With reviews for brand new DLC releases for PC, PlayStation and Xbox, we’re looking at ways to enhance the lasting appeal for three games. Here’s a look at new content for This War of Mine, Dungeons 4 and theHunter: Call of the Wild.
This War of Mine – Forget Celebrations review (PC)
The Forget Celebrations Charity DLC for This War of Mine marks the game’s tenth anniversary by delivering a poignant, narrative-driven experience that stays true to the game’s core themes of survival and moral dilemmas. Players take on the role of Katia, a war correspondent struggling to preserve stories of conflict amidst her own fight for survival in a besieged city. The narrative’s depth is amplified by the new physical and emotional challenges Katia faces, as she searches for her lost materials while dealing with the realities of war at the same time.
Gameplay remains consistent with the base game, offering a mix of resource management and morally challenging decisions that can shape Katia’s survival and the fate of those around her. While the DLC doesn’t overhaul the mechanics, the inclusion of unique story elements and special items adds a fresh layer of engagement. However, the experience is notably brief, which may feel limiting to those expecting a larger expansion.
The visuals and audio design maintain the bleak, hand-drawn aesthetic of the original, effectively immersing players in the war-torn setting of Pogoren. As a charity-driven DLC, proceeds support real-world relief efforts, making it an impactful purchase both emotionally and ethically. While the brevity might deter some players, fans of the game and those invested in its message will likely find Forget Celebrations a moving and meaningful addition.
Dungeons 4: Not Another Multiverse review (PS5)
The Not Another Multiverse DLC for Dungeons 4 introduces an intriguing twist to the series’ formula, blending the forces of good and evil for a chaotic yet humorous adventure. The story thrusts players into a multiverse where Thalya and her stepbrother Tristan must unite against a shared, even greater threat. This unusual partnership adds a fresh narrative angle, though the humor can occasionally feel over-the-top.
The new mini-campaign spans three missions, with fully voiced dialogue that brings life to the unusual dynamics between characters. For the first time in the series, you control Tristan and his hero units alongside Thalya’s minions, creating new strategic opportunities. The addition of hero buildings and their upgrades adds depth to Overworld gameplay, but balancing these new mechanics can feel inconsistent at times, particularly for players accustomed to previous entries – and it doesn’t help that the expansion is somewhat short and over before you become completely comfortable with everything.
Visually, the DLC retains the vibrant and detailed style of Dungeons 4, with Thalya’s new heroic outfit adding a quirky touch. The audio design remains solid, with lively music and voice acting that complement the lighthearted yet chaotic tone. While the campaign is shorter than some may hope, the inclusion of a skirmish map provides added replay value, making this DLC a fun, if slightly uneven, addition for fans of the series.
theHunter: Call of the Wild Winter DLC review (Xbox)
Since its release, theHunter: Call of the Wild has been a household name for fans of hunting games, and three brand new DLC releases solidify that. The Hunters’ Choice: Bolt-Action Rifle Pack, Salzwiesen Park, and German Shorthaired Pointer DLCs collectively enhance the hunting experience with new tools, locations, and companions.
The Hunters’ Choice: Bolt-Action Rifle Pack introduces three community-selected rifles tailored for diverse hunting scenarios. Each weapon has unique strengths, from the precision of the Vallgarda .375 to the versatility of the Johansson .450. While these rifles expand hunting options, there’s also a bit of a learning curve involved in adapting to their handling.
Salzwiesen Park offers a compact map in northern Europe, ideal for small game and waterfowl hunting. The rich biodiversity and the new GOPI 10G GRAND shotgun provide fresh challenges, while the clay shooting range adds an enjoyable side activity. However, the smaller scale of the park may not appeal to those preferring vast hunting grounds and a longer hunt.
The German Shorthaired Pointer companion adds efficiency by tracking various game sizes, making it invaluable for methodical hunters. Its behavior customization is a highlight, but it may lack appeal for those who already rely on other dogs like the Bloodhound. However, when looked at together, these DLCs deliver engaging content, balancing innovative mechanics with potential drawbacks as it makes theHunter feel consistently relevant even all these years after the original launch.
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