Narratively, B&W acts like an extended epilogue to the base game, Geralt's swan song, his last hurrah before he settles down and hopefully becomes the first Witcher to die in his own bed.
God wouldn't that be nice, as much as a witchers duty is to die in a glorious or not so glorious death, it's just so wholesome to think geralt simply grew old 😢
@@DartNoobo I agree completely, but not because Geralt would die by something of the Witcher's world. Because according to the last thig Gaunter O' Dimm said after Geralt "defeated" him, I have a feeling he wont be happy with Geralt for beating him in his own game, and would try to kill him. In his own, twisted, entertaining way of course. Although that ending depends on two things: 1) It depends on O' Dimm to be able come back within that 100 years, and 2) for the player to actually get that ending in HoS
Dang, I do that as well! My all time favorite game is W3 and I love that people are still having their first playthrough. I almost always watch the newer videos because I love hearing people's reaction to everything. :')
When I first got to Novigrad I was really impressed by the visuals. Then I got to Skellige, it was beautiful. Then I arrived to Toussaint and I was like "Oh my God, this is gorgeous." This is a very beutiful game. The music is also much better than Witcher 2. That was a bit more generic RPG. With Witcher 3 whenever I hear a piece I can immediately tell if it is music from Velen or Novigrad, battle tune from Toussaint or the Gwent theme song. And I've played this game only twice...so far.
I cannot express how actually terrified I was when I heard this line... Detlaff was already a vampire but after his transformation he truly became a monster to behold. One only a Witcher can kill
This truly is the greatest expansion I've ever played from any game. One of the many things that makes this, the previous dlc and the base game truly breathtaking is of course the soundtrack. My god the Toussaint music that plays when you are just relaxing at your vineyard. It's is probably my favourite piece of music from any game ever. I listen to it on the regular when I want to chill out and relax. Just beautiful.
The whole game is beautiful. I played it for the first time during the first year of CoVid, when I got extremely ill with something else for about 6 months. When I first finished, I couldn't bear the thought that it was over, so I immediately started a NG+. And when I finished NG+, I couldn't bear the thought that it was over, so I immediately start a fresh new game. I wish CDPR had spun off a studio making nothing but Witcher 3 DLCs. As long as they hired the best writers, and kept the games true to the series and the quality at the level of the original game and DLC, millions of people would keep buying them for years and years. Like me...
@@MrBrachiatingApe I wish they would of made a dlc about kovir tbh would of been nice to get some more Triss content too idk what story they could of done though kovir is referenced a lot in the games a mage even invites you to see him in witcher 3 if geralt ever visits kovir.
The Shivering Isles for Oblivion was also a really well done and long DLC/expansion. Also Undead Nightmare for Red Dead Redemption. Not many studios make DLC/expansions worth playing. Especially now. Now they make a big map with nothing in it and the DLC is only around 3 hours long. Just look Borderlands 3 exactly. Not only was that game a massive let down with one of the worst and annoying characters in gaming, their dlc is way too short with such little content. The one cowboy DLC WAS 1 HOUR LONG. I didn't even have OP guns or anything. Gaming has lost its passion. The replaced talent with terrible, lazy devs and even worse managers.
its also especially great when youre only partway through baptism of fire but have almost 100%'ed witcher 3 and the reviewer says "regis was killed by vilgefortz" lmao. i actually said out loud "KILLED BY V-- oh that cunt"
Piecing together the true source of the old Trastamara woman's curse, and then, as Geralt tells B.B about what happened to her, G.O.D's theme plays in the background; that will always be one of the most chilling parts of the entire game. Enough clues to make it click for some people, but subtle enough that others replaying could have their jaws hit the floor. This whole quest is just masterfully done, as the majority of what CDPR did pre-Cyberpunk.
Even though Cyberpunk 2077 is unpolished mess the storytelling in that game can be on par with Witcher 3 there was alot of attention to detail and heartfelt moments and funny quests the search for nephew with Detective River Ward stealing a tank with Aldecaldos, finding tarrot cards which helped you uncover little bit of mystery and find a good ending..choice of saving Takemura or secret endings...I would say the game regarding the design is same as Witcher 2 that game had amazing story with many interesting decisions and tough choices held back by archaic gameplay and rushed development.
The conversation between Geralt and Regis at the end of the DLC always manages to make me very emotional in a way no other game can. Idk why but there is something about it and all Geralt has been through that just makes me tear up a bit. Its really fantastic.
It's easy. Geralt looks directly at you, and gives the smallest of smiles. He says goodbye for now, in a way, and it's such a good ending to such an emotinal and engaging story
Me, too. It was definitely helped by the fact that I always found Regis to be the most humanist of the characters, the warmest and in most ways the wisest. He seems like he'd be an awesome friend for life, honestly, and maybe even a friend to your descendants for generations to come. The sort who'd pop round every 20 to 30 years, get to know everybody, spend time and maybe help somebody in a crazy adventure, and spend time telling stories of your family's dead to the current generation, collecting their stories in return to keep them all alive for future generations.
THIS!!! i first picked up the game in 2020 and got absolutely lost in it. went near-completionist with my first playthrough - every sidequest, all the points of interest (even skellige, hate those fucking sirens) all the collectables i could, base game then HoS then BaW. all in all it took ages to complete because i spent so much time exploring but even just running around, listening to the soundtrack, i loved every second. heading to that final encounter with regis in the cemetery had me dragging my feet because i knew id literally done everything else there was to do in the game but i didnt want it to end. and then regis says that line - "i dare say we deserve a bit of rest". and geralt looks right at you and agrees. its a bit cringe to say but i sat with that for a long time. all the way through BaW theres the hint that its geralts 'last hurrah' as a witcher before he (at least officially) retires and the whole time youre playing it feels weird, like neither you or geralt really believe it. then in that ending scene it felt not only like i was finally accepting the game was over, but geralt was accepting that his monsterslaying days (at least for now) were over - that finally, the guy who spends the whole game basically just being manipulated and fucked around and having the worst time ever, actually gets to settle down and have a bit of peace and quiet. BaW to me is geralt learning to accept that just because he was made into a witcher doesnt mean its all he has to be/wants to be forever (i think most times you talk to regis you end up having a talk along these lines tbh). cheesy as it is, it was the ol '*wink at the camera*, thanks for sticking it out with me' that really got me in the end.
