In our newest look at recently released DLC, we check out the new Walkabout Hideaway course for Walkabout Mini Golf, the Ultraman: Rising content for Gigabash and the Barbie Dance ‘n Dream Experience for Synth Riders.
Walkabout Mini Golf – Walkabout Hideaway review (Quest)
The Holiday Hideaway DLC for Walkabout Mini Golf, out just in time for Christmas, transforms the game into a festive North Pole retreat. The course, set in a nice and comfortable seeming log cabin surrounded by snowy landscapes, is adorned with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and clever holiday-themed obstacles. This setting makes it a charming way to embrace the holiday spirit for mini golf fans.
Gameplay remains as smooth and engaging as ever, with the controls and mechanics delivering the same level of precision fans have come to expect. The course design balances accessibility for newcomers with challenges for seasoned players, with creative layouts and obstacles that encourage playing around with different ways to tackle them. And while the festive theme has the most appeal during the holiday season, the gameplay is solid enough by itself as well.
Visually, Holiday Hideaway excels with its vibrant winter wonderland aesthetic. The detailed decorations and warm atmosphere immerse players in the festive cheer, complemented by an enjoyable soundtrack that adds to the experience. However, those seeking more dynamic gameplay innovations might find this addition to be more about seasonal charm than groundbreaking mechanics (compared to previous DLC releases).
Overall, Holiday Hideaway is a delightful addition to Walkabout Mini Golf, offering a heartwarming experience that’s perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re playing with friends or enjoying a quiet solo session, the DLC captures the magic of the season and provides a memorable mini-golf journey that’s a perfect excuse for putting on your headset during the holidays.
GigaBash Ultraman: Rising review (PS5)
The Ultraman: Rising DLC for GigaBash introduces an interesting two-in-one character concept with Ultraman and Emi. The premise, inspired by the animated film, brings a fresh narrative layer to the arena brawler, with gameplay mechanics revolving around their combined skill set. Their unique moveset includes devastating combos and a spectacular ultimate attack that merges their abilities into a powerful beam, adding a degree of strategic depth to the battles.
Despite its inventive premise, the execution of Ultraman and Emi’s dual-character gameplay feels somewhat underutilized. While their moves are flashy and fun, the lack of a true swap mechanic or deeper interplay between the characters limits the potential for more dynamic gameplay. For fans of the film, the thematic fidelity and unique moveset may justify the experience, but others might find the novelty wears off quickly.
Visually and aurally, the DLC captures the essence of Ultraman: Rising with vibrant effects and sound design that add energy to battles. However, at its current price point, the value proposition feels slightly steep compared to previous DLCs, which offered more content/characters for a similar cost. Fans of the franchise or collectors of kaiju lore might embrace the addition, but it may not appeal as strongly to casual players as the other packs did.
Overall, Ultraman: Rising is a mixed bag. While it successfully brings a beloved character and concept to life in GigaBash, its limited depth and relatively high price may deter some players. It’s a worthwhile addition for Ultraman enthusiasts but might feel skippable for others.
Synth Riders Experience – Barbie Dance ‘n Dream review (Quest)
The Barbie Dance ‘n Dream DLC for Synth Riders brings a sweet, colorful experience to the VR rhythm genre. Immersing players in a vibrant Barbie-inspired world, the DLC lets you dance to the upbeat K-pop track “Barbie Dreams” by FIFTY FIFTY, blending high-energy gameplay with eye-popping visuals. The environments, such as a sunny beach and a lively roller disco, are beautifully designed and add a fun backdrop to the rhythm action.
But while the track’s inclusion enriches the playlist and the Barbie-levels are set to 10, the single-song focus may feel limiting for some players seeking more extensive content. However, the controls remain responsive and precise, ensuring the rhythm gameplay stays as engaging as ever. For fans of Barbie or Synth Riders, this DLC offers a brief but entertaining fusion of music, style, and nostalgia.
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