Right after Christmas, why not dive into a few games you previously enjoyed with some new DLC? Today. we’re checking out Williams Pinball Volume 8 for Pinball FX, Blasphemous 2’s Mea Culpa DLC and Wartales – The Skelmar Invasion.
Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 review (PS5)
The Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC adds three more classic Williams tables – Black Knight 2000, Banzai Run, and Earthshaker! – to Pinball FX, add Zen’s usual modern polish to fan favorites. Each table stands out with unique mechanics, retaining their arcade-era roots while benefiting from visual and technical enhancements. The graphics shine on PlayStation 5, where the detailed table designs look great and smooth animations help to enhance the experience. However, pinball enthusiasts who have played the original (physical) tables may find that these visual effects can detract from the authenticity of the originals. For them, there’s the option to tone down things.
The gameplay in these three new tables captures the essence of classic pinball with fast-paced, skill-based mechanics. Black Knight 2000 is a standout with its dynamic soundtrack and multilayered gameplay, while Banzai Run impresses with its vertical second playfield – a unique feature at the time of release that remains a novelty today. Earthshaker! brings thematic cohesion with its earthquake-inspired mechanics, though part of the original’s charm was its physicality and the digital effects can feel overly flashy as a result.
Controls remain tight and responsive, a hallmark of the Pinball FX series, making the tables accessible yet rewarding for veterans. The Pinball FX platform itself also adds its own game modes and replayability-enhancing features, and for Williams fans it’s safe to say that Volume 8 is another delightful addition, blending nostalgia with modern flair, even if its appeal may vary depending on how much players value authenticity over enhancements. The fact that we’re still getting quality tables even after eight volumes of Williams tables is a testament to the manufacturer’s legacy, and collector’s won’t want to miss out.
Blasphemous 2 – Mea Culpa review (PS5)
The Mea Culpa DLC for Blasphemous 2 deepens the haunting world of Cvstodia with new zones to explore, expanded lore, and an alternative ending for the Penitent One. The narrative builds on the themes of suffering and redemption, adding layers of intrigue to the macabre atmosphere. The two new areas feature rich, unsettling designs, though they occasionally lack the intricate density of the main campaign’s zones. Players will uncover secrets, face challenging enemies, and can wield the returning Mea Culpa weapon, now enhanced with brutal combos and powerful new abilities.
Combat remains at the heart of the experience, with the updated Mea Culpa delivering new execution animations and expanded tactical depth. The boss encounters stand out as high points, demanding precise strategy and rewarding persistence. However, the difficulty curve can feel uneven, with spikes that might deter more casual players. For veterans, though, these moments emphasize the brutal satisfaction that defines the series, as Blasphemous was never meant for the casual players anyway.
Visually and aurally, Mea Culpa excels in capturing the gothic horror tone of its base game and predecessor. The intricately crafted environments and grotesque enemy designs are complemented by a chilling soundtrack that amplifies the oppressive atmosphere. The DLC leans heavily on the game’s existing aesthetic strengths though, while subtly introducing a few fresh visual elements to keep exploration engaging rather than overhauling things in a drastic way.
For those who enjoyed the punishing yet rewarding gameplay of Blasphemous 2, Mea Culpa offers a compelling expansion of its dark universe. While it won’t change your mind if you weren’t into the base game, the DLC enriches the core experience and provides a welcome challenge for players eager to delve further into the twisted lore of Cvstodia.
Wartales – The Skelmar Invasion review (PC)
The Skelmar Invasion DLC for Wartales builds on the game’s foundation with an ambitious campaign set in the war-torn county of Ormance. The narrative immerses players in a desperate struggle to reclaim the land from the invading Skelmar clans. The liberation of Ormance is a dynamic and rewarding process, where every victory breathes life back into desolate regions. Compared to The Pits DLC, The Skelmar Invasion offers a more expansive and engaging experience, making better use of the game’s tactical systems and world-building.
Gameplay introduces siege battles with two-phase encounters, where players must first breach fortress walls before engaging enemies within. These intense skirmishes are bolstered by the strategic management of resources like manpower, supplies, and materials, which are essential for your rebuilding efforts and recruiting local factions. This balancing act between combat and resource management adds depth to the campaign, though it can occasionally feel overwhelming as well. Still, for veterans, it delivers a gratifying layer of complexity with gameplay that is in line with why people took to Wartales to begin with.
Visually, the DLC maintains the rich, atmospheric design of the base game, with the ruined landscapes of Ormance adding a somber yet compelling aesthetic. The soundtrack enhances the experience, amplifying the stakes of each battle. While some may find the pacing slower due to the emphasis on rebuilding and resource collection, the payoff in terms of gameplay variety and strategic depth is well worth the effort and makes Wartales stand apart from other titles.
For fans of Wartales, The Skelmar Invasion is a must-play addition that expands on the game’s strengths while offering fresh challenges. Its improvements over previous DLC highlight Shiro Games’ commitment to evolving their tactical RPG, making it a standout entry in the series.
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