It’s always nice to be able to return to games you enjoyed with new DLC. Today, we check out new content for Rainworld, Synth Riders, Walkabout Golf and The Riftbreaker.
Rain World: Downpour DLC review (PS4)
Rain World: Downpour, the large new DLC expansion of the critically acclaimed Rain World, is finally out on consoles after an earlier PC release. Together with the base game, it delivers a captivating platformer adventure that immerses players in a harsh yet beautiful world. Developed in collaboration with Videocult by Akupara Games, this expansion offers a flood of new content, including fresh characters, challenging scenarios, and local co-op support. The heartwarming tale revolves around the Slugcats, who are lovable creatures on a quest for survival and family reunification. The absence of dialogue intensifies the atmospheric visual storytelling, drawing players into an emotional journey – though some will have a harder time with the more implicit storytelling mechanics.
Despite its initial difficulty and minimal hand-holding, Rain World: Downpour becomes a rewarding experience as players master the Slugcat’s slow-paced movement and learn to utilize unique abilities. The game’s minimalist tutorial quickly thrusts players into the depths of the world, demanding patience and tenacity to succeed. Movement as the Slugcat feels deliberately slow at first, requiring players to adapt to the character’s sluggish pace. However, this initial adjustment is necessary, and as players learn to utilize new skills and abilities, the game transforms into a rewarding and even relaxing experience.
As players venture through hundreds of rooms and brave the elements, the impending rain adds urgency and tension, pushing them to plan strategically and manage resources wisely. The game’s dynamic AI-driven creatures add unpredictability to encounters, creating a world that feels alive and engaging. In addition to the challenging story mode, Rain World: Downpour also features a Sandbox mode and a Challenge mode for those seeking further gameplay options.
The game’s visuals, reminiscent of classic 16-bit games but with a ton of subtle details and animations, are gorgeous. Diverse level designs and a vibrant color scheme contribute to a visually engaging and mysterious world. The creature design, especially the Slugcat protagonist, is captivating, making players quickly grow fond of their character throughout the adventure. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack complements the experience, further immersing players in the rainy world.
Rain World: Downpour is an excellent expansion that enriches the already wonderful Rain World experience. Although it may not suit everyone’s gaming preferences, those who embrace the challenge will find a captivating adventure filled with beauty and harsh conditions. Embrace the wonders of the Slugcat world and embark on this unique and immersive platforming journey. With its beautiful visuals, haunting soundtrack, and intriguing characters, Rain World: Downpour offers a torrential flood of content that will captivate players for hours on end. If you enjoy challenging platformer games that reward patience and strategy, Rain World: Downpour is undoubtedly worth your time and investment.
Synth Riders – Synthwave Essentials Volume 3 review (Quest)
Synth Riders is back with yet another collection of new tracks, the “Synthwave Essentials Volume 3” – marking their fifth year since the release of the base game. Headlined by The Midnight, this pack features a mix of 10 tracks, five of which are free and five available as paid DLC. For fans of the classics, the standout addition is a cover of New Order’s classic “Blue Monday,” specially created for Synth Riders by DJ Zardonic.
The music selection in this pack offers an impressive lineup, with artists like Starcadian, GoST, Ollie Wride, Dance With The Dead, Scandroid, LeBrock, and PRIZM contributing synthwave tracks and remixes. “Jason” by The Midnight, featuring Nikki Flores, and “Sunset” by The Midnight set the tone for the pack with their captivating melodies and nostalgic vibes. Zardonic’s rendition of “Blue Monday” introduces a fresh twist to a beloved classic as well, making it a must-play track.
The free songs included in the pack are interesting as well, offering a variety of soundscapes to complement the paid DLC tracks. “A Matter of Time” by Ollie Wride, “Sledge” by Dance With The Dead, “Rendezvous” by Scandroid, “Interstellar” by LeBrock, and “We Were Young” by PRIZM are all worth checking out, and they’re free for all players. There’s also a new “Back to the Synths” play Stage, a visually stunning stage design that nicely complements the synthwave music.
As a fan of the Synth Riders franchise, we found the Synthwave Essentials Volume 3 pack to be a stellar addition to the game. The selection of tracks captures the essence of the synthwave genre, transporting players to a nostalgic era. The usual mix of free and paid DLC tracks gives players options to enjoy the pack regardless of their purchase preferences, making it accessible to a broader audience. The pack’s diverse selection of tracks, including the exclusive cover of “Blue Monday,” is sure to keep you grooving and riding the synthwave for hours on end.
