Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker

 PC
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

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  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 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    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 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.    … Expand
  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 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 areThis 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.… Expand
  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 game from the very beginning, not a dlc that is clearly cut from the game just to get more money. Still, Pickens approves
  4. KundK
    Sep 13, 2010
    9
    This is probably the best DLC for ME2 although it is somewhat clunky in places. The storyline connects the events from the comics (pre-ME2) with the main plot and gives Shepard the chance to continue the relationship with Liara and settle the score with the elusive Shadow Broker. There is a new kind of play (hover-taxi chase), some new upgrades (sniper, armour), a new Spectre-powerfulThis is probably the best DLC for ME2 although it is somewhat clunky in places. The storyline connects the events from the comics (pre-ME2) with the main plot and gives Shepard the chance to continue the relationship with Liara and settle the score with the elusive Shadow Broker. There is a new kind of play (hover-taxi chase), some new upgrades (sniper, armour), a new Spectre-powerful enemy, a new biotic powerhouse ally and an awe inspiring new location (similar to the EVA battle at the end of ME1) which can be revisited and used if you haven't finished the main plot yet. Some might be disappointed with the lack of Finally-done-it-with-Liara achievement at the end, but the end scene is genuine and emotional, it ties up ME2 and sets up the scene for ME3. Excellent DLC.… Expand
  5. Decayous
    Oct 21, 2010
    9
    For DLC this is top notch work, rarely will a studio put so much effort into something that's an addon. If you're a fan of ME2, don't hesitate to grab this one.
  6. roboticsun
    Oct 15, 2011
    9
    By far this is the best DLC I have ever played. the stunning visuals, highly intense combat sequences and two well-designed boss fights makes this dlc the most engaging gaming experience I have ever had so far. Despite the incredible level design for combat, every cinematic scene is well done and dialog writing is in line with the past mass effect contents. Also there are a lot ofBy far this is the best DLC I have ever played. the stunning visuals, highly intense combat sequences and two well-designed boss fights makes this dlc the most engaging gaming experience I have ever had so far. Despite the incredible level design for combat, every cinematic scene is well done and dialog writing is in line with the past mass effect contents. Also there are a lot of hilarious writing contents after beating the final boss. You will see how shadow broker was wiretapping other people including shepard's own crew. And also Liara is back as a temporary squad mate, if your shepard romanced her in first mass effect, you can expect some very touching moments which is a unique gaming experience. The only downside I have to say is it's a little bit expensive if you hadn't played the first mass effect. But if you liked mass effect 2, there is no reason to miss this.… Expand
  7. Tata
    Jul 26, 2011
    10
    This is the best DLC I've ever played. It's based on a comic book but don't let that confuse you. It has a very good story, combat and It's a must if you like Liara. It adds a lot of new things which I don't want to spoil. You don't need to know what happened in the comic book to understand what is going on (I didn't read it either).
  8. organisatie
    Sep 28, 2010
    6
    Another two or three hours quality game play added to this fantastic game. Still i find that it does not add anything new, and the value for money is not very good once you have already finished the main ME3 mission. Because once you have completed the DLC mission you are the captain once again who has nothing to do on his ship. The regular ME 2 gave me more than 50 hours of game play forAnother two or three hours quality game play added to this fantastic game. Still i find that it does not add anything new, and the value for money is not very good once you have already finished the main ME3 mission. Because once you have completed the DLC mission you are the captain once again who has nothing to do on his ship. The regular ME 2 gave me more than 50 hours of game play for 49 euro. So paying 6 95 for two more hours is a bit to expensive in my opinion. It would have been a much better deal to put all DLC in one package for this price. But i guess EA is exploiting the succes of their magnificent game a bit to much. (Wouldn't you do the same thing if you were in their place?) I wish ME3 was here......… Expand
  9. black_mamba
    Sep 8, 2010
    10
    WOW!
    Simply worth the 800 BioWare pts i spent!
    I mean, gaining as much info~ regarding the Shadow Broker still isn't enough to know everthing about him...
    And Liara, was great!
    Though here body is re buit i guess...and now she looks a bit more Matured as compared to the asari beauty in ME-1!!!!
    But Serioulsy, Lair of the Shadow Broker was some experience!
    Go and get your DLC now...
  10. triadne
    Mar 15, 2023
    2
    bad bad awful. the DLC in this game is terrible design from the interns. the paragon interrupts make no sense, the paragon dialogue options are absolutely NOT virtuous in nature. The skirmish at the hotel is triple bad, it starts you in a pit with no effective cover and throws fast advancing enemies to pin you there, making you flounder like a fish in a bucket. random spawn locations forbad bad awful. the DLC in this game is terrible design from the interns. the paragon interrupts make no sense, the paragon dialogue options are absolutely NOT virtuous in nature. The skirmish at the hotel is triple bad, it starts you in a pit with no effective cover and throws fast advancing enemies to pin you there, making you flounder like a fish in a bucket. random spawn locations for the enemies is not skilful, it is WHACK, totally lacking in good design conventions present throughout the main game.… Expand
  11. shoegays
    May 29, 2011
    9
    It won't fundamentally change the way you think about Mass Effect, but Shadow Broker is hands down the best of the series' DLC. Liara returns, Shepard gets access to a new loyalty power, and you're treated to big spectacle, big boss fights, and big beautiful environments.
  12. animefan1976
    Mar 12, 2011
    8
    In length this was a really good DLC. Your sencond squad member never said anything and that was very disappointing like their very being there didn't matter. But it was an excellent DLC otherwise. It was really good to learn more about what happened with Liara other than some poorly written comic book.
  13. gmboy902
    Dec 1, 2012
    8
    Lair of the Shadow Broker is a fantastic DLC whose only downfall is in the price tag. Each minute of the DLC is brimming with fantastic plot writing, visceral and intense combat, and exotic, beautiful locations. The combat is the best in the game, and some of the best in the trilogy, The story keeps you on the edge of the seat, and Liara's character is fleshed out nicely from the firstLair of the Shadow Broker is a fantastic DLC whose only downfall is in the price tag. Each minute of the DLC is brimming with fantastic plot writing, visceral and intense combat, and exotic, beautiful locations. The combat is the best in the game, and some of the best in the trilogy, The story keeps you on the edge of the seat, and Liara's character is fleshed out nicely from the first game. After the mission, you gain access to interesting and revealing information about core characters and plot elements that - while practically limited in use - provides a greater depth of characterization (and sometimes humor) to the cast of the Mass Effect galaxy.

