Gamers hungry for more Witcher 3 can rejoice because Hearts of Stone, the first of two announced expansion packs to the best-selling action-RPG, is coming next week.
The expansion contains approximately 10 hours of new content as well as a new runewords system, and new romance option. The official release from CD Projekt Red reads:
"Step again into the shoes of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster slayer, this time hired to defeat a ruthless bandit captain, Olgierd von Everec, a man who possesses the power of immortality. The expansion lets you choose your own way through an adventure that includes recruiting a crew of break-in artists, spending a night partying with a ghost and outsmarting the most bizarre creatures Geralt has ever faced."
The new content has been well received by reviewers so far. IGN's Vince Ingenito gave the game a 9 out of 10 writing:
The story in Hearts of Stone alone would make it worth getting, but it succeeds on other levels as well. The fun new enemies and bosses, along with the customization potential of Runewords make Hearts of Stone a very well-rounded package that shouldn't be skipped.
Gamespot's Mike Maharday awarded the game the same score. He said:
Hearts of Stone feels just as much a part of the narrative as any of the main game's quest lines, but stands on its own as a memorable adventure. It may have its negative moments and the pacing may be broken at certain intervals, but The Witcher 3's first paid expansion is well worth the return to the Northern Kingdoms.
Hearts of Stone will also get a limited edition box set that retails for $20. The main draw of the physical release are the two limited edition Gwent decks bundled with the game. Gwent is an expansive mini card game found within The Witcher 3.
