Stone Cold Stunner

Hearts of Stone doesn't change a whole lot about Witcher 3. The Runewright is cool in theory, but I never bothered actually using it (since I'm still replacing my equipment every few levels). There are just a few side-quests, one or two new monsters?, and only a small handful of new Gwent cards.

What it does offer is a story. A tale of mystery and intrigue, tragic heartbreak and sinister dealings, a wedding! a bank heist! and a magical alternate world. It's a tour de force of the same storytelling chops that made the main game such a pleasure. And its story content felt impressively varied; although I was a little let-down at how much of the heist was non-interactive -- overall, there simply wasn't a dull moment in this expansion's story quests.

So the fact that it doesn't do much else is totally fine, by me. Excellent storytelling is just what I want out of The Witcher, and Hearts of Stone delivered.

Better than: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn, Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Not as good as: no, it's the best add-on story I've played so far.
That said: my early hours in Blood and Wine are pretty promising.