To DLC or Not to DLC

Welcome to the world where no game can be forgotten. Long after the initial quest has been completed, there is chance for replay value in the form of downloadable content. Across the three platforms we have PSN, Xbox Live, and the Wii Virtual Console. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but what about DLC? Some people look at it for a way for developers to continue to suck the pennies from our pockets. Others think it adds to the overall gaming experience and is one of the things that defines this generation of consoles. Well, both are true respectfully. There have been some awesome DLC that are well worth the extra coin. The Xbox 360 gets exclusive episodic content for the upcoming life consuming title GTA IV. As of now, no one knows how much it will cost, but it shouldn't be more than ten bucks. Here's the flip side to this argument. If Rockstar knew that episodic content would be released, then why not take that content and extend the original campaign? I'll wait... This is why some people say that it's all about making money. After all, the video game world is big business. I'm sure a lot of people were upset when they heard that GTA IV wasn't a PS3 exclusive title. It hurts, but the business side of things says that the 360 had a much greater install base than the PS3 at the time of this decision. More consoles means more money.

DLC also gives us smaller, but satisfying add- ons like costumes, different weapons, enemies, and modes. For a game like Warhawk, DLC is absolutely necessary. Being a multiplayer only game, Warhawk depends on the satisfaction of the online community to survive. So far, they've released the Omega Dawn expansion. They did a great job of hyping it up, and priced it at about seven bucks. In April, Operation Broken Mirror will be released, adding new weapons, and fan made paint jobs for the planes. Rockband and Guitar Hero 3 have licenses to print money with all the new songs released every week, and sequels that are sure to soon follow. So DLC does have some sweet spots... and some PAINful ones.

PAIN on PSN was a highly anticipated title. Flinging a guy through the air with a slingshot and watching him smash appeals to our primal human interests. At $9.99, it seemed to be well worth it. In the end, there was one unlocked character with three costumes, one stage, a couple short lived gameplay modes, and an hour of fun. Then DLC came along as characters that costs a dollar a piece. To this day, a half a year after it's released, there has been no new stages and nothing that would make you come back for more hours of fun. Don't get me wrong, it was great at first. But as time went on, I felt abandoned with this game. I think most of us did. Any add on (one add on) or character was just not worth it. I'm sure a new stage will be released, and we'll have to pony up the dough for it. And if history repeats itself, It'll be overpriced.

DLC can be a double edged sword. It can come off as pretentious. It goes to show that the best intentions to make a game last longer can be used as a way to line pockets with mediocre content. It's here to stay, and we'd better enjoy the ride.