My favorite game of all time. Although I've played it like 7 times on Deathmarch, with all kinds of character builds and always at least 200.000 Gold in my pocket I still find joy and by now even nostalgia. Only game that made me feel empty inside when I finished it, and then both DLC's? That makes a grown man cry. What a journey to be sure. Thank you for this video, and for making me play the game again soon. It seems the winds howling me back to it
Fun fact, and a bit silly, but the initials for De La Croix being DLC, there's a bunch of stuff about how he was a penny pincher and very greedy in notes found in the water. Just a fun little thang
This is probably a nod to the free DLC the Witcher 3 promised to release with the game. They did release quite a few much smaller but free DLCs before blood and wine and heart of stone.
The story, characters, and atmosphere are just incredible; Blood and Wine is one of my favorite stories ever. I loved the Renaissance parallels and the vampire drama.
James, this video is absolutely fantastic! I loved delving back into The Witcher 3 for 2 hours, but also, Blood and Wine. It's certainly the King of DLC and I cannot express how happy this video made me feel. This is a piece of art. Well done James.
you should try Thronebreaker if you like Gwent but not only that the game has a really good story with tough decisions and great characters from the witcher world
They already said they aren't making any other games, they have said they may make other games in the Witcher universe but Geralt shall not be the main character, he may only make a cameo
@@hulkamania5071 And why is that? Ciri was raised in Cintra and Skellige. Emhyr was exiled from Nilfgaard back then. He became Emperor after Ciri's mother died and he left Ciri in Cintra. So Ciri never even was in Nilfgaard until she was almost adult. And when she get there she wasn't a princess anymore. More like an outlaw.
I'm currently not actively playing Witcher 3 (I plan to, once I buy a new pc in autumn), but every once in a while, I load an old save file and judt stroll through Toussaint and Beauclair. It's simply too beautiful.
Personally, I feel like Syanna evaded a well-deserved punishment. Getting treated badly as a child is an explanation, but not an excuse for doing horrible deeds. She was responsible, directly and indirectly, for the deaths of who knows how many people in the duchy. She should have gotten a serious sentence for this. Fabricio got thrown into jail for high treason for selling some wine illegally - but Syanna goes free despite causing so much death? This is nepotism at its finest.
And given how terrible person Syanna is, I doubt that her story of those knights being bad to her is true. Milton de Peyrac-Peyran accompanied you throughout and he looks like he’s an honorable man through and through.. yet Syanna asked Detlaff to kill him coz “he bad when Im young”. We know that the curse of the black sun is a lie as well.. she’s just a terrible person.. tbh so is her sister.
I think Syanna's story was a way to get Renfri into the game, and how she was treated by the knights was waaay worse. However I see your point, but honestly, I just like happy endings.
You could always ignore the ribbon girl and get Syanna killed? On a first playthrough I realize you wouldn’t know but still. Death is a fitting punishment for her if you really hate the fairytale ending.
I'm literally going through The Witcher 3 withdrawals. I finished it 4 times, and on my fifth play I platinumed it, and then, for the sixth time, I played it again and chose different choices, and I still want to play it one more time because I think I will find something new to explore. This game is insane even with its proplems, awkward movement, gameplay and glitches, I don't mind giving it 10/10. Truly deserves it.
The great part of discovering a channel like yours is that once you find it, you know you have hours of content to enjoy. Keep up the good work man, glad to be a new subscriber.
I love at the end, when Geralt returns home you see the subtle changes to Corvo ....piles of books, chests, extra items and luggage...It seems someone has moved in :)
The music in this DLC gives me goosebumps. Coupled that with the epic fights and lines so badass like, "If you acknowledge any gods, start praying now." They really made you feel like this is the fight of Geralt's life and the sheer power of the higher vampire.
Crazy how good this game is, base and dlc. Nothing like it and probably nothing ever will be because even recapturing the magic with a fourth game is different. A different year in reality, a different story, we're different from when we discovered this game. But still, the same magic but different - that's what I hope the new games are. I love this one and will never tire of replaying it through the years
58:10 First time a game left me shocked on a murder. I legit screamed, “WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?” after finding out everything tho I couldn’t blame and felt genuinely bad for him. He was the real victim here. I even wanted him to kill that manipulative monster but I bought her that stupid ribbon!
Your Witcher videos are honestly some of the best content I have come across on UA-cam. The respect for the story interposed with moments of pure humor from your narration are a joy to experience. Keep up the awesome work and can’t wait to join you on more fascinating narratives.
I beat this dlc this year, 5 years after completing the Witcher 3, and it is by far the greatest dlc I’ve ever played and the best ending to a story I could’ve imagined
I always feel so bad for Detlaff. Like I hate the decision he puts us in. But like knowing what vampires in the witcher series have to go through I cant help but pity him.
same!! ik half the point of toussaint is the people are living in a fairytale and probably wouldnt survive 5 minutes in a place like velen, but the 'happy' ending being the (arguably) true villain syanna getting to reconcile with her sister and everyone telling geralt what a hero he is while detlaff is dead and regis is forced to flee his home... man thats tough. in the base game i think there are pretty clear-cut good endings and bad endings. hearts of stone is a little more difficult but personally when replaying, saving olgierd is definitely the more rewarding ending gameplay-wise and it just fits more with what i imagine geralt would do. but blood and wine?? genuinely get as stumped when trying to choose who to spare at the end as i did the first time. i know the whole series is about grey areas but i think BaW in its entirety is the most successful in the witcher 3 at actually putting that in to practice, aside from a few sidequests like crows perch.
