Stacklands 2000 Review (M)
I really like the base game, the previous extensions and I also like the idea of the DLC, but after playing it, I'm not completely happy:
First, the DLC content is not really connected to the main game, it is rather a different game. It feels a bit unneccessary having to start it after some progress from the main game. It could be a separate game.
Then there is a lack of information which can be quite frustrating. I lost the first try from building a cinema only to notice it needs a different sort of power and unaware of the energy combiner. It is often a surprise what the effects of each card are, even after building, some stats (how much pollution) are not visible, how to create aliens or fossile from the lab is not explained too well. Also attacks, how strong I should expect them etc. have been very unclear until the first one happened.
Generally, the game has a good progress curve, without being very challenging (the spirit worlds are much more challenging, in particular with short moons). But there are some balancing issues: An early ufo with an alien and two plastics can be a huge advantage, as it gives a free non-eating worker and the plastic can be used with sunshine for a great boost of the early energy production. While a lot of things can be produced, it is often much simpler to just buy packs to get them. E.g. for one motor you need four copper ore from a copper mine, a smelter, electric power for both, a landfill for the waste, an energy source, a workforce to operate that and a robot station or housing plus food. And it takes at least 5.5 Minutes to produce.
Or you just optimize for money and buy packs with the chance for a motor.
It is still a nice DLC and I enjoyed playing it, just have the feeling that there are lots of interesting concepts, but a lack of polish and balance. I still recommend the DLC, but not in general but only if you are the type of player who can enjoy the game anyways.