Space Ace- Mass Effect 2 Review

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenJanuary 26, 2010
253 3,459 3 minutes read

Editor’s Note: This review is spoiler-free. It was written to avoid any specific discussion of the game’s narrative events.

A console’s legacy is forged not by the technological capability of the hardware, but by the handful of truly exemplary games that are available for the system. Mention the merits of the original Playstation, and the conversation will inevitably converge upon Final Fantasy VII and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. While the Xbox 360 has had its share of titles that may warrant a place within the gaming pantheon, undoubtedly Mass Effect 2 will be one of those hallmark games that the system will be remembered for.

The title succeeds in a multitude of manners. As a sequel, Mass Effect 2 corrects nearly every blemish of the first game. For action fans uncomfortable with the loquaciousness of a role-playing game, or turn-based aficionados who have an aversion for real-time conflict, the title amalgamates the two divergent genres flawlessly. As a story-driven affair, Mass Effect 2’s plotline is undeniable compelling. From ethnic genocide to a doctor who kills a few to improve the wellbeing of many, the game’s representation of morality is deliciously thorny.

As a majority of games have shown us, conversations can be a difficult fire to stoke. Mass Effect 2 displays some of the intricacies of dialog amazingly well. Not only does the camera frame each exchange with fluid ease, but characters move around realistically. Each response from the player is offered from a wheel displaying a range of parsed responses. Intermittently, the player can interrupt the conversation with a diplomatic or aggressive action, adding a dynamic vibe to selected exchanges.

Mass Effect 2’s combat system has been refined, offering a number of skillful changes since the last excursion aboard the Normandy. Gone are the original game’s grenades- replaced by an arsenal of potent heavy weapons that are certain to remove the shield off the most resilient foe. Bioware mercifully removed the class restrictions on armaments, allowing psychokinetic-oriented Biotics to enjoy the game’s most robust hardware. Overheating systems have also been nixed, replaced by universal cooling cores, which work in any stock weapon. At first glance the game’s inventory, skills systems, and research options appear abridged; as the game’s progresses they become gratifyingly replete.

Yet, these are only superficial alterations made to the game’s intensely satisfying combat mechanic. Warfare in the first game seemed to favor statistics over and kind of joystick proficiency. Now, figures and finesse are amalgamated, making each fracas feel taut and torrid. Battles recall the adrenaline-fueled firefights of Gears of War, as players dash to each cover point, periodically peering around an obstacle to empty a clip into an encroaching foe. Adding to the satisfaction of each skirmish is a lush variety of enemy hit animations- now opponents may crumble over due to a crippling blow, or fall lifelessly over scaffoldings. Even those turned off by the archetypal grind of turn-based combat will enjoy Mass Effect 2’s visceral conflicts, while the role-player will find just enough tactical elements to appease their passion for number-crunching.

Whereas Mass Effect often struggled to construct a visual backdrop that matched the vibrancy of its characterization, the sequel’s visuals are near idyllic. The game’s assortment of species is impressive, with each extraterrestrial dexterously rendered with detailed textures. Sporadically, a character would offer a glance or subtle gesture that was eerily lifelike; for a brief second they fool the mind into thinking they are actor, not CG characters. The game’s framerate constantly remains above the 30 FPS threshold, even during the most sumptuous displays of pyrotechnics. Most importantly, there is a notable absence of visual blemishes to detract from the game’s sumptuous presentation of lens-flares, future-minimalism, and celestial fauna. Soundwise, the title’s evocative voiceover work and moody synth score complement the game impeccably. 

What separates a masterpiece from a more ordinary creation? Some have mentioned the indelible impression that a masterful work can evoke; that ability to penetrate a person’s psyche long after the initial encounter. Mass Effect 2’s well-crafted world is just such a creation. Undoubtedly, the title will inspire fan fiction, moral debates, and discussions of the game’s minutia, recreating a Star Wars-like zeitgeist. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if 2010 rewards us with more gratifying gaming experience.

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenJanuary 26, 2010
253 3,459 3 minutes read
Photo of Robert Allen

Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

253 Comments

  7. If you have a gamesave of the first game, ME2 will make some interesting changes based on your past decisions.

  8. I got to ask-

    Do the girls get naked in Mass Effect 2?

    How many different one to you have sex with?

  9. I picked this up at Midnight am about 12 hours in. Man, this is one of the best games I have ever played. And I’m not even a fan of RPGs.

  10. Wow, I can’t believe how good everyone is saying this game is. I guess I have to play it for myself.

  14. I keep hearing good things about this, but I just can’t get into ME. It’s like watching a long, boring movie. Good review though!

  20. I did get stuck a few times on environmental objects. One time I had to reset the game. Considering the amount of time I put in and the complexity of the title, those glitches are understandable.

  22. Just recently bought the first one because I didn’t have a 360 when it came out. Now I just need to go through it full force so I can go pick up ME2. Sounds amazing!

  24. It cant be that good. It can’t. I keep telling myself.

    Great review, Desert! You’re a better writer than even Shitwreck!

  26. Great review. I am pumped for it. BUT I think I’ll freshen up with Mass Effect 1 first before diving into 2. I have forgotten so much.

  27. I still need to grab the first and give it a full play through! Me and a friend might just pick them both up and play them completely through during the summer.

  29. I have heard so many good things about this game. I have to play the first one before I can really get the full experience from this one.

  31. The first was one of my favorite 360 games, and from everything you say, this ones even better. I can’t wait to play this!

  35. great review. you mean I won’t endlessly be driving a dune buggy on the same planet with different texture maps over and over? Loved the first game except for that annoyance.

  37. Nope, the Mako got sold as scrap metal to a bunch of hoodie-wearing short guys with piercing eyes 😉

  44. There’s plenty of crappy games that get a ton of sequels that gamers dont ask for.

    This one, I want a sequel, and I want it soon.

  45. Bioware keeps getting better and better with each game. I cant see how they are going to top this.

  48. Glad to hear this isn’t a mass defect! HAHA

    Seriously, great review. Why haven’t you guys been picked up by any other site, or magazines yet? I think you’re reviews are at least if not better than the IGN stuff.

  52. Liking it. Loved the first game, so it seems that they smoothed the edges for a better experience for ME2. I already have people I know telling me how much they love it. Hope I get the chance to play it. 😀

  56. Glad I won’t be driving around in the buggy. Hopefully this game is a little easier than the last one.

  57. This game sounds amazing. If only MS would get off their asses and send me my 360 back, I might be able to play it.

  61. A nice start to the gaming year with one of the most looked hyped games living up to it. Good sign of things to come.

  63. Nice review! This game looks AMAZING, the only “serious” competition is the new Splinter Cell and Red Dead Redemption.

  64. I just recently played the first Mass Effect game, and while I didn’t care for some of the game-play, I loved the story and thought it was the closest thing to getting a legitimate Stargate game as we’ll probably ever get. Kind of interested in this one. Thanks for the spoiler free review!

  65. Agreed, but both of those are different audiences, and pretty far off.

    I do want Red Dead Redemption, though! Hope you guys review it.

  68. I heard you can get your dance on. Let me know if Shepards got the skills to make the ladies swoon.

  69. Great Review! I’ve been waiting for this game ever since Mass Effect came out. Hopefully it won’t disappoint in terms of replayability and longevity.

  71. Great review. I’m pleased to hear the improvements over the first which I consider a must-play for 360 owners. I’ll definitely be picking ME2 up.

  73. Great review. I really like the way who didn’t spoil any part of the game. It’s be coming here more often!

  78. The only thing is I can’t wait to get my hands on this thing. 😀 The first one was awesome and I’m getting impatient to play it.

  84. I’m playing the first game right now, so I’ll probably be looking into this game in the future

  86. I’m not an RPG fan by any means, but really enjoyed ME1. If I didn’t have a huge backlog, I’d be all over ME2 right now. Going on reviews alone, this will definitely be one of the next games I pick up.

  92. I didn’t play the first one but I have really been looking forward to this one. Great to see it get a great review.

  102. I just got the original Mass Effect myself, I’m glad to hear the sequel seems to be as good as the first one. Looking forward to picking this up in the future!

  103. I have been extremely excited for this game and everytime I see it, it continues to look better. I still have to get around to beating Mass Effect 1.

  104. I love mass effect 2 great game been waiting so long f or this game i missed it the one gripe i have is the text is way to small on sdtv’s

  107. Loved the first one, this review has me pumped for the sequel. I hope they get the DLC sorted out, that’s a mess right now.

  109. I thought I couldn’t be more excited for this game, but this review did it. My backlog is a little long right now so I’m going to wait a couple of weeks to pick it up. Hopefully I’ll get it $10 cheaper and the DLC issues will be settled.

  112. Now I have to play through the first one so I can get to this one immediately…where does the time go?

  114. Great review! I’ve just beaten ME1 after years of waiting for it to get cheap, and now i’m *desperate* for the sequel!! Your review just made me 5x more desperate! >_< XD

  115. Desert likes the shooting? Thats all the approval I need.

    BTW Which FPS has the best guns, DE?

  118. Nice review! I loved the first, but was frustrated by the problems. Sounds like much of it was fixed.

  120. Playing the first one now just about to finish and move right into the 2nd. Game is gonna be great!

  126. Reading this and other reviews have really got me hyped about ME2. I’ve still yet to finish ME1 (I hate that damn land rover). Thankfully, I haven’t read anything about a driving in this new game.

  127. Good review. I’ve been on a media blackout with this game and appreciate the spoiler free review.

  130. I love spoiler-free, but I’d love that free copy of Mass Effect even more. Thanks for the review. Thanks for the giveaway.

