It’s always nice to see new content for games we’ve previously enjoyed, and we’re checking out new DLC for Alan Wake 2, GigaBash and Pinball M today. Read on for our thoughts.
Alan Wake 2 Night Springs DLC review (PS5)
Night Springs, the first expansion for Alan Wake 2, plunges players deeper into the mysterious and twisted world of the Dark Place. Developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games, this new DLC offers a surreal journey through the creative imagination of Alan Wake as he tries to escape his nightmarish prison by scripting new episodes for the TV show Night Springs – making this a multi-layered and very ‘meta’ type of experience in the Alan Wake universe.
The DLC is broken up into three different episodes, each featuring characters that are reimagined versions of familiar faces from the Alan Wake universe. Playing as the Time Breaker, North Star, and Number One Fan, players explore unique narratives that blend cosmic mysteries, time manipulation, and personal obsession. Each episode is meticulously crafted, providing distinct gameplay experiences that are both engaging and challenging. The Time Breaker’s time manipulation mechanics and North Star’s puzzles stand out as particularly innovative and enjoyable, and the developers have poured a ton of creativity into making these.
Visually, Night Springs continues the tradition of stunning graphics and atmospheric design that Remedy is known for. The eerie environments and detailed character models enhance the sense of immersion, making the surreal and diverse environments feel tangible and unsettling. The audio design complements the visuals perfectly, with a haunting score and effective sound effects that heighten the tension and mystery throughout the episodes.
However, some players might find the episodic structure and narrative shifts a bit disjointed, potentially disrupting the overall pacing of the DLC if you consider Night Springs as a singular story. Additionally, while the new mechanics are intriguing, they can occasionally feel underutilized, leaving players wanting more depth and complexity in the gameplay – or perhaps just longer and/or more episodes. But despite these minor drawbacks, Night Springs is a compelling addition to Alan Wake 2, offering a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay that fans of the series will appreciate due to the large amount of fan service on display here.
GigaBash – Godzilla: Nemesis DLC review (PS5)
The Godzilla: Nemesis DLC for GigaBash, developed by Passion Republic Games, introduces the iconic kaiju King Ghidorah and Hedorah into the game’s roster. Each character brings a unique set of abilities inspired by their legendary cinematic counterparts, and fans of the monster genre will appreciate going hands on with them. King Ghidorah’s powerful shockwaves and Gravity Beams, alongside Hedorah’s Acidic Sludge and Hedrium Ray attacks, add new dynamics to the monster brawls, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Visually, the DLC succeeds in capturing the essence of these classic monsters, with detailed renderings and fluid animations that bring their destructive powers to life – especially for King Ghidorah. The special effects and sound design, including the iconic roars and explosive attacks, pay homage to the monster films that GigaBash is based on, creating an immersive and nostalgic experience for players.
However, the addition of these formidable kaiju can disrupt the game’s balance, making them overshadow at least parts of the existing roster because they bring such powerful attacks into the arena. But despite this minor drawback, the Godzilla: Nemesis DLC is an exciting expansion for GigaBash, offering fans of the series and kaiju enthusiasts alike a chance to engage in epic battles with some of the most iconic monsters from the Godzilla universe.
Pinball M – Texas Chainsaw Massacre DLC review (PS5)
Zen Studios’ latest DLC for Pinball M, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre table, brings the horrifying atmosphere of the iconic and oft-rebooted film franchise to life on all current platforms. This particular take on the IP is based on the more recent iterations of the movies, diverging from the original 1970s aesthetic. The table’s visuals are notably dark and grim, which might disappoint longtime fans who prefer the 70s original. Nevertheless, the grimy look still captures the essence of Leatherface’s world, making for an immersive experience.
In terms of gameplay, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre table stands out with its more methodical pace. While some pinball enthusiasts might find the slower flow unusual, it mirrors the suspenseful build-up typical of horror movies, leading to moments of frantic action when you successfully rev up the chainsaw or lock three balls for the multiball/bloodbath mode. The table’s unique features and mechanics, such as sneaking up on victims, add a layer of depth and immersion to the traditional pinball mechanics. The controls remain as tight and responsive as ever, ensuring that players can actually master the shots required to trigger these engaging features as well.
Audio and visual elements play a significant role in this DLC, with atmospheric sound effects and voiceovers that enhance the horror theme. The game’s audio design, particularly the chainsaw sounds and Leatherface’s iconic moments, contributes to a genuinely tense experience. Having said that, the dark and somewhat muted color palette, though fitting with the franchise, can also make it more challenging to track the ball in certain areas of the playfield. But despite this, Zen Studios has managed to deliver another solid adult-themed pinball table that not only appeals to horror fans but also offers solid gameplay for pinball enthusiasts. It’s nice to see the M-series grow, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
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