Lots of embarrassing and dumb writing choices, but the volume and density of bespoke storytelling is still pretty dazzling. There's just something immediate and intimate about how BioWare block dialogue scenes in this game. These characters are just Too Big on-screen and the overall effect is so stylish it demands your attention. For what's ultimately a really rudimentary third-person shooter, the rock-paper-scissors elements of the combat are just engaging enough to carry the thing.
This review contains spoilers
Kinda pissed that it locked me out of a Legion's loyalty mission and I did start to feel a bit burned out at points because I started this right after ME1, but I can still tell this is a great game.
I don't think I can properly judge this game after just one playthrough. Two or maybe even three will be necessary. What I can say right now is that there's no substantial improvements 2 makes to 1. I'm not a fan of the simplified RPG elements, or the change from heat gauges to ammo, and I think 1 was a lot more tightly written.
That being said, though, it's still Mass Effect 2. Just because I didn't like some of the changes doesn't mean it doesn't kick ass anyways. A masterclass in atmosphere and consequence, best described as "Bold in a way that games before and since haven't achieved."
That being said, though, it's still Mass Effect 2. Just because I didn't like some of the changes doesn't mean it doesn't kick ass anyways. A masterclass in atmosphere and consequence, best described as "Bold in a way that games before and since haven't achieved."
Improves on the first one in almost every way and builds to a sensational finale. Amazing cast. All timer.
First played on an xbox one about 9 years ago but I never finished it back then. Now I finally finished and completed the first game I ever played. I romanced Miranda. I saved everyone. I made every single loyalty mission. And I finally met Legion.
Shepard-Commander
Shepard-Commander
A once per year playthrough for me, along with the rest of the trilogy. One of the best pieces of science-fiction media of all time. Long live Commander Shepard and the crew of the SSV Normandy!
One of the greats. It's been a while since I have been so immersed into a game world.
The shooting has been improved from 1 and progression is a lot more meaningful and enjoyable even if the rpg elements were stripped back. They also removed the bad car segments from the first game which automatically bumps the rating up half a star. I also like that the renegade options aren't strictly evil, but more so just aggresive. In the first one, renegade was just being a horrible person which made me wonder why anyone would ever go that path for the first time. The best part of this game is how it makes you feel like you are Shepard.
Immersion is hard to establish and it doesn't hit the same for everyone, but giving players key options for all of their teammates is major. The ending is great and makes you ponder on all your choices before and during it. This is not a main story game however, if you just rush through the main story, you probably will not like it much. This is one where you have to take it at your own pace and savor it.
So far, I am enjoying the Mass Effect franchise way more than I thought I would. How great 2 is in comparison to 1 is not blatantly apparent at first but it gets you right into it. The game went from like a 8 to a 9, to a 10 in the course of like 3 hours of playtime. I would try these games even if you aren't a sci-fi guy, because I am certainly not. It's like 6 bucks on sale for all three.
The shooting has been improved from 1 and progression is a lot more meaningful and enjoyable even if the rpg elements were stripped back. They also removed the bad car segments from the first game which automatically bumps the rating up half a star. I also like that the renegade options aren't strictly evil, but more so just aggresive. In the first one, renegade was just being a horrible person which made me wonder why anyone would ever go that path for the first time. The best part of this game is how it makes you feel like you are Shepard.
Immersion is hard to establish and it doesn't hit the same for everyone, but giving players key options for all of their teammates is major. The ending is great and makes you ponder on all your choices before and during it. This is not a main story game however, if you just rush through the main story, you probably will not like it much. This is one where you have to take it at your own pace and savor it.
So far, I am enjoying the Mass Effect franchise way more than I thought I would. How great 2 is in comparison to 1 is not blatantly apparent at first but it gets you right into it. The game went from like a 8 to a 9, to a 10 in the course of like 3 hours of playtime. I would try these games even if you aren't a sci-fi guy, because I am certainly not. It's like 6 bucks on sale for all three.
Mass Effect 2 is incredible, a sci-fi adventure masterpiece that should sit alongside the likes of Star Wars as one of the genre greats.
There are some pitfalls here and there, such as concessions made to the RPG aspects of the game in favour of smoothing the clunkier gameplay of the original release of Mass Effect or a variety of content cut short or left unfinished due to either development time limits, console hardware limits (such as DVD size limits on the Xbox 360), or publisher backlash fears (such as Bioware cutting down on the freedom of available companion romance options), but even with all the wondering of what could have been put aside Mass Effect 2 is still a must-play for any fans of sci-fi or RPGs.
There are some pitfalls here and there, such as concessions made to the RPG aspects of the game in favour of smoothing the clunkier gameplay of the original release of Mass Effect or a variety of content cut short or left unfinished due to either development time limits, console hardware limits (such as DVD size limits on the Xbox 360), or publisher backlash fears (such as Bioware cutting down on the freedom of available companion romance options), but even with all the wondering of what could have been put aside Mass Effect 2 is still a must-play for any fans of sci-fi or RPGs.
N7 Elite 🏆 II