Dragon Age 2 DLC: Legacy

I already reviewed the first round of DLC for Dragon Age 2, which was mainly the standard of whether or not you bought the game used and wanted to flush $10 towards having access to The Black Emporium and also the dismally dissatisfying Exiled Prince DLC.  Since, I've played through with the new Item Packs (just round one of them, I'm not made of money, you know!) and the new Legacy DLC, which promised an interesting exploration into Hawke's lineage.

The Item Packs (round 1) were more of a "let me spend this strange leftover amount of cash" purchase than something I actually wanted.  In hindsight, they are pretty dumb.  The value added in "better" equipment is marginal, since the reason I play DA2 is to experience Hawke's adventurers through Kirkwall.  That is, even if the items were in fact better.  Stats of many regular in-game items are comparable.  There are some unique items for followers that carry the "Improves with level up" text, usually amulets or rings, but I can't verify that they do, in fact, improve with level up.

Is it Worth It?  Item packs generally aren't worth it, though some of the new armors for Hawke do actually look kind of cool, and I really like the staff that I gave to Anders that I got as part of Mage portion of the item-goodness.  But for $4.99, I could think of other things I'd enjoy (maybe like a new DLC case for L.A. Noire).

He can't be evil.  He's so shiny.

Legacy is a different story.  No really!  Like, it's a different story from the original Dragon Age 2 game.  Hawke travels to some ruins - though I can't quite remember why - and ends up being hunted for his blood by the Dwarven Coeterie gang.  His blood, specifically, since he is the child of the often unmentioned Malcom Hawke, who we learn the backstory behind in this fun, four-to-five hour DLC adventure.

Great news everyone!  This DLC includes new enemies, and not just retooled pushovers of old enemies!  Actually real, somewhat challenging, new creatures to contend with.  NEATNESS.

The DLC also includes new dialogue with companions, some new items, and puzzles, which the main game felt like you could really do without, as if all the people of Kirkwall already have had enough of the brain teasers and have just directly given up on them without another moment's thought.  A child of The Ocarina of Time, myself, I cannot get enough of puzzles.  Blocks to move around?  YES PLEASE.  In fact, I just assume that if I want to take money out of my bank account, that instead of entering in a 4 digit pin number (how pedestrian!), that I instead am forced to rearrange a series mirrors in order to shine a light onto a sensor on the ATM.

Pro: I get to show off my mad Zelda skillz.

Con: Lazy thieves with flashlights.

So, is it worth it?  Yes, yes, yes.  Sure it's $9.99, but that's worth a few extra hours and the great, in-depth story you get to explore.  No spoilers here, but let me tell you: I was very happy with this DLC.

So, if you've got $15 blowing a hole in your pocket, you could do a whole hell of a lot worse than picking up both of these for another run through DA2 in which you attempt to finally nab the elusive Supplier trophy.  If you've only got $10, skip the Item Pack and go straight for Legacy.  Only got $5?  Save it until you have $10 and buy Legacy.

Also: here's more Varric: