The world of video games is vast and diverse, with numerous titles and franchises vying for players’ attention. Within this realm, the Handsome Collection and Borderlands series have garnered a significant following. One question that has puzzled fans for a while is whether Assault on Dragon Keep, a popular DLC pack, is part of the Handsome Collection. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of both entities, exploring their connections and answering the question that has been on everyone’s mind.
The Origins of the Handsome Collection
The Handsome Collection is a compilation of two critically acclaimed games: Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. Released on March 24, 2015, for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, this collection brought together the best of the Borderlands franchise under one roof. The bundle included all DLC packs, character skins, and other bonus content, providing players with an unprecedented value proposition.
The Borderlands Series: A Brief Overview
Before understanding the significance of the Handsome Collection, it’s essential to take a step back and appreciate the Borderlands franchise as a whole. Developed by Gearbox Software, the first Borderlands game was released in 2009, revolutionizing the first-person shooter genre with its unique blend of action, RPG elements, and co-op gameplay. The series has since grown to include multiple titles, spin-offs, and DLC packs, each building upon the last.
The Success of Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel
Borderlands 2, released in 2012, was a critical and commercial success, praised for its engaging storyline, improved gameplay mechanics, and massive playable world. The game’s success can be attributed to its well-designed characters, witty dialogue, and the sheer volume of playable content.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, launched in 2014, served as a bridge between Borderlands 2 and the original game. Set between the events of the first two titles, The Pre-Sequel introduced new playable characters, a fresh storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics. While not as highly praised as Borderlands 2, The Pre-Sequel still received positive reviews and maintained the series’ momentum.
Assault on Dragon Keep: A Notable DLC Pack
Assault on Dragon Keep, a DLC pack for Borderlands 2, was released on June 25, 2013. This add-on brought a new campaign, set in the fantasy-themed world of Dragon Keep, where players encounter a medieval-inspired environment, complete with dragons, knights, and mythical creatures.
A Unique Blend of Fantasy and Borderlands
Assault on Dragon Keep stood out from other DLC packs due to its departure from the series’ typical post-apocalyptic setting. By incorporating fantasy elements, the pack offered a refreshing change of pace, allowing players to experience the Borderlands formula in a new and exciting way.
The DLC’s Reception and Impact
Assault on Dragon Keep received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its creative take on the Borderlands universe. Reviewers commended the DLC’s engaging storyline, clever writing, and the seamless integration of fantasy elements into the game’s mechanics.
The Connection Between Assault on Dragon Keep and the Handsome Collection
Now, let’s address the question at hand: is Assault on Dragon Keep part of the Handsome Collection? The answer lies in the collection’s contents.
The Handsome Collection bundles together Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, along with all their respective DLC packs. Assault on Dragon Keep, being a DLC pack for Borderlands 2, is indeed included in the Handsome Collection.
Confirmation from Gearbox Software
In a statement, Gearbox Software confirmed that Assault on Dragon Keep is part of the Handsome Collection, along with all other DLC packs for Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
Implications and Benefits for Players
The inclusion of Assault on Dragon Keep in the Handsome Collection has significant implications for players. With the collection, they gain access to a vast library of content, including the critically acclaimed DLC pack. This provides new players with an opportunity to experience the innovative gameplay and storytelling of Assault on Dragon Keep, while veterans of the series can relive the memories without needing to purchase the pack separately.
A Value Proposition Like No Other
The Handsome Collection’s value lies in its sheer volume of content, featuring two complete games, all DLC packs, and bonus materials. The inclusion of Assault on Dragon Keep further solidifies the collection’s appeal, making it an attractive option for players looking to dive into the Borderlands universe.
| Game | Included in Handsome Collection? |
|---|---|
| Borderlands 2 | Yes |
| Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel | Yes |
| Assault on Dragon Keep (DLC) | Yes |
Conclusion
The Handsome Collection is a testament to the Borderlands series’ enduring popularity, offering a wealth of content and gameplay possibilities. Assault on Dragon Keep, as a DLC pack for Borderlands 2, is an integral part of the collection, providing players with a unique and engaging experience within the Borderlands universe. If you’re a fan of the series or looking to dive into the world of Pandora, the Handsome Collection is an excellent starting point, with Assault on Dragon Keep serving as one of its many highlights.
