A lot of people call to question whether or not Castlevania: Harmony of Despair's Chapter 7 DLC is priced fairly. Weighing in at 400 Microsoft Points ($5.00), Beauty, Desire, Situation Dire costs one third of what the base game costs. Given the fact that the base game contains six levels and five playable characters, it's not hard to see why people question the value of the Chapter 7 DLC. So, is it worth the price? Well, yes and no, depending on what you've gotten from the game thus far.

For me, the Chapter 7 DLC is easily worth the price of admission. I was at work when I saw news of its release. My initial excitement was stopped dead in its tracks whenever I noticed that the "map pack" that was released contained only a single map. Furthermore, there was no sign of a new playable character, let alone the two or three who've been rumored up to this point. Thing is, I knew deep down that I'd buy the DLC as soon as I got home. Why? Because it's Castlevania, and I love this series more than just about anything. Despite the game's shortcomings, I just keep on coming back for more. The game is definitely best played in groups, especially if you're able to find some nice regulars to play with. Really, I've gotten more play time out of this game than I have most $60 full disc releases that I've purchased, so buying something like the Chapter 7 DLC at what is, admittedly, an inflated cost doesn't strike me as a bad idea. If you love this game, then buy the DLC.

That said, there are plenty of people who won't find the same value in the Chapter 7 DLC. If you couldn't get into the base game, then Chapter 7 probably won't change your outlook on the overall package. As such, sure, there's a good chance that this DLC isn't for everyone.

Before you pass on the DLC, however, I do feel that there are certain people whose opinions could be swayed by this level. Again, if you hate the game, then this DLC probably won't miraculously make you fall head over heels in love with it. Still, I like to look at this level of a means of making certain characters who - in my opinion - were far less appealing to play as in chapters one through six so much more approachable. Charlotte certainly seems to be getting a lot more attention as of late, thanks to the DLC. Furthermore, Shanoa really shines in this level. My Shanoa was a total piece of shit prior to playing Chapter 7, but I was able to acquire each of her more sought-after weapons with a relatively small number of playthroughs. Astarte, Chapter 7's boss, is pretty much Shanoa's one stop shop for drops.

Anyway, I hope to see some of you online. Feel free to share some of your Chapter 7 experiences in the comments below. Also, feel free to share your GamerTags, as well as a bit about yourself and how you like to play the game. In fact, try to include the same info that I include below, especially since whether or not you own the Chapter 7 DLC will affect others in your lobby, while not having the dashboard preview will disable Party Chat (but not in-game chat in the case of this game, thankfully) with people who won't have the dashboard preview.


GamerTag: kevinski com // Headset: Yes

Chapters: Any // Characters: See More Info // Difficulties: Any (Hard Preferred)

Chapter 7 DLC: Yes // Dashboard Preview: Yes


More Info: Prior to Chapter 7 being released, I primarily played as Soma. I'll still play as him primarily for Chapters 1-6, but I won't be playing as him in Chapter 7 until I can dodge Temptation properly (so as to not inconvenience people who are playing on my team). Also, I'm still working on getting Soma's souls, as he's not as complete as I'd like him to be. I've been playing as Alucard a lot more lately, Chapter 7 included (since mist makes dodging Temptation very easy). I also play Charlotte a bit, and I have her spells maxed out (including Delta Spark).


Preferred Players: I prefer playing with people who have headsets, primarily for coordinating strategies. I also don't mind talking about things other than the game(s) that I'm playing, so I also have a preference toward chatty people. If you're just starting out, then I'm also willing to play on Normal, and I'll adjust my play style to suit whatever you're trying to do. For example, if you're trying to absorb spells as Charlotte, then let me know what you need, and I'll be sure to leave certain enemies alive for you. Also, if you need certain achievements, then I'll do what I can to help you get them.


Non-Preferred Players: I don't like playing with people who rush the boss as quickly as possible without making sure that the rest of the team's okay with it. I'm still at a point where I want those extra chests that're lying around, as I'm trying to collect everything.

Also, while I don't mind if certain team members want to stay complete out of harm's way, I hate seeing people turn themselves invisible in an attempt to hide at the beginning of the level. If you want drops without putting much effort in, then don't try to hide it. I'm okay with helping you to get drops, as long as you're honest about it. You should still be willing to help out in other ways, though, such as staying outside of boss chambers so you can let other players out, for example.