Some quick first impresions - I managed to play about 2-2.5 hours so far.
- I only finished the tutorial and talked with people in the Inn in White Orchard. Atmosphere is fantastic. I love every bit of dialogue, how people are affected by Nilfgaardian invasion, how I was discussing war with an Oxenfurt professor, how a villager screamed and protested when I charmed his companion with Axii, and how outcasted and unwelcome you feel in the village. Every character had something interesting and memorable about them, and I only met who were I suppose not even tertiary characters in the story.
- Gwent is really fun to play. I managed to win my first game. It seems simple, yet witg a suprising strategical depth. And flavor texts on cards are pure exellence.
- I like combat so far, although I'll have to rebind keys for radial menu. It's very impractical under Tab key, which is set by default. I'll say more, when I actually do more fighting.
- This game is gorgeous. Seriously. What made the largest impression on me, were the interiors. First chamber in Kear Morhen looks incredibly good, and White Orchard's inn is even better. I love the attention to detail. I manage to get framerate that satisfies me with High-Ultra mix and Hairworks on, on my 970.
- I love that we're back with Dandelion's written journal. I particularly enjoyed when he mentioned in Gwent's entry, that Geralt became dice poker master some time ago, and was now looking for new challanges. Again - attention to detail.
- The game in general feels absolutely superb to me so far, I cannot wait to play it more.