Even as a fan of Gearbox Software’s role-playing shooter Borderlands 2, I was initially dreading what I might encounter in the game’s second DLC release: Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage. Those veteran Vault Hunters who played the Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot DLC for the first Borderlands game might still be having nightmares just thinking about the insane marathon sessions of horde mode-style arena combat we were forced to endure for pitiful rewards, but thankfully that’s been toned down and fine-tuned here in favor of more story-driven fare. Suffice it to say, Mr. Torgue is much more capable of entertaining you than Borderlands’ buxom cougar Moxxi is. Well, almost as capable.

After bringing down Handsome Jack at the end of the Borderlands 2 campaign, your fame on Pandora has caught the attention of weapons manufacturer turned fight promoter Mr. Torgue. In order to prove your worth and claim the riches of a newly discovered vault, players must rise in the ranks of fighters found in and around Torgue’s arena, the Badass Crater of Badassitude. The journey itself is an enjoyable experience, and much more concise than the previously released Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty DLC.

Without revealing any spoilers, there are quite a few things to look forward to in Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage. Gone is the seraph crystal currency introduced in the Captain Scarlett’s DLC, and in its place players can pick up Torgue Tokens from bosses and badass enemies to purchase unique and Legendary-level items from Torgue branded vending machines. Players can also expect to encounter new enemy variations, find new weapons and customization items, explore new areas, and look forward to the challenge of a whole new “Invincible” raid boss. Even if you employ the broken Bee Shield and Conference Call combo to cause millions of damage per second, it takes strategy to topple this enemy and his add-ons, which are up to a dozen levels above the current player level cap.

Unfortunately that currently stagnant level cap increase is among some of the omissions from this DLC that might incite ire amongst eager gamers. Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage also does not provide the much needed extra storage space for the bazillions of guns and other items found in Borderlands 2. Even though gamers will be excited to know that motorcycles are finally introduced as vehicles, they are strictly operated by enemies and not available for players to maneuver. Gearbox Software has heard the requests of their fans, and will likely implement these changes and more in future DLC releases.

Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage provides plenty of the signature over-the-top action and personality that fans have come to love and expect in the series, adding about 6-8 hours total gameplay in this single content pack. This DLC is a far cry from the Mad Moxxi content it will inevitably be compared to, with far more interesting characters and bosses to battle. Featuring the improved narrative quality of Borderlands 2 as compared to its predecessor, Mr. Torgue’s is a welcome treat for fans of the series that should not be missed.

As Torgue himself would say, this DLC is rather badass.

Borderlands 2: Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage DLC is available now on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for $10 or 800 Microsoft Points. This DLC is also available free for those that have already purchased the Borderlands 2 Season Pass.

Related Videos:

Borderlands 2 Mr. Torgue Teaser Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6EjxnhvTWw

Borderlands 2 Mr. Torgue Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7t0TM4k66I