Developer- Bioware
Publishers- Electronic Arts
Release Date- March 5th, 2013
Price- $14.99 MSRP
Review Platform- Xbox 360
Shepard & Company
The Citadel DLC as you probably know concludes the development of additional content for Mass Effect 3. As the final piece of single-player content, Citadel brings back old friends from Mass Effect 2, gives players their own spacious apartment to customize, as well as telling an interesting story about new enemies who seek to harm Shepard during his or her shore leave.
While the DLC promises to reunite fellow team members, the way this was implemented was a little disappointing as they mostly appear after the main arc of the content is over, allowing you to speak with them for a few more scenes and hang out for a bit at the new locations on the Citadel. This $15 piece of content will get you some mini-games to check out, new weapons to use, and a story that clocks in around 3 hours, so depending on how much you enjoy new Mass Effect content, you may want to want until this DLC gets a price drop.
For Xbox 360 players, you may have been wondering why this content takes up about 4 GB of space, which is split into two downloads. I don't know the exact reason either, but it may be due to the new locations that have been added to the Citadel, as well as the apartment you are given and new cut-scenes to check out. Despite it's size, you're not really looking at a wealth of new content, but I enjoyed this DLC nonetheless.
While it does have a serious tone to it, I found myself laughing frequently as characters addressed issues that real players have used as internet memes and slogans. In other ways, this content also feels more laid back in terms of the overall conflict in Mass Effect 3 regarding the reapers, but still manages to contain some great shooting moments, made better with the new silenced pistol you'll be able to wield in this content.
Based on who you have made contact with in Mass Effect 3, certain characters from the past will be available to aid you in the arena mini-game where you'll face waves of enemies for prizes. This is a pretty cool mode, but the characters from Mass Effect 2 don't actually help you during the story portion of this content, which is a bit of a bummer.
It's nice to have your own place on the Citadel, and interact with past characters, but this DLC is a bit steep for all that it offers. I'd say check it out once there is a price drop or sale for the content, and check out the free multiplayer DLC in the meantime.
"Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew get a much deserved break, but their shore leave is short lived. Face down a new villain before catching up with old friends from Mass Effect 1 and 2."
Monday, March 11, 2013
