I didn't think it was possible to create a better mini game in an RPG than Triple Triad for Final Fantasy 8 but you know what, Gwent in The Witcher 3 is on equal terms with it. I never pass down the opportunity to play a round with someone when the dialog option comes up. It's all the more compelling considering that with your first victory over someone, you get a card from them too, so it encourages you to play and beat them at least once. Just like in FF8 too, there are unique cards associated with characters in the game, so it's encouraging to find those too. And the game is tied into quests as well, where you play against the best and earn rewards for doing so. So many interesting little things that all add up to making me play it more.
The game really offers up some interesting strategies so far, earlier I had someone who really banked all in with siege weapons and without a Torrential Rain trap card, there was little I could do as he kept building up his strength. I knowingly throw a round if I feel I can't win that round or plan ahead so his cards can be discarded and I have a more realistic chance of winning the next one.
It's SO. GOOD.. Honestly it's all the more surprising considering that the dice mini game from The Witcher 2 was not good at all so I wasn't anticipating anything great. Yet here I am almost playing as much of this as I am of the actual game. I think the smart thing, if they could someone make it work in future patches, is to allow it so that you can build your deck to play against other players. Whether they do that through the game or a stand alone application like an app, would be pretty great.
Also, the music's fantastic!