Beware use of (liberal) English syntax. Also Spoilers. (I'm a lazy typer.)
So i've been a long time Bioware fan - and by long time I mean 13 years. One of the ongoing furors that has always puzzled me is the public rancor engendered by DLC vs. Expansion Pack debates that have persisted since Bioware moved beyond the Aurora Engine model . I cannot tell you how many times I've heard/read a person complaining about how the switch to DLC is merely an excuse for profiteering and laziness.
It could not be further from the truth, so i'm going to try and set the record straight in context of some of the Mass Effect 3 DLC.
To begin with, DLC and Expansion Packs are two completely different models. (Yes same basic idea, but two models - bear with me.) Expansion Packs - i'm looking at Bioware exclusively - can be wrapped up as the semicolons (yes the feared mark ; ) of gaming punctuation. Expansion Packs can serve as parallel stand alones. The basic idea of the original game is carried over and not so much modified or 'expanded' as solidified or continued.
DLC are commas. ( , ) They require the earlier assessment to place their own content in context of meaning.
It is true that just like DLC Expacs comprised content cut out due to delays, restraints, technical issues - blah blah. It's also true that they serve a different purpose.
My metaphorical English lesson over, here's my not to graceful segueway into DLC thoughts:
First up, Leviathan DLC:
9/10
To begin - I was a big fan of it. ( I loved the movie Abyss and I read the Kabbalah like it's the candy of introspective literature. )
But what was it? Leviathan was plot elaboration and side quests. It did NOTHING to alter the story-arc in and of itself. If it was an expansion pack it would have done more than merely elaborate - it would have altered outcome or created a story arc distinct of the first arc. As it was, Leviathan was a literary device - an insertion to give meaning to things already present ( if not understood) in the plot. This is very common in literature, especially if one looks at the character framework format. It gives room for reflection upon one's actions with the grey area of perhaps nothing more than perspective into the character/plot's deeper nature. This is very easy to do ( relatively speaking) compared to writing a second story that creates a new plot-arc out of the first story and yet remains true to the feeling of the first story.. But really, enough about stories and arcs. The combat felt a little rough around the edges - too bread and butter. It could have been improved, but it was solid.
Second, Omega:
7/10
While i'm not a huge fan of the concept I appreciate the thought and creativity poured into this. A lot of it does seem slightly half-baked, it does provide minor elaboration on events connected to Shepard in the past. ( although why Bioware didn't tie more into Shepard's quests on Omega from ME2 is beyond me. This was a rich field they did nothing with. ) Bioware tinkering with the 'hitchcock/Lovecraft' atmosphere worked really well here ( loved the Grunt and Ardat-Yakshi missions in Mass Effect 3 because of this.) I typically don't like things that are overtly creepy - but for Shepard it works well the way it's put. Omega didn't really provide the fiber of the story like Leviathan did, though it did offer that perspective on " the wars going around that Shepard isn't fighting" - which I love. Shepard and her friends are principle plot characters - not the only characters. I like the fact this connected Shepard with the nameless others. But, again - Bioware could have done better. There's so much emphasis in ME3 of the toll the war is placing on Shepard ( understandably!) that I think including more 'human' moments for Shep would have given Omega a more rounded feel.
Third: Citadel
Ok, I gotta be honest - i've not finished it yet ( playing through it as of today.) My immediate reactions are on different sides of the fence. It doesn't really FIT the atmosphere and urgency of Mass Effect 3 (the DLC is downright silly at times) out of which i'd give it a lowly 3.5/10, but there's something peculiar about it I really admire. Going back to my closing assessment of Omega DLC - I think it's because it provides rare glimpses of 'life outside of Shepard.' Shepard is more than a soldier - she's a person. This DLC provides a glimpse at that in context of her compatriots. Shepard isn't THE hero of Mass Effect - she's the LEADER. She's the visible apparatus for plot. And, once again - i'm going to wax - I love the moments of insight into Shep's personality outside of the soldier suit here that the main games (1,2,3) pass up most of the time. While it doesn't have as much genuine feel as the Shepard-Garrus exchange atop the Citadel ( ) it does carry with it similar sentiment. These are people that care about Shepard deeply. Out of this I would give this a 7.5/10. The curious thing about this DLC though isn't what Bioware actually does with it - but what Bioware COULD do with it.
Fourth - the rest.
Well, the item packs, etc etc - those are fillers. I'll withold my thoughts on those because those DO come across as rather...laundering. I'll reserve my number slaying though. ( I know I skipped over Javik, but I do so because his DLC somehow makes Vigil in Mass effect 1 feel... less awe inspiring. They could have done better. )
So really - what we see here are a bunch of commas. Lots of possibilities and and insights with little ( or no ) external arc development. If we were to see an expansion pack ( which wouldn't really work here all things considered) one might see it through another npc's eyes. Maybe its privates on Palaven and Thessia - maybe David Anderson on Earth ( !!!!!! ) But with the staple of how DLCs ARE becoming more like expansion packs as time goes on I really think it's impossible with the game's structure to have true blue expansion packs that hold the atmosphere of the game respectfully.
Given the choice between no expansion pack and DLC (that actually has content) I have to pay a little money for - i'm going to hold out for Bioware. Lets face it: if Mass Effect 2 and 3 didn't have some of of the major DLC - it would feel like a smaller galaxy one was saving.
In resolution - a thanks to the ME team at Bioware. Commander Shepard's journey ( and mine with hers ) has been a source of courage in a life defined by struggles with depression and life-altering illness.
Modifié par Annaire, 21 juillet 2013 - 04:42 .
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