It’s not often we get free content for a game that already offers a pretty impressive value, but Tripwire has given players just that in the recent update to Killing Floor 2. I originally reviewed the game when it was released on the Xbox One a few months ago, and since then we’ve gotten not one, but two holiday themed expansions; you can read my initial thoughts here.
After loading the game post update, you will notice the new holiday themed heavy metal soundtrack, which as someone who normally hates holiday music (sorry, I’ve worked retail), I did find enjoyable. The main menu will update you with the newest changes to the game, which are all for the better. After the Halloween update (I didn’t notice it was available until it was no longer relevant), we were treated with the addition of weekly and daily challenges that offer additional cash that now goes toward the dreaded loot box system. Unlike EA or the other guys, Tripwire isn’t looking for extra money, so these can only be earned and not purchased with real world money. Call me crazy, but I am mildly addicted to earning these boxes to outfit my combatants in crazy new costumes. My current favorite is the holiday themed onesie that I unlocked with the recent update.
In addition to the challenges mentioned above, there is a set of Krampus themed challenges that must be completed on the new level Krampus’ Lair. These are more in depth and require a bit more exploration of the level opposed to the challenges mentioned previously, but do offer a pretty substantial boost to your cash.
Following the trend of the Nightmare level from the Halloween expansion, which I’ll go over later, Krampus’ Lair is more akin to Left 4 Dead than the previous open areas featured in the game. You’ll begin outside of a small North Pole-ish area, although everything is not candy canes and gum drops. You’ll see decapitated elves and their bodies hanging from pikes in addition the normal holiday décor. After your first wave, you’ll see the newly added bonus areas start popping up. These provide additional cash for holding down a small area. After a few waves depending on the length you are playing, you will be directed toward a new area. Unlike the previous levels, there is no backtracking, and things begin to get more sinister. You’ll find Krampus’ workshop, trophy room (with a mounted head of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer), and eventually work your way to Krampus’ throne room.
Reaching the final wave of the level will result in a really tough boss battle with Santa’s evil cousin. While I did not find Krampus to be overly interesting in terms of visual design, as he looks like an armored Santa Clause with a half-human half-goat head, he is a challenge to take down. I’ve reached the point that I can finish most of the levels solo on a regular basis, but Krampus did prove to be a worthy adversary and has taken me down a number of times. He is essentially a large version of the bloated zombie that vomits on you regularly. He also brings a new enemy to the table that’ll hunt you in addition to his normal attacks. These enemies look like a combination of the wacky inflatable fun guys and a pile of snot, which will explode if they get too close to you, covering you in said snot.
This add-on did kind of fix one of my previous complaints about the game, as I felt it would have been an improvement to have themed enemies for each of the varied locales. Now all of the enemies have gruesome holiday themed skins to celebrate the time of the year. While not a huge issue, these skins do transfer to the older maps, as every level now has you fighting zombie elves and deadly gingerbread men. The pre-existing bosses also have received the same treatment, although not to the same extent. Like the other levels, you will find collectible snow globes that can be destroyed for extra cash as well as the standard achievement/trophy reward.
The Halloween map Nightmare that I mentioned before also follows this formula for the most part. While I did enjoy the vanilla game’s varied locations, the levels where you actually feel like you are moving forward towards a goal are my personal favorites. This level takes a number of common phobias and implements them into smaller, more manageable levels designed after a nightmare carnival, including a giant spider’s lair and a few other nasty locations. These will result in a battle with one of the original bosses, or the addition included in the expansion, King Fleshpound. He’s not much different than a standard Fleshpound aside from the fact he’s pretty freaking big and takes significant amounts of damage to defeat. While not nearly as difficult as Krampus, he will give you a run for your money.
It’s small touches like these that keep players coming back, and the fact that it’s free makes it even better. I am currently crossing my fingers hoping for a President’s Day update, with a zombie riddled White House to explore.
Check out OpenCritic for a better idea of how our review stacks against others.