DLC roundup: Everspace 2, Synth Riders and Shave & Stuff

With a look at new DLC for Everspace 2, Synth Riders and Shave & Stuff, we’re paying extra attention to VR content in our latest DLC roundup.

Everspace 2: Wrath of the Ancients review (PS5)

Rockfish Games concludes its spacefaring saga with Wrath of the Ancients, a substantial DLC that enriches Everspace 2 with new systems, challenges, and lore. Set after the main campaign, this expansion propels players into the heart of Okkar territory, where the resurgence of the Ancients threatens the fragile peace of Cluster 34. The narrative delves deeper into the Okkar civilization, offering a compelling storyline that intertwines with the game’s existing lore, providing a satisfying continuation for veterans of the series.

Gameplay-wise, Wrath of the Ancients introduces four expansive star systems, each teeming with secrets, side missions, and environmental puzzles. The addition of the Wraith, a new Okkar ship class, brings a fresh dynamic to combat. This high-risk, high-reward vessel consumes fragments of defeated enemies to activate potent abilities, rewarding aggressive playstyles. The DLC also expands the arsenal with new weapons and gear, enhancing the looter-shooter aspect of the game. However, the level cap remains unchanged, which may limit the sense of progression for those seeking to max out their builds.

Visually, the DLC maintains the high standards set by the base game, with each new system offering distinct aesthetics – from the desolate ruins of Aethon to the vibrant structures of the Rhak Homeworlds. The expanded soundtrack complements the new environments, enhancing the immersive experience. Controls remain tight and responsive on the PS5, ensuring that dogfights and exploration feel as exhilarating as ever.

In summary, Wrath of the Ancients delivers a robust and engaging expansion that adds meaningful content to Everspace 2. While the static level cap may be a minor drawback for some, the new narrative arcs, ship class, and exploration opportunities make it a worthy addition for fans looking to extend their journey in the Everspace universe.

Synth Riders – 90s Rock Music Pack review (Quest)

Synth Riders continues its strong run of genre-spanning DLC with the 90s Rock Music Pack, bringing five iconic tracks into VR. Featuring hits from Blur, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, and The Presidents of the United States of America, the selection strikes a great balance between energetic fun and gameplay depth. Each song feels distinct, and the track list captures the spirit of a decade that thrived on unpredictability and raw emotion.

Gameplay remains a highlight, with expert-level beat mapping that translates each song’s rhythm and tone into satisfying movements. “Give It Away” is frantic and punchy, “Creep” plays with tempo and tension, and “Black Hole Sun” leans into its slower, emotion feel with broad sweeping motions. The new tracks fit seamlessly into the base game’s freestyle approach while adding fresh dynamics, especially when combined with the recently added Challenges+ mode, which encourages players to revisit and reimagine older content.

While the audio experience is excellent, the lack of a new themed environment to go with this pack is a small step down from previous premium releases. It doesn’t break the experience, but those used to full visual packages like the Muse pack might feel a touch underwhelmed in presentation. That said, the core visuals and immersive controls on Meta Quest continue to hold up well, making each session smooth and rewarding.

For $7.99 as a bundle or $1.99 per song, this pack is a worthwhile grab for fans of the genre and VR rhythm games alike. The 90s Rock Music Pack taps into nostalgia without relying solely on it, delivering smartly crafted gameplay to match its well-known tracks. It’s another strong entry in Synth Riders’ ever-growing library, and a great way to rediscover these classics through motion and music.

Shave & Stuff – Dreads review (PSVR2)

The Dreads DLC for Shave & Stuff adds a fresh twist to the chaotic creativity of the base game, inviting players into the Dread Cabin – a new salon environment built around the art of crafting dreadlocks. Much like the core experience, the DLC emphasizes hands-on interaction and humorous unpredictability, but it ups the ante with more intricate mechanics thanks to the new Dreadmaker tool. Whether you’re twisting thick ropes of hair or perfecting delicate curly locks, the process feels satisfyingly tactile on PSVR2, where precise motion tracking allows for detailed customization.

This expansion leans heavily into personalization, offering a wide array of options to shape, recolor, and accessorize each hairstyle. Being able to fine-tune lengths or reposition individual locks gives the experience a surprisingly meticulous feel, which is a step up from the more chaotic trimming and shaving of the original release. The addition of over 15 new beads and rings adds flair, and these subtle cosmetic choices help bring each client’s look to life in a way that’s both playful and expressive.

What’s especially commendable is how the DLC balances structured challenges with freeform experimentation. The 30-plus scenarios introduce varied objectives that encourage players to get creative under pressure, while Creative Mode strips away the time limits for a more laid-back sandbox experience. The humorous tone from the base game still shines through, especially when clients react to your bold or maybe questionable styling choices. However, the added complexity of dreadlock styling might be a bit much for newcomers who are still getting used to the VR grooming tools, as the process demands more finesse than the simpler buzzcuts and trims seen earlier.

Visually, the Dread Cabin has a cozy, rustic charm that fits the relaxed vibe of the new content. Hair physics and audio remain strong, with locks reacting convincingly as you twist and trim, and the soft background music complements the salon setting. While it doesn’t radically reinvent Shave & Stuff, the Dreads DLC successfully builds on its strengths by offering a new layer of depth and creativity for those ready to step up their styling skills.