Reigns: The Witcher Review - A Casual Card Adventure in Geralt's World

Embark on a Card-Driven Saga: Geralt's Adventures Retold

The Bard's Perspective: Dandelion's Interpretations of Geralt's Journey

The game draws players into a narrative crafted by Dandelion, the infamous bard, who frequently speculates on Geralt's encounters and romantic escapades. This approach offers a fresh, often humorous, take on the Witcher universe, allowing for playful interpretations of the protagonist's well-known exploits.

The Evolution of Reigns: From Mobile Royalty to Witcher Realms

Originating in 2016, the Reigns series gained prominence as a unique card-swiping game. What began as a mobile hit, challenging players to govern kingdoms through binary choices, has since expanded across various platforms and themes. This new installment reimagines Geralt's life as a series of goals within Dandelion's songs, requiring players to navigate challenges from duels to more intimate encounters, reflecting the bard's colorful insights into the Witcher's personal life.

A Cycle of Choices: Endings and Rebirths in the Witcher's World

Each playthrough in Reigns: The Witcher culminates in an ending, not always defined by demise, with scores tallied and celebratory confetti. Short runs can lead to ironically sparse celebrations. Players take on the role of Geralt within Dandelion's songs, tasked with achieving three random objectives per run, ranging from winning battles to engaging in romantic interludes, which explains Dandelion's often intimate knowledge of Geralt's private life.

Navigating Complex Allegiances: Balancing Reputation and Faction Loyalty

Decisions carry weight, as exemplified by scenarios like stealing cheese from a tyromancer for a halfling chef, which could boost non-human relations while alienating magical communities. Balancing these fluctuating reputations is key, with three distinct bars representing different factions. Neglecting these can lead to abrupt and often amusing endings, such as Geralt being executed for aligning too closely with certain groups or inadvertently becoming a baker.

Innovative Combat Mechanics: A Fresh Take on Witcher Battles

Combat introduces a new arcade-style system where Geralt dodges incoming attacks and strategically uses swords and signs. Monsters present unique challenges, utilizing fiery breath or sonic attacks to block columns. Employing igni can burn away enemy attacks, while quen provides a temporary shield, enhancing the dynamic nature of skirmishes.

Optimized for Portability: Ideal for On-the-Go Gaming

The game's combat mechanics are notably more intuitive with a controller, making it perfectly suited for portable devices like the Steam Deck. Its quick, self-contained play sessions make it an excellent choice for brief gaming bursts, fitting seamlessly into a handheld gaming lifestyle.

Unlocking Deep Lore: The Enigma of Secret Endings

Like its predecessors, this Reigns title conceals intricate lore and numerous secret endings, accessible only through extensive experimentation and specific card combinations. Despite the game's suitability for short play, uncovering these hidden narratives often demands significant dedication, posing a unique challenge for players who enjoy delving into deeper game secrets.

Authentic Witcher Experience: Embracing the Spirit of the Source Material

Reigns: The Witcher captures the essence of the original stories, portraying Geralt's constant struggle to maintain neutrality amidst political pressures and unexpected requests. The game effectively conveys the Witcher's iconic balancing act between various societal demands and his commitment to his true calling.

The Rhythm of the Hunt: Balancing Novelty and Repetition

When the delicate balance of decisions leads to a satisfying sequence of new crises and characters, Reigns: The Witcher offers an enjoyable experience. Interspersed song puzzles, where Dandelion composes verses based on Geralt's deeds and demises, provide a welcome change of pace. However, some runs can feel repetitive, ending abruptly due to ambiguous situations, leading to a sense of mere adequacy rather than exceptional engagement.