This action-packed expansion is a welcome addition to the Gears of War storyline, while it lasts
The story of this expansion takes you all the way back before the first Gears of War game took place, post E-Day, but you won't be joining Marcus, Dom, Cole and Baird this time around. Instead, you follow Zeta squad which is a mix of old characters (Kim from the first game and Tai from the second) and new faces (Barrick and Valera) as they evacuate Ilima City and protect the citizens against a Locust Kryll storm. The characters of Zeta squad are interesting enough, especially if you're a long time Gears fan who will be familiar with returning characters from past games. The plot itself is ok, but it fills in missing links like Jace's backstory and how he joined the Cogs and it gives off some of the series' history for those interested in this universe.
Assuming you've played Gears of War before, you know what to expect from the gameplay. Being an expansion to Gears of War 3, not much has changed here either. It's that same intense tactical third person action that the series is best known with not much new to offer. There are some new things to play with though, like the new Hammer of Dawn targeting mechanic which lets you control the satellite that launches the HoD from above. However, the biggest gameplay change that makes this expansion interesting is for the first time, you get to control the bad guy this time; General Raam himself. You take control of Raam as you stomp your way through the city and kill any Cog that gets in your way in some of the most brutal deaths the series has ever scene. You get no gun but a giant machete and you can command kryl to do your dirty work; watch as they swarm their targets and finish them off. When playing co-op, only player 1 plays as Raam while everyone else controls his evil minions. Spite being a bit on the easy side and the fact that Raam himself is pretty overpowered, these sections are fun and playing as the almost unstoppable Raam is satisfying. It's too bad there are only two sections where you get to play as him.
This pack will also give you 4 brand new multiplayer skins to take online; now you can play as one of the members from Zeta squad (Barrick, Kim, Tai or Valera). It's just too bad they didn't include Jace in his casual clothes (as he appears in the expansion).
Raam's Shadow may only last you up to 4 hours, but at least it's an enjoyable 4 hours with intense action and an interesting story. Being able to play as Raam and his minions crushing everything in their path alone is a blast, and it's even more fun when playing with others in co-op (as always). If you're a fan and you're thirsty for more Gears of War action after the main campaign in 3 and/or want to see the fight from other perspectives besides Delta squad's for a change, then Raam's Shadow will be more than worth the $15 asking price.