Strange Brigade: The Thrice Damned 2 - The Sunken Kingdom Review

Literally a few weeks after part one of Strange Brigade’s Thrice Damned DLC, comes episode two, which takes us underground. Whilst it’s a given that most of us like to go down every now and then, how does this new addition to the FPS shape up?

In case the name didn’t give it away, this is the second part of a trilogy of content, the first part of which saw us on sandy shores. This time, we’re back to raiding tombs, just like that other game I forgot the name of. We’re doing it with the help of a brand new character though, Hachiro Shimizu, a Japanese Naval officer. He comes with three new weapons (available separately in a weapons pack). Included with our new hero is a Mikhailov 38-rifle, a Marchador TT pistol, and his special item, the Shock Grenade. His amulet power is the decaying demon blast, which rots the already-dead in a straight line in front of him. It’s particularly satisfying.

Speaking of things that are particularly satisfying, there’s a bigger emphasis on puzzles this time round, with more scope for the thinking treasure hunter than in earlier levels. A new puzzle type enters the fray, and there’s a fair few hidden surprises to be found as well. Something that I thought was a nice touch was the addition of a maze section, with lots of gold and upgrades protected by traps at every turn. It adds a nice risk and reward balance to the game that wasn’t previously present.

Horde mode gets the new Chamber map, and the Score Attack Mode sees Forsaken City II, and Cut-Throat Caverns II added to the mix. These additions are free for everyone, but they launch alongside the paid DLC. Remember if you bought either the Season Pass or The Thrice Damned standalone, this is part of that and there’s no need to fork out separately unless you didn’t already buy one of those DLCs.

Just like the first part of the trilogy, this doesn’t change things up too much, rather it’s just another level in a similar style to before with a few bells and whistles added. As before, there’s plenty of hidden loot in all the nooks and crannies, and there’s lots of evil undead to be killed in ridiculous ways with fire traps, poison arrow launchers, and big guns.

By this point, you’ll already know if you do or don’t like Strange Brigade. Just like my recent review of the first episode of this trio, this isn’t going to win over any new fans. If you don’t need winning over though, then you most likely already have this or you probably want to go get it.