Walkabout Golf – Laser Lair DLC review (Quest)
As part of a new series of courses, you can now step into the world of espionage and supervillainy with Walkabout Mini Golf’s latest DLC, Laser Lair. Developed by Mighty Coconut, this new addition takes players on a thrilling adventure through a volcanic South Pacific island owned by the enigmatic Dr. Magnus Caldwell, head of the notorious supervillain society L.A.I.R. Inspired by the over the top movie villains we all know and love, Laser Lair boasts a stylish blend of 60s decor, rideable crafts, gadgets, and, of course, a wide array of lasers that will test your putting skills like never before.
With 18 unique holes available in both easy and hard modes, players will find themselves navigating through a tropical paradise, encountering challenging obstacles and devious traps. The laser beams, a highlight of this DLC, offer an experience that is both fun and frustrating, adding an extra layer of challenge to each hole. The visually stunning design, reminiscent of classic campy spy movies, brings an over-the-top aspirational feel to the lair, making every hole an adventure.
The DLC also features a new fox hunt designed by Elan Lee, co-creator and CEO of Exploding Kittens. Players can embark on this treasure hunt, unlocking a specially-designed putter upon successfully finding them all. Additionally, Walkabout Mini Golf’s Laser Lair introduces two commemorative putters and 18 lost balls to collect, providing plenty of content to explore and enjoy.
Overall, Laser Lair is another excellent addition to Walkabout Mini Golf, offering mini-golf enthusiasts and casual players alike a chance to experience the thrill of navigating through a supervillain’s domain filled with challenging holes, rideable crafts, and of course, laser beams.
The Riftbreaker: Into The Dark review (PS5)
The Riftbreaker’s “Into the Dark” DLC takes players on a captivating journey through the depths of an expansive cavern system below Galatea 37’s surface. Published by EXOR Studios, this second World Expansion for the game offers a new branch of the Story Campaign that seamlessly integrates with the base game. Players follow Ashley and her trusty sidekick Mr. Riggs as they confront a world-ending threat, but although the DLC introduces some impressive gameplay mechanics and a new and engaging narrative, it also faces a few hurdles along the way.
The premise of “Into the Dark” draws players further into a world of discovery and danger. The storyline unravels Ashley’s past Orion expedition, adding depth to her character and providing a fresh perspective on the game’s lore. However, some players may find the recorded dialogue excessive, occasionally feeling disconnected from the player’s actions. Nevertheless, Ashley and Mr. Riggs remain likable protagonists, and the DLC continues to deliver on the Riftbreaker’s gameplay loop.
As players venture below ground, they encounter a new drilling gameplay mechanic, which adds an exciting new dimension to base building and combat. The exploration of solid formations and soft limestone forces players to adapt their base-building methods and combat strategies. Managing power generation becomes challenging due to limited sunlight and wind, requiring players to invest in alternative energy sources. The addition of carbonium power plants and other technologies adds depth to the resource management aspect of the game.
Combat in the underground biome intensifies, with larger hordes that are confined to smaller spaces, creating a sense of chaos and urgency. Crafting well-designed defenses and utilizing smart planning become essential to survive the increased challenge, especially when protecting distant outposts on a local grid. The DLC also features two arcade-like boss fights, providing an extra layer of excitement and difficulty.
New lighting effects add to the atmospheric underground environment, and new music enhances the immersive gameplay and narrative elements. The length and content of the “Into the Dark” DLC also make it a worthwhile addition to The Riftbreaker experience, with a fresh perspective on gameplay that offers new challenges while adding replayability. However, once players complete the main content, there might not be a compelling reason to revisit the biome – even though the experience would be enriched.
In conclusion, “Into the Dark” successfully delves into the uncharted underground biome, offering players a thrilling and engaging experience. The DLC’s unique drilling mechanic, compelling narrative, and atmospheric audiovisuals make it a commendable addition to The Riftbreaker’s expansive universe. While some aspects may require minor improvements, the overall package showcases EXOR Studios’ commitment to delivering satisfying content at an affordable price. If you’re a fan of The Riftbreaker, this expansion is a definite must-have in your collection, and we’re glad that it’s landed on consoles as well.
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