Mass Effect 2 Review

29 January 2010

The Return of Commander Shepard

The follow up to the BioWare classic, Mass Effect 2 is a game that evolves the best aspects of Mass Effect 1 and improves on its flaws. With an art style that draws heavily from films like Blade Runner, and a game play element that echoes Gears of War, Mass Effect 2 is a deep and fulfilling experience that will satisfy any Sci-Fi fan.

The Collectors

Shepard will be returning as the hero of the this dark and gritty installment but this time he must join forces with the morally gray Cerberus. An organization that has a less than reputable history. It is during this time that a mysterious race of aliens known as The Collectors are kidnapping whole colonies of people, who are never heard from again. Sheppard must gather a team to take on The Collectors on their own turf, where no human has ever gone and returned.

What I loved

Environments – The world of Mass Effect 2 is colorful, vibrant, and literally spans galaxies. Each world you visit will vary in mood, tone, and landscape. The Normandy (your ship) will work as a sort of hub/transport that will take you to numerous galaxies, in any order of your choosing.

RPG elements - You will have a group of characters that vary in ability and personality. For missions you will be able to choose form two at a time to join you. You are able to customize your characters by equipping them with weapons of your choosing, as well as mapping their abilities to use in battle. You will also be able to choose which abilities you want to upgrade for your character, and which to ignore.

Customization – You have the ability to alter almost every aspect of your character. From their sex, class, and history; all are decided by you. You will also be able to alter your armor, clothing, abilities, and weapons all to your liking. It is also worth mentioning that you can map specific abilities that you have in order to use them quickly in battle.

Paragon and Renegade paths – There will be a number of instances in Mass Effect 2 where you can make choices that will lead to one of two paths; Paragon or Renegade. These instances are often made in a split second and will yield a different cut scene for each. Although the Paragon path is the righteous one, it is the Renegade cut scenes that are the most enjoyable. Your choices in these instances will dictate your future conversations, and eventually your destiny.

What I hated

Sub-plots from Mass Effect 1 – I do like the sub-plots of Mass Effect 2 but it is the sub-plots involving the characters of the previous game that may leave you feeling a little confused, if you haven't played the original game.

Just go buy it already!

Mass Effect 2 is a game that cannot be easily be ignored or forgotten. It is a fantastic Sci-Fi epic, with themes that mirror that of The Empire Strikes Back. It offers a character driven story that is dark, as well as touching, and a game play style that is fast paced and exciting Without a doubt Mass Effect 2 is the best game of 2010 thus far, and an overwhelmingly successful sequel. We give Mass Effect 2 five out of five stars.