Amidst all the new game releases we’re seeing these days, we revisited some older ones through new content that was released for them. Here’s a look at new DLC for High On Life, Planet Zoo and Tropico 6.
High on Life: High On Knife review (PS5)
High on Knife, the new DLC for Squanch Games’ High on Life, thrusts players back into the boots of Knifey, the bounty hunter with the potty mouth. Set two years after the events of the original game, Knifey’s new quest is to retrieve a misplaced package, which leads him to the scorching salt planet Peroxis, which is inhabited by a peculiar species of slugs. And while Peroxis isn’t as visually striking as Blim City was, it compensates with an increased amount of verticality, letting players make more use of their traversal skills. The interactions with the eccentric slug-like aliens infuse the new DLC with more of High On Life’s trademark humor as well, and although it may not be to everyone’s taste it’s sure to please fans of the original game.
While the chainsaw upgrade boosts your melee abilities, the standout addition in the DLC is the B.A.L.L. gun, a pinball-inspired firearm manned by three gibberish-speaking creatures. This weapon injects a fresh dynamic into the combat, offering a unique and enjoyable playstyle. Launching pinball spheres and deploying bumpers creates a satisfying rhythm in the battles. The developers have also done a good job in building out Knifey’s character more in this DLC, retaining his impatience and murderous tendencies but also showing a more vulnerable side of him.
But while the DLC excels in delivering the signature humor, some jokes tend to linger longer than they should and not all characters feel like they add all that much to the game. The Muxxalon HQ is noteworthy though, introducing a survival horror element with its dark, fleshy corridors and grotesque enemies, offering a nice change of pace from the rest of the gameplay.
High on Knife is a short but sweet new chapter filled with High on Life’s trademark humor and gameplay, introducing compelling elements like the B.A.L.L. gun and deeper character exploration for existing characters. However, the relative brevity of the new campaign will leave players wishing for a longer and more substantial experience. For fans of the original game, High on Knife is a welcome addition though, tapping into everything that made the game so popular when it launched last year.
Planet Zoo – Oceania Pack review (PC)
The new Oceania Pack for Planet Zoo by Frontier Developments introduces a brand new blend of new animals and themed building elements, immersing players in the world of Oceania’s wildlife. Highlighting creatures like the Quokka, Little Penguin, Tasmanian Devil, North Island Kiwi, and Spectacled Flying Fox, the DLC once again impresses with the developers’ meticulous attention to detail, capturing the essence of each species. The addition of a walkthrough habitat, which is for the Spectacled Flying Fox, also offers an interactive experience to set it apart from other exhibits.
Complementing the fauna, the DLC also includes over 200 new scenery pieces, drawing from Oceania’s natural elements. These include dried leaves and wood, which let players craft their own habitats. Tiki carved decorations bring a playful touch to tie things into the Oceania region, and the inclusion of things like faux lava lets you add some more visual flair your themed environments.
Beyond enriching the game with new animal and scenery content, players can also embark on a new campaign scenario at the Goodwin Family Wildlife Park. This scenario offers a balanced challenge and invites players to construct their dream zoo on a tropical Pacific island, complete with traditional natural-material buildings.
The Oceania Pack maintains the consistent high quality of previous DLCs with its new selection of lovable animals and thematically rich building pieces. The new 1.15 update also introduces Viewing Domes, enhancing the guest experience by allowing for up-close animal encounters without the need for walkthrough habitats. And although the formula of a handful of animals and selection of scenery elements is a familiar one by now, the Oceania pack is another standout addition, with a great selection of animals as its eyecatcher.
Tropico 6 – Going Viral review (PC)
Tropico 6’s new Going Viral DLC introduces a new dose of infectious humor and engaging gameplay to Realmforge’s game, which originally launched back in 2019 and is still going strong. With a satirical take on managing contagious diseases, the expansion showcases the same wacky humor and campaign-focused gameplay that Tropico fans have come to love. And as you’d expect, Going Viral doesn’t shy away from being less than politically correct either – and as we’ve all lived through a global pandemic in recent years this one feels very topical.
However, while it adds a new theme, the Going Viral expansion doesn’t radically change up the gameplay or improve the user interface. Instead, what you get is a selection of 16 new edicts and 9 new buildings, and four diseases to go up against. But with only four missions in the campaign, it may leave players looking for a more campaign-driven experience wanting more. For them, the DLC’s price point might feel a bit steep – though hardcore Tropico 6 fans will find plenty of content to keep playing beyond the story missions.
In conclusion, Going Viral injects even more fresh and amusing elements into Tropico 6. The satire extends beyond in-game elements, poking fun at various real-life narratives. For players seeking a challenge in virus management with a Tropico-flavored delivery, this pack offers an engaging experience. If you’re still actively playing Tropico 6, this one’s an easy purchase.
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