Mass Effect 2

 PC
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5738 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5,081 out of 5738
  2. Mixed: 426 out of 5738
  3. Negative: 231 out of 5738
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  1. LanceW.
    Feb 1, 2010
    0
    Dull, dull, dull. This is the same old boring Bioware pap, with one dimensional characters, and a completely unimaginative story. For anyone who's ever read a book (even one book) this game is fairly insulting and anti-intellectual. You'll yawn, and you might even cry at how dire it is. I'm just glad I played this on a friend's computer and didn't buy it. Avoid. Dull, dull, dull. This is the same old boring Bioware pap, with one dimensional characters, and a completely unimaginative story. For anyone who's ever read a book (even one book) this game is fairly insulting and anti-intellectual. You'll yawn, and you might even cry at how dire it is. I'm just glad I played this on a friend's computer and didn't buy it. Avoid. One day, Bioware might get a stable of half-decent writers, today isn't that day.… Expand
  2. Shaitan87
    Nov 2, 2010
    3
    I was extremely disappointed by this. The story is very linear and boring, there are almost no sidequests at all. I find the gameplay very repetitive, every battle was the same, and even on high difficulties they were trivially easy. The end of the game left me a bit shocked, it seemed to do nothing for the plot of the series, you know about as much about the story at the end of theI was extremely disappointed by this. The story is very linear and boring, there are almost no sidequests at all. I find the gameplay very repetitive, every battle was the same, and even on high difficulties they were trivially easy. The end of the game left me a bit shocked, it seemed to do nothing for the plot of the series, you know about as much about the story at the end of the game as at the start.… Expand
  3. JennyF.
    Jan 26, 2010
    0
    Commander Shepard still has a monotone voice, which seems to be the worst voice actor for a game with such great performances. The level design is average, the gunplay has been done to death. It's slightly average. What's great is the cinematic part of it. It's better than the original, however it seems to be quite tedious and repetitive with the gameplay and the boring Commander Shepard still has a monotone voice, which seems to be the worst voice actor for a game with such great performances. The level design is average, the gunplay has been done to death. It's slightly average. What's great is the cinematic part of it. It's better than the original, however it seems to be quite tedious and repetitive with the gameplay and the boring searching for money parts of the game. Choices can matter, some characters are interesting, story is cliche, but told in a good manner, besides the annoying main character. The AI is ok, the enemies are ok, the game just seems to not really have anything to call its own unfortunately.… Expand
  4. KostasI.
    Feb 20, 2010
    9
    I will not say much other than saying that this game is simply incredible. It has the best possible character roster and conversation system i have ever seen in any game. You WILL actually care for your characters. The only downside i can think of is that this game is NO rpg. It is a shooter with RPG elements and an infinately better narative and story than many RPG's but it sure as I will not say much other than saying that this game is simply incredible. It has the best possible character roster and conversation system i have ever seen in any game. You WILL actually care for your characters. The only downside i can think of is that this game is NO rpg. It is a shooter with RPG elements and an infinately better narative and story than many RPG's but it sure as hell does not play like one and the gameplay and design itself does not remind you of an RPG either. Get this game, whoever you are, wherever you are jsut buy the thing. Avoid only if you want a traditional style RPG.… Expand