Man everything about this DLC was amazing! The story was great, the location was a pleasure explore, the characters all fantastic (Regis became my favourite in the entire game), the best soundtrack I've ever heard and to top it all off, a satisfying ending for Geralt who we've come to know and love.
I really appreciate the time you allow to watch the story unfold and think, instead of just non stop obnoxious info delivery that other video essays insist on shoving down your throat as fast as possible. Loved watching this!
If you wear the sunglasses you can get at the auction in Hearts of Stone, the hood of the master cat gear is pulled down. Not only does the armor look much better that way, but also the round steampunk-ish sunglasses look incredibly good on Geralt.
These DLC's are how games should make them not the trash half ass stuff they make and ask for $30 for. Blood and wine was the size a game inside a game with just as much love and care for as the main game. From the new world you get to explore, the characters, enemies you get to face, the soundtrack, everything was amazing and beautiful. The Witcher 3 is easily and always will be my favourite game ever
this DLC is such a masterpiece of a playable-movie... and one of the reasons why cyberpunk2077, although a good game, feels really bad compared. This raised the bar cyberpunk unfortunately could quite jump
@@hiloboy4life2002 Rdr 2 is probably as good as Witcher 3 if not better shame it had no dlcs though but in terms of dlc blood and wine is one of the best i played it feels like a full game
15:54 yet another example of CDPRs great writing and voice directing. The queen insists on keeping calm, yet she drops the royal We, instead saying "My castle, my guards". It's a great way of showing personality even through the Queens role as an unflappable leader
I loved watching this, brought back great memories. However I find it incredible that you missed that the bank quest was an Easter Egg pointing towards an Asterix cartoon.
Agreed! Blood and Wine is definitely the best expansion that I've played so far and probably will be for a long time. B&W fits so perfectly after the main story as it really feels like an epilogue and I often recommend people to play it as such when asked about when they should be played the DLCs. That final conversation with Regis is fantastic. I love how it comes across that it's just Geralt reflecting on his journey but then it quickly has you realize that he's also talking to us, the players, as well. It wasn't just his journey. It was our journey as well. Personally, I loved that it did this and the only other time I can remember that a game has done a similar moment was Mass Effect 3 during the Citadel DLC. The final quest "Be It Ever So Humble..." was also a nice note to end the DLC on. In both of my playthroughs, I had Yennefer visit because her romance is my preferred one. It also makes me happy how they finally get to live together in peace after all the shit they've been through in the books and games. If anyone's wondering why they just didn't try to in the books, they tried to live together for a short period of time but that ended abruptly because of the Rivian Pogrom (Riot) which killed Geralt and Yennefer briefly.
Just finished my 3rd playthrough of this amazing game only this time I actually got to finishing blood and wine, did every single thing I possibly could in the game including all the points of interests, got the best damn ending I could ask for I'm beyond satisfied
I hated this game for the first 20 hours or so, but it has really grown on me. I don’t remember ever playing a game that felt so alive. It will forever be in my top 10 favorites.
It gets so much better when you slow it down and enjoy each moment, the weather, atmosphere, music etc. each quest, rather than run around merely trying to get exp and loot.
In my first playthrough i was saddened that i was forced to kill Detlaf. I truly wanted to help him and I was disappointed that he was too consumed with rage to hear me out.
Amazing video as always James! Somehow your videos always exceeds my expectations and this one was no different. Enjoy your well deserved break and rest up. I really hope the doctors find what’s been causing your headaches as soon as possible but however long of a break it will be, I will eagerly await the return of the king of retrospectives
When I started watching this video I remembered this games charm and why it's the only game that never gets old and honestly I don't think anyone could do this game justice but you james almost did with the 3 videos you made, so from a huge ac and witcher fan thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart, you made me remember how much this game brings joy to my heart, how it has a deep place in my heart, it even gave me a feeling that last time i had was years ago from the old ac games and I hope that you revisit this game again with more great videos
I’m a huge Witcher fan now, but I wasn’t always. I first played Witcher 3 died to a pack of wolfs quit to the game because I thought it was just some dumb thing with bad combat. My friend convinced me to just try it for the story, it took awhile but I agreed. The game didn’t stick for me until the bloody Baron, I thought it was amazing that such a minor person could be so deep and that’s when the game had me hooked. I’ve not beat it multiple times, read lore, and played the old games. I think this game is truly one of a kind and nothing has come close.
Witcher 3 most gripping story, vibe, ambience of any modern game. Imagine if CDPR can improve their mechanics to be similar to dark souls- the game would be unstoppable.
Great summary of the Blood and Wine expansion, it manages to capture the essence of why this game is so amazing. Also love the loyal to Yennefer, except that one time line. What males the game is the fact that no character is black or white, but everything is a shade of grey
I haven't read all of the books yet, but the introduction of Regis is one the most badass and surprising things in the game. At first I was confused by the fact that a higher vampire is one of my best friends, buf then I was like "Well, I fought and defeated Gaunter, I shouldn't be surprised at this point. I'll take it." And I have to admit, at the end of the DLC, when I said goodbye to Regis and it's implied that I will never see him again I was genuinely sad.
I have 3 things to say: 1.James your retrospectives are one of my favourite things on youtube. 2. I'm so sad AC is what it is today. 3. I'm baffled by how Cyberpunk ended up not having any of the complexity and storytelling that are present in this DLC not to even mention the rest of the Witcher series
@Steven Pounsett AC used to be a game about serious topics with an overarching story, About templars and Assassins. About the journey of a single individual whitin one of those orders. In valhalla I gathered eggs so I can give them to an old lady who then farted violently,
Both of the DLCs are separate in style from the main game and just as engaging. Whilst HoS doesn't get it's own instance. It still manages to carry a different vibe in relation to the main game. Getting to meet with Shani again, and get some closure on her story as well, is just awesome. If you've only bought the main game you've only played 60% of the game. A very long 60% but 60% nonetheless. P.S: I think you can insta snipe the giant with the crossbow if you shoot his eye.
