Hello and Happy New Year to you all, I hope you had a wonderful break over the holiday period. I know it’s been awhile since I last wrote anything, but honestly I haven’t really been inspired by much recently. Between not being inspired and also the holidays are a busy time for families I found I wasn’t playing as much, hence this review is coming so late. And now it’s June and I still haven’t finished this.
Not sure where my motivation for this went, but it’s coming back. Slowly but surely. Anyway, on with the review.
Diving straight in, this review will focus on all 3 of the DLC’s that came after the release of Spider-Man. Since gameplay and graphics are covered, I’ll be covering the remaining story, characters, enemy types and anything I can think of.
Starting with the Heist, where we are introduced to the Black Cat, one of the most iconic femme fatale in the Spider-Man universe and they did a great job with her in the MGU (Marvel Gaming Universe). Her reworked suit design and implied history with Spider-Man fit in really well to the world and her presence does give some necessary drama to Peter’s relationship with Mary Jane, whereas instead of MJ calling all the shots in the relationship she now deals with Spider-Man’s mixed feeling for Black Cat and the news she has for him. With an ambiguous ending and providing further depth to this Spider-Man’s history, this was a solid first episode.
Introduced into the enemy pool is the mini-gun brute. It took me a few tries to figure out the best way to take him down and avoid his horrible AOE bullet spray. The best way to beat him (without finishers) is to get in close, dodge the attack then get in a few cheap shots. Then rinse and repeat. In terms of dodging, then as is a staple of the game, being in the air is your best friend. Just dodge sideways to avoid his high shots (no sweeping shots when your airborne). If your on the ground then I’d recommend jumping and a web zip.
Turf Wars is the second chapter introducing the big bad behind the scenes of the The Heist, Hammer Head (I think its two words). He is the main villain for the 3 episodes of DLC, though only a spectre in the 1st. Now, he is in open war with the NYC and has a plan to bring back the glory ‘Mafioso’ days. This episode mainly focus’ on Yuri and her journey over ‘The Line’. Beyond that there’s a few fun missions with gadgets and base clearing but this is the weakest of the episodes.
As like the previous episode, a new enemy is introduced. This time you get shielded goons, which is less difficult that minigun brutes but are a rightous pain to deal with nonetheless. The game plan here is to get behind their shields and either get them airbourne or web up.
Silver Linings is the final chapter of The City that Never Sleeps, and does improve on episode 2 but not quite as good as episode 1. In the final chapter, Hammerhead is the villain, Silver Sable returns as an unlikely ally and given a bit more actual character development that she lacked in the main game. Also Yuri makes the plunge into vengeful vigilatiesm, though it is dissapointing that this is just a side mission rather than part of the main story, considering her importance in the main game and Turf Wars.
Now for the last new enemy type, jetpacks with shields. Use of webs and agility will do the job here, jsut be weary of they’re sweep attack on ground level, where they leave a path of hurt behind for you to step in if you’re not careful.
In summary, this DLC package is primarily aimed for people who loved the Spider-man game, though many as we are, it really doesn’t add too much except some more plot and character development. When I think about it, this feels like I’ve paid for a post credit scene. On that though, it does set up the MGU quite nicely. Long live the Marvel dynasty if the standard remains like this.
Side note, another character that makes a return is Screwball, who returns for all 3 DLC episodes. Can I be bold enough to say that if she was killed off, no-one would care? I understand she made a great plot device to get more challenges after the Taskmaster arc but she really annoys me like no other character. Possibly ever.
No hints and tips this time as the same principles apply from the main game. If you haven’t read the main game review or you want to review the hints, please click here.