Continuing with my replay of the Mass Effect series comes everyone's favorite -- Mass Effect 2. It's been many years since I played it, so I was a bit surprised of the notable differences between it and the first title, both in how the game is structured and played. I was expecting to greatly prefer ME2, but I actually found the two about equal. I really prefer Mass Effect's more traditional RPG stat system and its heat-based weapons, versus ME2's approach to upgrades and limited ammunition. Mass Effect 2 I felt was much more character focused than the first title, with most of the "mandatory" missions being the recruitment and then loyalty missions for each character. It's a bit of a different story dynamic than I was expecting, but I grew to really enjoy this approach. I didn't do enough of the optional ME1 missions back in the day to really appreciate who they were setting Cerberus to be, and while I understand Shepard's reasoning for working with them better now, I do think they whitewashed them a bit in this -- they were injecting acid into POWs in the first game just to see what would happen after all. They could've followed the same basic story beats as the first Mass Effect, but instead they took their characters and story to a place that is less expected, but it paid off greatly for them in the end. Also I'll say it, I liked the Mako in ME1 and missed it.
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.
I only played so I can get a feel of what the mass effect games are like, and it was actually really fun. Characters that actually feel real, an MC that's a cornball but likable, and solid gunplay with upgrades that feel fun. Combine this all with a story that is actually intriguing, and you got a good ass game on your hands.
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.
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