    But, in the end, the DLC gives you about two hours of content - fantastic content, but as a bargain hunter I find it difficult to pay the $10 price tag for that much. However, it did provide a glimpse of what Mass Effect can be at its best (and often does become at points in the trilogy) and is a definite buy for a fan of the series.    … Expand
  14. AlienSpaceBats
    Jan 27, 2013
    8
    Arguably the best DLC available for Mass Effect 2, Lair of the Shadow Broker is essential (or not, depending on your preference to Liara) well-crafted humourous (fan-service) and introduces one of the finest (late) characters ever introduced (Tela Vasir).
  15. squidgee
    Feb 29, 2012
    9
    Lair of the Shadow Broker is one of the best downloadable content I've played in a long time. It brings well paced gameplay, detailed new environments and excellent storytelling together and the result is nothing less than spectacular.
  16. TURJAN
    Aug 8, 2023
    9
    The best dlc for Mass Effect 2. Long, new locations, return of Liara T'Soni, bossfight at the end. You even get a new base with cool features when you finish the dlc. One flaw is that this dlc is crucial for the plot of the next game. Liara's character makes no sense without it. So they were selling a vital part of the story as a expansion and that is a **** move. The same happened withThe best dlc for Mass Effect 2. Long, new locations, return of Liara T'Soni, bossfight at the end. You even get a new base with cool features when you finish the dlc. One flaw is that this dlc is crucial for the plot of the next game. Liara's character makes no sense without it. So they were selling a vital part of the story as a expansion and that is a **** move. The same happened with Arrival DLC. EA bad.… Expand
  17. PStakhiv
    May 16, 2013
    9
    It is the best dlc to video game so far, the only other match is another ME2 expansion Overlord! It is definitely worth the price of 15$ for all ME fans!
  18. kalina
    Apr 27, 2013
    9
    As a retrospective review after recently replaying all Mass Effect games and downloadable content, Lair of the Shadow Broker is easily the best DLC released for the Mass Effect. Deep and atmospheric, while truly pushing the story forwards and telling the story about the most dangerous and notorious information broker in the galaxy, this DLC adds literally hours of gameplay and prompts theAs a retrospective review after recently replaying all Mass Effect games and downloadable content, Lair of the Shadow Broker is easily the best DLC released for the Mass Effect. Deep and atmospheric, while truly pushing the story forwards and telling the story about the most dangerous and notorious information broker in the galaxy, this DLC adds literally hours of gameplay and prompts the return of Liara T'Soni as your sidekick and partner in crime.… Expand
  19. Kalfear
    May 18, 2013
    7
    Decent enough storyline for a DLC
    In typical EA fashion its to short for the cost of the DLC at release
    Id pay max $1.50 for amount of content this offered up

