If you had asked me two or three years ago about DLC I probably would have looked at you with a ‘Zoolander’ style expression drawn across my face.
Now though, I couldn’t be happier, of course this isn’t any old DLC, this is Burnout Paradise DLC.
Today sees the release (it’s available right now on both PS3 and 360) of the very highly anticipated Bike update, meaning that any of you with a copy of Burnout Paradise sat on your shelf can now race around, pull wheelies and perform doughnuts in a threatening manner. It doesn’t just stop at bikes either, we see 70 more freeburn challenges, 38 new race events and not to mention a full 24hr day/night cycle for the game.
You’re probably reading this and thinking, “yeah yeah, DLC is released every week for some game or another” in which case you’re 100% correct. But (there is after all, always a but) the difference here is that this DLC is free.
One can only appreciate Criterion Games for their DLC policy which has seen them release a couple of really big pieces of DLC for Burnout Paradise, when to be honest, they could quite easily have stuck an 800MS point price tag on there and many would still have paid.
These aren’t small additions either, or additions that you’ll finish quite quickly, these are additions to the game that after you’ve finished it, make you load it back up and keep you glued to your screen for a good number of hours.
If only others could take a leaf out of Criterion’s book regarding their policy of supporting games after release instead of instantly looking for the quick cash route, the average life span of games would no doubt increase greatly, and who knows, may stop people part exchanging titles if they know some nice free DLC is on the way.
This is how DLC should be and while I do agree that some portions can be worth the fee they charge it’s very refreshing to see a developer go so far out of their way to ensure that their game is supported with new content after its original release.
Here’s to you Criterion, may your wheelies be executed perfectly and your burnt rubber smell magnificent!
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September 18th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Cool. I’m not all that bothered about bikes but I fancy some night racing in Burnout.
That said, the bikes might be awesome fun…
September 18th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Got bored of Burnout Paradise incredibly quickly. Just didn’t like the repetition. Bikes look awesome though, will definitely inject new life into it :)
September 18th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Bikes are better than cars… FACT!
I want to play TDU now.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
It really is great to see a high profile developer support its game in this way.
I think it’ll work for them by building loyalty for the franchise amongst gamers, but how Criterion persuaded EA to do this free, I have no idea.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:11 am
If only the Guitar Hero guys would follow Criterion and give a way the new Metallica CD for free!
Looking forward to trying the bikes just downloaded them. Did the Criterion people not do a stand alone bike game called Street Kings or something?
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:51 am
That does sound like reassuringly good value.
I think Rainbow 6 Vegas 2 is getting a gift pack soon with some rejigged maps. I think it’s free.
It annoys me when games are released that already have DLC in place as soon as the game comes out, asking for another £10-£15. The worst example – Beautiful Katamari.
As if £40 wasn’t a big ask in the first place! Bandits.