It's a decent DLC, with some great new gear and locales. However, the story is where the work was needed. It never felt like there were real stakes (pun unintended) in Dawnguard. There's little tension to the story at times, though there are times when things do ramp up a bit. The ending is just very flat, with no real sense of accomplishment. Hakon, at times, just feels like another enemy to slay. Yeah, he has a few tricks, but honestly, he's just easy to beat, even in Survival mode. I just never believed I was in danger, even with my mishmash of a build. The new areas are incredibly interesting, however, and that's what really stands out to me. The Soul Cairn, in particular, is a neat little area to explore for the couple of hours you'll be there. Not really much to do, but there is a pretty decent side quest reward for those willing to hunt down some items. Fort Dawnguard is also an idyllic setting, with very little danger outside a couple of vampires that spawn in once. It has a neat castle, as well.

Again, great focus on vampires and new locations, but the story just never has some of the high stakes that the main plot does, which brings down the enjoyment some..