Fans waited 11 long months for the first The Outer Worlds DLC to drop and mixed reactions were had all around. To be expected for such a quirky game, Peril Of Gorgon's strange direction split fans on either side. From placement in the story to the drift into a different tone, the changes made usually weren't the issue but more so the glaring similarity to the original title.
Most players who fell in love with the original will continue to love the new territories, but it just takes a little more effort than the average DLC. Dependent on whether players have given themselves a break from the game could impact their willingness to put in the work, once it's done, all new content is waiting on the other side that is on par with the original's quality and gameplay.
10 Consistent Quality - Best
If players were fans of the original game then they will fall in love with this DLC. It doesn't take any big departures from the mainline, melding into the original game seamlessly. Adding a welcomed departure into a mystery that brings the original team along for the ride, it will drag old and new players into the abandoned asteroid base.
It also gives players that haven't played the game since its original release a good excuse to get back into the Halcyon System for some more exploring. Adding multiple new locations that will take the character in and out of the original setting.
9 Mid-game Placement - Worst
One of the most peculiar choices the team made was placing the DLC right in the middle of the game. Meaning players that have already beaten the game will have to start fresh to get access to the quest that begins it all. Instead of further exploring the land for new gear or a continuation in the story, Peril On Gorgon emerges about 10 hours into the game.
Depending on how committed players are to playing through the new content, it makes them go through a significant portion of rehashed material before hitting Gorgon. A major speed bump on the road to new stories, it takes the wind out of many people's sails right from the get-go.
8 Detective Noire - Best
Taking a left turn in the way of vibe, Peril On Gorgon makes the player investigate the goings-on of a science lab. The main game story isn't scared of its own conspiracies but Peril On Gorgon will take the darker edge for a distinct change of tone. Curiously coupled with a surprisingly rich landscape for an asteroid, it's time to put on the monocle.
Searching through lost computer logs and audiotapes to gradually reveal the mystery is somehow relaxing compared to most detective storylines, giving players a chance to absorb the landscape without constantly being on their toes. While there are plenty of intense moments to be had, a chance to explore is given frequently.
7 Tired Humor - Worst
Obviously the main game is filled with satirical, dark, wisecracking humor that fans have all come to know from Obsidian. This new DLC will adopt the same humor, but it just doesn't seem to hit the same, making a once enjoyable script a little dry. This might have been different if they hadn't made players play through the same game again to get to the start line.
If it's been gathering dust since the release month then it might not be as bad, but having such a long period away from the content might renew the jokes. At a certain point, it gets too similar to be fun anymore, expecting a snarky comment is never the way to a laugh.
6 Subtle Blend - Best
As much as going back through the game is a hassle of a requirement, it does lend something to the way it intermingles with the main story. Players that played through it the first time with the DLC might not even notice the difference, acting as a contextual device for a few through lines in the main plot.
As much as fans want bigger and better from the DLC, Peril On Gorgon manages to create an odd blend into the original that adds to the short RPG's content base seamlessly. The Outer Worlds might not have the replay value to pull off this unique take for everyone but it certainly gives future titles something to think about.
5 Same Old Mechanics - Worst
As much new story as there is to be added, the DLC has next to nothing to add in the way of combat. Enemies that were attacking in the main game will be attacking now, offering no diversity from the bare-bones version. It will cut down on the adjustment time for those adverse to new mechanics but is also a let down for those that wanted something fresh.
If the mechanics were complex to begin with then it could be easily overlooked but considering the originals oversimplified way of fighting it sticks out like a sore thumb. The only thing fans can grab onto is a couple of new weapons in the entire 6-8 hour campaign.
4 Stuck To The Positives - Best
The glory always goes the risk-takers, the ones that gamble the enjoyment of fans on their own vision. Most of the time these risks fail though, it's only on the rare hit that the celebration balloons start flying. Peril Of Gorgon could be blamed for not trying out new things, but those that buy the DLC probably really enjoyed the main game.
So there's something to be said for sticking to the winning formula in the name of guaranteed enjoyment, putting the ambition aside and giving fans the world they know and love. It still feels different enough to warrant the time without completely going off the reservation and spoiling what made the game great in the first place.
3 Scarce New Gear - Worst
For the first DLC and the biggest new content to come out since its release date, Peril On Gorgon has shockingly few new releases for the fans. Every new weapon is a science weapon that most players only collected for the achievement and the armour is far and few between with no skins in sight.
The writing for the game has always been its support beam as far as gameplay goes but fans still want the flashy goodies to go with it. It's part of what makes the best big games so much fun and a big missed opportunity considering the theme and general vibe of the DLC.
2 Connects The Dots - Best
While the story is very identifiable with the original game, it also opens up that story in many different ways. Connecting the dots on previously separate points and adding a little darker tone into the center of the main story. A perk of it being in the middle for those whose plot memory is a little faded, it adds another dimension to enjoy.
They also didn't slack on the writing for the DLC, maintaining the same level of storytelling throughout. A rare feat that few accomplish in their post-release content, this asteroid base manages to pull emotions out of its industrial landscape.
1 Distracted Gameplay - Worst
While going through the multiple clues at any given location is how you slowly unravel the mystery that you came to Gorgon for, there ends up being a heap of useless information. While they all manage to provide some entertainment value as players slowly read through the minor stories that connect to the science lab, it also ends up being hugely distracting and massively slowing the character down.
This is of course for the gaming purists who do not want to use a guide to swerve their way through the story. The explorers without a map will have to muddle their way through a mass of quirky messages and logs. While time isn't always the most important thing, after the first few, the side adventures of an unknown get a little less interesting.