Early in the morning, like all other regular witcher players, Grayson was one of the first to enter the two DLCs for "The Witcher: Wild Hunt" in CosmosVR.
Although he was persuaded to delay the release at a previous meeting, from a certain point of view, this meant he had surrendered.
While losing to Lucas was not shameful, the key was that he retreated before a fight, and not against the full game, but only a DLC. This was still a bit unbearable for him.
So, this time, he entered the game immediately, ready to study it.
However, Grayson soon discovered something peculiar.
That is, the new expansion content could be started with a fresh save file instead of inheriting the existing one.
And the White Wolf's level did not need to start from level 1, but could directly add points to choose Signs and combat styles.
This design immediately made Grayson's expression solemn.
There was only one reason for this design.
That was to maximize the players' immersion into the story content of "The Witcher: Wild Hunt" expansion.
Although "The Witcher: Wild Hunt" is an open world, its RPG elements are still more pronounced.
But now, players are given such a high level directly. Has the nurturing element been cut?
Grayson guessed in his heart.
"Blood and Wine or Hearts of Stone, let's try Blood and Wine first."
Looking at the two different expansions, based on their order, Hearts of Stone comes before Blood and Wine.
If arranged in this order, it is clear that the developers want players to experience the content of Hearts of Stone first, and then play the content of Blood and Wine.
But Grayson still decided to test Blood and Wine first, because he was not completely unaware.
From the direct presentation held by Nebula Games in the theme park previously, it was known.
Compared to the story content of Hearts of Stone, the story of Blood and Wine takes place in a brand new map, Toussaint.
And this entirely new map is completely different from Kaer Morhen, Velen, Novigrad, and the Skellige Isles.
The feeling "The Witcher: Wild Hunt" gives players is always chilling and oppressive.
But Toussaint, as depicted in the Blood and Wine expansion, is completely different. The atmosphere is warm and joyful, and the scenery is beautiful.
From a stylistic point of view, it surprises many players. But as a designer, Grayson knew that doing so carried significant risks.
Because different styles might bring about a sense of oddness.
If not handled well, this would become a flaw, not a highlight.
However, when Grayson actually entered the game, he understood that his idea might not be realized.
Through simple and clear dialogues and the description of the political landscape, the reason why Toussaint is so special is instantly told to the players.
Why? Because Toussaint has a powerful backer.
The current ruler of Toussaint, Duchess Anna Henrietta, is a cousin of the Emperor of Nilfgaard.
Under the empire's protection, Toussaint is free from the disputes on the continent, becoming a paradise-like existence.
In addition, Toussaint has a superior geographical location, especially its wine industry, which is famous across the continent. For these reasons, Toussaint has become an ideal kingdom.
And the people here believe in chivalry.
Knights are supposed to uphold five virtues.
As for why Geralt comes here, it is to investigate a case.
In the year 1275, three years after the main storyline of "The Witcher: Wild Hunt."
In Beauclair, the capital of Toussaint, a strange serial murder case occurred. The two victims were both nobles.
Their deaths were clearly not human-inflicted; they were torn apart as if by beasts. Therefore, the common folk gave the mysterious killer a nickname, the 'Beauclair Beast'.
With the Toussaint tournament about to begin, the Duchess thought of the renowned monster hunter, the White Wolf Geralt, to find the killer and appease the public as soon as possible.
Under the guidance of two highly respected knights, the player arrives in Toussaint, which is like a fairytale world.
"Is this really still a Witcher?" Grayson could hardly believe it.
Because it was too special.
Especially since the game is full of humorous easter eggs along the way.
For example, at the beginning, you can see a knight attacking a windmill, and then a monster appears behind the windmill and beats the knight.
This is an easter egg related to Don Quixote. Also, when Geralt investigates clues and goes underwater, he can find a note with the initials 'DLC'.
There are surprises everywhere, so to speak.
............
It wasn't just Grayson; all players who chose to experience Blood and Wine first felt the same way.
"Does this still feel like 'The Witcher: Wild Hunt'?"
'+1, if the protagonist wasn't still Geralt, and the UI was still 'The Witcher: Wild Hunt', I would think I had switched to a different game!'
'The design of Toussaint probably references architectural design from Southern France.'
'Yes, the giant that appeared behind the windmill at the start said the line "pté," which means pâté in French.'
'This Toussaint is simply a fairytale world!'
Many players on the internet exclaimed with anticipation as soon as they entered the game, and then discussed it in various communities.
It's not just the change in the overall visual style and tone, but also the in-game experience.
In White Orchard, Velen, and Novigrad, the attitude towards witchers was entirely unfriendly.
Fear, dread, or treating them as freaks. It can be said that in other places, whether high officials or common folk, treated Geralt and other witchers as poorly as possible. To most people, witchers were essentially just tools.
They would only be hired to help when encountering various terrifying monsters. As for ordinary times, people would completely keep their distance from witchers.
But in the land of Toussaint, things are completely different. The people's friendliness towards Geralt as a witcher has improved significantly.
The people living here do not hate witchers at all. This completely different treatment makes one feel emotional.
The people in Toussaint are the complete opposite of people outside.
.........
Grayson was still playing. At first, he was amazed by his experience of Toussaint.
But as the story progressed, as a designer, he keenly noticed that the overall tone of the game had actually not changed. The exterior had changed, but the unique deep core of the witcher remained unchanged.
No matter how brilliant an existence is, there will always be some dirty places. Even the seemingly fairytale Toussaint is no exception.
Returning to the main storyline, the White Wolf heads to a nearby abandoned vineyard. However, upon arrival, he finds that a female vampire has already arrived before him and killed all the guards.
After a fierce battle and dealing with her, Geralt can finally examine the victim's body.
After obtaining some clues and resolving a monster crisis at the arena, Geralt also meets the Duchess.
He reports the findings of his investigation to the Duchess. The Duchess is surprisingly generous and directly gives the White Raven Vineyard, where the bodies were found, to the White Wolf. She also promises a substantial sum of money upon completion of the task. After that, the White Wolf asks the Captain of the Guard for some clues.
And they deduce the monster's motive: to expose the dark side of the old knights of Toussaint.
Here, knights believe in five virtues: honor, wisdom, generosity, bravery, and mercy.
The first two victims had engaged in some immoral behavior. As a result, one person's body was placed on the gallows at the execution ground, and the other was dressed in pajamas in a ridiculous manner, respectively implying that they had violated honor and wisdom.
Therefore, the beast's ultimate goal was to convey a message.
That is, the old knights of Toussaint do not uphold the five virtues!
(End of chapter)
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