    Again, not a reflection of quality of content
    Just not enough of it to validate the costs that were being asked
  20. Efa
    Sep 4, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best DLC made, especially with a Liara romance ongoing from the first game.
    But contains my favorite mission of the series, some great dialogue, and some great plot.    … Expand
  21. VmsCritic
    Apr 13, 2020
    10
    This was my favorite mission from the entire Mass Effect 2 game, a cinematic DLC full of drama, betrayal, intensity, investigation and above all: interstellar action! The Lair of the Shadow Broker is located in a Ship surrounded by beautiful clouds and thunders, making this place the most amazing scenario in the game. 10/10
  22. shatarah
    Dec 2, 2020
    9
    greattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
  23. RodrigoroRex
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    "Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker": Amazing game, it provides an amazing experience for the player. 7 out of 7. Played it on PC.
  24. Ciocolici
    Aug 6, 2023
    10
    "Lair of the Shadow Broker" stands tall as undoubtedly the pinnacle DLC of Mass Effect 2. Brace yourself for an exhilarating experience, as it boasts the longest and most captivating gameplay and story among all the DLC offerings.

    The DLC revolves around the enigmatic and sinister figure known as the Shadow Broker, whose web of secrets and influence has gripped the Mass Effect universe.    "Lair of the Shadow Broker" stands tall as undoubtedly the pinnacle DLC of Mass Effect 2. Brace yourself for an exhilarating experience, as it boasts the longest and most captivating gameplay and story among all the DLC offerings.

    The DLC revolves around the enigmatic and sinister figure known as the Shadow Broker, whose web of secrets and influence has gripped the Mass Effect universe. From the moment you embark on this journey, you'll be enthralled by the high-stakes plot and the promise of uncovering hidden truths.

    The gameplay is nothing short of remarkable, offering a perfect blend of action, intrigue, and exploration. The missions are intricately designed, showcasing the pinnacle of BioWare's storytelling prowess. As you progress, you'll find yourself deeply immersed in the rich lore and suspenseful narrative, unveiling layer upon layer of mystery.

    One of the most remarkable aspects of this DLC is the attention given to character development. Through interactions with familiar faces, particularly your loyal squad member Liara T'Soni, the story gains emotional depth and resonance. The evolution of your relationship with Liara, who was a squad member in the first Mass Effect, is masterfully portrayed, tugging at your heartstrings and solidifying the bond between player and character.

    The stunning visuals and immersive environments further elevate the experience. The world-building is meticulous, and the art design adds an extra layer of depth to the storytelling. You'll find yourself marveling at the attention to detail in every nook and cranny.

    The DLC also presents some of the most intense and challenging combat scenarios in Mass Effect 2. From pulse-pounding firefights to heart-stopping boss battles, you'll be put to the test in ways that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

    "Lair of the Shadow Broker" is not just an expansion to the Mass Effect 2 experience; it's a vital chapter in the overarching narrative of the series. As you uncover the secrets of the Shadow Broker and its impact on the galaxy, you'll realize its significance in the larger Mass Effect saga.    … Expand

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

Critic Reviews

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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. 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.
  2. PC PowerPlay
    Oct 27, 2010
    90
    One of Mass Effect 2's most thrilling missions. [Dec 2010, p.64]
  3. 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.
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