ever be utilized more than once per round, and each action can become blocked by wounds that will inevitably be received from battle and the Foul Fate that spreads across the land.

During this extremely thematic journey, players travel across various regions, conduct investigations, gather evidence, earn gold, fight creatures, and develop characters. During creature encounters (of which there are many), virtual dice are rolled using the game's three action dice, in addition to the unique set of dice that each character has available to them. Choosing the right path to travel and selecting the most appropriate quests to undertake comes down to understanding and playing to the selected characters' strengths: Dandelion is an entertainer and is better off avoiding conflict at all cost, while Geralt faces combat head on; Triss relies on magic to succeed, and Yarpen has a band of fellow travelers to help him along his journey.

Initially, 'The Witcher Adventure Game' may come across as a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated board gamer. By the end of the game, strategy easily overcomes uncertainty, and the thematic nature of the characters and their adventures will fully immerse willing players into the world of 'The Witcher'.