L.O.G.’s Lost Challenges does exactly as advertised – it gives players 12 new challenges to overcome as well as seven new multiplayer games to play over Xbox Live. The challenges take place in the Test-O-Track level which brings both high and low points to the DLC. On the up side by using an existing level the download size is kept to a minimum (in fact, the content comes in at just over 80 MB), and players are already familiar with their surroundings. What’s a real shame though is that there’s a lack of new material. One of the key components of Nuts & Bolts was each level was absolutely huge and you could spend literally hours exploring, whether it was for the purpose of taking a break from challenges or just mucking around. With the Test-O-Track, you have this small cubical area that has been explored dozens of times over. It just seems a little cheap, and at times makes things feel redundant.
This isn't exactly what we meant when we said 'shoot some hoops'.
Of course L.O.G.’s Lost Challenges main attraction was never the promise of a brand new level – it was for tougher challenges. While there are 12 challenges to play through, in reality this number is actually six. This is because half the challenges are played using L.O.G.’s Choice vehicles (pre-built designs), while the other half are played using your own creations. To be fair the Player’s Choice challenges aren’t just a carbon copy of the L.O.G.’s Choice versions, as there are a few minor alterations that increase their difficulty. An example is one of the fetch challenges where you have to deliver tins of paint to various NPCs. The L.O.G.’s Choice version features three characters you must deliver paint to, while in Player’s Choice there are four. In other instances you might be required to finish a circuit run in a shorter timeframe, or in the case of some of the more unique challenges, obtain more points. While the differences are subtle, if you’re into collecting TT Trophies then be prepared to dust off your designing skills as there are some real head-scratches.
Despite being integrated into the single-player game, the DLC is kept separate and doesn’t go towards any of your in-game tallies. Jiggies are instead used to unlock rewards such as concept art and, more importantly, new Klungo’s Arcade levels. This time the green ogre can fire a gun, which paves the way for a lot of interesting and tricky old-school 2D platforming segments. While not spoiling too much, there’s a new focus on timing your shots to clear pathways, and there are also moments when you have to walk on ceilings and ride skateboards. The original Klungo’s Arcade was a nice little distraction from the main game, but these new levels are a step up in both design and difficulty, making them a welcome addition.
So basic, yet so entertaining.
The new multiplayer games are variations of what’s already available in Nuts & Bolts. There’s King of the Knoll and Downward Spiral, where you have to stay in a translucent crown icon. What’s different compared to similar games, however, is the crown will jump around the level, so your vehicle has to be quick to reach the crown but also hold its own against opponents. Two other notable games are Don't Flee Nest where you have to avoid being bumped out of Terry’s nest in Banjoland, and Hot Cargo where you have to throw crates into the volcano in Nutty Acres. Finally, there are three circuit races which take place in Nutty Acres, Banjoland and Terrarium of Terror. What’s on offer breathes new life into the online community, and thanks to a recent title update you’re now informed how long until matches start. Again though, there’s not too much new on offer and the novelty wears off quickly.
Despite not bringing a lot new to the main game, L.O.G.’s Lost Challenges is a respectable offering. Costing only 400 points, it gives a reasonable few hours of extra gameplay, is challenging and breathes new life into the online community. Sadly, it lacks flare to make it a must purchase for anyone other than die-hard fans.
Worth buying? Maybe
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Downloadable content ratings system
We've given a 'buy' rating of 'Yes', 'Maybe', or 'No'.
Yes means that the content is either great value or brings some substantial additions to the game, or possibly both.
Maybe means that the content may be fun while it lasts, but may either be too short or not enough to fully justify the price tag.
No means that we don't recommend downloading this insubstantial content.
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