In our modern age of ridiculous technology, downloadable content is something that's making a big impact. Titles such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age: Origins promise episodic DLC not only to extend their storylines, but to tie into the sequels. Although Lair of the Shadow Broker is not one of these promised expansions to the Mass Effect 2 story, it's essentially a precursor for what is to come and the type of things we can expect. And of course, it's meant to slap ME1 fans in the face for the fact that you're meeting such an illusive character.
For players of the original Mass Effect (you should be one if you're anywhere near playing ME2 in the first place), there was an extremely shady character mentioned throughout the story. The name of that character was the Shadow Broker. No one had ever met him face to face. Or, rather, no one lived after meeting him face to face. He was the main go-to guy for information if you wanted it, if you wanted a job done, or if you wanted someone eliminated. Essentially, the leader of the mob of the future. Disappointingly, no quests in the original game had anything to do with him apart from telling his involvement in the attempted killing of Tali.
I remember the first thing I asked after completing Mass Effect 2: Why was there nothing about the Shadow Broker?! (Then I asked myself why did the sequel end the same way as the first and accomplish nothing pertaining to the main story of the original). Well, because I apparently reflect the opinion of the majority of the fanbase of games and developers know this opinion, BioWare has released the Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC for ME2. And I'm here to say, it's unlike anything we've seen in previous DLC.
It begins simple enough: Commander Shepard is on his usual agenda of shenanigans throughout the galaxy when he receives an email from Cerberus regarding Liara T'Soni. It states that they have a lead on the Shadow Broker and that you should pass it on to Liara. So, because it's not like there's anybody or anything trying to stop Shepard, you pay Liara a visit on Ilium and it all begins. I won't go into much detail on the quests themselves, but it is divided into two main parts: the first one being tracking things and people down, and the second involves paying a visit to the Broker himself. The former is much more diverse than you might think: I'll just say a car chase in the skies of Ilium.
In terms of story, the DLC is completely worth the ten dollar entry fee. It unfortunately clocks in at only about two and a half hours, but for the variety of things that you do and the amount of things that happen, the price justifies the content. Nothing new is introduced for gameplay; it is typical Mass Effect style. Conversations (which are always interesting), gunning down mercs, and even multiple boss battles. I won't divulge what happens in these encounters, but I will comment on the fact that they are the most unique events I've experienced in the series and proves that boss battles can still be done.
To make more remarks on the story, I was completely awe-stricken at the end's twist. It managed to make my jaw drop (which is rare, might I mention) and to make me crave so much more. Before the DLC is completely over, you gain access to some information terminals in the Shadow Broker's ship. They contain a truckload of information that was an absolute treat to read. You get to see things like recent searches on the extranet by that person, things they bought, chat logs they've had, recent messages and email exchanges, and even obscure things like a kill list from Garrus. There's a nice little Mass Effect 1 shout-out in the Shadow Broker section of these profiles, and hilarity ensues when you visit Legion's profile. There are other terminals, too, but I'll let you view those when you play it.
Overall, Lair of the Shadow Broker impressed me. It managed to be different and fun compared to the previous two addons. Managing to tie in a story twist from a previous game makes it a must-buy for fans of the backstory. But even if you could care less for the Shadow Broker and Liara's life, this addon is a much-needed refresher from the mission structure found within the main game.
Neil writes "The new Xbox Live Deals With Gold and Publisher sale for 23rd-29th September is now active. Bargains are available for both Xbox 360 and Xbox One owners this week, but which will you pick up?"
Yeah if you are stuck on a 360 that is the best value for $5 you can get. Just keep in mind Half-Life 2 is 10 years old, and Halo 2, is also 10 years old, and a better game. If at all possible throw that $5 towards an X1 and The Master Chief Collection.
LOL, where can you get a XB1 and the Halo MCC for $10? I'll buy 10 more!
Am I being really dumb and missing something?
Anywho I bought the Orange Box, Last time I played it was on Steam years back, Portal is always a joy!
With Left Behind launching today for The Last of Us, Paste Magazine looks at five of the best single-player DLC expansions.
gamrReview's Joe Hill: "It seems appropriate for this tribute to not focus on the controversy that inevitably comes to the fore when discussing Mass Effect, but rather celebrate the finest moments that Bioware managed to deliver. So here are my personal top 10 moments from this outstanding series".
Too many moments in a series full of brilliance to name a mere ten, but I commend the effort. I will miss this crew of heroes, castoffs, and misfits. Rare is the game that makes you feel, makes you care. While some focus on the ending of ME3 as the ruin of the series, I wholeheartedly disagree. This series is my favorite trilogy in gaming. Period. And when ME4 hits, I will be among the first to experience the new chapter in the Mass Effect galaxy. Intergalactic war perhaps? A man can hope.
I hope it makes it to the Ps3 Version!