Mass Effect 3 has stirred unprecedented videogame controversy over its ending, as I'm sure most of you gamers out there know. With the Mass Effect Extended Cut DLC, Bioware provided a bit more closure for their loyal fanbase. And now, with the Mass Effect 3 Leviathan DLC, players have the opportunity to sink their teeth into even more revelations as well as learning a bit more about the background of the Mass Effect universe. But does Leviathan hit the mark and deliver an engaging experience for you to immerse yourself in? Or does the DLC fall short? People seem split. Here's my take. Read on and see what you think.
Mass Effect 3 Leviathan DLC Trailer Youtube vid by eavision
Carrying on Traditions
The Mass Effect series is famous for evoking strong emotions from those who play the games. Holding true to traditions and Bioware's standards, the Leviathan DLC has some emotional story in addition to it's fantastic gameplay (When you're actually shooting at something, rather) But more on that in a bit.
Leviathan DLC Story Emphasis
For those who feel the Mass Effect Series has taken an unfortunate turn towards an emphasis on the third person shooter approach, you're in luck. At least half of the DLC concentrates on the story, arguably even more than the action itself. This can be seen as a good or bad thing. But for me, there was a problem, and that is this: Much of the driving force behind the mystery-solving gameplay is done in a single lab where all you have to do is look around examine the data and artifacts while piecing together the clues, which the game pretty much does for you. Ultimately, it's done too much and beings to feel like busywork. even a chore.
Mass Effect Leviathan and EDI
If you're a fan of EDI like I am, you'll enjoy the Leviathan DLC. EVI is the Watson to Shepard's Holmes. She's there to lend her analysing and technical expertise. And frankly, Shepard would be there forever without her.
Leviathan DLC Mystery Snorer
While the Leviathan DLC does have some engaging moments in the narrative, as I mentioned above, there are some points in the story where you'll be outright laughing at our heroes. When investigating a particular point of interest, the people there are obviously a bit off. Good thing Shepard has some smart companions to tell him something's about to go down. While comical, it's not exactly something to count as a good thing as it's clear the part of the DLC is meant to build up suspense and grasp you in this overlying sense of dread.
At Least the Action is as Good as Ever
Some of the best parts of the game come from the fighting itself. And while it's great the fighting gampeplay is as fun and fulfilling as ever, it's a shame that in an RPG, the highlight of the fighting overshadows the story itself. And many of you will feel this way until the very end when the final revelation falls into place.
Questions about Reapers
Undoubtedly, one of my favorite things about the DLC is that it grants you further insight into the origin of the Reapers. Many questions about the Reapers are answered, much to the glee of the more die hard fans. Just be forewarned. For every question that's answered, another question comes up. And that's how the Leviathan DLC will leave you. Satisfied in one way, and scratching your head in another. Of course, I won't discuss what that is, but you'll find out when you play.
Mass Effect 3 Leviathan DLC Final Verdict
The gameplay is solid, exactly what you'd expect for those who've played the game. It's fast and frantic, which just enough strategy and planning to build up the suspense, especially on the hardest difficulty. The story is interesting, but the way in which you'll discover information and reveal some of the questions that have plagued the online forums since the ending, can feel stale and even boring at times as you'll repeat the process over and over. The Mass Effect 3 Leviathan DLC earns a 6 out of 10.