Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker

 PC
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Destructoid
    95
    And if you loved Mass Effect 2 , this is absolutely required if you didn't already get it. An example of how to do great, if not perfect, DLC in a story-driven game.
  2. IGN
    95
    There's a great narrative complemented by fun combat. If you can only afford one piece of extra content for Mass Effect 2, this is the one to spend your money on.
  3. Gamer 2.0
    92
    Lair of the Shadow Broker has everything you could have wanted: new weapons, new biotic powers and new characters to help branch together the events leading up to Mass Effect 3.
  5. Game Revolution
    91
    The set pieces are gorgeously done and the pacing is perfect, even if it breezes by rather quickly.
  6. PC PowerPlay
    Oct 27, 2010
    90
    One of Mass Effect 2's most thrilling missions. [Dec 2010, p.64]
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  7. Gamereactor Sweden
    90
    Biowares DLC hasn't been all that great, but Lair of the Shadow Broker is just awesome and really adds something to the story. It should not be missed by any Mass Effect fan.
  8. 3DJuegos
    88
    Mass Effect 2 players will have a great time with Lair of the Shadow Broker, because it is what a DLC should be: Great storytelling, good value and an amazing pace.
  9. GameSpot
    85
    Astonishing atmosphere and great action make this add-on a no-brainer for role players across the galaxy.
  10. VideoGamer
    80
    It might not be too cheap at 800 Microsoft Points, but it's an exciting and cinematic ride while it lasts.
  11. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    80
    Excellent locations and great story that goes deep into the very foundations of Mass Effect 2 universe make this DLC an extraordinary experience. Can't miss this adventure! [Issue#196]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. PC Gamer UK
    Dec 30, 2010
    65
    Takes a dangling plot thread and ties it up, but unsatisfyingly and with a lot of repetitious combat.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PC Game of 2010
72
#72 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
75
#75 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 276 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 237 out of 276
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 276
  3. Negative: 15 out of 276
  1. Fredvdp
    Sep 14, 2010
    10
    Lair of the Shadow Broker is Mass Effect 2's biggest and best downloadable content. It is a sequel to the Mass Effect Redemption comic bookLair of the Shadow Broker is Mass Effect 2's biggest and best downloadable content. It is a sequel to the Mass Effect Redemption comic book and takes place during the events of Mass Effect 2, or if you prefer, not long after. Shepard teams up with his old squadmate Dr. Liara T'Soni to hunt down the Shadow Broker and they have to overcome some obstacles on the way.

    This DLC doesn't just offer a new mission, it's the best mission in the entire Mass Effect saga so far. There's enough variation in the action to keep you entertained from the beginning to the end. The writers have done a brilliant job making this content entertaining and the dialogues can be quite hilarious. Combined with some darker aspects this creates a very good balance.

    The experience is as personal as that of the core game. The DLC recognizes some of your actions in both Mass Effect games and it looks like your actions in the DLC will have a huge impact on Mass Effect 3. It's a bit of a shame that many people who are against DLC will not be able to experience this. The voice acting is good and so is the music. Everything you'd expect fromt this series.

    The biggest problem is the same as in all DLC packs. There's no voice acting from your squadmates. It does make sense, since recording new lines for 12 extra characters is hard and expensive work, but it does feel like something's lacking.

    Overall I would say this is a great experience and all Mass Effect fans should at least consider buying this. Not just for the content itself but also for how it may influence Mass Effect 3.    … Full Review »
  2. zombiehampster
    Nov 8, 2010
    10
    This is high quality additional content. The Lair of the Shadow Broker undertakes one of the more interesting characters you never met in METhis is high quality additional content. The Lair of the Shadow Broker undertakes one of the more interesting characters you never met in ME 1, delivering a very well thought out 2-3 hours of excellent story telling, the temporary return of Liara T'Soni, and some very, very nicely rendered locations. I enjoyed every moment of this DLC; the revelations and rewards that accompany it are extremely satisfying, while the whole experience was fun as hell. The Mass Effect series, in my opinion, was meant to be played from Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 3 for the maximum level of enjoyment; otherwise you will be missing out on a lot of character attachment, plot, and just exemplary storytelling. Those who felt connections between themselves and the characters from either game would do well to get this. That would be a no brainer. But for those who don't find themselves as charmed about ME like I am, than this can be avoided, but I would definitely recommend this as a great addition to the DLC files. The price, to me, is a small sum to pay for this kind of entertainment. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
  3. JaydenPickens
    May 8, 2019
    8
    I consider this the best dlc to the ME 2 game. Loved to see Liara again and the missions were interesting. I only wish this was in the gameI consider this the best dlc to the ME 2 game. Loved to see Liara again and the missions were interesting. I only wish this was in the game from the very beginning, not a dlc that is clearly cut from the game just to get more money. Still, Pickens approves… Full Review »
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