Preview The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone Expansion Launch Trailer and Previews

[Infinitron]

Tags: CD Projekt; The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt; The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Hearts of Stone

Although it doesn't launch until next week, CD Projekt have published the launch trailer for The Witcher 3 Hearts of Stone expansion pack on their YouTube channel. It has a bit of a gothic horror vibe. Check it out:

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The storyline of the expansion involves Geralt becoming involved in some sort of supernatural feud between a bandit captain with a severe mortality deficiency and a travelling merchant from the main game who also turns out to be more than what he appears. You can read more about that in one of the many previews of the expansion that were published last week:

Eurogamer: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-09-28-the-witcher-3-hearts-of-stone-preview
IGN: http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09...of-stone-offers-more-of-the-same-and-thats-ok
GamesRadar: http://www.gamesradar.com/witcher-3-hearts-stone-dlc-preview/
VideoGamer: http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/the_witcher_3_hearts_of_stone/preview-3948.html
VG247: https://www.vg247.com/2015/09/28/the-witcher-3-hearts-of-stone-hands-on/
Game Informer: http://www.gameinformer.com/games/t...tcher-3-hearts-of-stone-hands-on-preview.aspx
PCGamesN: http://www.pcgamesn.com/the-witcher...preview-more-of-the-same-exactly-as-youd-want
Gamereactor: http://www.gamereactor.eu/previews/352303/The+Witcher+3+Hearts+of+Stone/
GameSpot: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-i-cant-wait-for-the-witcher-3s-new-expansion/1100-6430925/
PC Gamer: http://www.pcgamer.com/love-giant-frog-monsters-and-ghost-parties-in-the-witcher-3s-first-expansion/
Rock Paper Shotgun: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/09/28/the-witcher-3-heart-of-stone-introduces-a-tonal-shift/
GamePressure: http://www.gamepressure.com/e.asp?ID=292
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The consensus seems to be that it's a "more of the same" expansion, but with a focus on character development reminiscent of the main game's famous Bloody Baron quest. Apparently, there are some Witcher 1 plot tie-ins in there as well. For maximum spoilage, I recommend the GamePressure preview, written by a rather enthusiastic Pole.

 

[Eyestabber]

I wonder if it will change the ending slides in any way. Shani ending, maybe?

 

[mikaelis]

Nah, I am pretty sure it is separate adventure(s) with no repercussions for the ending of the main game. More like standalone adventure from early books that doesn't tie into the main plot of pentalogy that much. I think it was even pointed out in one of the previews. Which is good. I always preferred these kinds of expansions over expanding the existing game here and there.

 

[Infinitron]

Apparently, the characters from the expansion do remark on the current state of the main quest, so it's not like a completely separate module.

 

[Eyestabber]

Shani endgame romance or GTFO, CDPR!

 

[Xzylvador]

Apparently, the characters from the expansion do remark on the current state of the main quest, so it's not like a completely separate module.

"Sure is hot today, innit witcher? Ain't ever been like this! And you in that leather armor carrying two sets of weapons and a bag fulla loot! Bet you regret stopping that winter as much as ploughing both them sorceresses now."

 

[Grotesque]

price?

 

[Shammy]

price?

10 dollars, with a 15% discount for pre-ordering I think.

 

[toro]

price?

one potato too much

 

[taxalot]

So, this does not happen in a new region, right ? It's merely a new quest line ?

 

[Shammy]

So, this does not happen in a new region, right ? It's merely a new quest line ?

It is a new region I believe. Or rather, an expanded map currently in the game. So a new 'area'.

 

[Infinitron]

According to Eurogamer:

The main focus is a 10-hour story, which you begin by heading to a notice board marked on your map, and everything that then unfolds takes place in the same world you've already explored, albeit in less-trodden areas.

 

[taxalot]

Thought so. The next one should however take place in a new, um, place.

 

[Starwars]

Have there been any mention on when the second expansion thing will come out?

 

[Infinitron]

Have there been any mention on when the second expansion thing will come out?

Codex news archive is here to help: http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/inde...xpansion-packs-available-for-pre-order.98360/

Hearts of Stone is expected to premiere this October, while Blood and Wine is slated for release in the first quarter of 2016, so there's still plenty of time ahead.

 

[you know what time it is]

I'd imagine there's no point in waiting for proper mod support before all of the paid bullshit is out?

 

[norolim]

According to Eurogamer:

The main focus is a 10-hour story, which you begin by heading to a notice board marked on your map, and everything that then unfolds takes place in the same world you've already explored, albeit in less-trodden areas.

According to GRY-Online, Eurogamer is wrong:

Rozszerzenie dosłownie rozszerza teren gry, przesuwając granice w północno-wschodniej części Ziemi Niczyjej i zapełniając niedostępne wcześniej lasy opracowanymi od podstaw miejscówkami.

Which in savage tongue means:

The expansion literally expands the the game map, moving a part of the north-east border of No Man's Land and filling previously inaccessible forests with brand new locations.

 

[Obsequious Approbation]

Meh, 10 hours of gameplay isn't even worth stealing, or a reinstall. Wake me up when the Polacks get up to something interesting again.

I'd imagine there's no point in waiting for proper mod support before all of the paid bullshit is out?

Spoiler

http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher3/m...r3/ajax/moddescription/?id=720&preview=&pUp=1

This not proper enough for you?

 

[you know what time it is]

Spoiler

 

[GuiltyofBeingTrite]

1 hour of good content for $1 is a fantastic rate.

 

[Eirikur]

I suspect I know the answer to that one.

 

[Metro]

1 hour of good content for $1 is a fantastic rate.

Remains to be seen.