It’s not often I get annoyed with a game after playing it and loving it as is but 2K have crossed a line that many others have crossed before by releasing this so called DLC. In fact, it is not DLC at all but rather a key to unlock a section of the multiplayer game which was already included on the disc. I actually detest companies that do this. I have already paid for the disc and all of its contents, at least that’s what I thought, so why would I want to shell out extra money for something which in essence I have already paid for?
Anyway, for the money they are charging for this DLC (I’m biting my tongue as I wrote this because I don’t want to blurt out a string of obscenities) you don’t actually get an awful lot:
Rank Increase to level 50 with Rank Rewards.
New playable characters Louie McGraff and Oscar Calraca.
20 new trials (some only available after a player achieves a rank of 41 or higher).
A third weapon upgrade for each weapon.
Five additional masks (some only available after a player achieves a rank of 41 or higher).
It sounds like a lot when you say it but believe me for the price it’s not worth it, you don’t even need the (I’m not calling it DLC anymore) update to continue to enjoy what was already a fun multiplayer game. You can continue to play against anyone regardless of whether or not they purchased it. This is poor salesmanship at its worst. I’m convinced there will be a lot of disgruntled fans out there who will download this content (grrrrrr) in the hopes that it will enhance their experience in the multiplayer levels of Rapture only to find it’s same old same old from a game that isn’t even that old yet. If you want to get it then feel free but personally I would wait until they release content of substance.
The Bioshock series is predominately a single player affair and the multiplayer was added in an effort to compete with other games because the designers have noticed the popularity of multiplayer games. It’s a novel approach to say the least but why not have a multiplayer based on the main game or even have it so a friend can join in as an enemy hunting your Big Daddy? But I digress.
With so much content already available (honestly I’m not grinding my teeth in rage) in the game, I feel that this is just another way to take your hard earned cash for not much at all. If I have learned nothing else from this it’s that you shouldn’t charge for content that’s already on the disc and you should get some feedback from your customer base before rushing out what you consider to be an improvement to your game.
Only get this if you really have to but save your money otherwise.
VideogameUK verdict: 3/10
