We’ve been seeing a lot of exciting DLC releases in recent weeks, and we’re discussing three of them today with reviews for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns, the Void Shadows expansion for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader and Heart of the Swamp for The Riftbreaker.
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns review (PS5)
The Khaos Reigns DLC for Mortal Kombat 1 expands on Liu Kang’s timeline with a mix of returning fan favorites and new characters, such as Noob Saibot and Cyrax who are available now, and the Scream franchise’s Ghostface and the T-1000 coming post-launch. However, the story content, while enjoyable, feels somewhat lacking compared to the narrative depth of the base game, leaving some players wanting more in terms of plot engagement and length. Still, the familiar faces and newcomers that are coming soon ensure an exciting roster update that adds to the overall experience.
On the gameplay side, Khaos Reigns delivers in its combat mechanics. Each new character brings unique abilities to the table, with Cyrax’s bomb-centric attacks adding variety. While the DLC might not drastically change the game’s core combat, it still refreshes the player experience. The upcoming introduction of iconic movie characters like the T-1000 from Terminator adds extra layers of entertainment, making this expansion worthwhile for longtime fans who enjoyed similar DLC packs in previous games.
Visually, the DLC maintains the high graphical standard that Mortal Kombat 1 is known for. The character models are detailed and polished, with the new arenas and backgrounds seamlessly integrated into the game’s aesthetic. The audio design complements the fast-paced action well, and we look forward to hearing the voice work for the post-launch characters like Conan the Barbarian and Ghostface – hoping for somewhat of a comedic touch for the latter.
Although the content rollout could have been more consistent, especially with staggered character releases, Khaos Reigns manages to offer a solid mix of familiar and fresh elements. The balance between iconic characters and the gameplay updates they bring ensures that fans of the series remain invested, even if the overall story content leaves a little to be desired and the asking price is far too high for what you get, being close to a full price AAA game.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – Void Shadows review (PS5)
The Void Shadows DLC for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader brings a lengthy and immersive new chapter to the game, adding about 15 hours of content centered around a mysterious Genestealer Cult infiltrating your voidship. The narrative is tense and well integrated into the main campaign, blending the intrigue of political maneuvering with intense new challenges that arise from within the depths of your ship. The introduction of Kibellah, a Death Cult Assassin, adds more character depth to the roster, while the story’s stakes feel higher with the internal threat to the Von Valancius dynasty.
Gameplay-wise, Void Shadows offers a satisfying balance of exploration and combat, with plenty of new quests and high-level officers to help in your battles. However, some elements, like the pacing of the story, can feel uneven, and certain missions might drag longer than expected. That said, the unique equipment and new lore deliver solid rewards for dedicated players, making the experience more than worthwhile despite some slower moments.
The DLC retains the same dark, gothic aesthetic that fans of the Warhammer 40K universe appreciate, and the atmospheric audio design is as oppressive and intense as ever, heightening the sense of dread as you face the Genestealer threat. While some of the new environments feel familiar if you’ve spent time with the base game, they’re also filled with intricate details that make exploration enjoyable. Overall, Void Shadows is a compelling addition to Rogue Trader, and although it’s not a non-stop action experience it’s an easy recommendation for those who enjoyed the base game.
The Riftbreaker: Heart of the Swamp review (PS5)
The Heart of the Swamp DLC for The Riftbreaker introduces players to a new Fungal Swamp biome, where Ashley and Mr. Riggs face ecological threats stemming from parasitic species. The new story branch offers multi-layered missions that delve into the local ecosystem, blending the familiar base-building with environmental research. But while the new content is visually stunning and introduces unique elements like water-based structures and powerful new turrets, the expansion can also feel somewhat underwhelming for veteran players, lacking part of the challenge and innovation seen in earlier DLCs.
Gameplay-wise, the mix of strategy and base defense is still solid, but the new enemies and towers don’t significantly shake up the familiar formula. The defensive tools, such as shotgun turrets and missile launchers, add some tactical variety but may not be enough to satisfy players seeking a tougher experience. That said, the vibrant and lush visuals of the Fungal Swamp stand out, providing a gorgeous backdrop for the new campaign content, even if it falls short in terms of difficulty.
The control scheme remains as tight as ever, making managing resources and defenses intuitive, especially when constructing bases on both land and water. However, the ease with which you can overcome the new threats might dampen the excitement for those who have mastered the game’s mechanics. Overall, Heart of the Swamp offers a decent amount of enjoyable content, but probably doesn’t quite deliver the depth or challenge that some fans who have been with the game for a few years were hoping for.
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