[SPOILERS] What's your opinion on Hearts of Stone?

[ReptilePZ]

That's entirely, 100% your opinion

Mhm. As indicated by the thread title and the numerous times I point this out in my post.

in my opinion, new boss-fights NOT behaving how all the other dozens have is a warm, welcome surprise! Why would they want to copy / paste the same type of movement / boss mechanics when they've got free reign to try out new, more difficult stuff?

I never said that they shouldn't try out new stuff, just that what they did do was not enjoyable for me. The combat system is simply not reliable enough to support Souls-like bosses. Too often an unprovoked mistake happens because of how inconsistent combat in TW3 can get. Aside from that, I personally do not enjoy pattern-based combat, I'd much rather just have smart AI and be challenged in that way, instead of having to learn patterns, but that's just down to personal preference.

If the REDs would like to continue with such boss fights in the future, though, I think it'd be very important to focus on really nailing the combat system and its precision.

 

[ReDD7]

Best part of the game. Both locations and story are simply awsome.The boss fights was such a nice suprise and fun challenge. Caretaker and the toad looked cool as hell. really really loveed this cheap expansion. Thanks so much for this superb content.

---------- Updated at 12:21 AM ----------

Mhm. As indicated by the thread title and the numerous times I point this out in my post.



I never said that they shouldn't try out new stuff, just that what they did do was not enjoyable for me. The combat system is simply not reliable enough to support Souls-like bosses. Too often an unprovoked mistake happens because of how inconsistent combat in TW3 can get. Aside from that, I personally do not enjoy pattern-based combat, I'd much rather just have smart AI and be challenged in that way, instead of having to learn patterns, but that's just down to personal preference.

If the REDs would like to continue with such boss fights in the future, though, I think it'd be very important to focus on really nailing the combat system and its precision.

Which games have bosses with smart AI that not moves in patterns? I love boss fights and would like to pit myself against some badass AI`s.

---------- Updated at 12:27 AM ----------

One of the best stories I've ever read/seen. And I'm not even exaggerating. Definitely one of the best quest series in Witcher 3 as of now. It was full of sorrow, excitement, humour and action. I especially respect it for adding two unforgettable characters. I don't think I'll be able to forget Gaunter O'Dimm and Olgierd von Everec for quite some time (Even Vlodomir actually, I laughed a lot thanks to that chap ). Feeling the real motives behind the characters' actions, the regrets and sorrows they had, standing between liking/hating each of them at the same time, characters that are not so black-and-white... I mean yeah, these are the things we are used to in Witcher games and books. But still, having them implemented in such a way in a freaking "expansion", with the introduction of two of the most memorable characters in the series... That demands highest of fives, and respects, in my book. So kudos Reds To your health!

And the ending, a final boss fight with a riddle (albeit a little easy), was a touch of excellence. I always enjoy a good boss fight with wits. And - like I said - even though the riddle itself was a little obvious, it was still pretty exciting. (Btw, the devil at the crossroads theme kinda made me think about Supernatural. Anyone else felt that way?)

It really is amazingly good. To good for a small expansion.

 

[PillarBiter]

A really, REALLY good expansion. It was a great story full of twisters, laughs and cries. An enjoyable antagonist (dare I say... finally?) and another character that you love to hate and hate to love. And then there's the lovely Shani, who filled a gaping voidy hole which was left after the main game (three to tango be damned!).

Then there’s all the new gameplay stuff. The new rune/glyphwords are an excellent addition. They change the signs and some abilities in cool ways.
Also, it’s nice that the difficulty level went up a bit (spiders *shudder*), but The bosses weren’t done properly, imho. I mean, the first time I reach the toad prince I kept getting my ass handed to me. So I figured I must’ve missed some clues on how to fight him in the earlier part of the sewers, mainly because you’re thrown into the fight without any chance to prepare oils, potions, … But that was not the case, it just required skill. Not a problem per se, but it just feels like, when you get to fight such a new type of opponent, you should at least be able to gather intel (like a proper witcher) beforehand. All you really know beforehand is that the thing doesn’t hurt drowners, and is immune to fire. But what you SHOULD know at least is it’s oil weakness, the fact that it’s vulnerable to yrden, and that it is dangerous up close and afar.
Not only that, after that fight, it’s only long cutscene after the other (not a problem, really), until at one point you’re thrown into a pretty hefty battle with a lot of opponents and a wizard without your armor on! Wth? So you have to go into your inventory, equip all armor, apply oils, drink potions, while actually being in battle? It just felt off…
After that ofcourse, the game opens up again, and you’re free to roam and explore your new content, after which it gets looooaaaads better.
The bosses from olgierd’s mansion are a lot better done. You at least get a sneak preview of them. You know something’s coming. And the painted world. Ugh. Fan-freaking-tastic. Seriously, really gorgeous.
And then there’s the final boss-fight, which is actually a timed ‘riddle’ (to be honest, I didn’t get the solution up until I found the mirror, which is kinda slow, I’ll admit -_-). A really smart way to finish the story. Loved it.

