Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 11
  2. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Mar 30, 2011
    80
    Rationalizing the cost versus the content is a tough one, but I can say this will not hold you over till the release of Mass Effect 3.
  2. Apr 1, 2011
    74
    The Arrival will extend the length of an already long game, but it merely plays like a blockbuster action movie and that's a little disappointing for the Mass Effect universe.
  3. Apr 19, 2011
    70
    Despite being arguably less than what it could (and should) have been, Arrival probably is just about worth your money. In fact, playing it got me started on another run through both games, so it's done something right. It's testament to a game's strength that even a relatively lacking bit of DLC can have you going balls deep back into its world in the pursuit of alien booty. Not every game could do it, but not every game is Mass Effect.
  4. Apr 1, 2011
    70
    Purchasing Arrival means there's more to do in Mass Effect 2, and that's always a good thing. It sets up the tone of urgency that's prevalent in the Mass Effect 3 trailer, but don't expect it to explain a lot. If you don't mind combat-focused, linear missions, it's worth the $7.
  5. PC Games (Russia)
    May 6, 2011
    65
    Arrival is a mostly disappointing piece of content, failing even at its mission to connect Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 storylines. [June 2011, p.97]
  6. Mar 31, 2011
    60
    I don't think that this DLC's partial failure is necessarily a bad sign for the third game, but it seems clear that all the new ideas and original content are going into ME3 rather than something like "Arrival".
  7. Mar 30, 2011
    60
    There are some choice moments across Arrival's duration, but it's just a shame that Mass Effect 2's final piece of DLC is undoubtedly its weakest.
  8. Apr 28, 2011
    55
    While Lair of Shadow Broker is a brilliant example of a properly made DLC, Arrival will be appreciated by only the most devout fans. If you want a completely tricked out save file for Mass Effect 3, then please pay $6.99.
  9. Apr 5, 2011
    50
    Even though the combat is thrilling and the premise somewhat interesting, this DLC's very short and clumsily constructed story in detriment of gameplay makes skipping it an easy decision.
  10. Mar 31, 2011
    50
    Mass Effect 2: Arrival is a disappointing conclusion to a beloved series' second chapter
  11. Mar 30, 2011
    40
    The Reapers' invasion in Mass Effect 3 would have been a lot quicker without Shepard intervention in The Arrival DLC for ME2. This gap-bridging extension is very short, with a so-so story (a meteor with engines, didn't I see that somewhere already ?) and a focus on action, with quite a challenge at times. No interesting moral choice, nothing really fascinating in dialogues... Shepard does its inevitable job once again, and politicians will target him once more. Is that it? We could have done without it.
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 153 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 153
  2. Negative: 34 out of 153
  1. Apr 4, 2011
    6
    Arrival allows you to be present for a major event in Mass Effect's story. If all you want to do is shoot stuff and passively experience aArrival allows you to be present for a major event in Mass Effect's story. If all you want to do is shoot stuff and passively experience a story, you'll probably enjoy it. If you would be disappointed by presence alone, without influence over the event or significant character growth, then it may not be for you. If you're interested in a more-in-depth analysis of these conflicting viewpoints, check out my full-text review at http://culturalgeekgirl.com/ Full Review »
  2. Mar 29, 2011
    9
    It's decent enough. It's not as good as LoSB, but good nonetheless. It'll take about an hour or less to complete, but it gives a little detailIt's decent enough. It's not as good as LoSB, but good nonetheless. It'll take about an hour or less to complete, but it gives a little detail on what you can expect in ME3. Full Review »
  3. May 8, 2019
    5
    Half-baked and disappointing and starter for the ME3, Arrival will give you like 1-2 hour gameplay, then end. Yep and you'll pay money forHalf-baked and disappointing and starter for the ME3, Arrival will give you like 1-2 hour gameplay, then end. Yep and you'll pay money for this. Should have been in the game from the start. Pickens rethinks life choices. Full Review »