Summary
Expansions and DLCshave become synonymous with modern gaming, with the widespread availability of fast internet connections meaning that most people have no problems with downloading new content for the games they own. It’s easy for developers to phone it in and make something that just serves as a mediocre addition to the experience that players already enjoy, but there are times when developers go above and beyond to ensure thatplayers can enjoy an expansionthat further enhances the quality of their game.
In fact, some expansions are so great that they breathe new life into their game,and compel more players to check out the new chapter in a video game they’ve enjoyed. Whether it be in the form of a major tonal shift, new gameplay mechanics, a noticeable visual overhaul, or anything else along the same lines, these expansion packs deserve their time in the spotlight as DLCs that rejuvinated their games.
Givenhow much of a phenomenonBioShockwas, it was only a matter of time before a sequel to this amazing title would grace the market. WhileBioShock 2brought forth some much-needed gameplay improvements, the story was considered by many to be inferior to its predecessor. Ken Levine’s absence was palpable, and most people were ready to write offBioShock 2as nothing more than an unremarkable sequel. However, this perception changed with the release of theMinerva’s DenDLC.
Focusing on a more personal story where players got to control a Big Daddy,Minerva’s Denfeatures the same narrative chops that most people saw in the firstBioShockgame. This DLC doesn’t overstay its welcome, and lets players enjoy a great adventure in the city of Rapture, culminating in a plot twist that is genuinely surprising and serves as a great reward for players who stuck with this game as it worked its way toward reaching the same level of storytelling as its predecessor.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis considered by many to beone of the greatest video games ever made, even if the endgame was noticeably rushed compared to the rest of the experience. Technical limitations and time constraints stopped CD Projekt Red from going all-out in showing the Wild Hunt’s damaging presence, and it wasn’t until the release ofBlood & Winethat the developers became more versatile with REDengine 3, allowing them to craft an expansion that has established a stalwart legacy for itself.
The region of Toussaint features a completely different art style compared to the rest of this dark fantasy world, with the injection of color being very welcome after the events of the base game andHearts of Stone. The open-world activities were refined to feel less formulaic, and the finale of this DLC allowed players to see the damage caused by rampaging vampires in the city of Beauclair as they tried to stop Dettlaff. It’s a masterful expansion pack and the perfect send-off for Geralt and his epic journey.
Elden Ringis a game that took the world by storm and made the Soulsborneformula more mainstream than ever before. The open-world structure eased more people into the game and let them enjoy a tough yet fair combat system that rewarded diligence and skill. However, one complaint about the game that has remained constant to this day is how its open-ended nature means that most players became way too overpowered forthe vast majority of bossesthey encountered later on in this title.
These issues areaddressed inShadow of the Erdtree, where enemies and bosses hit like a truck and compel players to find as many Scadutree Fragments as possible to bridge the power gap. Even with this knowledge, the DLC is no joke, and will force players to further improve their skills, negating the over-leveling problem of the base game. The Land of Shadow emulates all the strengths ofElden Ring’s open-world design, letting players explore more of this amazing world that has helped FromSoftware become one of the biggest names in the video game industry.
Far Cry 3itself rejuvenated theFar Cryfranchise after the middling reception toFar Cry 2, establishing a formula that Ubisoft has implemented and improved upon time and time again. Jason Brody’s adventures were enthralling at the time of release, and it helped thatMichael Mando’s portrayal of Vaasmade any scene featuring his character a highlight. After this wild ride was over, fans wondered how a DLC would help augment the game’s strengths.
The answer was to completely change the setting of the game, abandoning the tropical island setting for a neon-soaked retro 80s vibe with an emphasis on humor.Blood Dragonis one of the most popular and beloved expansion packs of all time, with a ton of people finding this short yet sweet adventure to be an excellent use ofFar Cry’s gameplay systems. While video game adaptations are becoming more and more common,Blood Dragonis the only video game expansion to receive its own Netflix adaptation withCaptain Lazerhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.
Cyberpunk 2077experienced one of the most disastrous video game launches of all time. The amount of bugs and unfulfilled promises in this game was immense, and destroyed much of the hype people had for it before release. It took years and numerous updates for CD Projekt Red to earn back all the goodwill they lost, with the launch of theEdgerunnersupdate being a step in the right direction. However, it wasn’t until Update 2.0 andPhantom Liberty’srelease that the unfulfilled promise ofCyberpunk 2077was finally achieved.
The tweaked gameplay systems, cyberware overhaul, and improved combat madeCyberpunk 2077one of the best RPGs available. Meanwhile,Phantom Libertyitself is an amazing story that expands upon the worldbuilding of the base narrative, and gives players anamazing performance by Idris Elba as Solomon Reid. The region of Dogtown is a blast to explore and features more of what makesCyberpunk 2077such an amazing experience.
