Pacific Drive Expands with Whispers in the Woods DLC

Pacific Drive has made a notable addition to its gameplay with the release of the Whispers in the Woods downloadable content (DLC). This expansion, launched in early 2024, enhances the original game’s survival mechanics by introducing a new area and gameplay systems set in the eerie atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Exclusion Zone.

New Features and Gameplay Mechanics

The Whispers in the Woods DLC transports players to the titular Whispering Woods, an area characterized by its horror elements and unique challenges. The expansion introduces new enemies, including the cult-like Highwaymen and the unsettling spider-like Huntsman. Players will encounter a separate narrative involving a cult that venerates the zone’s supernatural anomalies, adding depth to the game’s immersive experience.

The core mechanics of Pacific Drive remain intact, focusing on tense excursions, scavenging, and upgrading the player’s station wagon. A significant new element is the Tide, a world-altering phenomenon that poses a constant threat. Players must manage a meter that counts down to the next Tide while utilizing synergy through new Attuned parts to enhance their vehicle. The Whispering Woods also features altars containing artifacts that can yield both beneficial and detrimental effects.

As players navigate through this new content, they will need to adapt to the introduction of harmonic energy required for repairs. This energy is extracted from Attuned parts, and a new tool, the Harmonizer, facilitates this transfer. While the original game has been praised for its innovative approach to the survival crafting genre, the DLC aims to refine the experience by providing additional layers of strategy and challenge.

Performance and Reception

Although Pacific Drive has faced criticism for its sometimes cumbersome mechanics and lack of clarity, the developers have made strides to improve performance through updates since its launch. The Whispers in the Woods content arrives in a stable state, particularly on PC, where players report fewer issues compared to the base game.

Despite its complexity, the game retains a captivating audio design, complemented by subtle electronic music that enhances the horror atmosphere. While Whispers of the Woods does not completely reinvent the original game, it successfully strikes a balance between familiar gameplay and fresh content, catering to both new and returning players.

Overall, Pacific Drive continues to evolve, offering an engaging experience for fans of the survival genre. With the addition of Whispers in the Woods, the game not only expands its narrative but also enriches the gameplay, making it a compelling journey into the unknown.

PC code for this review was provided by the publisher.