The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone (2015): The Review

Score: 9 out of 10

Overview: "The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone is a masterful expansion that elevates an already phenomenal game. With an enthralling story, some of the best characters in the series, and exciting new gameplay mechanics, it proves that CD Projekt Red knows how to craft compelling content. The expansion introduces Geralt to a dangerous contract that quickly spirals into something far greater, leading to encounters with the enigmatic Gaunter O’Dimm and the charismatic Olgierd von Everec. With high-stakes storytelling, challenging enemies, and an array of new gear and abilities, Hearts of Stone is an unforgettable addition to The Witcher 3."

The Positives

• Hearts of Stone delivers one of the best narratives in The Witcher 3, featuring morally complex choices, unexpected twists, and deeply compelling characters;
• The expansion introduces one of the most memorable antagonists in gaming history. Gaunter O’Dimm’s calm, eerie presence and unpredictable nature make every encounter with him gripping;
• The cursed nobleman serves as a fantastic foil to Geralt, bringing emotional depth and intrigue to the story. His personal struggles and the choices surrounding his fate add layers of complexity;
• The expansion features some of the most unique missions in the series, from an unforgettable heist to a bizarre and humorous wedding sequence where Geralt gets possessed by a ghost;
• Hearts of Stone introduces some of the toughest encounters in the game, with new mechanics that test players’ skills and strategies;
• The Runewright system adds more depth to combat, allowing players to enhance their weapons and armor in unique ways;
• The expansion’s story has a haunting, almost fairy-tale-like quality, blending horror, tragedy, and dark humor seamlessly;
• As expected from The Witcher 3, the dialogue and performances are top-tier, bringing every character to life with nuance and emotion.

The Negatives

• Unlike Blood and Wine, Hearts of Stone doesn’t introduce a large new region, instead reusing parts of Novigrad and Oxenfurt, which may feel a little familiar;
• While the new Runeword system is an interesting addition, it doesn’t feel as impactful as expected, and its high costs may discourage players from fully utilizing it;
• The story takes a little time to build momentum, especially compared to the more expansive Blood and Wine;
• While the main quest is outstanding, there are fewer side quests and distractions compared to the base game.

The Experience

Hearts of Stone is a near-perfect expansion that showcases The Witcher 3 at its finest. With an unforgettable antagonist, thrilling quests, and deep storytelling, it’s a must-play for anyone who loved the base game. While it lacks the grandeur of Blood and Wine’s open world, its narrative and character work more than make up for it. Whether you’re facing off against the sinister Gaunter O’Dimm or making tough moral choices that shape Olgierd’s fate, Hearts of Stone delivers an unforgettable adventure that cements The Witcher 3 as one of the greatest RPGs of all time.