14 DAY TRIAL // Seed of Evil, the new expansion of Mutant Year Zero, the XCOM-like game made by The Bearded Ladies, adds several hours of the same tactical gameplay that the original title offers. While the expansion doesn't brings anything new in terms of gameplay, it further expands the story and introduces a new character, the veteran stalker Big Khan.
Without spoiling the story, it's worth mentioning that Seed of Evil is not trying to continue or clarify the ending of the original game. Instead, we're served a brand new story that involves a new threat, new enemies, but the same protagonists.
Even though you don't have to finish the original game to understand what's happening in Seed of Evil, it's strongly recommended to do that because the expansion contains story spoilers. More importantly, you need a high-level team of characters to be able to beat Seed of Evil, so you might as well finish Road to Eden while you're at it.
Mutant Year Zero: Seed of Evil starts soon after the end of the original game, but tackles a completely different threat – the menacing roots that are taking over the Ark. Although the game mechanics remain untouched, you'll be facing new enemies that perfectly fit the story: Pod Rooter, Pod Jumper, Pod Wolf, Pod Spawner, and other types of Pods.
More of the same is not a bad thing
The expansion also adds a handful of mutation upgrades for your band of mutants, but no new ones. To be fair, Big Khan comes with a couple of new mutations, some of them very powerful and efficient against the new type of enemies. Even so, taking possession of enemy units and hog rushing them remain among the best strategies when want to take on a group of enemies.
There are five new maps that you'll visit throughout the entire gameplay, but you'll also revisit Spear of Heavens or Sea Titans, two zone areas that have been overrun by ghouls and police bots. Let's say that these are some kind of side quests that you can skip if you want, although we strongly recommend clearing them out.
Overall, if you've played Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, you'll feel right at home playing Seed of Evil, a story-driven expansion that doesn't bring any new gameplay mechanics, but introduces a brand new character that's very fun (and powerful) to play.
I'd say Seed of Evil is a must-buy for those who really loved Road to Eden, but I find the $15 price a bit too much for what it has to offer. In any case, if you already own the original game, Seed of Evil is definitely a good investment, so get it now or wait for a sale, you can't go wrong either way.
