Mass Effect 2 Review
The adjective "stunning" is over-used, especially when it comes to video game criticism. Everything's stunning these days; graphics, story, characters… everything. Well, in the case of Mass Effect 2, it's the only word that even comes close to describing the experience on offer.
In Mass Effect 2, everything is stunning. The sophisticated sci-fi story is stunning at every turn. The refined, third-person cover-based combat is stunning at the turn of every corner. And the cinematic dialogue system, voice acting and facial animations are stunning in every page-turning cut scene. It all comes together to form what may well be 2010's best game, and possibly the greatest role-playing game of all time.
Mass Effect 2's brilliance shows Canadian developer BioWare is in top form. Confidence breeds confidence, and Mass Effect 2 is one of the most confident, brash, even arrogant - but in the good way people admire - games ever created. It is a masterpiece from a developer that knows it's ahead of the game in almost every department that matters, from graphics to branching storylines to… well… everything.
Taken in isolation, Mass Effect 2 stands head and shoulders above its peers. But those who played the first game will find even more to admire, because it improves not only the things that didn't work, but the things that quite clearly did. We all know about the changes that have been made to the combat - every game magazine and website, including this one, has been banging on about them for months. Only now, though, having pumped over 40 hours into this dark, second act, do we know the true extent of BioWare's commitment to bettering what's gone before.
Firstly, let's go through the obvious stuff. The cumbersome inventory system has been streamlined to the point where you don't actually have an inventory at all. Instead, you have a base set of weapons - shared by all party members - that can be upgraded through scientific research in the Normandy tech lab. Then, before embarking on a mission, you're given the opportunity to set your loadout. It's simple and effortless, like yoghurt.
Highest Rated Comment
thpcplayer
edit :a thumb down! did i say antthing offensive?
User Comments
EISPower
rbevanx@ K3RT
I thought the game was very repetitive as scanning for planets for upgrades was incredibly boring, could have mixed it up with more of a puzzle element.
I remember thinking to myself “This is very similar to detention in High school where I had to clean up rubbish during break on the fields”
I also found the “helping teammates” missions rather too similar with a combat system that felt very bland to me and not challenging.
Also far too much shelter from bad guys and not much requirement for thought to eliminate enemies like something with Splinter Cell or Half Life.
Don’t get me wrong they improved on the first game with controls and the environment you play in, as well as an impressive storyline and characters for a videogame (the score is still really good like the first game).
But when comparing it to other RPGs like Zelda, KOTOR, The Dig and Snatcher, it’s no where near being one of the best RPG’s ever (never mind best game ever).
I felt an 8/10 was more fair for this game.
K3RT@ Schumey
Schumey
Clockpunk@ tome0124
VandaL
Truley like playing an interactive sci-fi series. Only thing letting the PC version down is the crappy textures because of the 360. Other than that, flawless.
SexyJams
I just need some feedback man.
Is it me, or on Mass Effect do you have the same problem.
basically, I'm going for Renegade, but every time a Paragon interrupt thingy comes up I can;t help but pull it man.
My Renegade is still considerably more than my Paragon, but will it effect my chances of going full Renegade?
Cheers man, this is my favourite game for an awfully long time.
Mark_S
tome0124@ Handwipe
tome0124
IndoorHeroes
Clockpunk@ Ghost_Dog
On topic though - 2 hours in... wow. Jaw-dropping story, gameplay dialogue and graphics. I was hoping so hard it wouldn't let down the original, and so far it truly hasn't. Fantastic game, and probably a solid contender, already, for GOTY.
renegade@ Handwipe
See how i flipped it Fantard
as for Mass Effect ill enjoy this in Super HD lol on My pc thanks
Ghost_Dog@ guyderman
They are nothing more than cowards hiding behind keyboards.
There is also a good chance that Mass Effect will eventually appear on the PS3.
guyderman@ Handwipe
There should be a Doomed Vs A$$wipe thread - Clash of the Fanboys!