I also like the addition of the new items. Brings a bit of extra ‘oooh, neat!’ stuff to the game.

 

[McProds]

But then the bits and pieces of the story started falling into place. Her scenes on the balcony were heartbreaking to me, man. Really. I had to call family, just to say hi after that moment.

Gotta smile at this. Tell me about it man. I thought nothing could live up to The Witcher 3. Well, except DLC's made by the people that created TW3... -.-"

And Fallout 4 came out yesterday and I can't even touch the thing. Thanks CDPR. Jesus.

 

[UtileDulci]

Mind... blown... Absolutely loved the game. Beautiful locations, amazing dialogues, outstanding characters. Not sure there was anything I disliked actually. Maybe the caretaker being slighly harder an oponent than the wraith from the paining?

If you ever become a corrupted money grabbing company, I will honestly be sad. So, keep up the good work and may you forever make such great games.

 

[_Columbo_]

Heart of stone is one of the best expansion that i have ever played. It had a great soundtrack and my personal favorite was "You're... immortal?". New awesome characters Olgierd Von Everec and Gaunter O'Dimm. New weapons and armor. Cool new monsters Toad Prince and Caretaker which were both challenging boss fights. New Gwent cards are always a plus. I really hope that the next expansion will be good as the heart of stone or even better.
.:smile:

 

[dastommygun]

Hats off!

Sorry for posting here, I know this may be OT but...

YOUR GAME F*CKING ROCKS!

I've been playing RPG since Ultima Underworld and your new expansion, Heart of Stone, is simply AWESOME! It' even better than the core game!

The graphics and animations (Fallout 4? Please), the storywriting, the voice acting... everything in it is simply top notch and I THANK YOU for developing such a great game.

That's it, I just wanna let you know that.

I hug you.

 

[mannygt]

I finished to play HoT and I'm very impressed. This is a masterpiece, I loved it 'till the end. I loved the reference to the Professor and his glasses. My Geralt is a fucking badass with these glasses. For me, Vlodimir was the best NPC I encountered.

Thank you very much, CD-Projekt!

 

[mannygt]

Opted for a story, can't get past the wraith so can't finish the story.
I know many ask for a far higher difficulty level but put on the lowest setting it should be like it says "a story" in other words a walk in the park.

Sorry, but for the lesser playing non virtuosos, like me, way to difficult. So no I can't recommend this game how good the story up until now has been.

Wraith can be defeated by using Yrden traps and anti spectres unguent.

 

[ratiasu220]

Ahh, I too loved the expansion. So mysterious, so different from other quests. What I really loved was the feeling that the world is living and having meaningful happenings apart from the main story. "maybe stories like this are happening all the time in the world" - The world doesn't move only around Geralt; the story in this expansion has started so long ago without him being involved. (Of course the main game's side quests were also very interesting and meaningful, but this was even bigger and more stand-a-alone).

These kind of short stories works so well that i wouldn't mind buying a "short story collection" kind of a witcher game where there wouldn't be main story at all but a few well made short stories. They tell so different stories about the world and show so different places that it's very immersive.

Aww also I just would love a Dol Blathanna expansion! The one they abandoned from TW2... so much would be already planned and done...

If I would point out some things I didn't like so much was that some boss battles were very repetitive. And it was difficult to target the painting (while fighting the iris' ghost) as Geralt preferred to attack the ghost herself.

 

[Hexe78]

It's incredible what CDPR has archived with this Game and its first DLC. Not only am I stunned at a regular basis by the REDengine3 alone.. that surroundings, environment, characters .. their faces, movements, animation, athmosphere .. gosh! Sometimes I simply stand and stare at the bark of an old tree in the woods during a storm, twisting its branches .. simple perfection in music, sound-fx, graphics and storytelling.
The characters are true-to-life, nothing is ever only black and white, lots of people you like, hate, some you can understand, others not. The two most shocking scenes in "Heart of Stone" where when Ewald Borsodi killed his brother, and master mirror popped an eye with a spoon :x Didn't see that coming..

Playing TW3 really spoiles you for other and especially slightly older games Damn! Every time I start my beautiful modded Skyrim I have to admit that it's nevertheless only half as nice as TW3.

Best storytelling I've seen in 25 years of gaming, whatever game you will release next - I'll buy it unseen. But if possible, please do more than just one other DLC besides this brilliant "Heart of Stone". Pretty PLEASE!

