Bioshock 2's first single player DLC is nothing new or unique but it certainly is worth your 5 bucks.
User Rating: 8.5 | BioShock 2: Protector Trials PS3
Since its February release, we've seen several add-ons for our return to Rapture. However, while worthwile to check out, they've only improved upon the game's multiplayer component. You'll be relieved to know that whether or not you enjoyed 2k's debut multiplayer mode, the focus has been turned back to that of Bioshock's biggest audience: single player. In short, the Protector Trials are a compilation of six levels found throughout the story ranging from the Atlantic Express to Dionysus Park. The story is intentionally non-existant here, though. Like Infinity Ward's Spec Ops, you play a series of eighteen separate Trials in said environments. Your goal is simple: hold off waves of splicers and Big Daddies while your Little Sister gathers adam for the alotted time. Easy? Not quite. 2k's brilliance shines in making this more than a rehashed Horde Mode. Gone is your complete arsenal of Big Daddy upgrades. Instead, you will be forced to plan and execute your defense using a limited number of tonics, plasmids, and weapons designed for each Trial. For instance, you may be provided with the spear gun, hypnotize plasmid, and hacking tonic, making you take an innovative approach to the situation using turrets, electrified traps, and even splicers to take down your numerous enemies. On the other hand, a Trial may supply you with a .50 cal gatling gun and some truly punishing plasmids. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about being overly-conservative regarding your ammo and eve thanks to Circus of Value and El Ammo Bandito vending machines scattered about the levels. Killing splicers earns you cash to purchase the bare necessities while keeping your Sister safe for a continuous period of time earns you Adam that will affect your overall grade at the end of each mission. Unlocking enough stars (earned via successfully completing Trials) opens new concept art, videos, and other interesting bonus features. If this isn't enough to inspire replay value, then seven new achievements for one hundred gamerscore should seal the deal. There is no doubt that this is not the most innovative feat the developers could have pulled off for an expansion and hopefully the fall release of Minerva's Den will prove that, but five bucks (400 MSP) for a solid 5-10 hours of gameplay (think Modern Warfare 2 campain length) is well worth it to hold us over.
Expansion Rating*: 8.5/10
*Note that I do not break minor downloadable expansions such as these into their various subcategory ratings. The Verdict is simply the score it deserves based upon the overall impression. 