  5. OlafH.
    Feb 4, 2010
    6
    I really wanted to like this game and I was keen about it, until i got through. I am sadly disappointed and I know this is a very subjective estimate. It may be a very well made game for the mediocre shooter crowd, but it's a letdown for rpg players. Good thing is it's still a rich and detailed world with interesting characters that embraces you and want to spend more time in I really wanted to like this game and I was keen about it, until i got through. I am sadly disappointed and I know this is a very subjective estimate. It may be a very well made game for the mediocre shooter crowd, but it's a letdown for rpg players. Good thing is it's still a rich and detailed world with interesting characters that embraces you and want to spend more time in it. I also still enjoy the conversation system thanks to the dialog. The soundtrack is still inviting and the graphics are solid peppered with some formidable compositions. What's told to be happened in the galaxy between the two titles is acceptable to me. Now to criticism. First of all the story: In ME1 I had the feeling I was closing in on Saren and to uncover his worked out plan and for whom he is working. Although Saren was the personalized evil, even he had shades of gray, an assistant, an army, the mysterious boss and the mentioned plan, the perfect antagonist for creating suspense. Mass Effect 2 lacks it all! The only great enemy is an army of stupid cannon fodder which, in the end you discover, doesn't even seem to have a great plan for galaxy domination. There are 3 more very similar mercenary gangs for variety. The second Mass Effect is all about recruiting the league of extraordinary gentlemen. That's the plot and there's barely more to it. Throwing a handful of badass people against an army directed by superbeings only figures in the mass effect universe. The end is just ridiculous! Beside the 3 or 4 missions that correlate to the threatened galaxy plot the whole game feels like a sidequest. Whilst in the first ME some of the secondary missions still offered some dialog and decisions, or somebody to save or to tackle to create not only mini tasks, but mini INTERACTIVE stories, ME2's sidequests mainly exist to shoot stuff, since everything already happened and you're just the cleanup crew. But thanks there is no MAKO involved! As for gameplay: The game got stripped off of most RPG elements except the dialog system. The skill bars were already a weak point in the first installment of the series. Instead of improving the inconvenient inventory of ME1 they simply got rid of it entirely. There's almost nothing to buy in the stores and since you can't loot any equipment there's not even an option to sell anything. Where you could customize your gear for every teammate in ME1 if I'm not mistaken, you have only universal upgrades and few armor parts only to be used by Shepard in ME2. I liked playing around with different setups for different situations in the first title. Now it's lock and load and you're ready to go. I don't know what to make of your allies yet, most seem to have quite similar equipment and abilities. So Bioware upgraded the shooter part of the game and got rid of the apparently unnecessary part of tense storyline and rpg gameplay in order to get the hype to the modest, but large number of shooter players. But thankfully they eliminated other flaws on their way. 6/10 for immersive gameworld, enjoyable dialog and the nice try.… Expand
  6. SeanR
    Mar 7, 2010
    10
    By far the best game I've ever played. The story is brilliant, the decisions you can make can be extremely difficult, amazing character skill trees, phenomenal voice acting, stunning graphics, incredibly fun gameplay, this game has it all. And in addition, there are virtually no bugs or glitches, saves are instantaneous, and the characters are extremely interesting. The research By far the best game I've ever played. The story is brilliant, the decisions you can make can be extremely difficult, amazing character skill trees, phenomenal voice acting, stunning graphics, incredibly fun gameplay, this game has it all. And in addition, there are virtually no bugs or glitches, saves are instantaneous, and the characters are extremely interesting. The research system is brilliant as well, however I would complain about how the consistent need to gather minerals via scanning can get tedious after awhile. Also, though the side missions are more in depth than in ME1, they still seem to fall short of the rest of the game and seem more as added content to try and appease players rather than missions that were actually well-developed (not to mention there are a very small number of sidequests for an RPG of this scale). All in all, this game has everything any RPG or sci-fi lover could ever hope for in a game. I definitely recommend it for anyone who is a fan of either of the aforementioned genres.… Expand
  7. JohnW
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. Best game I have ever played - engaging story, characters and environments. Everything in this game feels so perfect - this is the best a game can possibly get.
  8. DanielChapman
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    This is without a doubt the Game Of The Year! I knew it would be fantastic/incredible/unbelievable before it launched and now all I can say is buy this game. You will not be sorry! Well?...what are you waiting for?
