BioWare has, thus far, been true to its word about promising free DLC for "Mass Effect 2" (presuming you're connected to the Cerberus Network, of course). At launch, we saw a new character and two new missions added, and a few weeks back some new armor and a new shotgun was gifted to players. Next on the free DLC train is the "Firewalker" pack, launching later this month, which will introduce a new vehicle to cruise around in. But it can't all be gratis. April will bring with it the first premium DLC for "Mass Effect 2." Thankfully it looks like it should offer plenty of value to justify the added expense.
The new DLC adds a brand new squad mate, Kasumi, who happens to be a master thief. She's looking to steal something priceless from a local muckity muck and she needs Commander Shepard's help to do it.
Unlike the vast majority of the missions in "Mass Effect 2," the PDLC will be much less combat-focused, at least to start. Shepard needs to infiltrate a high society party in order to get close to the object of Kasumi's desire, locked away in an underground vault underneath a mansion.
The first portion of the mission has you going undercover as a party guest, allowing you to case the joint and get a feel for the security. According to Casey Hudson, the game director of "Mass Effect 2," James Bond was a definitely inspiration for the mission, as it requires some smarts and style as well as combat skills.
Once you get into the vault, things go south and you'll definitely have to do some wet work to make it out alive. Thankfully, the mission will gift you a brand new SMG, which should please non-Soldier classes.
In addition, you Kasumi becomes a squadmate. Kasumi is able to cloak herself and sneak right up to an enemy before performing a melee knock-out. She's the closest thing to a rogue in the "Mass Effect" universe, and her cache of stolen merch hidden away in her corner of the ship is definitely a good indication of that.
Once you complete the mission and (hopefully) earn Kasumi's loyalty, you'll unlock a new loyalty power for Shepard. The power is basically a flashbang attack, blinding and stunning nearby enemies. Quite handy indeed.
No price or exact release date has been set for the first "Mass Effect 2" premium DLC, but BioWare is planning for launch sometime in April.