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Mass Effect 2 Review

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The second act of BioWare's epic sci-fi RPG trilogy continues the story of Commander Shepard and humanity's first steps onto the galactic stage.

In this sequel to BioWare's hit space-based role-playing game (RPG), Mass Effect. A single player adventure, Mass Effect 2 allows players to continue the adventures of the fully customizable series hero Commander Shepard, as you take on a whole new adventure and a new cast of supporting characters. Additional new features include the ability to import game save files from the original Mass Effect game to continue the adventure in an unbroken fashion, a new damage system, a new, more flexible dialogue game mechanic and more.

Review Continues after video

Mass Effect 2 is one of those games that defies simple explanation. A massive universe with an in depth storyline, real and entertaining characters, engaging dialogue and quests, and a breadth that nothing short of incredible. Basically, something not to be missed.

The graphics are gorgeous, though too much is cast in a weird orange glow that swallows almost everything. But the tech nerd will delight in the hologrpahic loading screens, of which there are about 30, the near photorealism of the characters and some long distance visuals.

Audio is perfect, with a combination of old and new voices, some so apropo to character they'll make your skin crawl. Major props to Martin Sheen for the Illusive Man. There is however, a lot of overlap when too many opponents occupy the screen. Also, some voices are oddly placed and distorted, so that you'll be listening to a side conversation that seems to be happening from across the room.

Gameplay is what you'd expect, but also where the most bizarre developments were made. Almost every story mission, all of which contain critical in game items and upgrades, are one play only. So if you miss something, you'll never know, much less be able to go back and get it. Planets that are explorable are now fewer and farther between, and the system to move from planet to planet, despite working well, is now a odd feeling piloting sim.

Health and shields are now totally regenerative, and healing is solely for your squadmates, so there's no longer an ability to heal on the fly, making this more like Gears of War cover to cover combat. Emphasis is now on skills, many of which combine well. XP is radically changed, and no longer dependent on combat. This is rather confusing, and makes leveling hard to visualize, and what gets you experience seems random at time. Skills are also shrunk to 6, removing a fair amount of character customization.

Upgrades and improvements replace the majority of new equipment, which has to be researched. Searching for resources is now a annoying mini-game that feels like one of those old school adventure games where you scoured every pixel of every screen to progress. The new hacking and decryption minigames are fairly nice, and easy to get through, meaning tech personnel are no longer mandatory.

A fantastic game with only a few features that have backslid from the first chapter, this is still probably the most in-depth, expansive, and beautiful RPG you'll play this year.

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