The stream of free "Mass Effect 2" DLC has yet to pull me back into the game's dark, sci-fi universe. I appreciate the fact that the "Firewalker Pack" and "Zaeed -- The Price of Revenge" exist, of course. It's just that Paradigms needed some shifting and more than one nuclear-ravaged society needed absolution since this winter.
"Kasumi's Stolen Memory," the games first PDLC, looked like a winner at GDC. It also came out at the best of times (now) for me to take a proper long look at. But after finishing, I don't think I'll be restarting the game -- even if Kasumi is more than useful.
The Basics
"Kasumi's Stolen Memory" is character DLC that grants access to a twelfth member of Shepard's little suicide squad, the teleport-and-dagger space thief Kasumi. Her penchant for stealth is the impetus for her hour-long loyalty mission that, unlike other missions of its kind, puts Shepard in smooth espionage mode, making him schmooze and infiltrate instead of tactically blast his way through the oddest of locales: an art collector's lavish house party.
The Highs
Like 'Mass Effect,' Shaken And Stirred With Bond
Kasumi needs data nestled in a vault inside the mansion. Dialogue and exploration are the vehicles of the first part of a mission that'll have you imitating the space equivalent of James Bond, stealthily gathering items like voice recordings and DNA samples in order to unlock the vault's security system.
The mission eventually devolves into a stop-and-pop affair, but it lingers just long enough on social and spy-worthy actions to feel fresh and unique while avoiding becoming rigorous or annoying.
My Name is Commander Shepard and This is My Favorite Art Collection
You'll get a new gun (the vicious Locust SMG) and casual attire during the mission, but the new art assets are real treats in this PDLC. You'll see a phallus-free recreation of Michelangelo's "David," a mammoth render of the Statue of Liberty's head, and even a cross-game surprise. Nothing outside of Krogan scar tissue cleanses the visual palate better than Renaissance or nation-defining sculpture.
Space Backstabbin'
The spry Kasumi brings her own unique moves to the fold, fleshing out a group in dire need of someone that can sneak up on foes. Kasumi has a teleport and "backstab" move that can topple unaware enemies and packs a blinding Unity flashbang grenade, presenting some useful and unique combat opportunities.
The Lows
A Little Shallow
Like the other downloadable character Zaeed, Kasumi doesn't have anything meaningful to share with Shepard. She lacks the life and depth of the other core members of a game rich with narrative complexity.
No Need to Start Over
Kasumi won't have you feeling like you need to jump in "New Game Plus" territory. Her loyalty mission is certainly interesting in the way that it twists the game's mechanics and pulls you outside of the familiar, but she lacks the impact needed to give me, at least, a reason to restart and refinish ”Mass Effect 2.” With her price tag (around 8 bucks) in the mix, it's certainly a "Low" point in otherwise creative DLC.
The Verdict
Kasumi is a conceptually cool, well-rounded stealth character that can add a new wrinkle to your usual party setup. Her loyalty mission acts the same way, adding in a layer of complexity and presenting a welcome change of pace opportunity. But if you're looking for PDLC that will make you want to jump into the game again, well, Kasumi's backstab isn't that awesome.