Downloadable content, or DLC as we call it, is more popular than ever. Nearly every game released is expected to have some type of it launch.  I just read about some new DLC that launched or will launch soon and it got me thinking about the quality/quantity of DLC. Is the price fair for DLC? How much content should we actually get? Should downloadable games get DLC? Do you feel ripped off by DLC?

Let’s take a look at a new game with freshly released DLC; Resident Evil 5. So Capcom releases new DLC roughly 1 month after the game, which in my opinion, is a smart move. Release the DLC while the game is active and popular. But the downside, the DLC was clearly on the disc, even though it was denied by Capcom. As if the 2mb file download wasn’t a give-away, Capcom decides to charge $5 for the content. So here’s the situation, you have a good amount of DLC for a low price, but the content could have been included with the game. Is this something you would classify as a “rip off”?

Let’s take a look at Ubisoft’s 2008, Prince of Persia. The game, while easy to complete, finishes and clearly builds itself up for a sequel. Ubisoft announces DLC for it as an epilogue and I got quite excited for it. But the more I thought about it, the less I wanted it. Why paid the $10 on the game’s “true” ending? Why play through the entire game and complete it but in order to see how it really ends, you need to purchase this epilogue? Imagine if they did this with a RPG - fight the final boss but need to purchase this DLC to see the ending. Would you consider this a “rip off”?

Now what about downloadable games, do you want DLC for it? Would you want to pay for it? Personally, it depends on the game. I loved PixelJunk Monsters and I paid for the Encore because it was really like buying a sequel. It was a whole other location to play, not interfering with the original island. Some DLC for downloadable games isn’t worth it. As an example, when I bought Castle Crashers, I also got the Kings pack add-on. Suppose I thought I was getting more out of the pack but in all honesty, I didn’t need it. Granted, it’s not like it was expensive but it could have saved me a few bucks.

Some DLC really enhances gameplay (map packs for Halo, Gears of War, Call of Duty, etc), some is just for fun (challenge rooms like BioShock), and some should just be avoided (Haze DLC, um, really?!). In a nutshell, you need to ask yourself if purchasing DLC, in any form, is worth it. I loved Dead Space but I’m not going to buy the weapon skins for it. I loved BioShock (PS3) and I got the challenge rooms add-on but never played it after beating the game. I loved Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and purchased the map packs to enhance the multiplayer. There’s tons of DLC available to purchase, some rare things are free, so you need to be cautious. I’d suggest to research any DLC online before you purchase anything. See what you’re getting and what the price is. Don’t be an impulsive consumer, shop smart (shop S Mart). I was going to buy the PSN game Worms for the PS3 ($12 or $13) and after looking, I found the same game on Xbox Marketplace for $5.

I’ll leave you with this. Don’t allow yourself to be ripped off. They may have the content but you have the money, shop for your enjoyment. We’re the ones in control. Feel free to discuss any additional games or your own experiences in the comments.