Retaliation DLC First Impressions

Hi everyone. I just downloaded the Retaliation DLC. I will continue to update this as I go.

Confirmed Characters:
Adept
- *Volus (Adept): Stasis, Biotic Orbs, Shield Boost
- *Krogan Shaman: Barrier, Shockwave, Warp
- Batarian Slasher: Warp, Cluster Grenade, Lash
Soldier
- *Turian Havoc: Cryo Blast, Havoc Strike, Stimulant Pack
- Geth Trooper: Hunter Mode, Flamer, Fortification
- Quarian Marksman: Marksman, Tactical Scan, Sabotage
Engineer
- *Volus (Engineer): Proximity Mine, Shield Boost, Recon Mine
- Turian Saboteur: Sabotage, Sentry Turret, Homing Grenade
- Vorcha Hunter: Bloodlust, Incinerate, Submission Net
Sentinel
- Volus Mercenary: Decoy, Combat Drone, Shield Boost
- Asari Valkyrie: Tech Armor, Annihilation Field, Warp
Infiltrator
- *Turian Ghost: Overload, Tactical Cloak, Stimulant Pack
- Drell Assassin: Tactical Cloak, Homing Grenade, Recon Mine
- Asari Huntress: Tactical Cloak, Dark Channel, Warp
Vanguard
- Volus Protector: Biotic Charge, Biotic Orbs, Shield Boost
- Batarian Brawler: Biotic Charge, Blade Armor, Lash

*So far, these are available.

Weapons:
Collector Rifle
Collector Sniper Rifle
Collector SMG

October 9 Balance Changes

I will be making a build for the Volus Adept, Volus Engineer, Turian Havoc, and Turian Ghost when I get a chance. Hopefully that will be soon. ETA October 11.

Well, I've had a chance to play the new DLC a little. First off, I really like the new characters. I think that they're the highlight of the Retaliation DLC, and there are even more to come, so we'll see how they turn out.

Unfortunately, the weapons are pretty lackluster. The only real advantage in the case of the sniper rifle and SMG is that they have unlimited ammo. From my limited experience, I think that they will all need buffs to various degrees, but particularly the SMG. It's an ultra-rare, so I'm hoping for an alternate SMG to the Hurricane.

Overall, the game seems a little harder because of the upgrades. I'm still finishing Gold consistently, but I find that I'm using more medigel, probably because of more frequent executions by enemies. I really like the Collectors, but they are probably the most difficult or second most difficult enemies, depending on how you feel about the buffed Geth. I think the different enemies are cool and fun to shoot at and whatnot. Possessed Abominations are a PITA though. They explode like a Cain when you kill them, so watch out for those.

Also, the reskinned maps look cool with various weather and hazards. And Bioware "nerfed" Firebase White and Glacier, which I have mixed feelings about. But in general, I approve.

Overall, it's the most comprehensive DLC to date. It almost feels like an Expansion pack because there's so much. However, I can't help but feel that some of the new features such as challenges kind of complicate the game. It's doesn't make a huge difference, but I couldn't help but feel that I liked the game when it was simpler. Oh well. If it gets more people playing the game, I guess that's fine.

-MACave11i