In the world of video games, downloadable content, or DLC for short, has become vastly common. It’s rare now for a game nowadays to be released without having some post-game content for players to download coming on the horizon.
Some games have released DLCs that have hit the mark, like the two expansion packs for The Witcher 3 and Undead Nightmare for Red Dead Redemption. However, after much hype, some DLCs fall just short and end up not pleasing players.
Let’s go through just a handful of DLCs that have just been disappointing.
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Assassin’s Creed
Over the years, Assassin’s Creed has released a plethora of DLCs for its games. We’ve had season passes, extra weapon/costume packs, and more story missions. However, there is probably one Assassin’s Creed DLC that just doesn’t hit the mark.
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, not only did they release a season pass, which included two extra story-driven expansions, but they also released a standalone DLC called Dawn of Ragnarök. While Valhalla is high in Norse mythology, it felt like Ubisoft was just adding more bloat to an already bloated game. Plus, at launch, it was a hefty $39.99.Â
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 has been easily one of the most hyped and anticipated games of all time. So, when the game was finally released in December 2020, players were bemused that it was full of bugs, making it virtually unplayable for some gamers.
In 2021, developer CD Projekt Red released the first, free DLC. However, instead of being something extra to the story or a significant expansion, it ended up being an alternative appearance for the character Johnny Silverhand.
It is believed that Cyberpunk 2077 will be receiving an expansion, but no further details have been announced.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Season Pass
Back in March or 2022, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a spin-off from the critical-acclaimed Borderlands franchise, was released.
Just a month later, the game released the first part of their season pass, which can be purchased for $30, called Coiled Captors. While it’s great that the DLC was released quickly after the game’s launch, it wasn’t a highly praised one.
One of the main complaints what the length of the DLC. In previous Borderland releases, any post-game released expansions have been quite lengthy and full of things for players to do. It looks as if this season pass for Tiny Tina’s Wonderland just isn’t living up to the hype of the game.
The Sims 4 Expansion Cost
The Sims 4 was released in 2014, and it doesn’t look as if we’ll be getting a new game entry anytime soon. So, what have Electric Arts done to keep players entertained in between? Released a plethora of expansion packs, too many in fact.
So far, eleven main expansions have been released and are usually priced at $39.99 a pop. Meaning that after the cost of the games, to have every bit of content added, it would set players back nearly $440, a hefty cost.
The Saboteur X-rated DLC
The Saboteur is an open-world game, set in a Nazi-occupied Paris. It wasn’t a hugely popular game but garnered some good reviews. A DLC was released called The Midnight Show, including some x-rated content. In-game, the protagonist called Sean Devlin, can visit brothels, similar to what players can do in Grand Theft Auto.
However, The Midnight Show DLC would render all of the women in the brothel topless. Players are given the choice to turn the nudity off if they wished. Â Although it was included in new copies of the game, those who owned pre-used copies had to pay $3. Â After a spot of controversy around the add-on, EA pulled it from the game in 2012.
Elder Scrolls Horse Armor
In a lot of open-world games, players are given the opportunity to change the outfits and armors of the characters and it was no different in The Elder Scroll IV: Oblivion. For the mounts, Bethesda released a Horse Armor DLC at the cost of $2.50. And that’s all players got, a shiny armor for their horse.
It could be argued that this was one of the first cases of micro-transaction being brought to video games, especially with the game being released in 2006.
Tomb Raider (2013) Pointless Pack
The new Tomb Raider games rejuvenated the Lara Croft series. The first entry in the rebooted series was simply titled Tomb Raider and it saw Lara Croft head out on an expedition to find the kingdom of Yamatai.
Due to the popularity of the game, DLCs started being released but none of them ended up being memorable. The only extra gameplay added was a hidden tomb alongside new outfits, skill, and gear upgrades were unlocked. It was a bit lackluster, with players wondering if it’s even worth it.
Mass Effect 3: From Ashes
Mass Effect 3: From Ashes was the first paid expansion pack to be released for, you guessed it, Mass Effect 3. The reception to the DLC was mixed, largely due to the fact it was released on the same day as the base game, and not included free of charge. Not the best of decisions when players have already shelled out for the game.
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