Prettier but not entirely better. Mass Effect 2 continues the series’ penchant for billion dollar box office flavored storytelling, a trait that can be polarizing for an audience with a more nuanced taste. What sets it apart from ME1 is its shift towards a more people-focused narrative, which I found immensely more appealing compared to the event-driven approach of its predecessor. In ME2, the depth of the loyalty missions adds layers to each character's backstory, making the journey feel more personal and rewarding. While there are elements that feel like steps backward, the streamlined weapon system, for instance, lacks the punch of its predecessor while the overall combat experience remains intense. However, the suicide mission really won me back in the end, delivering one of the most dramatic endings in the trilogy.