Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is a wonderful addition to a much-loved base game. This no-pressure colourful adventure addition enhances your game time by around 5 hours. This may not seem like much, but I think it is perfect if you are short on time or cannot pay attention to bigger, more complex games. Furthermore, it adds some nice elements to the tried-and-tested core mechanics.
This quirky experience was developed by MegaWobble and published by Playtonic Friends. It is a single-player third-person title that can be purchased separately or as part of the complete edition. Either way, you’ll need the base game to experience this cave diving game.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC has a wholesome plot.
If you are not into wholesome games, you’ll probably miss the subtle plot of Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC. This doesn’t matter, as you can take it on face value. However, if you’re mentally deeper than a puddle, you’ll appreciate its “learning to understand others” mindset. This evolves from the base game’s ideals of “wanting to be understood”. The natural transition doesn’t feel forced, and I like the flow of the story.
If you remember the base plot, you’ll know that Lil Gator has built a cardboard town as part of the imaginary game. Well, this DLC threatens to destroy their playground as an annoying kid who calls himself the “Darklord” goes into berserker mode. The team chase him into the caves beneath the island, and this is where the adventure begins.
What’s new?
If you haven’t played the base game, I suggest investing in the complete edition and tackling that first. This will set you up nicely for the impressive underworld exploration. For this review, I’m going to assume you have played this, and I’ll discuss what is new.
Weapon charms have been introduced to grant new abilities. These traversal tools add depth and scope to the protagonist’s ability to navigate the bioluminescent caves. With double jumping, dashing, spin attacks, and a hover ability, the young hero becomes a powerhouse. These familiar mechanics won’t surprise veteran gamers, and they work exceptionally well with the new environment.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC offers a larger arena to test your parkour skills. The vertical level design may be less forgiving than the original, but I enjoyed the platforming elements and the extra exploration opportunities. This can be found within the “Mega Quests” as well.
Finally, the base experience felt a little aimless. Although this was a huge positive, those who like something to work towards will appreciate the slightly focused antagonist approach. This gives more meaning to the gameplay without removing the charm and witty dialogue.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is dark, perhaps, too dark.
The new setting is great, and I enjoyed the stage design and the scale of platforming elements. However, the low lighting makes navigating the world much harder than the original world. Additionally, focusing on higher platforms does add a layer of difficulty that younger players may not like. On top of this, there is no map to help you to move around. In a world of hand-holding, this was a bit of a surprise.
The audio retains a wholesome and friendly edge that is upbeat and charming. Furthermore, there are musical cues that complement each of the characters’ personality traits. This was great as it reinforces the story while bringing each of the heroes to life. If I were to be harsh, I’d say there were moments where it was repetitive. If you spend a while in a specific area, the music can play on a loop. This is minor, but definitely noticeable.
Great controls.
This is a game that is designed for all ages. Therefore, the controls had to be simple and easy to handle. Luckily, the layout works perfectly, and the inputs are responsive. Yet, if you wish to remap the buttons, you cannot. This was strange as it reduces usability considerably.
The “Mega Quests” offer a layer of replay value if you wish to revisit any moment. However, the slight adjustments to the gameplay won’t enthral hardcore gamers or those who love a fresh challenge.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is a great addition.
The short playtime may seem a little underwhelming, but I think it is great value. The story is fun, and it addresses some concerns about the base game. Additionally, the vertical nature of the underworld system was fantastic. I think the developer has added enough to improve the original and keep people interested. Accordingly, it is great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you break down walls and understand your foe? Hit the caves, traverse the gaps, and get to know the “Darklord”.