  9. Cygnus
    Jan 30, 2010
    9
    The only reason I have given this a 9 is because I found the game too short but overall a complete improvement from the first Mass Effect. Coming off of buying Modern Warfare 2 and seeing just how forsaken a PC gamer can be to developers i was skeptical to ME2. Bioware seems to be the only developer i trust now as a PC gamer to equally make both 360 and PC gamers satisfied in there The only reason I have given this a 9 is because I found the game too short but overall a complete improvement from the first Mass Effect. Coming off of buying Modern Warfare 2 and seeing just how forsaken a PC gamer can be to developers i was skeptical to ME2. Bioware seems to be the only developer i trust now as a PC gamer to equally make both 360 and PC gamers satisfied in there experience. 9/10… Expand
  10. MakiM
    Feb 1, 2010
    9
    This is at least as good as the original Mass Effect. A great deal of things has been improved, such as more unique missions (in the original game, uncharted planets usually had the same base setup with randomly generated environments which were hard to navigate). The inventory system has been simplified, and this is both good and bad. It's more consistent now and much easier to This is at least as good as the original Mass Effect. A great deal of things has been improved, such as more unique missions (in the original game, uncharted planets usually had the same base setup with randomly generated environments which were hard to navigate). The inventory system has been simplified, and this is both good and bad. It's more consistent now and much easier to manage, however, there is a lack of options as there are not many weapon selections in the game. Though this is minor compared to the greater state of things in this game, such as its magnificent storyline. The game length is longer, the team is more unique and every character is good in their own way, allowing for unique team combination. The visuals have also improved. The animations, sound/music, and art have been kept up to the high standard that we expect. The most noticeable feature is facial expressions. Now characters can realistically show anger or sadness (even tears can be seen on a weeping character). Cut-scenes are more cinematically epic, showing better viewing angles and shots. In the first Mass Effect, the experience felt great most in the beginning, then went down in the middle but went up again in the end. In Mass Effect 2, every single moment of the game feels epic, with the beginning and endings even better. I highly recommend this game. This is just the kind of game that is lacking in the gaming industry, which we need more of.… Expand
  11. LordN
    Feb 14, 2010
    10
    Beautifull cinematic game that builds right through the game. It was refreshing to see a game that had a feeling for timing and heightened the tension at the right moments while questioning your ethical views of the detailed alien universe around you, endless possibilities, and endless fun. This is one of the few games I have ever finished without losing interest, there was only about 20 Beautifull cinematic game that builds right through the game. It was refreshing to see a game that had a feeling for timing and heightened the tension at the right moments while questioning your ethical views of the detailed alien universe around you, endless possibilities, and endless fun. This is one of the few games I have ever finished without losing interest, there was only about 20 minutes during this game where I became a bit bored with dealing with the crews problems. Recommended to anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi or RPGs, the shooter element is a backseat on tradition.… Expand
  12. LukasA
    Feb 1, 2010
    9
    I have never played a game better then this, epic storyline, despite some graphic issues, and a few bugs, its just a perfect game in almost any way, well thought through, and an awesome conversation system, like the last one. Giving it a 9 because of those bugs. Haven't completed half the game yet, but of course im not sure, but so far, its epic.
  13. MonteA
    Mar 9, 2010
    9
    I would rate a 9.5, but i cant. The reason i didnt give it a 10, is because, as good as it is, it does have some downsides. .::Bad things::. -it still has slight glitches with maps, audio, and some scenes. -RPG elements are stripped down -*sigh* Planet mining. The only real downfall of the game. .::Good Things::. -MUCH better shooting system -Epic storyline -Great graphics. -Diverse I would rate a 9.5, but i cant. The reason i didnt give it a 10, is because, as good as it is, it does have some downsides. .::Bad things::. -it still has slight glitches with maps, audio, and some scenes. -RPG elements are stripped down -*sigh* Planet mining. The only real downfall of the game. .::Good Things::. -MUCH better shooting system -Epic storyline -Great graphics. -Diverse Characters. -Great gameplay. -Leveling system is better. I hope for Mass Effect 3, they will put some of the RPG elements back in. And i hope after ME3, they will create something like GTA in Space theme. That would kick ass.… Expand
  14. LarryF
    Jan 29, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 1 is now the 2nd best game ever. No game managed to connect with my emotions like ME1 and now ME2 did. It's not about graphics, gameplay, stats or other technical aspects. It's about emotion, it's about experience. I don't care if it's an RPG, an action game, a chicken or whatever. It's just a masterpiece.
