This has been a busy period for DLC drops, with expansions and updates that cater to very different audiences. From the story-driven continuation of Stormgate in Ashes of Earth to Indiana Jones’ latest puzzle-laden detour in The Order of Giants, players looking for more narrative content have plenty to dive into. Meanwhile, Space Marine 2 doubles down on its community identity with a cosmetic-heavy Season Pass, and Rally Arcade Classics sharpens its retro racing formula with the Precision & Chase update. Together, these releases highlight how DLC can serve very different roles – sometimes extending the story, sometimes polishing the core gameplay, and sometimes just letting fans show off their favorite faction colours – here’s a closer look at all four.
Stormgate – Ashes of Earth Campaign review (PC)
The first major story expansion for Stormgate arrives with the Ashes of Earth Campaign, giving players the full continuation of Amara’s battle against the Infernal Host. While the base game already laid the groundwork with its blend of classic RTS design and modern polish, this DLC fleshes things out with nine additional missions spread across three chapters. The narrative is a clear draw, thanks in part to high-profile voice talent like Simu Liu, Tara Strong, and Matt Mercer, which helps bring both the Vanguard heroes and their demonic adversaries to life. At its best, the campaign feels cinematic and varied, though the pacing between mission setups and execution can feel uneven.
On the gameplay side, Ashes of Earth sticks closely to Stormgate’s strengths: tight, traditional RTS mechanics that emphasize base-building, unit composition, and tactical control. The campaign introduces mission types that alternate between large-scale battles and smaller, more focused objectives, which keeps the experience from becoming too repetitive. That said, some missions feel more like tutorials stretched out into full stages, which can make them less engaging for veterans of the genre – though they’ll feel right at home once more campaign content is added. The controls remain responsive and intuitive, both in directing large armies and handling smaller hero units, which makes the campaign accessible for newcomers while still familiar to seasoned players.
Visually, the expansion continues Stormgate’s polished presentation, with detailed environments that shift from scorched battlefields to fortified bases. The art direction keeps the science-fantasy theme consistent, though we noticed a few minor technical hiccups and occasional frame drops in the more chaotic battles. On the audio front, the orchestral score blends well with the intensity of the missions, and the professional voice acting elevates the story scenes, though some cutscenes feel slightly overproduced compared to the gameplay itself.
Overall, Ashes of Earth is a strong addition for fans who enjoyed the free prologue and want a full narrative arc to complement Stormgate’s skirmish and multiplayer modes – greatly enhancing the value for solo/campaign players. It delivers a satisfying mix of story, spectacle, and traditional RTS mechanics, even if not every mission hits the same high mark. For players invested in the Vanguard’s fight and those who appreciate a polished, modern RTS campaign, it’s an easy recommendation.
Indiana Jones – The Order of Giants review (Xbox)
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle already offered a pulpy mix of action, puzzles, and cinematic storytelling, and The Order of Giants DLC builds on that foundation with a fresh detour into Rome. The premise feels suitably grand for the character, combining historical myth with supernatural overtones as Indy and Father Ricci unravel the secrets of the Nephilim giants. The expanded Roman setting adds a new flavor to the adventure, blending recognizable landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican Gardens with darker underground passages, and the DLC’s narrative strikes a balance between campy thrills and atmospheric tension.
Gameplay-wise, the expansion leans heavily into exploration and puzzle-solving, giving players intricate catacombs and ancient contraptions to decipher. The puzzles are clever without being overly obtuse, though a few sequences can feel like they halt the pacing, especially when sandwiched between more dynamic set pieces. Combat against the Cult of Mithras offers familiar stealth and whip-based mechanics, with occasional bursts of gunplay, but some enemy encounters can feel repetitive compared to the variety of the puzzle segments.
Visually, The Order of Giants shines in its depiction of Rome, offering both bustling street-level exploration and eerie subterranean ruins. The contrasts between sunlit piazzas and torchlit crypts highlight the DLC’s strong art direction, though we did see technical issues like texture pop-in and occasional framerate dips. The atmospheric soundtrack complements the setting well, blending orchestral swells with quieter, tension-building cues, while the voice acting – particularly the interplay between Indy and Ricci – adds charm to the unfolding mystery.
