The enigmatic Kasumi Goto steps into the limelight in BioWare’s latest DLC for Mass Effect 2. You may have heard of her exploits in news reports while traveling through the Citadel and Illium. Titled simply, “Kasumi\’s Stolen Memory”, you are tasked with helping the hooded thief crash a high profile party in an elaborate heist to gain possession of an important object. The object of value is no mere piece of art. Kasumi refers to it as a “gray box” containing the memories of her former partner. More importantly, it contains valuable information critical to your mission and the survival of the universe.
Is this DLC worth forking over seven greenbacks? Read on to see…
After your accept Kasumi’s loyalty mission on the Citadel, a new neighboring system opens up. In pure Bond fashion, Shepard sports a more refined futuristic black suit. The entire mission oozes that 007 swagger. Team up with a beautiful and mysterious babe, invite yourself to the most lavish party, dress to the nines, use a ridiculous alias, hob nob with the galaxy’s well to do, sneak into private lofts looking for clues, break into a safe containing valuable goods, and you’re a regular Sean Connery. Only thing missing is a chick in a bikini running down a beach, but I don’t think Kasumi’s that kind of gal.
Of course it wouldn’t be Bond if you didn’t get into a bit of gun play between it all. It’s less sneaking around and more, “Find a clue, OH NO THEY FOUND US, SHOOT! SHOOT! SHOOT!”. I tell you what, these structures of the future are made with some amazingly effective sound dampening material. I could have re-enacted the cobbling scene from ‘Misery’ and no one would have been the wiser.
Towards the end of the mission, Shepard gains access to a new weapon called the “Locust” SMG. Known as the gun that killed two presidents, it has quickly become my new SMG of choice as it is much more accurate than any other SMG currently in my arsenal. As a Vanguard, my SMG is a mainstay, but the horrible accuracy made it unusable in many medium to long range combat situations. In exchange for accuracy, the rate of fire is slightly slower, but a worthwhile trade-off.
Kasumi is a welcome addition to your crew. As a thief, her skills reflect the trade, cloaking herself, sneak tactics, and a few other tools get the job done. Her specialty skill is a ninja like move, aptly named “Shadow Strike”. She cloaks herself and sneaks behind the enemy uncloaking to deal a deadly blow with her omni-tool. An Overload skill makes her great against synthetics. As with all other loyalty missions, completing the mission gains the character’s loyalty ability. In this case it’s a quick grenade like flash bang that disables the enemy. This makes her effective against both synthetics and organics. If you’re tired of your other tech squad mates, she’s a perfect fill in.
As a character, I enjoyed Kasumi. Her design is slick and looks ripped straight from the next Star Ward Knights of the Old Republic. Though she doesn’t know how to apply lipstick correctly. Poor gal looks like she’s mental or didn’t have a mirror. She’s cool, calculated, and brilliant, with a touch of personality and flare. The voice actor portraying Kasumi fits the bill with an excellent delivery and perfect tone. Compared to Zaeed, she’s a breath of fresh air. Less cliché and more unique. That guy struck me as a tool from the word go.
I’ve steered clear of revealing important details concerning the mission. I want it to be a surprise when you play through. I can tell you the story and resolution is satisfying. At the end of the mission, you will be asked to weigh in on an important decision concerning Kasumi. The ramifications of your decision are unknown at this point, but I would be interested to see how it may effect Mass Effect 3.
I’m not going to sit here and figure out the price point comparative to the retail game or the price per minute. That’s plain stupid. Either it’s worth it or it’s not. No amount of mathematics will change that fact.
Final verdict: Buy it!
The DLC clocks in around 60-90 minutes depending on your pacing. Not only is the story and mission interesting, Kasumi as a character is well worth the price of admission. Add in a new outfit for Shepard, a SMG with decent accuracy, a few tech upgrades, a chance to gain extra Paragon or Renegade points, a 15 point achievement, and you’ve got yourself one fine package. For fans of BioWare’s Dragon Age, you’ll get a kick out of the included easter egg within the mission. The DLC is priced at 560 Microsoft space bucks or $7 in the States.
BioWare has a way of crafting a compelling narrative that captivates and makes you genuinely care about these virtual people. It’s part of what draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. Problem is, I always want more. Keep the DLC coming BioWare. I need my fix!
BTW: For those who chose Tali in your quest for love, Kasumi has a few words to say on the matter once you complete the mission and talk to her back aboard the Normandy. I’m curious to know if the conversation is exclusive to Tali or if Kasumi has something to say about each crew member depending on who you chose. For those that bought the DLC, what were your thoughts?
