As a longtime gamer with memories of late-night sessions and countless hours spent immersed in virtual worlds, I can confidently say that this year has been nothing short of remarkable for us gamers. From the depths of Cauldron Lake to the Realm of Shadow, the DLC releases of 2024 have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
2024 saw an average number of DLC releases, but quality overpowered quantity. Remarkably, there were DLCs that contended for the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards.
Here’s a fun way to wrap up the year: I’m gifting you the top-ranked DLCs of 2024! You’ll find a mix of everything, ranging from lesser-known indie games to big-budget AAA productions. Feel free to choose what tickles your fancy.
8. Rise of Ix
Dune: Imperium
In 2022, the physical version of the board game acquired the “Rise of Ix” expansion, while its digital counterpart was added to the mix in 2024.
In a natural and easily comprehensible manner, Dune: Imperium expands on the franchise’s established legacy of robust strategy games, while aligning with the visual style of Denis Villeneuve’s latest Dune movies.
The initial expansion for the game, titled “Rise of Ix“, significantly alters the gameplay experience by introducing key features, predominantly through the technological advancements stemming from planet Ix and its innovation tree.
Apart from introducing new vessels, the “Rise of Ix” expansion also includes new rulers, skills, and an entirely fresh multiplayer mode designed to accommodate a larger number of simultaneous participants.
7. Space Age
Factorio
The experience of playing Factorio can vary greatly depending on different perspectives. For some, it’s seen as a process that involves creating circuit boards with additional stages. To others, however, it might come across as an engrossing and potentially habit-forming pastime, even to the point of being addictive.
Whatever excuse you use to keep playing it, Factorio delivered with its Space Age DLC in October.
Exploration gets enriched with the introduction of four unique planets, each exhibiting distinct characteristics. For instance, Fulgora is a barren desert landscape filled with recurring lightning storms and remnants from a vanished or departed alien civilization.
Discovering new planets introduces fresh interactions, enhanced by the Quality mod feature that offers the option for vertical development instead of continuous expansion horizontally.
Instead of merely firing off a rocket, the objective in Factorio’s Space Age involves constructing a space platform capable of venturing to the outermost reaches of our solar system.
6. Frontline-59 Campaign
Project Wingman
For the past four years, Sector D2 has boldly challenged the dominance of Bandai Namco’s “Ace Combat” in the gaming world with their unique offering, “Project Wingman”.
The “Frontline-59” initiative transports aviators to the overlooked Magadan Front, a significant battlefield that coincides with the timeframe of the main game.
As a Pacific Federation pilot, you’re back on duty after facing some tough battles, but you’re far from defeated. You’re now being sent from the Bearing Strait to repel a significant Cascadian invasion.
Following the style of classic arcade flight simulations, Frontline-59 offers colossal enemy aircraft as bosses, thrilling aerial maneuvers through tight tunnels, and an exhilarating journey through harsh and challenging environmental conditions.
The DLC also adds a distinctive new artistic style that brings that Battlefield 3 nostalgia back.
5. Winds of Change
Regiments
When Regiments came out in 2022, it was a breath of fresh air for real-time strategy players tired of the sweaty meta gameplay of Wargame: Red Dragon.
Despite the fact that the sleek design, authentic combat sequences, and captivating atmosphere left a strong impact, the campaign fell short in length, leaving several gamers yearning for more. Recognizing the demand, Bird’s Eye Games responded with the Winds of Change expansion pack.
In this version, you’ll acquire unique units and new territories, showcasing the timeless charm of the French Army from the late 1980s, but it’s the innovative War Paths mode that truly sets Wind of Change apart.
This campaign generator, which adapts and performs superbly, stands out as a fine illustration of how procedural generation should be executed effectively.
This hidden strategy gem gains endless playability thanks to Winds of Change, solidifying it as a standout title in the MicroProse comeback era.
4. Dawntrail
Final Fantasy XIV
2021 was an action-packed year for fans of Final Fantasy. The excitement began with the highly anticipated debut of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, despite some negative feedback from critics in Square Enix’s quarterly reports. The momentum continued with the release of Dawntrail, an expansion pack for Final Fantasy XIV.
Despite some struggles with the “Final Fantasy XVI” expansion pack, “Rising Tide”, the community was quite enthusiastic about “Dawntrail”. Like most releases from Square Enix, it garnered both supporters and critics, but generally maintained a positive reception.
Dawntrail adopts a down-to-earth narrative style, distancing itself from the grandiose apocalyptic themes prevalent in past expansions.
While it may not bring about groundbreaking changes, this approach was beneficial for Dawntrail, as it enabled a stronger emphasis on narrative development, further enhanced by the upgraded facial expressions and enchanting music.
3. The Lake House
Alan Wake II
Remedy Entertainment has a rich IP library, and the Finnish company is not afraid to mix and match.
In the DLC for Alan Wake II titled “The Lake House,” you venture into the eerie and imposing structures of the Federal Bureau of Control’s facility near Cauldron Lake. As FBC agent Kiran Estevez, you are the lone recognizable entity in this chilling location.
As I traverse the seemingly endless five levels of this chilling research facility, it’s hard not to feel a mix of intrigue and unease. The game developers have masterfully crafted an experience that keeps me on edge, sends shivers down my spine, yet remains incredibly enjoyable.
In comparison to other games by Remedy Entertainment, The Lake House leaves you without special abilities or mystical devices to aid you, thus making one feel insignificant.
Stepping into this place, every nook and cranny seems to pulse with dread. I’ve got to rely on my wits and the gear I’ve got to survive and escape this nightmare.
2. Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring
Most Downloadable Content (DLC) often thrive within their dedicated communities, yet they seldom create a significant impact beyond these circles.
As a devoted fan, I must say that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is an exception to all discussions. This DLC stands out with its exceptional quality, earning four nominations at The Game Awards, including Best RPG, Best Art Direction, Best Game Direction, and even the highly esteemed Game of the Year category.
Many gamers found the nomination less appealing because it was for a DLC instead of a complete game. However, one thing is certain – Shadow of the Erdtree is an exceptional choice!
Discussing more than forty new leaders, a very thick shadow realm, and a soundtrack that’s quite intense.
The artistic quality of this DLC stands out above most, yet it’s hindered by technical glitches that even top-tier computers may struggle to overcome.
1. The War Within
World of Warcraft
2024 saw the celebration of World of Warcraft’s 20-year milestone, with Blizzard presenting an impressive gift to its players.
Back in September, “The War Within” hit the shelves, and it was widely acclaimed as the top “World of Warcraft” release in quite some time.
While it may appear like just another quality expansion for the franchise at first glance, what sets The War Within apart is its accessibility – even if you don’t play regularly, you can still fully appreciate it.
You have the freedom to move at your own speed as you explore the story on your own. If you decide to venture into dungeons, non-player characters may join you for support.
In a more natural and easy-to-understand manner: The growth process offers compensations that seem almost extraordinary for World of Warcraft. From the cinematics to the artistic touches scattered throughout the DLC content, The War Within resonates as if it were a battle cry.
The realm of World of Warcraft isn’t just thriving, but continually evolving. Wishing a happy anniversary has never been this exhilarating!
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2024-12-24 03:39