In the end, The Order of Giants feels like a worthy addition to Indiana Jones’ digital adventures. It may not reinvent the formula, but its mix of mythological intrigue, memorable locations, and well-executed puzzles provide a satisfying few more hours of Indy storytelling. Fans who enjoyed the base game will find plenty to like here, even if some uneven pacing and technical hiccups prevent it from reaching the same highs throughout.
Space Marine 2 – Season Pass 2 review
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has already built a strong following thanks to its mix of brutal action and faithful adaptation of the Warhammer universe, and Season Pass 2 is designed to keep that momentum going. At its core, this DLC is all about giving players more options to personalize their Space Marines with new cosmetic packs tied to iconic chapters. The first wave of content includes the Black Templars Champion Pack and the Imperial Fists Cosmetic Pack, both of which deliver detailed armour and weapon skins that capture the spirit of their respective chapters. For fans invested in immersion and lore, these additions help make multiplayer squads feel more varied and true to the tabletop heritage.
Beyond the immediate content, the pass sets up a steady stream of new packs spread across late 2025 and into 2026. The upcoming Blood Angels, Salamanders, and Raven Guard are highlights, with the Carcharodons and Raptors bringing more obscure chapter representation. The inclusion of an as-yet-redacted Champion Pack also adds some intrigue. For players planning to stick with the game long-term, the Season Pass format offers a discount compared to purchasing each pack separately, making it an appealing investment for dedicated fans.
That said, the package won’t be for everyone. Since the DLC focuses exclusively on cosmetics, those hoping for new missions or story content will find nothing here to expand the campaign, and they’ll find the price tag way too high as a result. We also wonder how these items will integrate with requisition points, as unlocks are still tied to in-game progression, meaning you’re not just paying for instant access. For those who value cosmetic variety, however, the breadth of content and the visual polish of the armour designs are hard to fault.
Ultimately, Season Pass 2 is less about adding gameplay depth and more about deepening the sense of identity within Space Marine 2’s community. It may not convert anyone who isn’t already invested in the universe, but for fans who want to represent their favorite chapter in PvP or co-op, it’s a solid addition that will steadily roll out fresh reasons to return to the battlefield.
Rally Arcade Classics “Precision and Chase” review (PS5)
Rally Arcade Classics is a love letter to the golden age of rally games, bringing together decades of racing history into a single package. With 44 cars spanning the 70s through the 2000s and nearly 50 tracks, the game wastes no time in throwing players into quick-fire events designed to capture the pick-up-and-play spirit of old-school arcade racers. Its mix of modes – ranging from licences that act as skill checks to multi-event tours and leaderboard-driven challenges – ensures there’s always something to chase, whether you’re aiming for a gold cup or just shaving a few seconds off a tricky stage – and it just got a new update.
The gameplay balances accessibility with challenge. Shorter races keep sessions dynamic, and car categories plus difficulty levels add variety, though the AI can feel a bit passive and repetition can set in over longer sessions. Still, the inclusion of weekly and monthly events helps refresh the experience, keeping the competition alive.
The new (and 100% free!) Precision & Chase update enhances the core experience. Manual gear shifting adds a more technical, skill-based option for experienced drivers, while the Chase feature lets players build custom rival lists for direct leaderboard comparisons, adding a social and competitive layer that boosts replay value. Controls remain responsive on a controller, keeping the driving experience tight and satisfying.
Visually, the game captures its retro roots with colorful and varied environments, from sunlit European tracks to rain-slicked dirt roads, and energetic arcade-style music complements the racing action, even if the soundtrack could use more variety. While content can blur together after extensive play, Rally Arcade Classics delivers both nostalgia and a fun, fast-paced rally experience, now stronger than ever with the latest update. In the end, Rally Arcade Classics succeeds as both a nostalgic throwback and a fun rally package in its own right – for a fantastic price.
Press Play Media 