The music for the Witcher 3 is so good, that i replaced the music in Skyrim with it. Seriously they did a fantastic job with the soundtrack for this entry.
@@yoel9396 Thanks man, so far I'm loving it. After prepping myself for it by reading all the Witcher books and playing the previous games, it's exactly what I hoped it's gonna be. Currently am just past the White Orchard area after you finish the Griffin contract with uncle Vesemir, so far it's just so damn good, it was worth all the wait. What's weird is that I've seen people complain about Wild Hunt's combat mechanics before I started playing the game. That is something which is impossible for me to understand, the combat feels absolutely perfect
@@flllpmajor wow you really prepared xd Maybe it sounds like I'm trying to lower the hype but white orchard is a very small area and very well thought so coming to velen you might feel the game differently since it's more loose because of its sheer size. Also velen might be a bit monotone at times so crossing the pontar river and going up to the south of novigrad for a change might be refreshing for you, at least that was my experience. As for the combat system I admit I had the same impression for a long part of my first playthrough, and it's because spamming light attack, quen and dodge is all you need to win any fight and the rest of your options are just that, options. I still think those 3 tools are all you'll ever need but using everything you have is a lot of fun!
I love this dlc. This world is so different and so vibrant and still dark and full of secrets and dangers! And Also - VAMPIRES - that's it, that's what i need to fall in love!
Mate, just like the video on the main game, and Hearts of Stone, this Blood and Wine look back didn’t disappoint in the slightest, absolutely love the in depth analysis, properly critiquing the game rather than just describing what we can see, awesome stuff. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to replay Witcher 3 for the umpteenth time cause it’s just that damn good ⚔️
The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/lazerzz06211
Keep
Rtrtrhrrnj uh rm
Also, the lady of the Lake passively jokes that you shouldnt lose that sword again XD.
Narratively, B&W acts like an extended epilogue to the base game, Geralt's swan song, his last hurrah before he settles down and hopefully becomes the first Witcher to die in his own bed.
God wouldn't that be nice, as much as a witchers duty is to die in a glorious or not so glorious death, it's just so wholesome to think geralt simply grew old 😢
@@isaiahtomoana1101 judging by Veswmir, Geralt has at least another 100 years in him. Way too much time to have a chance of dying in bed.
You forgot Jad Karadin, he may also die in the bed as he retired from witchery
@@GeetMonke he may also die by the witcher sword, depending on your choice
@@DartNoobo I agree completely, but not because Geralt would die by something of the Witcher's world. Because according to the last thig Gaunter O' Dimm said after Geralt "defeated" him, I have a feeling he wont be happy with Geralt for beating him in his own game, and would try to kill him. In his own, twisted, entertaining way of course. Although that ending depends on two things:
1) It depends on O' Dimm to be able come back within that 100 years, and
2) for the player to actually get that ending in HoS
every now and then I like to just search Witcher 3 in youtube, happy to see content still being made about it, especially at this quality!
Thank you!
I assume you already know but xLetalis
has been making videos on the Witcher 3 at a mad pace. He's found an insane amount of hidden details!
@@truegamer_007 yeah I know, he's one of the best isn't he!
It’s what I’m doing rn at 2:15 am july 23 😂
Dang, I do that as well! My all time favorite game is W3 and I love that people are still having their first playthrough.
I almost always watch the newer videos because I love hearing people's reaction to everything. :')
What can we say, this dlc is one of thousands reasons why this game is the best of all fucking time.
I agree. Well not just that this DLC is amazing, but it adds 1000000x more amazing to an already amazing game. Witcher 3 IMO is the GOAT of a game.
When I first got to Novigrad I was really impressed by the visuals. Then I got to Skellige, it was beautiful. Then I arrived to Toussaint and I was like "Oh my God, this is gorgeous." This is a very beutiful game. The music is also much better than Witcher 2. That was a bit more generic RPG. With Witcher 3 whenever I hear a piece I can immediately tell if it is music from Velen or Novigrad, battle tune from Toussaint or the Gwent theme song. And I've played this game only twice...so far.
It's a great game, but the combat is too meh to earn the title of the best of all time.
@Canadian 009 You too sir 🙂😏
@@nelAjamZ I am a PC player, don't know what you are talking about
"If you acknowledge any gods, start praying now". Most badass line ever
Exactly.
Dettlaff is such a great character. obviously he's my favourite along with Regis!
I cannot express how actually terrified I was when I heard this line... Detlaff was already a vampire but after his transformation he truly became a monster to behold. One only a Witcher can kill
@@isaiahtomoana1101 one only a vampire can kill!!
@@seanlunt6593 defeat* 😅😅😅
When Geralt looks to camera and breaks the 4th wall it still gives me goosebumps
For sure, one of the most earned moments in video games
This truly is the greatest expansion I've ever played from any game. One of the many things that makes this, the previous dlc and the base game truly breathtaking is of course the soundtrack. My god the Toussaint music that plays when you are just relaxing at your vineyard. It's is probably my favourite piece of music from any game ever. I listen to it on the regular when I want to chill out and relax. Just beautiful.
The whole game is beautiful. I played it for the first time during the first year of CoVid, when I got extremely ill with something else for about 6 months. When I first finished, I couldn't bear the thought that it was over, so I immediately started a NG+. And when I finished NG+, I couldn't bear the thought that it was over, so I immediately start a fresh new game.
I wish CDPR had spun off a studio making nothing but Witcher 3 DLCs. As long as they hired the best writers, and kept the games true to the series and the quality at the level of the original game and DLC, millions of people would keep buying them for years and years. Like me...
@@MrBrachiatingApe I wish they would of made a dlc about kovir tbh would of been nice to get some more Triss content too idk what story they could of done though kovir is referenced a lot in the games a mage even invites you to see him in witcher 3 if geralt ever visits kovir.
