You may ask, why, after I have written blog posts about the last 2 pieces of Mass Effect 2 DLC, I am writing up a formal review on the Overlord pack. Well, the simple answer is that unlike the previous content, this $7 DLC contains enough content to feel like an actual addition to the Mass Effect 2 game and experience.
A Cerberus facility has issued a distress call, as a planet containing multiple Cerberus assets appears to have lost contact after some form of crisis. This crisis would lead to hundreds of fatalities, a rogue A.I., and hordes of Geth soldiers between you and the rest of the galaxy. It will be up to Commander Shepard and his company to prevent the rogue A.I. from spreading and once again save the galaxy from possible death and destruction.
"…Overlord really seems to stand out amidst the previously released content."
The Overlord pack really seems designed to build off of everything BioWare has introduced through its previous content, being a full-fledged expansion to the main campaign of Mass Effect 2. The Firewalker Tank has made its return, this time blending vehicle navigation and platforming with the on-foot adventuring that we are familiar with. In fact, this content pack really felt a lot like some of the larger missions from the first Mass Effect, where exploration and combat were both equally important to the overall experience. You will find the just about every type of gameplay in this expansion. From waves of combat against hordes of Geth, to puzzles, a scattering of mini-games, and the Firewalker sequences, Overlord really seems to stand out amidst the previously released content.
Like the previous DLC, this content is apparently taking place before the end of the game. While this can be a tiny bit annoying, it is another case where more Mass Effect 2 is better than no Mass Effect 2. What Overlord does do is present a well-written, engaging, and layered story experience. While the rogue A.I. does seem inspired by System Shock 2’s Shodan, it is definitely presented in what ends up feeling more like a respectful homage. The story seems fairly straightforward, and it is only as you proceed that you see that more is going on than you previously thought. As anybody who really explored the content of the first Mass Effect remembers, the Cerberus organization has been responsible for countless atrocities, which continues to make Commander Shepard’s work with the organization baffling. Perhaps Mass Effect 3 will provide some type of resolution to this alliance.
The Overlord pack introduces around 2-3 hours of content, which also includes some researchable upgrades if you explore your surroundings carefully. The look, feel, and sounds of Overlord are also quite impressive. The rogue A.I. is bright, menacing, and with the addition of certain sound effects, sometimes startling. It is apparent when you move through the varied environments around you, that a lot of time and attention were spent making this content look and feel unique from the other areas you explore in the game. I would have liked to see a bit more variety amongst the enemies, as I feel like I have killed enough Geth to last me a lifetime. Still, a fairly interesting and climactic end battle was included, and I have always been a fan of epic battles.
Although I died a few times, this was largely due to my not having played Mass Effect 2 since the Kasumi content was released a few months ago. Geth A.I. is fairly consistent, with the Hunters being the only units who will aggressively pursue you. Yet again, my nuclear weapon made fast work of the end game content, and it continues to be an overpowered addition to my arsenal. I recommend using a different weapon if you want to really make the most of the end game content.
When all is said and done, the main question becomes whether or not the content provided is worth the price tag BioWare has placed on it. For once, I can easily say that this DLC pack comes highly recommended. It is a solid expansion to the story and universe and provides a memorable experience that will really entertain those who play through it. While it is over somewhat quickly, it does last long enough to impart the value of a $7 investment. It was also a real opportunity to use the new character Kasumi in some serious combat situations, and her stealth abilities definitely added to my combat capacity.
If you can look past some repetitive Geth combat and the fact that this content fits in more with those who have yet to complete the main campaign than those like me who have beaten the game months ago, then you will find a highly enjoyable experience.
Comments are closed.