Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

No other game nails epic quite like Witcher 3, from witnessing a glorious, thousand-colored sunset settling over Velen to dueling a basilisk atop a ruined tower as local lords cower. But perhaps more impressive is how intenselypersonal Geralt’s story is, despite being set in a world ravaged by war and magic. It masterfully coaxes you into caring about everybody you meet—even characters in one-off scenes.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The game’s combat is deep and nuanced (though it gets easier as you level up). No quest, no matter how minor, feels superfluous. The world feels amazingly alive; simply watching deer scatter while you gallop through swaying forests on horseback takes your breath away. And chopping down royal griffons, swooping wyverns, and ancient vampires after carefully researching their weaknesses to enter battle with the perfect blend of bombs and potions makes you feel just plain badass.

Deus Ex has long held the honor of being my favorite game of all time, with no true contenders to the throne since it launched in 2000. In 2015, Geralt of Rivia seized the crown. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the best game I’ve ever played.