Artist: Brandon McKagan
Release date: July 25, 2024
Trepang2 and Ready or Not are diametrically opposed first-person shooters, but they have an absurd lot in common. They both came released in the second half of 2023, are flawless, are spiritual heirs to games from the 2000s, have state-of-the-art graphics and animations, and—most significantly for the sake of this review—both recently saw the release of DLC. When everything is said and done, both of their DLCs are merely a good reason to reinstall the respective base games because they are both inexpensive and rather short. But if you liked Ready or Not or Trepang2, respectively, that doesn’t imply they’re not good or that you shouldn’t get them.
It is difficult for me to find adjectives to characterize Trepang2: Bladekisser that don’t also apply to Ready or Not: Home Invasion, but just to be clear, this isn’t a double review or anything of the sort. Because, once more, they’re essentially the same thing—the former adds two new levels to one of the fastest-paced and most chaotic first-person shooters in existence, while the latter adds three new levels to one of the most methodical and slow-paced first-person shooters in existence. That thing, along with three new weapons and some other small additions, is more very fun shooting in exquisitely rendered environments that barely relate to the stories of their source games.
Dual-wielding SPAS-12s will always be awesome.
In Bladekisser, the objectives take the shape of two that are essentially unrelated to the Trepang 2 spy thriller plot, nine horde mode maps, and weapons like a machine gun, pistol, and sword for your armor. Out of everything in the expansion, the missions and improvements to the arena mode are the least notable in some way since, while they are entertaining to play through and well-designed, they are essentially no different from the dozen or so quests found in the main Trepang 2. That’s not a negative thing at all, because the game’s main missions are excellent, combining thrilling gunfights with stealth sections to make you feel like the ultimate badass. The same can be said about Bladekisser’s missions.
Additionally, two of the three new weapons that the expansion provides aren’t all that exceptional. The revolver is a slower firing but more powerful variant of Trepang2’s pistol, and the assault rifle is a slower firing but more powerful version of the assault weapon in the original game. Although both guns have amazing animations, are well-balanced, and enjoyable to use, they don’t substantially alter the gameplay of the game for the better or worse. But since it’s a sword, that can’t be said about Bladekisser’s addition.
The katana is a melee weapon that can kill a target with one hit and completely alters how you play the game. It goes without saying that you must be close to your opponents in order to hit them with it, but Trepang2’s fast-paced mobility mechanics make that easy. However, it’s unique and compels you to play the game differently than you probably would have otherwise. As ridiculously wonderful to wield as all of the game’s weapons, it alone makes the DLC worthwhile to buy—that is, if you enjoy the concept of taking on the role of a cyberpunk samurai.
Yes, you can put a pizza peel on the katana before anyone asks.
In all honesty, though, you still ought to get the DLC as it’s less expensive than a pack of buckshot shells. What material it does contain is just as amazing as base Trepang2, which is saying more than just something, even though you can experience it all in the time it takes you to read this review and visit its Steam page. One of the best first-person shooter games available is Trepang2, and its second DLC is just the main game with a katana added. And aside from that, what else is there to require in life?
Review Overview
Gameplay: 88%
Story: 72%
Aesthetics: 85%
Content: 80%
Accessibility: 78%
Value: 83%
Overall Rating: 81%
Very Good
Summary: Trepang2: Bladekisser offers fast-paced and intense gameplay that is sure to satisfy action fans. The mechanics are tight, and the combat is thrilling, though the story might not leave a lasting impression. The visuals are impressive, with a gritty, stylish aesthetic that complements the game’s tone. While the content is substantial, it may feel repetitive for some. Accessibility is decent, but a few elements could be more user-friendly. Overall, Trepang2 delivers a solid experience, particularly for those who prioritize gameplay over narrative depth.