Looking to add something new to your gaming library, but not necessarily a new game? We’re looking at fresh DLC content for Tales of Arise, Not For Broadcast, Stranded: Alien Dawn and The Expanse – A Telltale series today.
Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn review (PS5)
Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn was no doubt one of the most highly anticipated DLC releases this season. Bandai Namco’s expansion for the acclaimed JRPG extends the narrative of Alphen and his companions following their heroic feats, promising a continuation of the main storyline while introducing additional content such as costumes, a Travel Support Pack and a Silver Weapon Collection. It’s out now on various platforms, and we tested it on a PlayStation 5 after our original review.
The expansion delves into the repercussions of merging the two worlds, Rena and Dahna, exploring the challenges that pop up now that the Dahnans and Renans have to coexist. Nazamil, a young girl of extraordinary power and mixed heritage, plays a pivotal role in the narrative, emphasizing post-conflict insecurities and the complexities of relationships, particularly the paternal bond between the main protagonists and Nazamil. While the storytelling is generally convincing, the DLC narrative does face a few pacing issues, with a gradual unfolding that may feel slow during the earlier stages of the adventure.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Beyond the Dawn doesn’t manage to introduce any kind of significant innovations, instead building on the solid combat foundation of the main game. The absence of new arts, skills, or characters may leave veteran players yearning for more variety though, which can be found in the new dungeons. Beyond The Dawn introduces challenging dungeons known as Mausoleums, offering high-level combat difficulty and rewarding encounters when you venture in there. Visually, Beyond the Dawn retains the impressive artistry of the base game, though we did still notice a few visual glitches. The expansion’s story offers over 20 hours of content though, providing a substantial extension to the main game and serving as a compelling reason for fans to revisit Tales of Arise – while justifying the premium price point for the expansion.
Not for Broadcast – Bits of Your Life review (PS4)
Bits of Your Life is a brand new DLC for Not For Broadcast that turns the simulated TV station management game into an engaging and chaotic talk show experience. Published by tinyBuild and developed by NotGames, it introduces players to the world of future Prime Minister Peter Clement through heart-to-heart interviews, revealing glimpses of his charismatic past as a TV host. The DLC stands out by encouraging players to throw the script out the window, bringing out guests in the wrong order and having fun with it, flustering the host while boosting ratings for a bit of non-scripted chaos.
The gameplay mechanics in Bits of Your Life maintain the immersive and hands-on nature of the base game, which we played in VR earlier. Players take control of camera angles, mute expletives, select guests, and seamlessly integrate ads to keep the show rolling. The DLC offers a refreshing twist to the conventional experience, challenging players to make quick decisions under pressure while deviating from the scripted norm. The concept of unlocking ten unique endings by rearranging the guest lineup adds a layer of intrigue, enhancing replayability for those eager to unravel the puzzle of Peter’s life – though repetition might set in after a while if you’re going for all those endings.
While the controls remain intuitive, and the visuals and audio maintain high standards, some pacing issues observed in the base game still persist in the DLC. But despite these concerns, Bits of Your Life successfully expands the Not For Broadcast universe, delivering an unconventional and engaging simulation experience that offers both challenge and replayability on the PlayStation 5 – a must-play if you enjoyed the original.
Stranded: Alien Dawn – Robots and Guardians review (PS5)
Robots & Guardians, the new DLC for Frontier’s Stranded: Alien Dawn, breathes new life into the survival gaming experience with its new content and scenario. It introduces the Guardians scenario, where players must defend Hope, the first sentient android, against the relentless pursuit of a robotic consortium. The rescue and subsequent crash landing on an alien planet in the Outer Worlds create an interesting narrative backdrop for a survival story that goes beyond the typical “stranded on an alien planet” trope and certainly goes beyond what you’d expect within Stranded’s genre. The addition of Henry Caldwell, a character with robotic limb replacements, adds an extra layer of complexity and interest to the survivor dynamic.
Diving into the Guardians scenario, players are not only challenged with the usual survival tasks of resource gathering, exploration, and base building, but are also entrusted with the protection and development of Hope. The android’s gradual evolution, influenced directly by player decisions, introduces RPG-like elements into the gameplay. The DLC’s positive aspects therefore include the introduction of new technologies, weaponry, and automated helpers like drones and combat bots. But while these additions contribute to the overall depth and diversity of strategies, the expansion is not without its challenges as the pace with which you gain experience can feel slow at times.
Robots & Guardians successfully builds upon the base game’s strengths though, offering a dynamic scenario, engaging character development, and an expanded array of tech options. The new construction elements, futuristic furniture, and creative additions further enhance the player’s ability to shape their base. And despite some minor issues, the DLC provides a refreshing and meaningful extension to the Stranded universe, enhancing what we already thought was an excellent title.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series: Archangel review (PS5)
Archangel, a new post-story DLC for The Expanse: A Telltale Series, brings back the beloved character Chrisjen Avasarala, portrayed by Shohreh Aghdashloo, for another chapter in The Expanse. This new narrative expansion unfolds in the confines of an underground bunker, where Avasarala, now the UN Secretary-General, faces imminent danger and political upheaval. And despite the confined setting and heavy emphasis on politics, the DLC successfully captures a sense of tension and complexity – aided by a more than solid performance by Aghdashloo.
While the confined space of Archangel aligns thematically with Avasarala’s predicament, it results in more mechanically straightforward and linear gameplay. Straying from the thrilling zero-g and sci-fi heavy segments of the main episodes, the DLC instead features light puzzle-solving and more of an emphasis on dialogue choices. But despite the relative mechanical simplicity, the narrative remains compelling, exploring Avasarala’s character through familial relationships, military conflicts, and political maneuvering. It’s also worth pointing out that this DLC is a bit shorter than the main episodes in the game were, but its story is just as impactful, featuring what’s possibly the best scene in the entire saga – which we won’t ruin here.
It may be less gameplay-heavy, but Archangel excels through is storytelling, presenting a collection of interconnected story arcs that delve into Avasarala’s character with depth and nuance. It manages to maintain a solid tempo, keeping players engaged in the narrative and essentially presenting fans of the base game with a must-play new chapter. This one enriches The Expanse universe with a captivating narrative experience that for fans, but it’s also an essential chapter for those looking to play the game for the first time.
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