We regularly gather up interesting DLC releases for games we’ve previously covered – here’s a look at new content for Gord, Walkabout Mini Golf and Escape Simulator.
Gord – The Alliance DLC review (PC)
In the dark fantasy realm of Gord, things have gotten a little darker with the arrival of The Alliance DLC, a large expansion pack crafted by Covenant.dev and Team17 Digital. Available now for PC platforms (the base game can also be played on consoles), this expansion plunges players back into the enigmatic world of Gord, offering new adventures and challenges.
At the heart of The Alliance lies a brand-new campaign, introducing players into uncharted territories full of new dangers and mysteries. But the expansion isn’t just a new narrative campaign, as it introduces three new monsters and three new horrors to test players’ strategy and resolve in new ways. The addition of new NPCs and enemies also enriches both the game world and tactical depth, while two new biomes expand the game’s landscape, offering fresh environments to explore and conquer.
One of the most striking features of The Alliance is its multi-stage final battle, as well as your ability to tame certain beasts and monsters, adding a new layer of strategy to your journey through Gord’s unforgiving world. That world has always stood out for its mature dark fantasy look and feel, and The Alliance builds upon this foundation. It expands on the game’s unique Sanity System and offers even more depth to the survival strategy experience. The Custom Scenarios mode also receives a boost, providing players with even more tailored and replayable experiences through procedurally generated levels.
For existing fans of the game, The Alliance DLC for Gord offers a compelling reason to delve further into or return to this grim, fascinating world. With its immersive atmosphere, engaging narrative, and strategic depth, The Alliance is a worthy addition to the Gord universe.
Walkabout Mini Golf: Ice Lair DLC review (Quest)
Shifting towards the frosty depths of the Arctic, the latest DLC addon for Mighty Coconut’s Walkabout Mini Golf is the next chapter in the “evil lair” series for game – though we thought this one was pretty cute at time. Ice Lair beckons players to brave its frozen corridors and thwart a sinister plot against humanity. While exploring a a full 18 hole course, players are introduced to a subterranean hideout that was carved into an arctic glacier – one where puffin henchmen and their freeze ray technology provide an interesting sight to behold.
Ice Lair doesn’t just offer a new setting; it introduces new gameplay mechanics to the Mini Golf experience as well. Freeze Rays turn golf balls into ice cubes, while ice-covered greens add a slippery twist to the gameplay. Players can bounce frozen balls over obstacles and utilize heat pads to melt them strategically, adding layers of depth, strategy and even a puzzle-like element to each hole. The addition of new surfaces further enhances gameplay, allowing for creative trick shots and strategic maneuvering to navigate the icy terrain.
Visually, Ice Lair embraces its Arctic environment with attention to detail, depicting frozen air, icy water, and marine life amidst the facility’s confines. Players will encounter cute yet sinister penguins, adding charm and challenge as they interact and follow players throughout the course. A rideable orca whale might not have much to do with golfing, but certainly stands out as a cool VR experience.
Despite its chilling premise, Ice Lair delivers a thrilling and engaging mini golf experience, seamlessly blending immersive cartoon-like visuals with inventive gameplay mechanics. While the DLC doesn’t revolutionize the Mini Golf VR experience (which would have been surprising considering how many courses there are for the game!), it offers a fresh and enjoyable addition to the game’s expanding roster of courses. For fans of Walkabout Mini Golf, Ice Lair provides another compelling reason to dive back into the virtual world, offering new challenges and adventures.
Escape Simulator: Magic DLC review (PC)
The latest expansion for Escape Simulator, simple called “Magic”, transports players into a realm of enchantment and wonder, inviting them to explore the halls of a school of magic. Published by Pine Studio, this expansion delivers another thematic escape quest where each environment is very well crafted to evoke a sense of mystery, from the magic shop to the potions garden.
The Magic DLC introduces another diverse range of puzzles that cater to both seasoned players and aspiring apprentices alike. Whether delving into the secrets of chronomancy in the Chronomancy Hall or mastering the art of potion-making, players will encounter imaginative challenges that test their wit. The puzzles are well-designed and seamlessly integrated into the magical theme of each room, offering an engaging and immersive gameplay experience.
While the Magic DLC excels in its thematic immersion and puzzle design, co-op play is worth highlighting for a particular reason. There’s a section in this (three hour) campaign where you get separated, so the method of collaborating changes dramatically at that point. This will be exciting to some, but others will miss a more direct form of working together at that point.
Having said that, Escape Simulator’s Magic DLC offers a polished and enchanting addition to the base game, providing players with a short but magical journey with its imaginative puzzles and immersive environments. Fans of the Harry Potter franchise will also appreciate a few subtle nods here and there, even though this obviously isn’t a licensed product – and it has a gentle price tag to prove that.
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