What should a good DLC/Expansion pack include?

[Joccaren]

Yes:

No:

Civilization 5 exemplifies exactly what not to do with your expansion pack. Whereas Civ IV had packs with multiple new civilizations, random maps, and gameplay features for $40-$50, Civ 5 has individual civilizations (with a single map apiece) for $5 a pop. No new gameplay whatsoever, just what amounts to an expensive reskin of existing content. When compared to the bounty of riches Firaxis offered to its Civ IV players, 2K's attempts this time around seem anemic, uninspired, and insipid.

Oh god, how could I forget BTS?
You are somewhat forgetting Warlords though - that was nothing compared to BTS

And to be fair, what 2K are doing is DLC or Add-ons instead of expansion packs, and they are (Over)priced according to that. If they were to release an expansion pack for $40, and have it only include new races, then I'd agree with you, but as of yet they are merely selling off small add-ons. I hope a major DLC is in the works for those who play Civ V (I personally don't. Didn't like the sudden change in direction - Civ IV was so epic, and IMO with BTS it reached the Pinnacle of Civ games, and Civ V seemed to go for 'Simplified with shiny graphics', which isn't what I wanted. Eh, I got the Fall From Heaven mod to play as a Civ V if I have to (Check out FFH2 if you haven't already. The Age of Ice mod had story and some reasonable immersion, FFH2 takes it to a whole new level)).

Though I do love that guys name. Kamehameha
Dragon Ball anyone?

 

[SpaceCop]

Undead Nightmare is the DLC high-water mark in my books. It took settings, characters, and gameplay we were familiar with and used them for something that stands up entirely on its own. Its familiarity means that it works in tandem with the main game, but because it is separate from Red Dead Redemption's canon it doesn't have to awkwardly shoehorn itself into the storyline.

Most of the Dragon Age DLC, on the other hand, is all about awkwardly shoehorning itself into storylines. And with the exception of Awakening it was all short, inconsequential, and filled with a frustrating array of throwaway NPCs, game-breaking items, and features that probably should have been included in the main game--the storage chest, for instance.

So. To my mind the best DLC works within gameplay or settings we've already previously enjoyed, but delivers well enough on its own so as not to intrude into areas of the game that are already established.

 

[Leninv3l]

Rockstar does DLC very well in my opinion. They more often than not wait until well after the game's release to continue support, unlike the greedy developers who withhold content then release it on day 1/ announce it a week before release/ intentionally omit it like Saints 3, Battlefield 3, Assassin's Creed II,and LA Noire (not developed by R*). High content DLC that is a respectable price is fine by me. I loved Point Lookout(Bethesda), Shivering Isles(Bethesda), Lost and Damned(R*), Ballad of Gay Tony(R*). I count all those as true expansions.

 

[dills2]

a dlc that adds a new enough gameplay experience

 

[GeorgW]

I'd say MW2 is a great expansion pack for CoD 4: Modern Warfare, a new game mode, improved multiplayer and a long campaign as well. The only thing wrong with it was its price.

I miss the old school expansion packs, Warcraft 3 The Frozen Throne is the best example I can think of, but then again I didn't plat much back then. However I think it's ineffective to think that we can ever truly go back to that. I much prefer smaller, cheaper DLC to the big expansions, but they have to still have the same quality as an expansion, and that's extremely rare. Bethesda does it best. And while I haven't played it, I hear Read Dead Redemption's expansion was great.

Also, why is it so rare with campaign DLC???

 

[tsb247]

I think Bohemia Interactive have hit the nail on the head with their expansions an DLCs. They provide a great deal of content at a reasonable price ($10 for DLC and $29.99 for expansions), and with that content, you get almost an entirely different game with even more options to modify it!

Here is a trailer of their DLC compilation for ArmA 2:


their standalone expansion: Operation Arrowhead is also quite impressive and not only adds new maps, campaign, and features + engine improvements, but it also serves as a platform on which the new content functions.

What I am getting at is that it takes a single modular game, and it makes it into something that far greater than the original product.

If an expansion or DLC does not improve upon the original, then it is not worth my time.

 

[woodaba]

Spoiler

What all expansions should try to attempt to attain. One of the best expansions out there. Love or hate Obsidian, MotB was a masterpiece, not very buggy, a tight story with massive amounts of symbolism.

Spoiler

A great set of DLC, that wasn't overpriced for the amount of game that they added. They added to the story, gave good rewards, and expanded upon the storyline of the game. While it wasn't needed, it really made the world seem even more alive.

Yeah, I realize I linked expansions and DLC to Obsidian games, but honestly, they make damn good expansions and DLC.

Obsidian are one of the best devs out there, and these expansions prove why. I was more hyped for Lonesome Road that any game in recent memory thanks to the excellent breadcrumb trail left by the previous DLCs. So very good.

And im with you on Mask of the Betrayer. I liked NWN 2, but holy shit MoTB blew me away. I like Storm of Zehir as well, if only because its Tropicalwind Dale.

 

[Codeknight]

Honestly I think good DLC has little to do with whats in it and more with the price. Whether the devs throw together a protective equine garment or craft half a new game you can spend hours exploring. It doesn't matter, as long as it's priced right. I'd buy the some cosmetic stuff if it only cost like 10 cents instead of putting me back $5 for just an item ore two.

 

[gewata]

I reckon the Morrowind expansions and the Shivering Isles (incedentally, the only bit of Oblivion I actually liked) are probably what more companies aim for.

 

[VoidWanderer]

The best way to sum it up would be a new story to experience.

 

[galaktar]

New weapons
New plot
New characters (that are likable)
New music (like New Vegas)
New abilities
Different Theme
More portals

Basically just cram as much good stuff in as possible, is what I'm getting at.

 

[Bravo 21]

Just add zombies, cause we all love zombies! Just kidding.

Actually, I have to agree with you, there are a variety of games that I would buy zombie DLC for, like Splinter Cell conviction, or bad company 2, just because I love killing zombies, and killing zombies by blowing up a building? I would pay for that, still I understand what you mean about the swarms of zombie DLC's