But it isn't one for boardgame novices. There are some complex rules in play here, and if you're expecting some simple dice rolls and a bit of card tossing to see you through, you're in for a rude awakening.
Chits, chits everywhere
There are four heroes to choose from at the start of a game, each with its own set of victory conditions. The game is all about completing quests, but which quests you can choose depends on your hero.
Geralt is all about violence, Dandelion the bard is all about diplomacy, Triss focuses on magic, and Yarpen can pick either dark arts or combat quests.
Quests involve you moving around the board, finding a set number of items, then heading to the relevant region. On the way you’ll get in scraps, solve quarrels, and have to nerf your own moves if you do badly.
You can play against AI opponents, try the game solo, or take on friends in either online multiplayer or pass and play.
However you choose to play it's smooth and well put together, and there's a helpful rulebook section so you can work out what’s going on.
It's a surprisingly deep system, and the digital dice rolls and an air of cruel luck to proceedings. The game plays like a mix between the best Ameritrash games and a lighter-take on sterner European boardgames.
Game of chance
And that's no bad thing. But if you don't know what it means you're probably not going to enjoy The Witcher Adventure Game all that much.
If, on the other hand, you were weaned on Talisman or Descent, you're likely going to find a lot to like here.
This is a great adaptation of a great boardgame, and saves you a lot of packing away. But it's unlikely to sway anyone to the joys of sitting around with friends, rolling dice, and getting murdered by brigands.
