If you’re looking for something new to play over the weekend, then there’s always the option to add new content to the games you already own. With a look at new DLC releases for Construction Simulator, Tropico 6 and Teardown, we’re checking out three new options for you today.
Construction Simulator – Stadium Expansion review (PS5)
The Stadium Expansion DLC for Construction Simulator, developed by weltenbauer and published by Astragon Entertainment, brings a significant new challenge to the game’s European map, and one that’s perfectly timed for the European Soccer Championships that are happening right now. This expansion offers players the chance to construct a full-fledged soccer stadium from the ground up, including pedestrian bridges, stands, VIP lounges, and the pitch itself. While the premise of building a stadium is undoubtedly exciting and daunting at the same time, the narrative that comes with it can occasionally feels a bit contrived. The expansion enriches the base game with over 30 hours of new content though, so it’s excellent value for money for both construction enthusiasts and soccer fans alike.
Gameplay mechanics in the Stadium Expansion maintain the detailed and intricate construction processes that the main game is known for – so this isn’t a DLC you can just jump into as a relative newcomer. The precision required for tasks like setting up steel pillars and handling cranes is impressive to experience, though some players might find controlling some of these tasks to be overly challenging – especially when not working together with someone.
Visually, the DLC continues the high standards set by Construction Simulator, with detailed environments and realistic machinery. The stadium construction site is particularly well-designed, capturing the scale and complexity of such a project and giving you a great sense of how challenging these projects must be in real life. The audio design complements the visuals effectively, providing an immersive soundscape that enhances the overall experience as it always sounds like there are things going on everywhere.
Overall, the Stadium Expansion DLC is a robust addition to Construction Simulator, offering a unique and immersive construction experience that also happens to tie into one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Despite some control challenges and a so-so narrative, the sheer scope of building a stadium and the detailed mechanics involved make it a worthwhile endeavor that’s very rewarding once you see things shaping up. Whether playing solo or with friends, the DLC provides plenty of engaging content – and sports fans in particular will enjoy getting to work on this one.
Tropico 6 – Tropican Shores review (PC)
Tropico 6’s Tropican Shores DLC, developed by Realmforge Studios and published by Kalypso Media, introduces a wide range of ocean-themed content that reinvigorates the island management experience. Released over five years since the launch of the base game (!), this new DLC allows players to harness the ocean’s potential with new buildings and resources, such as the Tidal Power Station for generating electricity and hiring divers to collect valuable pearls. These additions expand the strategic options available to players, allowing for more diverse economic development and infrastructural enhancements.
The gameplay mechanics in Tropican Shores maintain the intricate balance of city-building and political management that Tropico 6 is known for. New buildings like floating neighborhoods and houseboats add a unique flavor to the gameplay, blending seamlessly with the existing mechanics. The addition of the Dolphin Therapy center and private yacht shipyards offers more ways to boost tourism and citizen happiness, though the complexity of some new features comes with a bit of a learning curve as well.
Visually, Tropican Shores does not disappoint, delivering vibrant and detailed building blocks that bring the new oceanic elements to life. The aesthetics of the new buildings, such as artificial coral reefs and floating restaurants, enhance the tropical charm of the game and feel like a natural fit for Tropico. The audio design complements the visual experience with relaxing ambient sounds and fitting musical scores that immerse players in the serene yet thriving life of their island nation, and Tropico fans will feel right at home here.
But despite its many strengths, Tropican Shores does have its drawbacks. The DLC offers only one new campaign map, which, while extensive, may feel insufficient compared to previous expansions or for those craving bigger changes after five years of playing. Additionally, the lack of clear guidance for some objectives might lead to prolonged periods of trial and error due to the aforementioned learning curve. Nonetheless, for those who have enjoyed Tropico 6 and its previous DLCs, Tropican Shores offers a rich and enjoyable expansion that deepens the game’s appeal, and will keep fans happy until we catch wind of Tropico 7.
Teardown – Folkrace review (PS5)
Teardown’s latest expansion, the Folkrace DLC, brings a surprising twist to the sandbox destruction game, this time taking it to the racing circuit. Developed by Tuxedo Labs and published by Saber Interactive, this single-player campaign is now available on all major platforms, and we checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
In Folkrace, players enter the chaotic world of demolition racing, shifting gears from the usual heist-driven gameplay of Teardown. There’s still a narrative involved though, and it kicks off with a gas station attendant being invited to join local folkracing competitions, gradually moving up the ranks by winning races and upgrading vehicles.
There’s a good range of content here, as the expansion introduces a variety of new game modes, racetracks, and vehicles. The racing mechanics are robust, with a notable emphasis on vehicle destruction and physics, putting the damage model in other racers to shame. Players can upgrade their cars with new engines, skins, and other performance enhancements, adding a layer of strategy to the otherwise frenetic racing.
Visually, Folkrace maintains the voxel-based charm of Teardown, and the new racetracks are quite detailed and varied, ranging from swamps to industrial docks. The destructible environments add an unpredictable element to each race, as obstacles and competitors can dramatically alter the course of the race. The audio design complements this well, with roaring engines and satisfying crash sounds enhancing the immersion.
The controls are responsive, albeit with a slight learning curve due to the slippery handling of some vehicles, especially on more treacherous tracks. What doesn’t help is that the AI competitors can also be a bit inconsistent, sometimes offering too little challenge and other times being really tough to keep up with. On the other hand, the inclusion of different race types, such as elimination mode, keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Overall, the Folkrace DLC for Teardown is a highly enjoyable addition that blends the best elements of demolition and racing. It’s a must-try for fans of the base game looking for a new way to test their skills and wreak havoc on the racetrack, and we’re hoping we’ll see more Teardown content in the coming months.
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