The Shivering Isles for Oblivion was also a really well done and long DLC/expansion. Also Undead Nightmare for Red Dead Redemption. Not many studios make DLC/expansions worth playing. Especially now. Now they make a big map with nothing in it and the DLC is only around 3 hours long. Just look Borderlands 3 exactly. Not only was that game a massive let down with one of the worst and annoying characters in gaming, their dlc is way too short with such little content. The one cowboy DLC WAS 1 HOUR LONG. I didn't even have OP guns or anything. Gaming has lost its passion. The replaced talent with terrible, lazy devs and even worse managers.
Geralt's reunion with Regis is a whole lot more awesome when you've read the books.
Also a bit wtf lol like it was very retconned
Yes i got goosebumps, when he showed up and voice actor is just awesome
Pluz how they potrayed regis is exactly how i imagined him in the books.
@@Oldhandlewasabitcringe not really, it had already been established higher vampire are extremely hard to kill. so it makes sense he comes back.
its also especially great when youre only partway through baptism of fire but have almost 100%'ed witcher 3 and the reviewer says "regis was killed by vilgefortz" lmao.
i actually said out loud "KILLED BY V-- oh that cunt"
Piecing together the true source of the old Trastamara woman's curse, and then, as Geralt tells B.B about what happened to her, G.O.D's theme plays in the background; that will always be one of the most chilling parts of the entire game. Enough clues to make it click for some people, but subtle enough that others replaying could have their jaws hit the floor. This whole quest is just masterfully done, as the majority of what CDPR did pre-Cyberpunk.
Even though Cyberpunk 2077 is unpolished mess the storytelling in that game can be on par with Witcher 3 there was alot of attention to detail and heartfelt moments and funny quests the search for nephew with Detective River Ward stealing a tank with Aldecaldos, finding tarrot cards which helped you uncover little bit of mystery and find a good ending..choice of saving Takemura or secret endings...I would say the game regarding the design is same as Witcher 2 that game had amazing story with many interesting decisions and tough choices held back by archaic gameplay and rushed development.
Hears Blood and Wine Soundtrack, immediately time to play through the entire game again.
I know how that feels 😅
This DLC was so incredible it could probably be a top 5 game of all time by itself
The conversation between Geralt and Regis at the end of the DLC always manages to make me very emotional in a way no other game can. Idk why but there is something about it and all Geralt has been through that just makes me tear up a bit. Its really fantastic.
It's easy. Geralt looks directly at you, and gives the smallest of smiles. He says goodbye for now, in a way, and it's such a good ending to such an emotinal and engaging story
Me, too. It was definitely helped by the fact that I always found Regis to be the most humanist of the characters, the warmest and in most ways the wisest. He seems like he'd be an awesome friend for life, honestly, and maybe even a friend to your descendants for generations to come. The sort who'd pop round every 20 to 30 years, get to know everybody, spend time and maybe help somebody in a crazy adventure, and spend time telling stories of your family's dead to the current generation, collecting their stories in return to keep them all alive for future generations.
THIS!!! i first picked up the game in 2020 and got absolutely lost in it. went near-completionist with my first playthrough - every sidequest, all the points of interest (even skellige, hate those fucking sirens) all the collectables i could, base game then HoS then BaW. all in all it took ages to complete because i spent so much time exploring but even just running around, listening to the soundtrack, i loved every second. heading to that final encounter with regis in the cemetery had me dragging my feet because i knew id literally done everything else there was to do in the game but i didnt want it to end.
and then regis says that line - "i dare say we deserve a bit of rest". and geralt looks right at you and agrees. its a bit cringe to say but i sat with that for a long time. all the way through BaW theres the hint that its geralts 'last hurrah' as a witcher before he (at least officially) retires and the whole time youre playing it feels weird, like neither you or geralt really believe it. then in that ending scene it felt not only like i was finally accepting the game was over, but geralt was accepting that his monsterslaying days (at least for now) were over - that finally, the guy who spends the whole game basically just being manipulated and fucked around and having the worst time ever, actually gets to settle down and have a bit of peace and quiet. BaW to me is geralt learning to accept that just because he was made into a witcher doesnt mean its all he has to be/wants to be forever (i think most times you talk to regis you end up having a talk along these lines tbh). cheesy as it is, it was the ol '*wink at the camera*, thanks for sticking it out with me' that really got me in the end.
sorry that got so long i just love this game!!
The music alone makes me relive the emotions I had playing this game.
My favorite game of all time.
Although I've played it like 7 times on Deathmarch, with all kinds of character builds and always at least 200.000 Gold in my pocket I still find joy and by now even nostalgia. Only game that made me feel empty inside when I finished it, and then both DLC's? That makes a grown man cry. What a journey to be sure.
Thank you for this video, and for making me play the game again soon. It seems the winds howling me back to it
Fun fact, and a bit silly, but the initials for De La Croix being DLC, there's a bunch of stuff about how he was a penny pincher and very greedy in notes found in the water. Just a fun little thang
Didn’t pick up on that, but that’s pretty damn clever
I actually laughed out loud at this, I love a good cheaky reference
This is probably a nod to the free DLC the Witcher 3 promised to release with the game. They did release quite a few much smaller but free DLCs before blood and wine and heart of stone.
“A handkerchief monogrammed ‘D.L.C.’ A nobleman’s accessory, clearly.”
@@LazerzZ Geralt says "d.L.C." out loud down by the river with Milton
The story, characters, and atmosphere are just incredible; Blood and Wine is one of my favorite stories ever. I loved the Renaissance parallels and the vampire drama.
James, this video is absolutely fantastic! I loved delving back into The Witcher 3 for 2 hours, but also, Blood and Wine. It's certainly the King of DLC and I cannot express how happy this video made me feel. This is a piece of art. Well done James.
@Kasey Nicholson Each to their own, my friend.