What is the Handsome Collection?
The Handsome Collection is a bundle of two popular video games, Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, developed by Gearbox Software. It was released in 2015 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. The collection includes all the downloadable content (DLC) and updates for both games, making it a comprehensive package for fans of the series.
The Handsome Collection is known for its improved graphics, smoother gameplay, and new features that enhance the overall gaming experience. It’s an excellent option for players who want to explore the Borderlands universe without worrying about missing out on any DLC content.
What is Assault on Dragon Keep?
Assault on Dragon Keep is a downloadable content (DLC) pack for Borderlands 2. It was released in 2013 as part of the game’s Season Pass and is considered one of the most popular DLCs for the game. The DLC takes players to a high-fantasy world inspired by classic RPGs, where they must battle against the evil Dragon Queen and her minions.
In Assault on Dragon Keep, players can explore new areas, fight new enemies, and collect new loot. The DLC adds a substantial amount of content to the game, including new quests, characters, and gameplay mechanics. It’s a must-play for fans of Borderlands 2 and those who want to experience the game’s unique blend of humor and action.
Is Assault on Dragon Keep part of the Handsome Collection?
Yes, Assault on Dragon Keep is included in the Handsome Collection as part of Borderlands 2’s DLC content. When you purchase the Handsome Collection, you’ll get access to all the DLCs for Borderlands 2, including Assault on Dragon Keep. This means you won’t need to purchase the DLC separately, and you can dive right into the action without worrying about additional costs.
The inclusion of Assault on Dragon Keep in the Handsome Collection makes it an even more valuable package for fans of the series. You’ll get to experience the entire Borderlands 2 story, including the Assault on Dragon Keep DLC, with improved graphics and gameplay.
Do I need to purchase the Handsome Collection to play Assault on Dragon Keep?
No, you don’t need to purchase the Handsome Collection to play Assault on Dragon Keep. If you already own Borderlands 2, you can purchase the Assault on Dragon Keep DLC separately from the game’s store. However, if you don’t own Borderlands 2, purchasing the Handsome Collection is a better value, as it includes the base game, all DLCs, and updates.
Keep in mind that if you purchase the DLC separately, you’ll need to make sure you have the necessary storage space on your console and that your game is updated to the latest version. If you encounter any issues, you can always contact the game’s support team for assistance.
Can I purchase Assault on Dragon Keep as a standalone game?
No, Assault on Dragon Keep is not available as a standalone game. It’s a DLC pack designed specifically for Borderlands 2, and you need to own the base game to play it. You can purchase the DLC separately from the game’s store, but you’ll still need to have Borderlands 2 installed on your console.
If you’re new to the Borderlands series, purchasing the Handsome Collection is a better option, as it includes the base game, all DLCs, and updates. This way, you’ll get to experience the entire Borderlands 2 story, including Assault on Dragon Keep, with improved graphics and gameplay.
Is Assault on Dragon Keep compatible with Xbox One and PlayStation 4?
Yes, Assault on Dragon Keep is compatible with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles. As part of the Handsome Collection, it’s optimized for the latest console generation, offering improved graphics and performance. You can play the DLC on either console, and it will take advantage of the respective console’s capabilities.
If you’re playing on Xbox One, make sure your console is updated to the latest version, and you have the necessary storage space available. The same applies to PlayStation 4, where you’ll need to ensure your console is updated and has enough storage space to install the DLC.
Can I play Assault on Dragon Keep with my friends?
Yes, Assault on Dragon Keep supports cooperative play, just like Borderlands 2. You can team up with your friends, either online or locally, to take on the challenges of the DLC. Cooperative play is a key feature of the Borderlands series, and Assault on Dragon Keep is no exception.
When playing cooperatively, you’ll be able to team up with friends who also own the DLC or the Handsome Collection. Make sure you’re all playing the same version of the game, and you’ll be able to join forces to take down the Dragon Queen and her minions.