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Premium downloadable content (DLC) can be a boondoggle. In theory, it's a great way to extend the value of a game but at times, it can be an overpriced cash-grab. You pay roughly seven or eight dollars (more than 10% the cost of the original game) and often get trivial add-on material. The new premium DLC for the acclaimed 'Mass Effect 2', 'Kasumi - Stolen Memory' falls roughly in-between, at the cost of roughly 7$ U.S. It's a fun add-on for those of us that have played 'Mass Effect 2' thoroughly but it does very little to enhance the overall game experience. With the download, players get access to a new character to add to Commander Shepard's already robust line-up of starship companions. Similar to the free character of Zaeed Massani, add-on that shipped with early copies of 'Mass Effect 2', you get an on-board message that your employer, Cerberus, has hired a new crew member. Upon meeting the elusive Kasumi, a sort of futuristic master thief who combines cutting edge technology with Ninja-like stealth, you immediately enter into a character-driven, loyalty quest. The quest takes you to a new star system, where you are tasked to help Kasumi retrieve the memory of her recently deceased lover. Shepard and Kasumi must infiltrate a high society party being held by the head of an intergalactic smuggling syndicate. The quest has a little more story than most of the other side quests. In a break from normal game play, it's just Shepard and Kasumi on this mission. Players get a new casual outfit, a black and white, futuristic tuxedo that players can set as the default casual outfit for him after the mission is over. In total, the 'Stolen Memory' quest takes about an hour to complete, the first half is rudimentary problem solving as you and Kasumi try to find ways to break into a highly secure underground vault. The second half of the quest is intense combat that will test the skills of veteran players. To game developer BioWare's credit, the mission is polished and dense. They've taken the time to ensure it fits seamlessly with the broader game. It's only one extra hour of play on a 25 hour-plus game. Is that worth 10% of the game's price? For hardcore fans players it might be, because Kasumi's unique skill set, and a powerful sub-machine gun that you pick up in the mission can be used throughout the rest of the game. These subtle add-ons can be serious game changers for veteran players. Starting with Kasumi, her default AI has her utilizing her stealth and melee combat powers. This is a very valuable skill set on higher difficult settings, where AI opponents will try to overwhelm your stationary cover positions and force you into much more dangerous open combat. Kasumi's ability to attack these unaware enemies from behind is a big help. Combine her and the psychotic biotic specialist Jack, and vast swaths of enemies can be dispatched quickly. Secondly, the M-12 Locust Submachine Gun is a game changer for players who chose biotic or tech focused character builds. Submachine guns are the bread-and-butter weapons for these classes - and it's buy far the weakest weapon class. The Locust, gives you much more accurate range and stopping power, giving specialist characters increased ranged combat abilities. Where the DLC falls way short is in character development. You've shelled out the money for this new character and after her mission is over, Shepard can't converse with her. Aside from her in mission combat abilities her addition to the team for the broader game is of little consequence. Pros: Unlike a lot DLC out there, this one shows quality and polish of broader 'Mass Effect 2' game Kasumi brings unique and deadly skill set to team Locus SMG gives much needed firepower to specialist character classes Cons: Mission is only about an hour long Kasumi doesn't offer layered conversation or relationship options that other NPCs do   'Mass Effect 2' - 'Kasumi - Stolen Memory' Format: Xbox 360 Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: BioWare ESRB Rating: Teen Official Site: http://masseffect.bioware.com/agegate/?url=%2F Rating: 7.5 / 10

 

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