The spooky vibes are strong in our latest DLC round, as we discuss new content for V Rising, Pinball M, Walkabout Mini Golf and Hunt: Showdown 1896. Three out of four line up really well with Halloween, while Walkabout Mini Golf’s new course is all about the 1980s.
V Rising – Legacy of Castlevania DLC (new content)
The Legacy of Castlevania DLC for V Rising by Stunlock Studios expands the game’s gothic allure by merging Castlevania’s aesthetic with its own atmospheric, vampiric world. Released as part of the Castlevania Fair on Steam, a new content pack for this DLC adds outfits and castle decorations inspired by iconic characters like Shanoa and Soma Cruz, layering V Rising’s dark fantasy with nostalgic visuals from Konami’s franchise. These additions allow players to not only inhabit vampire archetypes but to embody Castlevania’s darker characters, elevating both style and immersion in V Rising’s already richly designed environments.
Incorporating Castlevania’s influence feels like a natural progression for V Rising, where the visual and thematic synergy between the franchises heightens the game’s appeal to fans of gothic horror. Previously, V Rising already had distinct world-building and stylized gameplay, which emphasized survival and exploration in a vampire-themed setting. This content update not only broadens the game’s aesthetic variety but also deepens the sense of character customization and world-building.
The DLC’s castle decorations and music bring even more Castlevania influence to V Rising, merging furniture, statues, and eerie themes that align perfectly with the atmosphere fans expect. With the castle-building mechanics providing a vast canvas for personalization, the update allows players to transform their strongholds into true vampiric lairs, infusing the classic Castlevania style in a way that feels new and exciting. As V Rising continues to evolve, this DLC serves as an homage that appeals to dedicated fans of both series, adding depth to its growing legacy.
Pinball M – Camp Bloodbrook DLC review (PS5)
The Camp Bloodbrook DLC for Pinball M, developed by Zen Studios, brings the thrill of a slasher film into the world of digital pinball, delivering a unique blend of horror and fast-paced gameplay. Players take on the role of a pinball-wielding camper trapped in a deadly game with Jacob Wells, also known as “The Wellbound.” With familiar ’80s horror themes, the table features scenes reminiscent of classic horror tropes, with haunted woods, creepy lakes, and deadly hide-and-seek activities – effectively setting up the atmosphere for tense, high-stakes pinball action.
Gameplay in Camp Bloodbrook captures the essence of classic horror films with its inventive modes and challenges, including a two-stage Wizard Mode showdown that will test even the best pinball players. Each flip and shot feel crucial, as players must quickly react to the threats that lurk in every corner. This level of intensity can be both thrilling and somewhat challenging, as the table’s fast-paced action can make it tricky to catch the full scope of its intricate design. However, its pacing keeps players engaged, even as they fight to escape the antagonist’s deadly grasp.
Visually, Camp Bloodbrook is impressive, with atmospheric lighting and detailed, horror-inspired imagery that captures the tone of ’80s slasher flicks. The accompanying audio ramps up the tension further with subtle but effective sound effects that make each moment feel suspenseful and immersive. The DLC ultimately succeeds in adding a fresh, horror-themed twist to the Pinball M experience, perfect for fans of both the pinball genre and classic horror. It’s a solid addition to the game’s expanding lineup, though the table’s complex design may favor more experienced players who enjoy a challenge.
Walkabout Mini Golf – 8-bit Lair DLC review (Quest)
The 8-Bit Lair DLC for Walkabout Mini Golf by Mighty Coconut transforms a VR mini-golf session into a retro journey through a pixelated, villainous skyscraper controlled by the hacker Vincent Vector. This expansion, part of the Villain’s Lair series, brings creative mini-golf challenges to life with a nostalgic ’80s flair. Players navigate levels inspired by classic video game visuals, complete with colorfully chaotic boss encounters and nods to retro gameplay mechanics. It’s a creative direction that enhances the base game’s experience while providing a fresh setting.
Gameplay-wise, 8-Bit Lair strikes a balance between nostalgic appeal and skill-based challenge. The level design is thoughtfully crafted, making each putt feel both nostalgic and strategic as players encounter pixelated barriers and increasingly complex course layouts. The playful, detailed visuals and intuitive VR controls make for an immersive experience, though some obstacles may feel repetitive for those used to more dynamic hazards. The retro soundtrack and quirky sound effects further amplify the theme, making it an absolute delight for fans of old-school games – with a course with even includes some retro arcade games of its own.
Overall, 8-Bit Lair offers a unique and visually distinctive addition to Walkabout Mini Golf. While it leans heavily on retro aesthetics, it also still presents a solid mini-golf challenge that fits seamlessly within the game’s VR format. It’s a standout among Mighty Coconut’s themed courses and an engaging option for players who appreciate both mini-golf and video game nostalgia. The mini golf gameplay here isn’t revolutionary compared to other courses, but thematically this is one the strongest DLC releases we’ve seen in a while.
Hunt: Showdown 1896 – Ghost Face Rampage review (PS5)
Crytek’s Ghost Face Rampage DLC for Hunt: Showdown 1896 delivers an eerie, bayou-bound thrill by introducing a haunting new character, Ghost Face, who thanks to a fitting outfit looks like he fits in with the swamp’s murky depths. Nehemiah Hexum, the Hunter beneath the mask, is as mysterious as he is terrifying, with a background shrouded in blood-filled legends. Each tool in his arsenal – whether the Hush Frontier 73C Silencer or the sinister Life Taker knife – feels like an extension of his silent and ominous presence, adding a tangible layer of dread to every encounter. While he may initially feel like “that guy from Scream”, the developers have done a good job at making him fit in.
Gameplay-wise, the Ghost Face loadout offers unique, stealth-focused mechanics that enable players to haunt their prey without breaking the silence of the night. The silenced weapons like the Frontier 73C and Bornheim No.3 create a sense of suspense, while the Life Taker knife brings a visceral thrill to close-quarters engagements, which are frequent in Hunt: Showdown’s intense hunts. Together, these weapons amplify Ghost Face’s ability to disappear into the shadows, creating gameplay moments that feel drawn from the horror genre itself, and enhancing the tension of each hunt in a manner that’s greatly fitting with the spooky season.
Beyond its atmospheric and thrilling weapons, the Ghost Face Rampage DLC deepens Hunt: Showdown’s lore, adding weight to every kill and encounter. Hexum’s tale of solitude and bloodlust captures the spirit of Hunt’s 1896 world and complements the game’s gothic horror aesthetics perfectly. For fans who relish the shadows and the art of the silent kill, this DLC delivers an experience that successfully and surprisingly blends those very different IPs.
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