Man I miss Witcher...What CD projekt created with this is something inedible ....Hope CD projekt delivers more Witcher games in future
I personally, found it very tasty. ;)
you should try Thronebreaker if you like Gwent but not only that the game has a really good story with tough decisions and great characters from the witcher world
cdpr did an awesome job, but the real witcher is the books, you really understand everything more when you have read the books and played the games.
They already said they aren't making any other games, they have said they may make other games in the Witcher universe but Geralt shall not be the main character, he may only make a cameo
@@mynames7664 when they say that?
I’m currently on my 6th play through of the entire Witcher 3 including DLC, and I can say hands down the best game I’ve play in the last 6 plus years.
An interesting piece of information: Syanna and Anna Henrietta are related to Ciri, as both are cousins to Emhyr.
pretty sure Ciri visited them in Toussaint when she was a child.
@@hulkamania5071 And why is that? Ciri was raised in Cintra and Skellige. Emhyr was exiled from Nilfgaard back then. He became Emperor after Ciri's mother died and he left Ciri in Cintra. So Ciri never even was in Nilfgaard until she was almost adult. And when she get there she wasn't a princess anymore. More like an outlaw.
@@hulkamania5071 No, she never met them.
Fringilla Vigo is also a cousin to them.
I'm currently not actively playing Witcher 3 (I plan to, once I buy a new pc in autumn), but every once in a while, I load an old save file and judt stroll through Toussaint and Beauclair. It's simply too beautiful.
Haven't gotten highly leveled enough for this dlc yet but I can't wait it seems like so much fun
It’s fantastic, hopefully you hit the required level soon 👌🏻
Personally, I feel like Syanna evaded a well-deserved punishment. Getting treated badly as a child is an explanation, but not an excuse for doing horrible deeds.
She was responsible, directly and indirectly, for the deaths of who knows how many people in the duchy. She should have gotten a serious sentence for this.
Fabricio got thrown into jail for high treason for selling some wine illegally - but Syanna goes free despite causing so much death? This is nepotism at its finest.
The fairytale ending where only one piece of shit dies (Detlaff) is easily my most hated ending
And given how terrible person Syanna is, I doubt that her story of those knights being bad to her is true. Milton de Peyrac-Peyran accompanied you throughout and he looks like he’s an honorable man through and through.. yet Syanna asked Detlaff to kill him coz “he bad when Im young”. We know that the curse of the black sun is a lie as well.. she’s just a terrible person.. tbh so is her sister.
I think Syanna's story was a way to get Renfri into the game, and how she was treated by the knights was waaay worse. However I see your point, but honestly, I just like happy endings.
You could always ignore the ribbon girl and get Syanna killed? On a first playthrough I realize you wouldn’t know but still. Death is a fitting punishment for her if you really hate the fairytale ending.
I'm literally going through The Witcher 3 withdrawals. I finished it 4 times, and on my fifth play I platinumed it, and then, for the sixth time, I played it again and chose different choices, and I still want to play it one more time because I think I will find something new to explore. This game is insane even with its proplems, awkward movement, gameplay and glitches, I don't mind giving it 10/10. Truly deserves it.
I've been waiting for this for ages. blood and wine is my favorite paid content in the history of videogame DLCs. I'm sure you'll do it justice
if you hit the Golyat (the giant) in the eye in it's helmet, it instantly dies as an easter-egg to David and Golliath
I didn’t know that, that’s really cool
@@LazerzZ There's a trophy for it too. That was annoying to do when one-hundred percenting this one.
Cannot believe it has been 6 years since TW3 release.
The great part of discovering a channel like yours is that once you find it, you know you have hours of content to enjoy. Keep up the good work man, glad to be a new subscriber.
Thank you! Really appreciate that man
I love at the end, when Geralt returns home you see the subtle changes to Corvo ....piles of books, chests, extra items and luggage...It seems someone has moved in :)
Man you have no idea how long I've been waiting for this and how eager I am! Hell even tweeted on May 27 to ask about it lmao.
The music in this DLC gives me goosebumps. Coupled that with the epic fights and lines so badass like, "If you acknowledge any gods, start praying now." They really made you feel like this is the fight of Geralt's life and the sheer power of the higher vampire.
Really well made video. Couldn't complete it in one go since the nostalgia was hitting hard.
i couldn't stop until the end. thank u
Crazy how good this game is, base and dlc. Nothing like it and probably nothing ever will be because even recapturing the magic with a fourth game is different. A different year in reality, a different story, we're different from when we discovered this game. But still, the same magic but different - that's what I hope the new games are. I love this one and will never tire of replaying it through the years
This dlc is by far one of the greatest thing that my hands ha ever touch
58:10
First time a game left me shocked on a murder.
I legit screamed,
“WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?”
after finding out everything tho I couldn’t blame and felt genuinely bad for him.
He was the real victim here.
I even wanted him to kill that manipulative monster but I bought her that stupid ribbon!
Ah, that ending reminds me of how beautifully and memorable Yennefer was written and designed... even after six years.
Your Witcher videos are honestly some of the best content I have come across on UA-cam. The respect for the story interposed with moments of pure humor from your narration are a joy to experience. Keep up the awesome work and can’t wait to join you on more fascinating narratives.
I beat this dlc this year, 5 years after completing the Witcher 3, and it is by far the greatest dlc I’ve ever played and the best ending to a story I could’ve imagined
I dunno why but I rewatched the title card intro at least 3 times before properly starting to watch. It’s a shame cyberpunk couldn’t live up to this.
what a game ... sometimes i can't believe we were blessed with such a beautifully crafted experience. Its mind boggling to me.
Going to the Unseen Elders area is stunning, everyone must try that ending at least once!
The passion behind this video is the same passion behind this masterpiece of a DLC
Loved this game..I had a 1100 plus hrs playing it.. couldn't believe I played it that many hrs..loved it so much
Can’t wait. I recently found your channel and I think I am going to stay haré a while.
Appreciate that mate!
