Starfield: Unexpected DLC
According to my Steam statistics, I last played Starfield on 19th December 2023. I bought the game upon its release in September of that year and played in total for 136 hours. Starfield held my interest for three and a half month and I wrote seven blog posts about various aspects of the game. Although there were some engaging aspects to Starfield, I did feel that that the game was somewhat lacking in systems and content, at that point in its lifecycle. I also think that the marketing and player expectations associated with Starfield were overblown and unrealistic. The shadow of Skyrim looms large over all new Bethesda releases and they don’t seem able to quite recapture that magic. Hence, I inevitably drifted away from Starfield and to another game and was effectively “done” with it. I have not played the game since which seems to validate the theory that game are becoming increasingly more ephemeral.
Atomfall: The Red Strain DLC
The Red Strain is the second DLC for the RPG Atomfall. It provides another interesting side story that is adjacent to that of the main game. Set in the new region of Stafell Crag, the player finds a secret installation called Test Site Moriah, run by C.O.R.E. (Co-ordinated Orbital Research Establishment). C.O.R.E. have seniority over B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Department) and have taken much of their research and used it for their own experiments. This includes the Red Strain, a genetically modified version of the Blue Infection. However, this has escaped containment and spread throughout the entire site. Once again the player must explore the zone, looking for leads and collecting resources, while trying to piece together what has happened. As in the previous DLC and main game, not every NPC that you meet in The Red Strain can be trusted.
Atomfall: Wicked Isle DLC
Wicked Isle DLC for the RPG Atomfall was released on 3rd June, two months after the base game launched. As with its predecessor there are no specific missions, the DLC requires the player to explore the environment to pick up leads. These ultimately provide a coherent story but the clues may not necessarily be obtained in the correct order. Hence, again there is a requirement for players to look, listen and think. Referring to the in-game notebook is beneficial for narrative clarification. As well as a new story, Wicked Isle DLC also has new weapons, items and skills. This includes a Blunderbuss shotgun which inflicts huge damage but has a limited range, as well as a cutlass and some ritualistic weapons. There is also an upgraded metal detector along with the Decomposition skill, which causes enemies to rapidly dissolve into fungal spores after a takedown. This means that dead NPCs cannot be discovered.
Shadow of War: Blade of Galadriel DLC
Warner Bros released a new story expansion for Middle-earth: Shadow of War on Tuesday as well as a patch that expands and “improves” the core game. Blade of Galadriel DLC, follows the adventures of Eltariel, an elite Elven warrior who is sent to Mordor to hunt the Nazgûl. As a playable character Eltariel wields dual blades and the uses the Light of Galadriel instead of a Ring of Power. There are also another eight unique Legendary Orcs added to main story campaign that can be recruited. The Nemesis System has been tweaked, introducing new traits and behaviours to Orc Captains. These include “Tunnel Rat” which lets Orcs burrow into the ground and summon Ghûls, and “Sniper Shot”, which causes archers to fire from great distances with pinpoint accuracy. “Tremor”, makes Ologs concussively hit the ground, staggering nearby foes and damaging structures. The “Gifts of Treasure” offers an alternate way to earn Gems and Mirian.