Darkest Dungeon II: Inhuman Bondage Review (Chester)
A foreword before getting into the actual review: Redhook made a patch that allows you to use the Abomination in the Kingdoms game mode without needing to unlock all the Shrines for the Abomination first. A little silly to release the new hero along side a new game mode and make players play the old game mode before using the new toy with the new way to play but it was changed quick enough so the point is mute going forward.
The Review: the Abomination returns from DD1! He take most beautifully to the 3D models of DD2, his human form animations are wonderful and the screen darkening effect when he transforms is a really great cinematic touch. The Shrine back story is cleverly weaved into his skill unlocks, I tip my hat to Redhook for that immersive bit of story telling. So how does he play? Well, one path makes his human for an interesting position based support which is a refreshing take on what has historically been a damage dealing character. His other 2 paths focus on improving his Beast Mode and interacting more with his stress level for Buffs to his attacks. Quite a well adapted character and one of my favourite returning characters so far.
But thats not the ONLY thing you get with this DLC: The Catacombs. The Catacombs is comparable to the Sluice, an extra region that has a high risk/reward. The enemies interact with the new Slime debuff that end up favouring teams with movement skills but is doable without them. What I find most interesting from a game play perspective is the new type of combat items: reusable combat items can be found in the Catacombs with an effect you use and then it goes on cool down for some turns. They are unique in their effects and easily applicable to most situations - unlike Sluice trinkets which play into low torch light strategies.
Initial runs into the catacombs will be rough as you learn the enemies and their moves but the MOST powerful part of this DLC is being able to potentially go to the Sluice AND the Catacombs in one Confession run, giving your party a GREAT power boost.
Overall, if you like DD2 and want a little bit of new content for confession runs, Inhuman Bondage is worth the price of admission.
If you are luke warm on DD2, this DLC won't magically transform the game for you.