 

[Riven-Twain]

But if possible, please do more than just one other DLC besides this brilliant "Heart of Stone". Pretty PLEASE!

There will be another: Blood and Wine is the next expansion, coming in the first half of 2016. Based on the projected hours, it'll be twice as long as Hearts of Stone.

 

[Ekimma]

(My first post)(Meanwile I am infected with the witcher) (Mass Effect is not longer my RPG King) (Sometimes I feel angry that NPC will not longer interact/talk to me)

First of all a great storytelling with finest dialogues. I was a little (little, litte) bit disappointed with the hearts of stone DLC. I expected a more dramatic story. Geralts is at home with Triss/Yen when the new arrivded that triss/Yen is captured by the which hunters (for example bloody barons doughter)...! This can mix up the complete Triss/Yen story.
That the complete DLC ist more ore less not linked to the wild hunt story this killed a little bit my comprehensive, neverending witcher world.

 

[mothramdeer]

Loved it! Still feel really uncomfortable looking around the Von Everec mansion, even though I know nothing is there anymore (right?...right?!) and I'm not sure which was better - spending the evening with Shani or Vlodomir

Ending spoiler: this is something I love about CD Projekt Red and how they write these characters. At first, I let O'Dimm have Olgierd, because although he was charming, I also thought he brought a lot of his problems on himself and the way he treated Iris and Vlodomir was awful. Plus I just wanted to stay out of it and get back to Witchering...didn't take anything from Master Mirror in return, just wanted to wash my hands of the situation. But then when I read the updated Character page for Olgierd afterwards and saw Dandelion's comments about how Geralt knew how to save him but for some reason didn't, I felt so guilty that I had to reload a previous save and rescue him this time...so thanks Dandelion for the guilt trip, I feel better now and have a cool sword.

 

[Lytha]

I only recently had the opportunity to play HoS at last - when it was released, I was in the middle of a "bad decisions, everything goes wrong" playthrough. And I was feeling so badly about all the negative outcomes that I did not want to use that Geralt to explore a new area. And then I started a w1->w2->w3 playthrough, which obviously took a while until I was in w3 and ready for HoS. I have played it through once now; sided with O'Dim for the sake of testing if he had anything to say about Ciri (he did) but reloaded afterwards. I still need to play the last mission from the other angle.

So, my first impression of HoS is: I am blown away by its quality and immersion.

I did feel quite a bit of pressure to stick to its mainquest because I consider the mark to be like the marks on Anna's hands and thus lived in fear since it was applied. But I did draw it out by exploring and heading back to the vanilla main- and sidequests. After a while, I started to feel edgy whenever I see 4 children sit in these circles. Their song is so creepy.

The estate's creepiness was initially quite on the same level as Thief 3's The Cradle or as Amnesia (that is, only as far as I can judge that.) Until the fight with the Wraith, at least.

The boss fights were all very interesting, particularly in comparison to the rather blunt boss fights in vanilla. Maybe a bit hard and frustrating at times, but it's my fault for playing on Death March.

What I particularly love about it is that even the POIs, these simple, boring ???s in the landscape, have stories to tell and that they are interconnected with each other (if you only bother to read these notes, that is.) I searched these Deadwight Woods for the squad that was sent in there, didn't find anything. And then I came across them in that other place and had to smile to myself. Or the connections to Witcher 1 that are all over the place.

I'd rate it with 10/10, even not knowing how that last mission will be like from the other angle. Simply just because it had so many awesome and most of all memorable moments in the earlier parts already.

 

[Archerwarden]

Loved it! So many emotions. Never thought Geralt would lose at Gwent and have to... Poor Geralt so undignified but oh so funny!
Excellent and beautiful! Thank you!

 

[Triss.Hasengold]

...didn't take anything from Master Mirror in return, just wanted to wash my hands of the situation.

he could have given you this cool czombie horse

Really impressive zombi hgorse complete black with flies around it and stuff. You should have taken iz as long asMaster Mirror was around....

 

[Lytha]

he could have given you this cool czombie horse

But if you take anything from him, he might come back and twist it into a: "You owe me another favour! The stuff you did for me in HoS was payment for saving your life. Now we get down to payment for the zombie horse!"

 

[mothramdeer]

he could have given you this cool czombie horse

A zombie horse?! I might have to reconsider my reconsidering of letting Olgierd live!

@Lytha Yes! And what could you say to that?! I don't want a spoon in my eye.

 

[e6chan]

had a question for you guys. just finished the original Witcher 3 and had a great time. i'm looking at GOG and see that HOS is 10% off on GOG ($8.99) while the expansion pass is the original price of $24.99. does it make sense for me to buy it individually then or the pass? has there been any word on the expected price of Blood and Wine?