Mr Prepper was a game I covered in March 22. I scored it a 6/10, and I moaned about the clunky controls and the imbalanced gameplay. Roll on 2 years, and I’ve been tasked with covering the Mr Prepper: Animal Farm DLC. As this is a large expansion of the base game, I expected the same issues to rear their ugly head. Disappointingly, they did! However, the action was oddly rewarding and addictive.
This survival title was developed by Rejected Games and published by Ultimate Games. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience with plenty of micromanagement elements. As this is a DLC, you’ll need to invest in the base game. Additionally, it is advised to have a strong grasp of the core fundamentals before you tackle this sizeable addition.
Mr Prepper: Animal Farm DLC works particularly well.
Occasionally, developers get their DLC wrong. The additional elements are confusing, and they move away from the base game too much. Luckily, Mr Prepper: Animal Farm DLC doesn’t fall into this trap. Instead, the action complements the original and the story blends in nicely.
The action revolves around the titular survivalist. He has built a shelter under his house as he plans to escape his dystopian existence. Yet, in this latest update, the government wishes you to restore Murricaville’s farm. This is no mean feat, as there are plenty of tasks to complete and aliens to contend with. However, if you can balance the books, you’ll enjoy the additional content alongside the familiar base mechanics.
What’s new?
Though the core concept remains the same, Mr Prepper: Animal Farm DLC adds plenty of nifty elements and some new areas to explore. Furthermore, there is new crafting content that revolves around the animals in your care. You could adopt a dog and care for some chickens. The former is a great way to stave off loneliness, whereas the latter is a glorious method of increasing food supplies.
Alongside this, there are fences to repair and the classic survival elements to balance. Additionally, there is a fishing mini-game to master and milk and grains to enhance your diet. On top of this, you can explore some interesting and bizarre new areas.
Aliens.
No alien invasion would be complete without a spooky labyrinth of corn to navigate. The developers have brilliantly incorporated many clichéd and familiar alien tropes into the action. What’s more, the basic survival layers and the building mechanics work perfectly with the exploration elements and the zany sci-fi plot. Moreover, the introduction of animals juxtaposes the oppressive and daunting survival edge.
Surviving after a nuclear event is no mean feat. Yet, if you include an overbearing government and the fear of an alien invasion, it is a tough pill to swallow. However, if you plan and master the core gameplay mechanics, Mr Prepper: Animal Farm DLC is a clunky but rewarding experience.
Mr Prepper: Animal Farm DLC keeps things simple.
The blend of earthy colours and 50s Americana was fascinating. Additionally, the simple but striking graphics were pleasant to look at. If you then consider the basic side-scrolling perspective, you get an effective but straightforward visual experience. I adored the varied landscapes and the OTT sci-fi edge. Moreover, there are plenty of stats to observe, and the UI keeps things simple.
I loved the original audio and my opinion remains unchanged. The dramatic soundtrack enhances the oppressive nature of the hero’s plight. Furthermore, it complements the sense of fear and exploration during every arduous day. This is matched by the uncomfortable and often obnoxious sound effects. Consequently, the result is an edgy experience that makes your skin crawl.
Clunky controls.
Thankfully, I was familiar with the control layout. However, I moaned repeatedly as the clunky inputs made things unnecessarily challenging. Additionally, though the UI is well-considered, it can be tough to navigate. Subsequently, it would be better if it were played with a mouse and keyboard.
Surviving is no mean feat! Matters are made worse when you have the base game and DLC madness to contend with. Yet, it is the vast swathe of tasks that deliver replay value and longevity.
Mr Prepper: Animal Farm DLC enhances the original.
The developer has done a great job of enhancing the base game. However, they have failed to address some core issues and that wasn’t very reassuring. If you are new to the franchise, I recommend mastering the main elements before tackling the DLC. Alternatively, if you know what you are doing, you’ll enjoy the new content even though it is a little clunky. Despite the shortcomings, I recommend buying it here! Surviving is easier when you plan ahead. Build a bunker, restore the farm, and see what these pesky aliens want.
