Since its initial release in 2016 nothing has got fans of DbD (Dead by Daylight) quite as excited as the release of new killers and survivors, however that excitement also comes with its own sense of dread. Let's just say DbD has never really been known for releasing killers who are balanced initially (looking at you, Ghostface).
Wassup
All that aside, after player testing the new Stranger Things dlc, I can say for the first time in my experience they seem to have hit the nail on the head. The new killer "The Demogorgon" never left me feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. The Demogorgon uses its connection with the other world known as "The Upside Down" to leave portals, up to six, around the map that it can traverse through. While not that impressive on it's own it can also charge its attack to leap at survivors with relatively good distance.
Look at that pretty smile.
While the portals can be a nuisance, once The Demogorgon uses them they become physical and can be destroyed by survivors (if you can do skill checks). Even when the portals are open The Demogorgon give a pretty loud sound cue after it has finished traversing through one, though it is worth noting that he will be briefly more or less undetectable. While the new killer's perks can be somewhat annoying, like "Cruel Limits" which blocks all windows and vault locations in a 24 meter radius from a newly completed generator, there isn't anything as mind-numbingly frustrating as certain other perks i.e. "Ruin".
Now, I would normally take this opportunity to discuss how the killer plays in a match, but after taking so many flashlights to the face it could have been confused for a small rave and more tea bags than the Boston harbor, my experience left something to be desired.
A new DbD chapter also means new survivors, and keeping with the Stranger Things theme we get Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington. Nancy's Background as an investigative journalist allows for some pretty unique and useful perks. From being able to see her own scratch marks to revealing the aura of any generator she is working on, Nancy is a good balance between a solo and a team player.
Steve's perks are definitely more for the altruist allowing him to run distraction on killers and keep his fellow survivors safe. I found his perk Babysitter is particularly useful for those who like to unhook survivors as it hides their scratch marks and blood trail for a few seconds after unhooking them. When running Steve's perks it definitely pays to help out your teammates.
Lastly I want to quickly mention a few changes to the games quality of life updates. The new friend invite in party system can be done fully in game, no longer needing the steam overlay. Once a match is completed you will no longer be forced to re-invite your friends into your game once again. While these changes are little, in my experience just a little update here and there can really show when developers actually listen to their player base... for better or for worse. Overall this DLC is definitely my favorite thus far and you'd better believe as soon as it drops I will be purchasing it.
