DLC roundup: Planet Zoo, Beat Saber & Jurassic World Evolution 2

With new content for Planet Zoo, Beat Saber and Jurassic World Evolution 2, we got to revisit three of our favorite games. Here’s a look at Planet Zoo’s Tropical Pack, new Panic at the Disco content for Beat Saber and the Feathered Species pack for Jurassic World Evolution 2.

Planet Zoo: Tropical Pack review (PC)

Even though a sense of “they must run out of animals at time point” always pops up when a new DLC pack is announced, we’re still excited whenever Planet Zoo gets new content, and that’s true for the new Tropical Pack as well. In this expansion, players can adopt and care for five new animals that are commonly found in tropical rainforests around the world – continuing the development team’s recent trend of focusing on habitat types rather than geographical regions. The included species are the Fossa, Lar Gibbon, Red River Hog, Asian Water Monitor, and Brown-throated Sloth, each with unique characteristics and behaviors that make them fascinating to observe even though some of them feel closely related to animals that were already in the game.

The new scenery pieces in the DLC are worth mentioning as well, with over 200 detailed pieces that were inspired by Indonesian architecture – which ties into a new campaign scenario. Players can build Balinese-style tiered temples, Tongkonan-inspired villages, and detailed animal statues, as well as adding exotic new Southeast Asian plant life to their zoos. The attention to detail in these pieces is impressive, and they really help to bring the tropical theme to life.

In the new campaign scenario, set in Bali, Indonesia, players take on the role of a zookeeper helping a wealthy socialite manage her new tropical zoo. The scenario features a mysterious character from the past (a bit of Planet Zoo fan service, if you will) and a couple of interesting challenges, though the basic gameplay loop will be familiar to veterans at this point. If anything, the campaign is a great way to experience the new animals and scenery pieces in a structured and engaging way – which we recommend doing before engaging with them in your sandbox adventures.

Overall, the Planet Zoo: Tropical Pack DLC is another excellent add-on for fans of the game. The new animals are once again beautifully designed and bring a new level of depth to zoo management, while the new scenery pieces and campaign scenario add additional gameplay elements. The attention to detail in the DLC is impressive, and it’s clear that the developers have put a lot of thought and care into creating a truly immersive tropical experience. And it’s hard not to adore the sloth as it chills in front of you without a care in the world.

Beat Saber – new Panic at the Disco DLC review (Quest)

The latest expansion for Beat Saber is an expanded version of the Panic! At The Disco pack, doubles down on the band’s iconic music and brings six new tracks to the rhythm-based VR game. Featuring songs from the band’s most recent albums, Pray for the Wicked and Viva Las Vengeance, players will get to slash their way through tracks like “Say Amen (Saturday Night),” “Hey Look Ma, I Made It,” and “Viva Las Vengeance.” These new songs are joined by revamped beatmaps for the four original tracks that launched with the Panic! At The Disco Music Pack in 2019.

All ten tracks come with a new Panic! At The Disco-themed environment, complete with advanced lighting and new color schemes. If you’re already a fan of the original Music Pack, you’ll see just how much Beat Saber has evolved since its release – and you can do so before you spend anything on the newly added content. There’s an upgrade path for $7.79 USD that only includes the new tracks and a full pack that has all the songs for $12.99 USD, but songs can also be purchased individually. So if an upbeat track like “High Hopes” does it for you, you can pick that as your starting point.

Overall, the expanded Panic! At The Disco pack for Beat Saber is a must-have for fans of the band. Even owners of the original pack should take note, as revamped beatmaps and a new environment are coming your way even if you don’t invest in any of the new tracks.

Jurassic World Evolution 2: Feathered Species Pack review (PC)

The “dinosaurs evolved into birds” theories have always been fascinating, and Jurassic World Evolution 2 taps into that with the release of the brand new Feathered Species Pack DLC. It includes four brand new and lesser known prehistoric creatures, each with unique characteristics and stunning plumage. Whether you’re a fan of flying reptiles or giant dinosaurs, there’s something here for everyone with a surprising degree of range between the new dinos.

First up is the Yutyrannus, one of the largest feathered meat-eating dinosaurs to have ever existed. This creature boasts a striking nasal crest and a light, yet dense coat that provides insulation during colder temperatures. As with most of the big animals in Jurassic World Evolution 2, it’s sure to be a highlight of any park exhibit. Much smaller is the Jeholopterus, a quick and nimble flying reptile that’s now also the smallest airborne species in the game.

The Deinocheirus is one of the largest ornithomimosaurs ever discovered, with long arms and a broad hump on its back. Despite being exclusively herbivorous, this unique dinosaur boasts an intimidating figure, complete with a duck-like bill that almost makes it look like a creature made up from parts of other animals. Lastly, the Sinosauropteryx is a small, meat-eating dinosaur that’s covered with delicate, hair-like feathers and boasts a striped tail. This creature is known for working together in packs to hunt and was one of the first to suggest the existence of feathered dinosaurs and their potential for coloration.

Introducing new genes, behaviors, and habitats for these new species, the Feathered Species Pack allows you to integrate these animals into your existing parts while adding new mechanics at the same time. Combine that with fascinating new animals that even dino fans might not be familiar with, and the new pack is a great addition to the game. The new species will make you wish there was more museum-like content in the game, and that can only be a good sign.