New DLC releases are a great excuse to get a lot more enjoyment out of already released game at a modest budget – which is great during the holidays. Here’s a look at new content for DREDGE, Beat Saber and Lake.
DREDGE – The Pale Reach DLC review (PS5)
DREDGE: The Pale Reach, Team17’s and Black Salt Games’ inaugural expansion for the cosmic horror fishing adventure, seamlessly integrates into the base game, offering 1-3 hours of new content that is playable at any stage in the player’s journey. It helps if you’re already played through the excellent base game though, which we reviewed earlier this year. In The Pale Reach, players uncover a frozen mystery, retracing the steps of a doomed crew and over the course of the narrative unveiling a tale of betrayal – in a way echoing some of the classic films that use the harsh cold as a backdrop for horror and suspense.
The addition of an eerie horror element in the form of a menacing yeti-like creature adds a layer of tension, requiring quick thinking to navigate the icy waters. While The Pale Reach maintains the core gameplay mechanics of DREDGE, it also introduces a casual mode, making the experience more accessible to those seeking a more stress-free exploration of the icy expanse.
The Pale Reach successfully builds on the strengths of the base game, providing a rewarding, albeit brief, expansion. The narrative, though not groundbreaking or turning the base game upside down, adds depth to the existing lore, while the open-ended, inquisitive gameplay remains a standout feature. Visually, the icy archipelago introduces a refreshing change, adding a claustrophobic brand of horror where a golden-horned creature stalks you. The audio complements the eerie atmosphere, contributing to the unique and unsettling atmosphere that defines the DREDGE experience.
In conclusion, DREDGE: The Pale Reach doesn’t reinvent the wheel but effectively extends the captivating world of DREDGE. With its bite-sized yet compelling expansion, the DLC offers up a new area to explore, a few new fishing mechanics and a handful of upgrades. Despite its short duration and potential redundancy for those who have completed the main game, The Pale Reach stands as a solid addition, inviting players to revisit the captivating nautical realm and embrace the dread that made DREDGE such a captivating indie.
Beat Saber – Rolling Stones DLC review (Quest)
Beat Saber’s latest DLC, featuring the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones, amps up the rhythm-based VR game’s music catalog with iconic hits as well as newer singles. Celebrating the release of Hackney Diamonds, the Stones’ first album in 18 years, the pack includes tracks like “Angry,” “Live by the Sword,” and classics such as “Paint It Black” and “Start Me Up.” You can buy the entire pack together or buy individual tracks, and marks yet another significant addition for Beat Saber fans.
Similar to previous DLC releases, the premise revolves around slicing through cubes to the beat of the music. The game’s diverse selection has already showcased the versatility of Beat Saber’s gameplay, and the Stones’ DLC introduces 11 more songs, providing additional variety for players.
Previous DLC releases have set a high standard for Beat Saber, with the Queen Music Pack standing out for its exceptional mapping, visuals, and audio. The Stones’ DLC aims to follow suit, offering an immersive environment inspired by the band’s latest album. The new levels and unique light effects adds another layer to the overall experience. The varied tempos of rock music offer a different kind of gameplay, similar to the rhythmic complexities presented by Queen’s tracks earlier.
In terms of visuals, previous DLCs like Panic! At The Disco and Imagine Dragons introduced stunning environments that complemented the tracks. The Rolling Stones DLC also features a custom environment that was inspired by the band’s latest album, with visuals designed to enhance the overall immersion for fans – though longtime fans will probably enjoy the nods to classic album covers more than anything. Having said that, this pack fuses nostalgia for classics and the demand for innovative, immersive gameplay quite well. With a mix of classic hits and new additions, the DLC caters to a wide audience. Whether it can surpass the notable additions of Queen or The Weeknd remains to be seen, but for enthusiasts of rhythm-based VR games and rock music, it’s undoubtedly a great pack.
Lake – Season’s Greetings DLC review (PS5)
Lake’s Season’s Greetings DLC, developed by Gamious and published by Whitethorn Games, serves as a heartwarming holiday-themed prequel to Lake that is set in the town of Providence Oaks during the Christmas season of 1985. In this narrative-driven expansion, players step into the role of Thomas Weiss, the almost-retired postal worker and father of Meredith Weiss, whom players will remember from the base game. Season’s Greetings introduces new characters, explores Thomas’s perspective, and adds a (perfectly timed) festive touch to the serene town.
From a narrative standpoint, Season’s Greetings successfully weaves a cheerful story, embracing the cozy charm of the holiday season. Gameplay-wise, the DLC maintains the familiar rhythm of Lake, where players engage in daily tasks such as driving the mail truck, delivering parcels, and interacting with the townsfolk. But while the gameplay remains similar to what the base game offered, the shift to Thomas’s perspective brings a new angle to the experience. The interactions with both familiar and new characters adds depth to the original story, providing funny and emotional moments that feel both believable and engaging.
Much like the main game, Season’s Greetings offers varied responses to player choices, leading to different endings and encouraging multiple playthroughs. The shorter duration of the DLC (which unfolds over nine days instead of fourteen) complements the choice-driven aspects, making it easier to get through another playthrough. The festive atmosphere, with Providence Oaks covered in snow and adorned with Christmas decorations, adds a delightful touch, creating a special and visually pleasing winter wonderland – though we’re guessing that these next few weeks are the best time to enjoy that.
Despite its strengths and a story well worth playing through, Season’s Greetings shares some of the base game’s minor flaws, including slow movement speed and occasional glitches. These issues don’t significantly impact the overall experience though, and the holiday theme and opportunity to revisit Providence Oaks make Season’s Greetings a delightful and worthwhile addition for fans of Lake – quite possibly one of the best-fitting gaming experiences for the holiday season.
Press Play Media 