Review: Mass Effect 2 DLC: Kasumi - Stolen Memory

April 7, 2010
by: Matt E.

It seems like just yesterday we were scouring to find information on Kasumi's existence.  Ever since Bioware confirmed Kasumi would appear in an upcoming Cerberus update we've been foaming at the mouth to get more.  After some brief network troubles, Kasumi's Stolen Memory is finally available.  But was it worth the wait?

Kasumi's Stolen Memory spans only one mission.  In total, look to spend about 1 hour with this episode.  In addition to the mission, this DLC offers a new loyalty power, a super accurate SMG for Shepard and crew to equip, formal wear outfits for both male and female Sheps, and 30 possible gamer points in the form of one achievement.

The mission clocks in at about 1 hour of gameplay, during which Shepard is assisting Kasumi in infiltrating a crime bosses private party in an attempt to locate an item from Kasumi's past.  The environments created for Stolen Memory are all completely new, and beautifully rendered.  Crime boss Donovan Hock's mansion looks stunning, featuring pieces of artwork stolen throughout the galaxy each with a small story behind them.  Meticulous detail was put in every aspect of the missions design.  The first part of the mission adds a spy like element to the standard Mass Effect gameplay, aside from that the mission is standard fare.

Included in this DLC is a new SMG for Shepard and crew to equip.  The Locust SMG apparently has a unqiue history, however it is never fully explained.  The Locust is extreamly accurate, and will arguably be your go to SMG for longer ranged battles.  While it is not as effective against shields as the Tempest, you'll use far less ammo. 

Kasumi's loyalty bonus comes in the form of a flash-bang grenade.  When used it deals marginal damage and temporarily stuns enemies opening them up to gun fire or additional powers.  However, with so many powers to utilize, it's unlikely it will replace your current loadout.  As for Kasumi herself, she boasts a few powerful attacks.  Her shadowstrike ability allows her to temporarily cloak, sneaking up behind enemies and dealing massive amounts of damage with an omnitool attack.  Watching Kasumi fight is truly a sight to behold. 

Similar to Zaeed, Kasumi can not be spoken to like other squadmembers.  Dialogue options are limited to discussing items in her portion of the Normandy, and a few tidbits on the current state of things by talking to her directly.  However you're never given the option to direct the conversation via dialogue wheel.  Kasumi feels like a character that has a rich background, however you're never given the ability to explore.  While the mission offers limited insight into Kasumi's past, it doesn't seem to do the character justice.  Very few details are explained, and ultimately it's not known how a thief benefits Shepard's already powerful crew. 

Lastly, Shepard gains a new casual outfit with which to roam the galaxy.  Depending on your gender it's either a formal tuxedo, or an elegant black dress and high heels.  After all, one has to look good while seducing alien babes, right?  While it won't replace my cutoff leather outfit, some gamers might appreciate the highbrow attire.

The $7.00 price tag for Kasumi's mission does seem a little pricey for what you get.  An hour long mission makes it equally hard to recommend.  With most gamers finished with ME2, it's unlikely you'll start a new playthrough just to run Kasumi through the ringer.  Ultimately the few items that come packaged with the mission don't make up for the fact that gameplay is limited, and like Zaeed, Kasumi is not a fully integrated squadmate.  When it boils down to it, unless you plan on starting a new game you won't get enough bang for your buck with Stolen Memory.  A shame really, it had so much potential.

7 / 10