Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: DOS
- Developers: Monolith Productions
- Publishers: GT Interactive Software
Blood: Plasma Pak (1997)
Introduction
Blood: Plasma Pak is the official expansion pack to the 1997 first-person shooter game Blood. Developed by Monolith Productions and published by GT Interactive, Plasma Pak was released on December 31, 1997, for MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows.
Plasma Pak features one new episode, “Cryptic Passage,” consisting of eight levels. The episode takes place after the events of the original game, with Caleb returning to his home town of Caldwell to find it overrun by even more monsters.
In addition to the new episode, Plasma Pak also includes six new enemies, a variety of bug fixes, and a bloodbath level modeled after Monolith’s corporate office.
Gameplay
Blood: Plasma Pak plays very similarly to the original game. Players control Caleb, a gun-toting monster hunter, as he fights his way through hordes of undead creatures. The game features a variety of weapons, from shotguns and assault rifles to flamethrowers and rocket launchers.
Plasma Pak introduces six new enemies to the game, including the Siphonophore, a parasitic creature that can attach itself to Caleb and drain his health; the Nightmare Imp, a small, flying demon that can shoot fireballs; and the Death Knight, a powerful melee fighter.
New Episode
The new episode in Plasma Pak, “Cryptic Passage,” consists of eight levels. The episode takes place after the events of the original game, with Caleb returning to his home town of Caldwell to find it overrun by even more monsters.
The levels in Cryptic Passage are larger and more complex than those in the original game. They also feature a greater variety of environments, including sewers, catacombs, and a haunted mansion.
Bug Fixes
Plasma Pak also includes a variety of bug fixes for the original game. These fixes address issues such as crashes, graphical glitches, and AI problems.
Bloodbath Level
One of the most unique features of Plasma Pak is the bloodbath level, “Monolith Mayhem.” This level is a recreation of Monolith Productions’ corporate office, complete with cubicles, desks, and even a pool table.
The bloodbath level is filled with enemies, including all of the new enemies introduced in Plasma Pak. The level is also very difficult, making it a challenge for even the most experienced Blood players.
Reception
Blood: Plasma Pak was well-received by critics upon release. The game was praised for its new episode, enemies, and bug fixes. However, some critics found the bloodbath level to be too difficult.
Overall, Blood: Plasma Pak is a solid expansion pack that adds a lot of new content to the original game. The new episode is well-designed and the new enemies are challenging and fun to fight. The bug fixes also make the game more stable and enjoyable.
If you’re a fan of Blood, then Plasma Pak is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great way to experience the game with new content and challenges.
Legacy
Blood: Plasma Pak is still considered to be one of the best expansion packs ever released. The game’s new episode, enemies, and bug fixes helped to extend the life of the original game and keep it relevant for years to come.
Plasma Pak also helped to solidify Monolith Productions’ reputation as a developer of quality first-person shooters. The game’s success helped to pave the way for Monolith’s next game, Shogo: Mobile Armor Division, which was released in 1998.
Conclusion
Blood: Plasma Pak is a classic expansion pack that adds a lot of new content to the original game. The new episode is well-designed, the new enemies are challenging and fun to fight, and the bug fixes make the game more stable and enjoyable.
If you’re a fan of Blood, then Plasma Pak is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great way to experience the game with new content and challenges.
Review Score
8.5/10