Finally. Having gotten closer and closer with each subsequent piece of downloadable content, with Lair of the Shadow Broker BioWare has delivered Mass Effect 2 players some DLC that, if you've finished the game, has some real point to it.
With the exception of the recent Overlord pack, most pieces of ME2 downloadable content have been tailored more towards new or repeat players, with little incentive for those who have finished the game and put it to bed to return to the Normandy for a post-storyline mission.
That's certainly been my biggest disappointment with most of the DLC thus far, but Lair of the Shadow Broker certainly takes care of that particular gripe.
Loved
Canon! - Previous DLC packs have felt tacked on, not really fitting into the larger adventures you've been taking part in. This one, however, fits snugly within the established story and events of both Mass Effect games.
Settle In - Lair is not only the longest piece of DLC thus far, taking me around two hours to finish, it's also the most interesting, spanning a variety of unique locations. I could have spent all day wandering around the finale's maps.
Step On It, Shepard! - There's a car chase. A flying car chase, through the skyscrapers of Illium. It's short, and simple, but it's also great fun.
If, like me, you've been slightly disappointed with Mass Effect 2's DLC to date, don't tar Lair of the Shadow Broker with the same brush. It fits into the larger storyline, has a lasting impact on two primary characters and with plenty to do and see in two hours is even good value for money.
Just don't expect to do much chit-chat or puzzle solving. This one's all about shooting things.
Lair of the Shadow Broker was developer by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for the Xbox 360 and PC. Retails for 800MSP. A copy of the content was given to us by the publisher for reviewing purposes. Played pack to completion.
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