I always feel so bad for Detlaff. Like I hate the decision he puts us in. But like knowing what vampires in the witcher series have to go through I cant help but pity him.
same!! ik half the point of toussaint is the people are living in a fairytale and probably wouldnt survive 5 minutes in a place like velen, but the 'happy' ending being the (arguably) true villain syanna getting to reconcile with her sister and everyone telling geralt what a hero he is while detlaff is dead and regis is forced to flee his home... man thats tough.
in the base game i think there are pretty clear-cut good endings and bad endings. hearts of stone is a little more difficult but personally when replaying, saving olgierd is definitely the more rewarding ending gameplay-wise and it just fits more with what i imagine geralt would do. but blood and wine?? genuinely get as stumped when trying to choose who to spare at the end as i did the first time. i know the whole series is about grey areas but i think BaW in its entirety is the most successful in the witcher 3 at actually putting that in to practice, aside from a few sidequests like crows perch.
This man is extremely talented, must be all those skillshare classes that he took
Man everything about this DLC was amazing! The story was great, the location was a pleasure explore, the characters all fantastic (Regis became my favourite in the entire game), the best soundtrack I've ever heard and to top it all off, a satisfying ending for Geralt who we've come to know and love.
This is definitely my favourite video game expansion of all time.
I really appreciate the time you allow to watch the story unfold and think, instead of just non stop obnoxious info delivery that other video essays insist on shoving down your throat as fast as possible. Loved watching this!
Regis is my favourite character in the whole game. So this DLC holds a special place in my heart.
This whole game still holds up so much better compared to all of the recent RPGs.
If you wear the sunglasses you can get at the auction in Hearts of Stone, the hood of the master cat gear is pulled down.
Not only does the armor look much better that way, but also the round steampunk-ish sunglasses look incredibly good on Geralt.
Honestly, after playing through blood and wine with those sunglasses on, seeing Geralt without them just seems wrong to me.
@@2MeterLP cdpr makes great face animation for geralt in quests with glasses u dont see them
@@sillylittlesheepjax6009 They dont cover a lot, theire just small round ones, not 'celebrity trying not to get recognised' sunglasses
Wisest 250 gold I’ve ever spent
my favourite part of the DLC is the references to Fairy tails and medieval literature
These DLC's are how games should make them not the trash half ass stuff they make and ask for $30 for. Blood and wine was the size a game inside a game with just as much love and care for as the main game. From the new world you get to explore, the characters, enemies you get to face, the soundtrack, everything was amazing and beautiful. The Witcher 3 is easily and always will be my favourite game ever
this DLC is such a masterpiece of a playable-movie... and one of the reasons why cyberpunk2077, although a good game, feels really bad compared. This raised the bar cyberpunk unfortunately could quite jump
I don't think there would ever be a game and DLCs ever..now days you can't make this type of game with all that woke stuff out there.
@@hiloboy4life2002 Rdr 2 is probably as good as Witcher 3 if not better shame it had no dlcs though but in terms of dlc blood and wine is one of the best i played it feels like a full game
The Holy Trilogy is now complete. Great job man
I kinda hope the Witcher 4 is a new story. I feel like Geralt’s story was complete. Best game ever.
15:54 yet another example of CDPRs great writing and voice directing. The queen insists on keeping calm, yet she drops the royal We, instead saying "My castle, my guards". It's a great way of showing personality even through the Queens role as an unflappable leader
I loved watching this, brought back great memories.
However I find it incredible that you missed that the bank quest was an Easter Egg pointing towards an Asterix cartoon.
I still remember when the Bloodmoon expansion came out for Morrowind. It revolutionized my concept of expansion pack.
The DLCs are better than I expected, and my expectations were REALLY HIGH, still, they exceeded them... CDPR outdid themselves
Agreed! Blood and Wine is definitely the best expansion that I've played so far and probably will be for a long time. B&W fits so perfectly after the main story as it really feels like an epilogue and I often recommend people to play it as such when asked about when they should be played the DLCs. That final conversation with Regis is fantastic. I love how it comes across that it's just Geralt reflecting on his journey but then it quickly has you realize that he's also talking to us, the players, as well. It wasn't just his journey. It was our journey as well. Personally, I loved that it did this and the only other time I can remember that a game has done a similar moment was Mass Effect 3 during the Citadel DLC. The final quest "Be It Ever So Humble..." was also a nice note to end the DLC on. In both of my playthroughs, I had Yennefer visit because her romance is my preferred one. It also makes me happy how they finally get to live together in peace after all the shit they've been through in the books and games. If anyone's wondering why they just didn't try to in the books, they tried to live together for a short period of time but that ended abruptly because of the Rivian Pogrom (Riot) which killed Geralt and Yennefer briefly.
Just finished my 3rd playthrough of this amazing game only this time I actually got to finishing blood and wine, did every single thing I possibly could in the game including all the points of interests, got the best damn ending I could ask for I'm beyond satisfied
I hated this game for the first 20 hours or so, but it has really grown on me. I don’t remember ever playing a game that felt so alive. It will forever be in my top 10 favorites.
It gets so much better when you slow it down and enjoy each moment, the weather, atmosphere, music etc. each quest, rather than run around merely trying to get exp and loot.
In my first playthrough i was saddened that i was forced to kill Detlaf. I truly wanted to help him and I was disappointed that he was too consumed with rage to hear me out.
Touch grass
@@carpediem7654 ayo tf?
Amazing video as always James! Somehow your videos always exceeds my expectations and this one was no different. Enjoy your well deserved break and rest up. I really hope the doctors find what’s been causing your headaches as soon as possible but however long of a break it will be, I will eagerly await the return of the king of retrospectives
I just watched your video about Heart of Stone yesterday. Damn
I would absolutely love to see your take on Spec Ops: The Line, also can't wait for Saints Row and Sleeping Dogs retrospectives ^^
@Kasey Nicholson ok Karen
@Kasey Nicholson incel
@Kasey Nicholson no you
When I started watching this video I remembered this games charm and why it's the only game that never gets old and honestly I don't think anyone could do this game justice but you james almost did with the 3 videos you made, so from a huge ac and witcher fan thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart, you made me remember how much this game brings joy to my heart, how it has a deep place in my heart, it even gave me a feeling that last time i had was years ago from the old ac games and I hope that you revisit this game again with more great videos
The fact that Blood and Wine is even arguably better than the main story has to qualify it as the best DLC of all time.
