The Evil Within: The Assignment

The first part of The Evil Within's DLC is just as good as the main game, with some great twists to the formula.

I just wish it wasn't so clumsy where it counts, since there are few gameplay styles more off-putting than poor stealth, and the stealth here is often very poor indeed. Fans committed to the loopy storyline will probably be able to look past that and enjoy the surreal ride for its narrative and atmospheric pleasures. However, such frustrations can't help but drive a large rusty nail into the heart of an otherwise generous pair of expansions.

The Assignment and The Consequence are dark, they're frightening, they get the blood pumping, and there's nothing else quite like them around. You'll know when you've been Tango'd.

Tango Gameworks could've taken the easy route and had The Assignment cover similar ground to The Evil Within. Thankfully, the decision to move the focus from action to stealth has proven to be a smart one. With a more interesting lead character, tighter pacing, and better scares, The Assignment is that rare story add-on that may even be better than the main game.

Now that the first two parts of Juli Kidman's DLC has been released with The Assignment and The Consequence, we bring you our review to the highly anticipated expansions to The Evil Within. With a new gameplay direction and side-story to tell, will this be a worthy addition to the game that helped revive the survival horror genre?

Ultimately, though, The Assignment serves up an engaging experience for the genre. Folks who prefer more action with their scares might find its formula lacking. If you want your survival-horror to emphasize the survival part and a healthy dose of suspense, however, this is one assignment you'll want to finish up and turn in.

In conclusion, The Assignment provides a much more stealth-focused approach than the original The Evil Within and is different enough to make it feel like you're not just playing through a rehash of the same experience. If you enjoyed the original, or games such as The Last of Us, then this is an experience you will most likely have fun with.

There's nothing horribly wrong with The Assignment, but the instant death rules that I disliked about The Evil Within continue to plague the DLC, making Kidman's story one of frustration and retries.

While it only lasted a handful of hours, The Assignment ended up being a refreshing counterpart to The Evil Within, rather than being labeled as 'just more of the same'. It's an excellent take on the original formula, blending the old with the new, and while it does end on a cliffhanger, I can only hope that it all comes together in the second DLC.

The Assignment is a brilliant start to The Evil Within's post-launch content support that fans can't afford to miss out on.