Pacific Drive, a game initially released in 2024, receives its first story DLC, titled Whispers in the Woods, which intensifies its horror backdrop. Developed by Ironwood Studios, this expansion shifts focus to a darker narrative, exploring anomalies and societal impacts through its haunted setting.
Horror Themes and Challenges
Whispers in the Woods refrains from traditional jumpscares, choosing instead to heighten tension through environmental horror. Players face dark forces like the Whispering Tide: a malevolent force symbolized by darkness and blood-red lights. The DLC introduces added challenges such as the Hooligan and the Highwayman, which elevate the stakes in the chilling Olympic Exclusion Zone.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategy
The DLC emphasizes strategic survival, allowing players to use scavenging and crafting to fend off threats. Artifacts introduce new gameplay dynamics; synergizing car parts unlock potential strategies against lurking dangers. However, some mechanics, such as the Harmonic Energy system, have been critiqued for their complexity.
Support and Further Developments
Ironwood Studios continues to support Pacific Drive with updates and improvements, roughly 600 days post-launch. Their commitment to enhancing player experience through patches and hotfixes underpins the enriched horror and gameplay offered by the Whispers in the Woods DLC, providing a compelling reason for players to revisit Pacific Drive.
