This DLC was a bitter shame for me. The 2015 entry of Syndicate for me was perfect (haven't written my review yet but i'd rate it a 9/10); for AC standards relatively glitch free, simple yet inciting story and duality of having 2 characters (Evie Frye is quite possibly the best assassin since Ezio) and the most gorgeous setting imaginable. I rate the main game highly.
However, the DLCThis DLC was a bitter shame for me. The 2015 entry of Syndicate for me was perfect (haven't written my review yet but i'd rate it a 9/10); for AC standards relatively glitch free, simple yet inciting story and duality of having 2 characters (Evie Frye is quite possibly the best assassin since Ezio) and the most gorgeous setting imaginable. I rate the main game highly.
However, the DLC is basically a product of Ubisoft main crime, particular with the AC franchise (although they are a very good publisher generally) - the DLC is rushed. Loving the period of history, this DLC came out just 2 months after the base game...firstly, with the announcement of a well needed attempt to space out the franchise, going on hiatus on a very good main game, the DLC had all the time in the world to develop.
Now this wouldn't be a problem if the quick turn-around produced equal quality, but it simply doesn't. The intentions are there for ingenuity; a new fear mechanic, an aged Evie who is somehow just as badass, Jack the Ripper sections and the rightful (in my opinion) constriction of the map to Whitechapel and City of London. The execution however, ruined what could have been a good DLC.
The story is okay, but nothing special. Certainty worth playing but not engrossing and has no replay value; the main game really draws me into certain facets of the London Underworld, and this just....doesn't. Also why the hell is the Rooks your enemy in this one? A gang you brought up to fight the Starrick Empire now is fighting its creator? For what reason? Doesn't say.
The fear mechanic is cheesy and illogical; throwing fire bombs to scare people as Evie, and a supernatural screech for Jack? Come on. It doesn't really do much for me, and although it was a bit of fun for the first 3 memories or so it gets old FAST and the DLC is too reliant on it.
THE DLC is also comparability difficulty. Players like me who maxed out the game (1000/1000G) equated to having all the skills and perks. The DLC removes all of these. If you earned the skill to restrain a kidnapped enemy? Now they won't. If you earned the skill to not make enemies go for you in the streets? Now they will. Now I understand that there is a constricted map so you could argue that this should keep the player busy and not bored by the enemies are relentless and ALL level 10/11. Considering to max out the DLC you need to 100% the whole DLC, for the side objectives this is ANNOYING.
Which brings me onto my next point. The side missions are even more monotonous than in the main game. 5/6 TRUE variants (some missions are "different" but in reality do the same thing) and add virtually nothing to the story.
Finally, and my main qualm, is that the DLC is visibly glitchy. We aren't talking Unity, but for a 2015 game from a first class developer this simply isn't good enough. These glitches vary from stabbing air, to in completable side objectives, to freezing and poor frame rates to boot.
The focus on the negative in this review is purely based on my disappointment after the refreshing nature of Syndicate. Yes, it can be fun. Yes, it's not a "bad" DLC. But is just okay. It's bland, and given the topic matter that simply seems madness to me; it's Jack the Ripper, the most famous unsolved serial killer in history. The gameplay, execution and such are suitable for a tale of a shoplifting fine, not Jack the Ripper. For people who enjoyed the base game, especially completionists, its worth playing but if you're not bothered about a plat or max GS i wouldn't bother.
6/10.… Expand