DLC roundup: Highrise City, Sail Forth & Walkabout Mini Golf

We’re checking out fresh new content for a trio of titles we’ve reviewed earlier. Here’s a look at new DLC for Highrise City, Sail Forth and Walkabout Mini Golf.

Highrise City – Metros & Planes DLC review (PC)

Highrise City’s Metros & Planes DLC, developed by Fourexo Entertainment and published by Deck13, enhances the city-building experience that launched last year by introducing new features to optimize public transport and elevate trading capacities. The DLC introduces a new airport, providing a fresh resource trading system, and a metro system using a spline-based rail system for realistic city planning.

The game’s evolution since its original 2023 release is commendable, with ongoing graphical improvements, content additions, and bug fixes. Highrise City combines resource management, production chains, and infrastructure development, though the gameplay and tutorial might be too detailed for beginners. The DLC adds depth to the late-game economy with the airport, enhancing citizen satisfaction and becoming a pivotal hub for trade. However, the DLC might fall short for players wanting a more extensive transport system, including things like taxis, buses and ferries.

The attention to detail in Highrise City is evident, boasting over 310 building types, 60 resources, and expansive playable areas based on real cities. The DLC’s introduction of the metro system aims to alleviate citizen travel times, addressing their intolerance for long commutes to work. Despite the DLC’s positives, not seeing much of the underground experience that is the metro disappoints, limiting its visual impact despite making a big splash in gameplay. We’re hoping this is the first of several updates though, and that we’ll also see more updates to the main game, as technical issues are far less frequent than at launch but still haven’t all been fixed.

Sail Forth – Maelstrom DLC review (PS5)

Sail Forth: Maelstrom, The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild’s expansion for Sail Forth, thrusts players into the heart of the Deepblue, introducing colossal vortexes, challenges, and treasures. As sailors navigate the tempest, they encounter the enigmatic Arcane Order, offering unique rewards for Maelstrom Pearls, from ancient weaponry to custom cosmetics. The expansion significantly expands your options for vessel customization, adding a cosmetic system with dozens of decorative items to try out. The Underworld beneath the Maelstrom introduces fresh opportunities and the formidable Wormkin adversaries, testing both your sailing and combat skills. Sail Forth’s charm still lies in its laid-back exploration though, complete with cute visuals and a lively soundtrack, and the Maelstrom expansion builds upon this foundation with new content.

While the enhanced vessel customization and new adversaries are nice, there is a limited emphasis on narrative elements in Maelstrom. Sail Forth’s visuals haven’t changed either, its simple and colorful style catering to a cheerful gaming experience despite the darker undertone of Maelstorm. In summary, the new DLC successfully amplifies the charm and fun of the base game, offering a good expansion for fans of the laid-back exploration and nautical adventures of Sail Forth. The expansion’s strengths lie mainly in vessel customization and a few new adversaries as you continue to uncover secrets in the vast ocean. However, the DLC’s limited narrative emphasis may not appeal to those seeking a more intense and narrative-driven gaming experience, and if Sail Forth didn’t draw you in then this won’t change your mind.

Walkabout Mini Golf: Around the World in 80 Days DLC review (Quest)

Wrapping up Mighty Coconut’s series of courses based on Jules Verne’s works, Walkabout Mini Golf’s latest DLC is “Around the World in 80 Days.” Released on January 20, 2024, this new add-on introduces a Parisian adventure that takes place atop the Eiffel Tower, blending the charm of Paris (and some great views) with virtual mini golf.

Despite not actually taking you “around the world”, the DLC’s premise draws inspiration from Jules Verne’s iconic tale, set against the backdrop of 1889 Paris. With panoramic views of the iconic city, each hole is well designed and the DLC provides an immersive atmosphere as well as new gameplay elements such as rolling carpets and moving gondolas.

There’s a bit of narrative mystery at work as well, with scattered clues and hidden secrets that tie into Verne’s stories. Collectibles unlock new putters and golf balls, rewarding players for their curiosity as they go and explore off-course. The DLC’s soundtrack deserves a special mention as well, complementing the Parisian setting and atmosphere with a soundscape that even includes accordions. Around the World in 80 Days proves to be a delightful finale to the Verne series in Walkabout Mini Golf. With its charming visuals and fresh gameplay elements, this DLC is another recommended experience, with plenty of content for a low asking price.