So, CD Projekt RED crowned themselves with unprecedented success with the release of Wild Hunt, but is this the end? That's right, no! Shortly before the release of Wild Hunt, CD Projekt RED announced Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, expansion packs designed to expand Geralt's adventures. Now we will talk about “Hearts of Stone”.
The add-on was released on October 13, 2015 and is paid. Its passage can be started independently of the main plot, that is, completed after the completion of the main plot or separately from the menu. Or you can even do it in parallel with the main plot, having previously upgraded Geralt. This is possible due to the fact that the add-on is implemented as a separate quest chain.
Plot
As always, you are interested in new orders, so by going to the notice board at the Seven Cats tavern, you found yours. We go to the estate of a certain Olgerd von Everek. We are not greeted very friendly, and von Evereck himself seems to be a rather suspicious guy, but what can we do - this is the job. Let's go to the Oxenfurt canals to deal with an unusual monster. There we will be met by the drowned people and our old friend, Shani, who is trying to save the soldier. She is here to get a sample of the poison of the local monster, because of which the water is poisoned.
Having found the monster, Geralt deftly deals with it, but... The Witcher found himself under the influence of a large amount of poison. Losing consciousness, Geralt saw that the monster had turned into a human. If he knew that this was a curse...
The witcher woke up already behind bars on the ship, realizing that he was in big trouble. That man was an Ophir prince and now Geralt is being taken to execution. Indeed, if he had known from the very beginning... What if this was not an accident? Here another acquaintance appears to us - Gunther O'Dimm. Geralt has nowhere to wait for help and in exchange for freedom he makes a deal, leaving a magical seal on Geralt’s face. A kind of “reminder”.
I think I was talking about the non-accidentality of what happened. Exactly! It was not by chance that Olgierd von Everec sent you to kill the monster, and Master Mirror was on the ship for a reason. Now they are all connected.
Now a small remark. The plot turned out great! Although it takes place in the partly familiar locations of Velen (partly, because in the main plot you are unlikely to visit those places) and Oxenfurt, it is even more attractive than the main plot and therefore I try to describe what is happening somewhat vaguely in order to explain at the same time what is happening without going into details, but on the other hand, so that there is intrigue. Indeed, although the add-on is short (within 10-11 hours for a complete passage, although this is an add-on), it is rich. The story is sad, dark, mysterious, although there are many funny moments!
“In addition to the plot, there is...”
Since this is an add-on, there is nothing special to talk about the graphics and gameplay. Although there is still something to talk about.
A new gameplay feature of is the production of fundamentally new runes for armor and swords. These runes add other properties to your blade or armor, but... It will cost you a pretty penny. There is no place to get them, of course, except from the rune master in a separate quest.
The game also added: new equipment (for the Witcher and Roach), new cards for Gwent and several new monsters.
Also, the add-on has its own original musical accompaniment (what could we do without it?). Music, as always, conveys what is required - that oppressive and mystical atmosphere. I think everyone still remembers Priscilla's song. A pleasant, gentle and melodic song about the love of the White Wolf and Yennefer, and here we have... Kids singing! Here is the test of the song:
He has a handsome face and a touching speech
Only in his eyes there is a grave coldness
He will give you success and prosperity
He will generously bestow you with both silver and gold
But not for nothing he is so kind to people
The time will come - we will pay the bills
Treasures will immediately become hateful to you
He put you in shackles forever.
I think you already understand who we are talking about. I must say you will hear this tune more than once.
Summary
An excellent addition to Geralt's adventures. New characters (albeit old, but no less wonderful) and a new story will ensure that returning to the game will not be in vain.