Bioshock had it, Bioshock 2 didn't....Minerva's Den is the sequel we were waiting for.

User Rating: 10 | BioShock 2: Minerva's Den X360
The first and only narrative-driven single player DLC for the Bioshock series is finally here. And 2k has pulled out all the stops to bring the story of Rapture to a close (for the time being) in an epic and stunning conclusion that represents what Bioshock 2 failed to be--a rightful sequel in the grand tale of this beloved and forgotten city.

If you were disappointed by the numerous ways in which 2k Marin fell short with their installment into the franchise, then you're not alone. And you're also not alone if you thought that a story DLC by the same developers into this universe would only wreck Rapture further. Good news friends: aside from the original, this is the best Bioshock entry to date, and you will be thoroughly satisfied with the engaging and reworked plot, characters, and thrilling gameplay that fans of the series will know and love.

You begin your 4-6 hour journey as Subject Sigma, one of the newly introduced Lancer Big Daddies, attempting to reach the mystery-laden depths of a previously unseen section of Rapture known as Minerva's Den. Unfortunately, for you, a ruthless individual by the name of Reed Wahl stands in your way, and you have no choice but to persevere into The Thinker's domain....a supercomputer that guides all of Rapture's processes (Shodan, anyone?) and an entity that will become very personal as the perfectly-paced story drives you further into a mystery not unlike the original's...

Fear not, though. This is far from a rehash of the prior titles. You will encounter new splicers--the Fiery Brute and Wintry Houdini, new bots (think rocket launching, electrobolt-spewing machines with individual names like Sally), and a fascinating environment that spans three unique locations in Rapture. And of course, let's not forget your handy ion-laser that will roast the hundreds of enemies that stand between you and your ultimate objective.

Speaking of your new arsenal addition, the ways in which you acquire all of the weapons, plasmids, and tonics found in Bioshock 2 has received an overhaul which you will immediately appreciate. As you traverse the forlorn halls and corridors of the Den, you will, step-by-step, find all of the weapons and upgrades that will greatly improve your chances against a more ferocious horde of creatures than either of its two predecessors managed to throw at you. How is this any different, you're wondering? For one thing, step-by-step in a title that is a third the length of its namesake means by the first hour you will feel like one badass of a guardian. No more "wow, you're a Big Daddy and you finally found Incinerate half-way through the game". You will immediately sense the change of pacing, and this is where the developers most improved their gameplay mechanics. This directly ties into the masterful story-telling this time around which is the real treat of this experience and one that should not be missed.

Aside from improvements (albeit major ones) Minerva's Den doesn't redefine the series by completely changing any key formulas. That's perfectly fine considering Bioshock has pretty much nailed the definition of perfection when it comes to its genre. Instead, you will find that everything, from the aforementioned pacing to dramatically-less pop-in textures to one of the most powerful stories in gaming, comes together in a wonderful and much-appreciated expansion that steers the series back on track to being the best franchise in the industry. If you have ten bucks, buy this now. If you don't, go borrow ten bucks. If you are a normal human being, there is no reason for you to be disappointed with this expansion.

Expansion Rating*: 10/10

*Note that I do not break minor downloadable expansions such as these into their various subcategory ratings. The Verdict is simply the score it deserves based upon the overall impression.