Witcher 3: Blood and Wine Review

If you have not had the opportunity to play the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, than you are definitely missing out. Even for those who had some issues with combat in the Witcher 2 should grab this title anyways. There is so much to do in the stand alone game itself, but the company just recently released the second of two major DLC packages titled Blood and Wine. CD Projekt Red knows what they are doing, and their ‘DLC’ might as well be another game. In Blood and Wine, you will cross all over a brand new area in a 25-30 hour epic adventure. It is a must have for fans of the Witcher 3!

Although the developers are giving us a lot of Geralt in this third installment of the series, they have been quick to point out on numerous occasions that this unfortunately will also be Geralts last adventure. So, we definitely have a trade off. Two large DLC packs instead of another Witcher title. While I’d love for the franchise to continue, I’m fairly ok with this arrangement. The Witcher 3 is so good, and has so few flaws, that it is the perfect platform to add 30-40 hours of additional game play too.

If you’ve spent countless hours in the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt standalone game, you will understand the backdrop for the world of Velen. It is war torn, communities are in shambles, and everything seems to be always in some level of disrepair. Even the cities are crawling with vagrants and career criminals attempting to profit off another persons woes. This is what makes Blood and Wine so different. In a clean break from the original game, Geralt is whisked off to Toussaint where players can enjoy lush shorelines, beautiful views, and seemingly wonderful cities. It’s such a stark contrast from the original title, that if you weren’t playing as Geralt himself, you’d think you were in a different game.

This really is a departure for the team at CD Projekt Red. Their past titles have often meddled in the doom and gloom, the driving force behind Geralts many actions and quests. That is not the case in Toussaint. Things appear – emphasis on appear – different here. For all the seriousness of Velen, your first few hours in Toussaint will feel much different.

There is an underlying problem here, however; why else would Geralt travel this far. The entire region is dealing with a vampire horde that briefly intersects themselves into the care free lives of the people living there. Unfortunately, the main antagonist for this DLC never quite gets his feet off the ground; nothing was drawing me to him, or to really care about him outside of his role as antagonist. However, the surrounding class of new villains often closes those gaps, making this story just as enjoyable – if not more enjoyable – than that of the standalone game.

The story is generally really well done, pulling the players this way and that; don’t be fooled by an apparent conclusion to the story, however, as the developers work in a number of twists and turns to keep the players on their toes. Of course, new allies side with Geralt in Toussaint, but there identities and skills won’t be ruined here. They are engaging characters with sometimes witty senses of humour that definitely add to the adventure in their own little way, making them more than just someone to converse with.

The DLC adds other things to the game as well. New dies are available for Geralt’s clothing, which means you won’t be subjected to the hideous browns, blacks, and greys of some of the more powerful equipment in the game. It is a nice touch for anyone who enjoys the customization aspect of games like these. The developers have also worked in a ‘house’ for Geralt to own, upgrade, and use. Like with what Ubisoft did with the Assassins Creed franchises, Geralt, soon after arriving in Toussaint, will lay claim to small vineyard. Here, Geralt can upgrade the property and use the interior to show off suites of armour. Pleased with a set of armour you crafted and customized, but can’t use it because of how ‘crappy’ it is? Well, now you can display it, if that is your thing. The game doesn’t force this on you however, so after receiving the vineyard, you can ignore it for much of your adventure if you want.

I wouldn’t pass on the property too quickly, however, as it does have some added bonuses. There is a garden for planting herbs and plants to be used in alchemy, a bed for Geralt to regain vitality, and a stable that will help with Roach’s stamina. They may seem minor, but once you get going it can become a valuable resource.

The developers at CD Projekt Red have added so much more to make this a truly worthy addition to the Witcher franchise. Outside of the new areas, main quests, side quests, and everything else mentioned, there are new weapons and armour to collect and craft, mutations for Geralt to experiment with – these are really cool to experiment with, and should be explored as soon as possible! – there is not shortage of new and exciting things to do in the world of the Witcher 3. As this is undoubtedly Geralt’s last adventure, be sure to make it a good one. This is a great send off!

DLC Review: Highly Recommended!