Mass Effect 2 is scheduled to receive another DLC called “The Lair of the Shadow Broker”, with a few new missions and content, but before that happens, developer BioWare plans to release a small DLC which offers new weapons separately from “The Lair of the Shadow Broker” — which will feature the new guns. So if you want the new gear but don’t want the full DLC, expect to pay a few bucks.

BioWare has announced that a new Mass Effect 2 DLC is scheduled for release next month. The DLC, titled, “Overlord”, will include one new missions, just like the last DLC, and will retail for $7 or 560 MS points.

BioWare has announced that the DLC “Equalizer Pack” will be coming tomorrow, and includes a new set of gear for the avid players of Mass Effect 2 — including the new goggles pictured above. The DLC will retail for $160 on the Xbox 360 and for $2 on the PC.

Mass Effect 2′s second DLC, Katsumi – Stolen Memory, centers around Kasumi Goto, the master thief in the galaxy. She’s got a new mission, and for that, she’ll need the help of commander Shepard and co. This is the first paid DLC for Mass Effect 2, so there are some expectations to it. But considering that the $7 DLC runs less than an hour, you may not get much for your money. However, it still offers the same, tried and tested gameplay for those who have exhausted everything Mass Effect 2 has to offer.

The mission plays out like most other loyalty missions and is just as approachable, and throughout the mission, you’ll see just as much action as before. However, sadly there is only one new weapon (an SMG), and no new enemies, which exactly where that kind of stuff should be: in (paid) DLC. On top of that, Kasumi Goto, however cool her name sounds, isn’t really interesting as the principal Mass Effect 2 cast. However, the story and the setting makes up for the rather bleak character.

The mission itself sees a brief stealth part — Katsumi is a thief, nonetheless — where you’ll be sneaking through security, which is an interesting, albeit brief new feature. However, you’ll quickly be blasting your way, Mass Effect 2 style, of course. While the DLC features the usual high production values of BioWare’s Mass Effect 2, it’s hard to justify paying $7 for an extra mission which can be completed in an hour and which offers no replay value. Ultimately, it’s a DLC for those who have completed everything Mass Effect 2 has to offer, and are still interested in playing some more.

The Good:
Interesting story
Easy to get into

The Bad:
No new weapons/enemies
Too familiar to other missions
Way too short for its price

Overall score: 5/10