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Mass Effect 2 Review “In A Galaxy Far, Far Away…”

By ⋅ February 24, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment\

It’s hard to say that something has “out done” the original without some kind of proof, something without a doubt proofing that the successor is better than the original. Throughout the process, I considered searching for this. Then I stopped and realized that I needed no evidence; this sequel is proof on its own. That’s why I pride myself by saying that have outdone themselves with . By them doing so, they’ve fulfilled the promises of the original while continuing to push the boundaries of what we can expect from a modern-day role-playing game.

Intended to capture a darker and more serious tone, 2 begins with an attack on the SSV Normandy, leaving it destroyed and Shepard, series protagonist, missing in action. However, thanks to some “unexplainable” events, Shepard returns. This time under the influence of a controversial pro-human organization called Cerberus. You see, human colonies have been disappearing across the galaxy and The Illusive Man, the watchful eyes of Cerberus, needs you to find and eliminated the forces behind these disappearances. However, Shepard can’t do this alone; he’ll need a squad.

In total there are eleven squad members, each with their own past experiences and specialization. However their most important attribute are their motivations; their motivations add a level of engagement to the Mass Effect 2 experience. For example, Thane, a Drell assassin, has chosen to fight alongside you in his final hours. Just by this example alone, you can understand him; him wanting to pass on in a positive light and the absolution of his sins. Its human characteristics like these that build a bond between the player and the character, an aspect present throughout the Mass Effect 2 experience.

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Another engaging aspect of Mass Effect 2 is the improved combat and control systems. Though the controls are relatively the same, BioWare added more options to the control interface with better squad commands and a smoother cover system, addressing complaints of the original. These improvements have drastically changed the control and combat systems, making for a more streamlined, action-packed experienced. However, these systems need work; they are choppy and poorly mixed into combat. Add in some collision issues, and you add for a bad combination; in other words, prepare for a bit of bedlam.

This is what brings me to the technical aspect of Mass Effect 2. Taking note of the criticisms from the original, BioWare has improved on Mass Effect in almost every way. However, the most notable complaint of the original were its technical and presentational issues. That in mind, I’m happy to report that there are no major technical issues to speak of; this is a much smoother experience when compared to the original. But, thanks to the games excellent presentational style, it’s able to seamlessly makes up for any technical mishaps that may happen — there maybe some unseen glitches present.

However, the technical and presentational aspects aren’t the only things that have improved. BioWare also streamlined the games inventory and skill management systems. Though these systems may seem a bit dumbed down from the original, they divert the attention away from content management and onto visceral combat –- visceral combat being very important in this installment. In other words, you’ll don’t have to worry about the armor your teammates equipped with anymore, and seeing that content selection is slim, it shouldn’t take you more than a few moments to get your squad prepped for action.

Closing Statement:

Though there maybe some questionable missteps, planet scanning being a prefect example of one, Mass Effect 2 is the share-product of a developer lessening to the criticisms of the fans and innovating on them. As I said at the beginning of the review, I pride myself by saying that BioWare have outdone themselves with this sequel and, if you have been paying attention, you’ll know that is a game that was only achievable thanks impart to the collective criticisms of its fans. In other words, I can’t wait to see what the final installment in the series is to bring to the table.

Final Score: 9.4

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Discussion

5 comments for “Mass Effect 2 Review “In A Galaxy Far, Far Away…””

  • natealan1983

    I would have to say this game is nearly perfect. As an extreme power gamer from the first, and again in the second, I have found it an incredible upgrade to the first game. However, I do have two complaints. First, only being able to advance to level 30 is unacceptable, as it makes the game way to short and almost pointless. In the first Mass Effect, I played through 3 times in order to obtain level 60. This was extremely satisfying. However, with the sequel, I hit level 30 at the beginning of my 2nd playthrough, making all the earned xp the rest of the way, meaningless. The 2nd problem is the cooldown system. I really love having each of my powers possessing its own cooldown period so multiple powers can be used in quick succession. This ability gave a greater sense of “powerfulness” and of being unstoppable around level 45 on up in the first game. In the sequel, everything falls under one cooldown and you absolutely don't feel as powerful no matter how many special abilities you gain. Despite these two items, the gunplay is fantastic, and the new shield/armor/barrier vrs bullet rounds is awesome. Not to even mention the story line. Great job Bioware- can't wait for the third.

  • WGAnubis

    The game is definitely a 9.5 out of 10 and I agree with your detractions, namely in regards to planet scanning, collision detection (particularly in regards to individuals, you still see “eye bulge” now and then, if only in minor characters though) and what not.

    My personal problem with the game though isnt so much the mechanics, story and what have you, but rather biowares decisions in regards to the cerberus network and the preorder content.

    First, the cerberus network itself forces players to buy a new game or have to pay for the privledge of downloading the DLC, ie you have to pay to pay for the DLC. Supposively this is to combat the likes of Gamestop who make a killing with reselling used games (often for newer ones, only 5 dollars less then new) and pocket the whole sum. Bioware and the other studios really need to wake up and force retailers like Gamestop to give them a cut of the resale profit instead of sticking it to the player looking for a more economical way to enjoy their products.

    The second is the preorder content. It strikes me that studios more and more are making preorder content increasingly gimmicy. Case in point the whole armor sets that a player can get for preorder is non customizable and by and far is quickly out specced by the equipment the game provides. In fact the only benefit a player can see from using said armor is in the first hours or so of using it for the first play though as after that you have amassed a sizable collection of equipment that all the armor will do after a certain point is gather dust on the HDD (really, you cant even have it on display in a trophy case like you can have your weapons in the armory). Hell, I used the Dr. Pepper promo helmets more then I did the armor I got, and those were free.

    If Bioware (and for the first point, the industry all togeather) would wake up and make these “bonuses” worth while as opposed to being a gimic I may be more inclined to buy preorders from them in the future but as of late I really am being turned off by the industries practices and likely will only purchase the game when it hits the shelves rather than reserve a copy.

  • jansobczak

    game brilliant but glitches spoiling the experience ( see Jarrahe Station, research Lab ) the bracketed comment causes game to stop working when you reach the 4th deflector and you have to restart game email to EA sent

  • Nemesis1982

    I've just started playing the game on the PC and must say I was pleasantly suprised. I wouldn't clasify it as an RPG. I'd clasify it as a shooter with a good and immersive story, limited character building and squad controle.

    However I think that if you don't view it as an rpg it's extremely enjoyable. I generally dispice shooters but really enjoyed this.

    All in all a nice game I'd give it a well deserved 8.5

  • http://haloreachmultiplayertips.net Halo Reach Multiplayer Tips

    I think its a cool game. I also tried bioshock. It seems like a same genre.. Games like these keep coming up.

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