This was more a whole other game than a DLC, can’t wait to play the ps5 updated version!
I’m a huge Witcher fan now, but I wasn’t always. I first played Witcher 3 died to a pack of wolfs quit to the game because I thought it was just some dumb thing with bad combat. My friend convinced me to just try it for the story, it took awhile but I agreed. The game didn’t stick for me until the bloody Baron, I thought it was amazing that such a minor person could be so deep and that’s when the game had me hooked. I’ve not beat it multiple times, read lore, and played the old games. I think this game is truly one of a kind and nothing has come close.
Witcher 3 most gripping story, vibe, ambience of any modern game. Imagine if CDPR can improve their mechanics to be similar to dark souls- the game would be unstoppable.
Great summary of the Blood and Wine expansion, it manages to capture the essence of why this game is so amazing.
Also love the loyal to Yennefer, except that one time line. What males the game is the fact that no character is black or white, but everything is a shade of grey
Yet another well thought out video. Well done.
The intro is amazing. The way the title comes I was crazy good looking.
Geralt's smile was the true reward!
One word on this work, this essay, this piece of art: Congratulations
Thank you!
Dettlaff’s second phase is way tougher than the third
I haven't read all of the books yet, but the introduction of Regis is one the most badass and surprising things in the game. At first I was confused by the fact that a higher vampire is one of my best friends, buf then I was like "Well, I fought and defeated Gaunter, I shouldn't be surprised at this point. I'll take it."
And I have to admit, at the end of the DLC, when I said goodbye to Regis and it's implied that I will never see him again I was genuinely sad.
I was looking for this last week (after watching the other two) for at least 2 hours 😭
Big apologies, it’s coming now anyway. Glad you enjoyed the other two!
I have 3 things to say:
1.James your retrospectives are one of my favourite things on youtube.
2. I'm so sad AC is what it is today.
3. I'm baffled by how Cyberpunk ended up not having any of the complexity and storytelling that are present in this DLC not to even mention the rest of the Witcher series
@Steven Pounsett AC used to be a game about serious topics with an overarching story, About templars and Assassins. About the journey of a single individual whitin one of those orders.
In valhalla I gathered eggs so I can give them to an old lady who then farted violently,
Love these kind of elaborate summary type of videos you're doing. More like this!
i played this expansion last year after heart of stone and it was such a refreshing tone after such a dark DLC
Waw, you stayed faithful to Yen. My kind of guy. ❤🥰
Both of the DLCs are separate in style from the main game and just as engaging. Whilst HoS doesn't get it's own instance. It still manages to carry a different vibe in relation to the main game. Getting to meet with Shani again, and get some closure on her story as well, is just awesome. If you've only bought the main game you've only played 60% of the game. A very long 60% but 60% nonetheless.
P.S: I think you can insta snipe the giant with the crossbow if you shoot his eye.
Witcher 3, the greatest game of all time also happens to cap it off with the greatest DLC of all time. LEGENDARY.
Weird way to spell Fallout New Vegas and Lonesome Road
Regis is the Garrus of Witcher universe and my personal favourite character from anything ever, especially in the books.
I’ve been waiting for this, your real talented bro
This DLC is better than most full games I’ve played
The music for the Witcher 3 is so good, that i replaced the music in Skyrim with it. Seriously they did a fantastic job with the soundtrack for this entry.
Currently on my first playthrough of the game, will definitely get back to this once I'm done. Your retrospective videos are always fucking great
I hope you have a blast with it buddy, it's such an amazing game in my humble opinion
@@yoel9396 Thanks man, so far I'm loving it. After prepping myself for it by reading all the Witcher books and playing the previous games, it's exactly what I hoped it's gonna be. Currently am just past the White Orchard area after you finish the Griffin contract with uncle Vesemir, so far it's just so damn good, it was worth all the wait.
What's weird is that I've seen people complain about Wild Hunt's combat mechanics before I started playing the game. That is something which is impossible for me to understand, the combat feels absolutely perfect
@@flllpmajor wow you really prepared xd
Maybe it sounds like I'm trying to lower the hype but white orchard is a very small area and very well thought so coming to velen you might feel the game differently since it's more loose because of its sheer size. Also velen might be a bit monotone at times so crossing the pontar river and going up to the south of novigrad for a change might be refreshing for you, at least that was my experience.
As for the combat system I admit I had the same impression for a long part of my first playthrough, and it's because spamming light attack, quen and dodge is all you need to win any fight and the rest of your options are just that, options. I still think those 3 tools are all you'll ever need but using everything you have is a lot of fun!
Idk if you’ve made it to Skellige yet but that’s when this game became my all-time favorite
As always, James delivers a fantastic video.
I love this dlc. This world is so different and so vibrant and still dark and full of secrets and dangers! And Also - VAMPIRES - that's it, that's what i need to fall in love!
I cant believe you didn't give the little kid a coin for delivering yens letter....what a tight ass
Mate, just like the video on the main game, and Hearts of Stone, this Blood and Wine look back didn’t disappoint in the slightest, absolutely love the in depth analysis, properly critiquing the game rather than just describing what we can see, awesome stuff. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to replay Witcher 3 for the umpteenth time cause it’s just that damn good ⚔️
Much love my guy!
This expansion is my single favorite piece of DLC for any game ever
Blood and Wine, one of my favorite video games ever. And it’s a freaking DLC!!!
Always love to find new videos about the witcher 3 , specially when they are several hours long, i am so gonna enjoy this , thank you