  141. I am looking forward to this game, glad it’s out now as it looks amazing! Now just gotta save up and hope to get it by May.

  143. I learned some things about the game I didn’t know previously like the removal of the grenades, and that you can interrupt conversations. Thanks for keeping it spoiler-free. I want the game even more now.

  145. I missed the original, so maybe if this one is good enough I’ll have to check out the original as well. I already got all of the DLC for free too… 😉

  147. About to finish ME1, and it’s completely floored me until now. I can’t imagine how amazing ME2 is. Can’t wait!

  148. What a great game. I love how they imported your character from ME1. I’m a couple of hours in and totally hooked.

  149. Nice review. I’m really wanting to pick this one up now. I might have to hold off until Feb 8th just in case.

  157. No doubt this was going to be, and is, a really good game. I am just hoping that the Mega-Hype is’t just going to lead to another letdown, simply because of the build-up set the expectations too high.

  166. I still haven’t finished the first ME yet, so I probably wouldn’t buy the sequel anytime soon. Good to hear that the frame rate issue has been fixed, That seems to be the only gripe for me in the first game. :/

  173. this game is going to be a real treat. can’t wait to get my claws into it…. cause i’m a big scary monster… grrrrrr. roar. i totally just spooked you.

  174. this game is going to be a real treat!.
    can’t wait to get my claws into it… cause i’m a scary monster… roar… grrrr… i totally just spooked you, didn’t i.

  177. Sounds cool, I am tired of traditional RPGs. ME2 sounds like a great mix of action and tactics.

  180. Just started playing ME1, and while 1 is good, pretty much everything I’ve heard about ME2 makes it sound like any problems I have with the first have been addressed in the second. Looking forward to picking this one up.

  182. I never thought i’d see the day but, I will be spending my $60 on Mass Effect 2, not Final Fantasy XIII. It only took BioWare two tries to greatly improve and evolve the series, while Square is on its 13th iteration with only a few minor advancements(tweaks). Thank You BioWare for the breath of freshness.

  186. I really enjoyed reading this review, I never played the first Mass Effect but many friends have told me it is a good game. From reading this, the second one sounds superb. If it is as legendary as that of FFVII then I might give this one a try in the future.

  191. Liked the review, my friend loves this game and talks about it all the time so wasn’t surprised with the score 🙂

  192. Great review. I’ve yet to finish the 1st game because of some of these blemishes. If I’m compelled to beat the 1st one and enjoy it, I might pick this one up too.

  194. ME2 looks good. I played through the first ME and and was hoping for a few changes but I am happy with what I have seen so far. A good review by DesertEagle and thank you for the contest!
    -Bill

  201. ME2 has refined all the issues I had with the first game. Where I would only play ME every once in a while…I want to play this new one all the time. Bioware really made a superior sequel. Now I just need my own copy of it instead of borrowing my brother’s.

  204. Good one. Really looking forward to this one, especially if it is better than the first (which I really enjoyed).

  205. Nice review. Hoping to beat the first Mass Effect soon and then start right into #2.

  206. Sweet REview. Can’t wait to play this game. Mass Effect was awesome. looks like this one will be too.

  208. From what I’ve seen though, the game plays a lot more like Gears of War than the old ME titles, and they really dumbed down the inventory system and all of that. It looks like its still very enjoyable but they definitely made it easier for people to access this time around.

  216. Agreed, you should have posted a screen of MiranDATASS. : ) Can’t wait to get my hands on some up close vanguard action. Blog Subscribed.

  218. I can’t wait to play this one. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. I’m only now starting to play through the first one.

  219. I’m quite happy that they improved the technical issues we had on the first one and also fixed awkward cover system.
    Awesome review!

  220. I can’t believe how much this title improved upon the first! Its nice to see that Bioware is listening and fixing things the fans didn’t like!

  226. I gotta get this game! Getting it for free would be better… and at the glance of my spendable cash–faster. In 4 the win!!

  230. A non spoiler review and the chance to win a free copy of the game. Damn good way to get new visitors to your site. I applaud you good sirs.

  231. I recently bought the first Mass Effect on Steam but didn’t play more than a few minutes because my computer couldn’t run it perfectly. I wouldn’t mind jumping right into ME2 if they explain the backstory to me.

  232. Great review and a good chance for us to win the game, but I really haven’t played the first one, so I was hoping that you could have filled us in. Oh well. Awesome review.

  233. Loved the first game and this review makes me wanna play it even more. Played it again this weekend in anticipation.

  237. Nice review. I’m glad there were no spoilers. I’ve almost finished the first game, and I can’t wait to immediately continue with the series!

  238. Awesome review. It seems almost everyone’s been giving this game an A rating, except for the spoilsports who like to ruin everything.

  239. I’m trying to do a 100% run of ME before playing the second one, but hearing all this great reception is making it really hard not to just skip to ME2.

  248. Totally looking forward to it, though I’ve promised myself to work through my backlog first.

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