Best Expansions From The Xbox 360 Era

Key Takeaways

Xbox 360 era marked excellence in DLC with Battlefield Bad Company 2 Vietnam, Halo 3 ODST, Skyrim Dragonborn.
Half-Life 2 Episodes 1 & 2 continued the story after the main game, featuring nice setpieces and engine improvements.
Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare turned the western game upside down with zombies, new content, and demands for sequel.

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating the vast landscapes of various gaming universes, I can confidently say that the expansions for some games have truly outshone their main counterparts. One such example is the enigmatic gem, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. This retro-futuristic masterpiece, with its 80s action movie aesthetic and Michael Biehn’s gripping portrayal of Rex “Power” Colt, left an indelible mark on my gaming experience. It wasn’t just a DLC; it was a testament to how storytelling and character development can elevate a game to new heights.

Over the years, there have been some fantastic downloadable content (DLC) expansions. Many modern games now seem to be anticipated for their significant post-release content updates, particularly in the case of narrative-driven games. A prime example is the upcoming DLC for Starfield, titled Shattered Space, which promises a fresh storyline for players to explore.

The period of the Xbox 360 can be debated as being when expansions, not only became commonplace but also stood out in a remarkable way on their own. These expansions have often served as models for the downloadable content (DLC) of modern games due to their exceptional quality. Here are some of the top expansion DLCs from the Xbox 360 era.

8 Battlefield Bad Company 2: Vietnam

Recreating a Classic in a Modern Game

Released: December 18, 2010
Metacritic Score: 88%

Battlefield Bad Company 2 boasted an engaging campaign, but its standout feature was undeniably the thrilling multiplayer experience. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the game’s primary expansion focused solely on enhancing this multiplayer aspect, rather than the campaign. Battlefield Bad Company 2: Vietnam, a PvP expansion, seeks to replicate the classic atmosphere of Battlefield: Vietnam within BFBC2. It introduces authentic weapons from the era and several maps reminiscent of the original game. This expansion delivers a gritty spin on the core gameplay that remains enjoyable to play, even in today’s multiplayer landscape if you can find a match.

7 Halo 3: ODST

A Moody and Character Driven Expansion

Released: September 22, 2009
Metacritic Score: 83%

Following the acclaimed release of Halo 3, Bungie achieved independence from Microsoft and was assigned to create two more Halo games before leaving the series. The initial title they produced was Halo 3: ODST, offering a roughly 6 to 8-hour narrative journey where players take on the role of an ODST grunt instead of a SPARTAN super soldier.

In “ODST,” players find themselves exploring the labyrinthine, deserted streets of captured New Mombassa under cover of darkness. The game offers an engrossing narrative, top-notch acting, and some of the most captivating music you’ll come across in a video game.

6 Fallout New Vegas: Old World Blues

Hilarity, Twists and Endless Loot Awaits

Released: July 18, 2011
Metacritic Score: 83%

This DLC expansion, called “Old World Blues,” truly stands out in the world of Fallout: New Vegas. Unlike the base game that usually leans more towards narrative, this expansion is all about exploration and loot. It’s jam-packed with intriguing locations to discover and hidden treasures to uncover, giving it a feel similar to Fallout 3, but with a bit more focused intensity. This results in an enjoyable change of pace. What’s more, the humor in this expansion is consistently funny from beginning to end, without compromising the storytelling. Many gamers have labeled it a “must play,” and I wholeheartedly agree.

5 Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn

A Dense and Visually Rich Homage to Morrowind

Released: December 4, 2012
Metacritic Score: 82%

Although Dawnguard expansion came across as somewhat disappointing, Dragonborn provides a wealth of fresh content for players to explore within a new spatial setting. The island of Solstheim is the backdrop for this DLC, much like it was in the Bloodmoon DLC of Morrowind, creating an experience that strongly references Morrowind’s aesthetics.

In addition to fresh and recurring adversaries, the DLC unfolds a novel narrative centered on Miraak, the initial Dragonborn, and his connection with the Daedric Prince of Wisdom, Hermaeus Mora.

4 Half Life 2: Episode 1 & 2

A Pair of Quality Narrative Expansions

Released: May 1, 2006 / October 10, 2007
Metacritic Score: 87% / 90%

When Half-Life 2 debuted in 2004, it left a lasting impression on gamers that was hard to underestimate, which is why it received several downloadable content expansions focusing on its narrative. Not until the Xbox 360’s release did the two episodes of Half-Life 2 follow (receiving universal praise upon their release). In fact, they were later bundled with Portal, Team Fortress 2, and additional content in The Orange Box collection, which hit shelves in 2007.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my excitement as these episodes seamlessly carry forward the captivating narrative from the original game, picking up where its suspenseful finale left off. They follow Gordon and Alyx on their daring journey beyond City 17, exploring the repercussions of its devastation. The episodes introduce thrilling new environments, boast enhancements to the Source engine, and delve deeper into the lives of secondary characters, offering a more comprehensive experience compared to the main game.

3 Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

80s Action Fun Meets Far Cry

Released: May 1, 2013
Metacritic Score: 80%

To put it simply, playing “Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon” offers a more engaging experience than the original “Far Cry 3.” This is largely because of several standout elements, including its stellar voice acting, 80s action movie style, and the captivating character of Rex “Power” Colt. In contrast to Jason Brody, Rex is undeniably a more compelling protagonist, with his voice talent provided by Michael Biehn, famed for his roles in “Terminator” and “Aliens.

Instead of the original game’s questionable satire on topics like toxic masculinity, the retro-futuristic 80s parody is delivered more effectively and consistently. Like Far Cry 3, it offers an expansive island environment for exploration, but its level design is far more impactful, outshining many levels in the original game.

2 Fallout 3: Point Lookout

It’s Like Fallout 3, Only Much Creepier

Released: June 23, 2009
Metacritic Score: 83%

In a unique twist, Fallout 3 skillfully shifts its tone to evoke a range of emotions from the player, and Point Lookout follows suit by maintaining this approach. What makes Point Lookout stand out is its eerie atmosphere shrouded in thick fog, which conceals the presence of mutated swamp dwellers and the occult. Unlike other Fallout games, Point Lookout cleverly incorporates supernatural elements to an extent that enhances the gameplay experience, even shedding light on one of the base game’s most intriguing mysteries. Amongst Fallout 3’s additional downloadable content, Point Lookout is a must-play.

1 Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare

A Weird and Action-Packed Twist on an Iconic Game

Released: October 26, 2010
Metacritic Score: 87%

The game Undead Nightmare brilliantly revamps a largely somber western game into a hilarious, action-filled zombie slaughterfest. Essentially, it flips the core gameplay of Red Dead Redemption upside down, repurposing numerous elements to suit this new direction. Beyond this significant change, the expansion also delivers a wealth of content that justifies its cost, such as a fresh narrative, horde mode, new weapons, foes, and much more. It’s no surprise that players are clamoring for a similar expansion for Red Dead 2, given how enjoyable Undead Nightmare was from the start.

2024-09-16 19:35