I won't be getting Mass Effect's downloadable content... yet

Mass Effect's first downloadable content was released today, Bring Down the Sky. I've already finished the game and started over to try out another type of character for my 2nd playthrough and figured this would be a good way to experience any DLC.

However, I won't be purchasing the new DLC yet.

Why not? For Oblivion (and Morrowind, for that matter), our number one rule for downloadable content and expansion packs is that the player should be able to experience the new content at anytime. No restrictions. It helps that Oblivion is an open world game with very few times where the player can't stop what they are currently doing and just head off somewhere else - say to check out a new location or quest that just appeared from a new download they just purchased off Xbox Live.

Mass Effect is not an open world game. At least not for the first few hours. It does open up eventually to allow you to explore the galaxy, but it takes a while to get there, especially if you are a completist like I am - I am loathed to skip side quests, the thought of unearned XP irks me.

So while Mass doesn't put up any requirements to play the new DLC, the actual structure of the original game does present a barrier. In fact, its not just the beginning, but also if you've reached a point towards the end where the game's final missions start, you also won't be able to leave and play the new content.

But, surely, you have saved games from your first playthrough? Yes, yes I do. That just doesn't work for me. Playing a game is a linear experience for me. It is one of the reasons why I love open world games like Oblivion or Grand Theft Auto. My gameplay experience is unique to me, to the way I like to play games. And going back to older saved games to play new content just doesn't feel right to me -- its all one long continuous gameplay story for any character I create.

It is a problem that I have with any game that ends, that I've completed with my own custom character, yet if they offer new content, I can't just go back to an earlier save. I have to experience the content as if it were part of the original. That's what RPGs mean for me, I guess.

So, I will not be purchasing Bring Down the Sky yet. My 2nd character is only about 30 minutes or so into the game so I won't be leaving the Citadel for a few more hours since I'll need to replay through most of the quests - I might skip a few, but not many. And since I don't play my Xbox 360 every night, it will take me a while to get out of the Citadel. Fortunately for Mass Effect, Lost Odyssey is starting to bore me so I'm looking forward to getting back into Mass.

BTW, I like the dramatic name for the download. Our DLC titles are straightforward, with the exception of Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles. Most of our other ones -- Horse Armor Pack, Wizard's Tower, etc... -- kinda boring, but at least, there is no confusion as to what you are buying!