[quote name='voidedx']At least for 360, you can get DLC for games that you never played. I've gotten DLC car expansions for Forza 3 but have never played the game.
I am not going to speculate how the PC games work these days. I've been away from their DRM for a very long time.[/QUOTE]
Just FYI, EA has their own 'DLC' method that is internal to the game (i.e. you don't enter the EA codes on your XBL dashboard, but rather using an options screen within the game), which is why you must have a EA Nation account for the code to work.
For an example, see the NFS Shift instructions in this thread:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248800
Note that in some cases the same DLC is available via both methods - I got my Dragon Age DLC directly from EA in my limited edition game using the 4x4 codes, but you can also get the same DLC via XBL dashboard/website using 4x5 codes from third party vendors (Amazon, Best Buy?). And, if I go to the XBL market place it does not show that I own the DLC, even though it is available in-game.
[quote name='crunchewy']Here's a question: can you get the DLC now and then later get the game, or do you have to have the game in order to claim the DLC?[/QUOTE]
If they are 4x5 codes (i.e. 1111-2222-3333-4444-5555) then they are XBL codes and can be redeemed via the console dashboard or the XBL web site regardless (i.e. you don't have to own the game to redeem). However, if it is a 4x4 code (i.e. 1111-2222-3333-4444) then it is a EA internal code, and you will have to be in the game to access the code redemption screen (and be logged into EA Nation).
Edit: if any one has some spare caps/codes, I would be very grateful to get my hands on the ME2 content.