Dead Cells is a game that has received extensive post launch support from developer Motion Twin, including the excellent Rise of the Giant DLC. Now the developer has released the first paid DLC for the game, in the form of The Bad Seed. Adding two new major areas, new weapons and boss fights, this is a micro-expansion that should satisfy long time fans. This is not something that will add several more levels and end game content, but instead intervweves the new areas into the main run of the game.
The Bad Seed introduces two new areas as said, and the first is The Dilapidated Arboretum, accessible right after the prisoner’s quarters. Do not expect this to be easy though, as the enemies will give you quite the challenge. This is a wonderfully designed level that offers much to explore and an interesting way to explore it in the form of carnivorous plants. These plants will attack you, but if you jump at the right time, you will instead be propelled much higher. The mushroom enemies here will give you a tough time until you learn their patterns, but become easy to manage once you do. There are new powers and abilities to gain as well, and you will soon fidn yourself having the ability to summon and dentonate mini mushroom men of your own. The level will not take too long, but it will satisfy you for new early game content.
The other area added is The Morass of Banished, a toxic wasteland filled with enemies darting in and out to attack you. This level is far more of a challenge, but the trick here is to learn how to navigate the area properly. Enemies will drop down and attack seemingly out of nowhere, and enemies will come at you with blow darts, but you can once again turn the tracks back on them. You can trigger the enemies to attack when you want, and can gain a blow dart weapon of your own. Other new items added include a musical weapon that is more powerful if you time your hits right, fans that can hit back projectile attacks and are strong melee weapons in their own right, and the scythe. The scythe is a two handed weapon, and uses both your primary attack slots. It is a bit slow, but the tradeoff is its ridiculous amount of power that it brings. There are of course other upgrades to find, but these were just the ones that caught my eye the most.
The Morass will test your endurance with surprise enemy attacks, and mini-bosses, but they are just a taste of the main boss added by this expansion, Mama Tick. Mama Tick is a constantly moving mess of claws and an eye that must be targeted, while you also dodge constantly moving appendages. It is not the hardest boss fight in the game, but it is a satisfying one. Defeating her will earn you more upgrades, souls and a new outfit as well. Once that is done, the rest of the main game continues on as normal.
The Bad Seed is an excellent DLC, priced at the right amount and adding in a good amount of content. It is good for both newcomers and veterans and will leave you satisfied and wanting to replay it. All in all, a highly recommended experience.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided