The DLC Report: Travis Strikes Back DLC #2 Bubblegum Fatale

 The one with Badgirl ends up being the good one.

 Shinobu's DLC left a lot to be desired, but here comes Bubblegum Fatale to add actual content to the game. It's a new character, a new visual-novel scenario and a new level alongside a new chip as a the cherry on top, making for one neat little package that makes the first DLC look like Bethesda's famous horse armor DLC.

 Let's start with the new character, Badgirl, which can only be used after you finish the new level. Her two exclusive skills are pretty neat, so much so that she's the only character for whom I'm actively using both on my skillset. One is a powerful blow that needs charging up and the other one is a buff that makes Badgirl's attacks deal extra damage and push back enemies. Sadly, she shares Badman's poor stats and weaker playstyle, as I had theorized from the first DLC. Beating the new level also unlocks a new cheap which is a grapple-wire shot that deals a ton of damage, with decent cooldown to boot!

 The new visual-novel chapter is completely insane, which makes it very entertaining. It features the long-awaited return of Travis' brother, Henry Cooldown, as well as Sylvia. Also, it might contain a few hints about what No More Heroes 3 will be all about. Albeit, knowing Suda 51, it's all just a nonsensical red herring.

 Once you finish reading the new chapter, the Killer Marathon DLC level will finally unlock. The game warns you about it being 'extra long', but it's a lie, it lasts little less than an hour. A lot of crazy stuff happens in this level, and you move from segment to segment, from a western scenario to one in outer space. It's crazy, and this much variety and action makes it feel less repetitive than any other level in the base game. On the other hand, every part of the level is timed, and if you run out of time you have to start over from the segment's beginning, which isn't so fun. There's this one segment in which you have to conserve Oxygen which is absolutely dreadful until you figure out that the game is trying to hint you into holding the weak attack button as you advance, making Oxygen consumption much more tolerable.

 All in all, THIS is the DLC to get. A new character, a new visual novel scenario as well as a great new level. Don't get me wrong, the new level isn't perfect by any means, but even with all its flaws it's still one of the better levels in the entire game thanks to how much variety went into the environments and how you move from area to area, feeling like a mini-adventure of sorts. Badgirl's playstyle follows Badman's, which means she's rather weak, but her exclusive skills are pretty neat, which makes her a better alternative to her father.
 7.0 out of 10