Game adaptations of popular movies often have a rocky history, but a few noteworthy exceptions have emerged that stand out, including titles like Fallout, The Last of Us, and Ubisoft’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which debuted in 2023. While the Avatar franchise has its share of critics, many fans, including myself, appreciate the films and the immersive gaming experience provided by Frontiers of Pandora.
Launching alongside the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the new paid DLC titled From the Ashes builds on the foundations of Frontiers of Pandora, allowing players to embody a powerful Na’vi mercenary in an engaging new storyline. This review is spoiler-free, though I recommend experiencing the original game and watching Fire and Ash before diving into the DLC; there’s also a recap available at the start for those who haven’t.
Set a year after the events of the game and following the third film, From the Ashes introduces players to So’lek, a legendary mercenary who reclaims his powers and skills as he battles the RDA and the menacing Ash clan. The gameplay showcases intense battles, particularly with the Ash clan’s new foes, delivering thrilling combat scenarios throughout the experience.
Visually, the game universe is a mix of stark desolation and beauty. While the world of Pandora is typically vibrant, this DLC brings a darker palette as the Ash clan and RDA wreak havoc. Exploring areas impacted by destruction serves as a poignant reminder of Pandora’s natural beauty.
The mechanics carry forward from the original title, featuring minimal HUD and using Na’vi senses to navigate. Players can look forward to new skills and the introduction of a third-person perspective, adding depth to combat. There are some minor bugs and performance hiccups, including rare instances of enemy glitches, but they do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
The gameplay loop remains engaging, with quests, objectives, and opportunities to explore and confront fortified areas. The sense of achievement when flying on your Banshee continues to be a highlight. Ubisoft claims that From the Ashes offers around 20 hours of fresh content, which feels about right.
In conclusion, From the Ashes enriches the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora experience, maintaining a satisfying blend of narrative and gameplay. The story may not be groundbreaking, but the challenges presented by new enemies elevate the excitement. Despite some technical bugs, the overall execution is impressive, making it a worthy addition for Avatar fans. Rating it 8 out of 10 reflects the enjoyable experience that this DLC offers.