theredherb:

“Gruesome” Dead Space 3 DLC Slated for March

Dead Space 3, Visceral Games’ latest big budget horror blockbuster, has crept its way into stores today and the buzz is good — though the insidious mixture of microtransactions and dull writing is scaring fans in their own way, but I’m not here to condemn games I haven’t played yet (I’ll save that for the YouTube comments section).

We’re here because EA has announced new downloadable content for the game that’s promised to be especially “disturbing,” even for the Dead Space franchise — and this is coming from the same series that introduced exploding slug-babies as an enemy.

Dubbed Awakened, the story add-on takes hapless engineer Isaac Clarke through “the franchise’s darkest chapters as the Necromorph battles become even more gruesome and terrifying than ever before.”  I’m guessing massive exploding slug-babies.

Awakened releases sometime in March for all systems Dead Space 3 graces, priced at $9.99 (800 MS).

Here is a review I did on the last installment of Saint’s Row: the Third DLC. I absolutely love this title and wish they were coming out with more add-ons or, better yet, a fourth Saint’s Row game. If you haven’t played any of the DLC for this game I recommend that you do. Granted all three are on the short side, they are still a lot of fun and its always great to return to Steelport for more ridiculous antics. 

I know I am way late to playing/reviewing these DLC nuggets, but I just finished Mass Effect 2 in its entirety. I was a fool to put off playing that game until now. I absolutely loved it and am now reluctant to move on to other game worlds. I know I could dive right into 3, but I am going to delay my gratification by playing I Am Alive first and then play Mass Effect 3 as a reward for my good grades.

For extra writing practice, I took up Dan Amrich’s challenge and wrote all 4 of these reviews in 50 words or less. I think it turned out pretty well, but you tell me! I now await Amrich’s promised 100 XP and cookie for completing this trial.

Firewalker Pack

When it comes to gameplay, the Firewalker pack wasn’t the longest or most diverse. The Hammerhead tank handled extremely well, though, and thanks to the superb level designs, I found plenty of enjoyment when platforming with the vehicle. The rate of fire and item-collection sound were also very satisfying.

Overlord

In a Cain and Abel-esque storyline, one brother turns the other into a homicidal virtual intelligence bent on wreaking geth havoc. While somewhat of a sleeper hit, this DLC add-on was engaging to the end. The Overlord screeching through the communication systems was always jarring and helped maintain the tension.

Lair of the Shadow Broker

The Shadow Broker goes too far when he kidnaps Liara’s current squeeze. A harrowing rescue mission ensues, involving the infiltration of a secret ship and the death of an ancient information-hoarding alien. Lair of the Shadow Broker doesn’t disappoint with its intrigue and action, brilliantly adding to the vibrant universe.

Arrival

The Reapers are coming to destroy all life in the galaxy and some nutjob wants to help them. Shepard is tasked with a rescue mission that turns into reconnaissance, where some dire choices must be made. Arrival is packed with thrilling set pieces, exhilarating shoot-outs, and a driving narrative.

Here is a hands-on preview I did for Official Xbox Magazine on the Content Collection 1 DLC package coming out soon. 

I don’t play a lot of MW3. I always enjoy the campaigns though, I think they play like a Michael Bay film. I particularly enjoyed the beginning of the MW3 campaign, it was exciting and fast paced with great set piece moments. With that in mind, I’d like to add that the 2 new Spec Ops missions (Black Ice and Negotiator) are super fun. I got to play it with my boss and we had a blast fighting our way through each level. Both missions were filled with tense moments and require solid teamwork to complete. I highly encourage anyone vaguely interested in this franchise to get Content Collection 1, if only for the Spec Ops missions. 

It’s cool that the COD developers/publishers are still working so hard to provide great content for their fans this far out after launch, while not making all the goodies exclusive to people a little more well off. Times are tough and companies shouldn’t be greedy. They should aim to work around people’s lower and slower income rates and inspire loyalty in their customers through reasonable game additions such as this one. I think Content Collection 1 is a great example of a franchise taking care of it’s fans through all SES. 

As promised, here is my review of the newly released DLC for Saint’s Row: the Third. The review is short and to the point, just like the DLC. Hope you like it!

I’ve been aching for the next DLC for Saint’s Row: the Third. I absolutely love that game. It’s funny, has great action, and it’s ridiculously creative. Plus I’ve almost maxed out the achievements in the game. So I’m so glad that Gangstas in Space dropped today, too bad I have some school work to do first, but I will for sure be playing it tonight. One thing I find odd is the lack of marketing for this DLC. There was barely any trailers or news until today, granted it was a pleasant surprise, but I like to know ahead of time when things will be released so I can plan my gaming. Check back later in the week for my review of this DLC.

In other news; I’m a little game overwhelmed, because I’m now juggling Alice: Madness Returns, which I’m half way through, and I was going to start Mass Effect 2 so that I can play Mass Effect 3 a little after it’s release. I try not to play multiple titles at once so that each game receives the attention it deserves, but Alice is starting to drag and Mass Effect 3’s extended “Take Back Earth” trailer was so jaw dropping that I had to dive into that world asap.