Mass Effect series Review + Retrospective #3.3: Leviathan
Leviathan is the first story expansion for Mass Effect 3, following Shepard and the crew investigating a mysterious creature capable of killing Reapers – the titular Leviathan.
Leviathan dwarfs the other Mass Effect DLCs by having multiple missions on various planets throughout the galaxy, a new mini hub you’ll visit multiple times, and a couple new systems to explore for more war assets.
I think Leviathan is great – the missions are exciting and varied, the story is intriguing, and the integration of multiplayer elements (such as guiding a repair drone or carrying valuable items) is smoothly executed. The new missions give plenty of unique dialogue for your squadmates, avoiding ME2’s issue of the “silent gun” party members in its DLCs. Exploring Dr. Bryson’s lab with EDI also gives some opportunities for good character moments with her, a character sort of neglected throughout ME3. Playing detective in the lab is simple, but a fun gameplay diversion that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The combat missions are really nicely paced – fast, action-packed, and short. Each one features a great setpiece that helps it stay memorable, especially diving to the sea floor in the ATLAS mech during the final mission. It looks great and is a super cool moment.
Some find the Leviathan itself to be controversial, but I actually think it’s a interesting character and I liked the little background info on the Reapers. I think this one is probably my favorite Mass Effect DLC, and definitely worth checking out.
Leviathan is the first story expansion for Mass Effect 3, following Shepard and the crew investigating a mysterious creature capable of killing Reapers – the titular Leviathan.
Leviathan dwarfs the other Mass Effect DLCs by having multiple missions on various planets throughout the galaxy, a new mini hub you’ll visit multiple times, and a couple new systems to explore for more war assets.
I think Leviathan is great – the missions are exciting and varied, the story is intriguing, and the integration of multiplayer elements (such as guiding a repair drone or carrying valuable items) is smoothly executed. The new missions give plenty of unique dialogue for your squadmates, avoiding ME2’s issue of the “silent gun” party members in its DLCs. Exploring Dr. Bryson’s lab with EDI also gives some opportunities for good character moments with her, a character sort of neglected throughout ME3. Playing detective in the lab is simple, but a fun gameplay diversion that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The combat missions are really nicely paced – fast, action-packed, and short. Each one features a great setpiece that helps it stay memorable, especially diving to the sea floor in the ATLAS mech during the final mission. It looks great and is a super cool moment.
Some find the Leviathan itself to be controversial, but I actually think it’s a interesting character and I liked the little background info on the Reapers. I think this one is probably my favorite Mass Effect DLC, and definitely worth checking out.