  15. kram789
    Oct 16, 2010
    6
    Barely enjoyable. I did not play ME1 and I bought ME2 through Steam on-line. Those two conditions probably did me in as I have never gotten comfortable with the combat interface. I am ok with guns. They are simple and work like you think they would. The special talents always seem to go awry. When they work they are great, but its luck. Maybe if I had the game manual it would makeBarely enjoyable. I did not play ME1 and I bought ME2 through Steam on-line. Those two conditions probably did me in as I have never gotten comfortable with the combat interface. I am ok with guns. They are simple and work like you think they would. The special talents always seem to go awry. When they work they are great, but its luck. Maybe if I had the game manual it would make more sense. I have played it for hours, but I am not even interested in finishing it.… Expand
  16. gvazdas
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    This game was really charming, beautiful and interesting.
    The plot twists were really though out, the story was very original and not a copycat from the first game.
    The characters were very developed and the action was improved over the last game. Mass Effect offered very great features and story while Mass Effect 2 improved over every aspect of the game. BioWare has made another great    This game was really charming, beautiful and interesting.
    The plot twists were really though out, the story was very original and not a copycat from the first game.
    The characters were very developed and the action was improved over the last game.
    Mass Effect offered very great features and story while Mass Effect 2 improved over every aspect of the game. BioWare has made another great game with interesting story.    … Expand
  17. zupergozer
    Aug 24, 2011
    10
    this game is really story focused...just the way I like it. the story is fun and well written, gameplay is average but the game also has vehicle sections with horrible controls but you get used at the controls ( to bad that is at the last level) overall one of the best RPGs i have played and i mean in which other game can you bang aliens in space!
  18. alexfitz
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    Simply one of the best games i've ever played. and definitely my all time replayability title.It is a roleplaying/shooter with excellent voice acting, amazing graphics, and the most intense atmosphere!. This game pulls you in and keep you and a wonderful ride. Highly recommended!
  19. psylife
    Apr 3, 2016
    8
    Mass effect 2 is a engaging shooter with satisfying gun combat and rpg mechanics. What makes the game particularly enjoyable in addition to the combat and team management is the level of immersion the game is capable of procuring. The audio-visual compartment is captivating. The world and lore is well flesh-out, which confers your choices and actions a sense of credibility and impact.Mass effect 2 is a engaging shooter with satisfying gun combat and rpg mechanics. What makes the game particularly enjoyable in addition to the combat and team management is the level of immersion the game is capable of procuring. The audio-visual compartment is captivating. The world and lore is well flesh-out, which confers your choices and actions a sense of credibility and impact. There are emotionally meaningful choices on offer which contributes greatly to the immersion. The pacing is on point, thanks also to the minimal amount of grinding present. The characters are well designed and like-able. All of this makes the game a highly enjoyable, personalized and entertaining ride from A to Z, which is rare. It is not a masterpiece of tactical combat and rpg elements, but it is a well-designed, coherent experience that does a lot of things well. This one of the most memorable game of the last generation and it is easily recommendable to anyone.… Expand
  20. BillZ
    Apr 7, 2010
    10
    Overall Impression: Absolutely Awesome. Most of the big-picture criticism I've been hearing about this game regards it as an RPG, a shooter, or both. But really, describing it as these genres just misses something big: at its heart, it's a *dynamic story* game. It's all about the characters and the plot. The shooting is fun, and adds that crucial element of skill that most Overall Impression: Absolutely Awesome. Most of the big-picture criticism I've been hearing about this game regards it as an RPG, a shooter, or both. But really, describing it as these genres just misses something big: at its heart, it's a *dynamic story* game. It's all about the characters and the plot. The shooting is fun, and adds that crucial element of skill that most gamers need, but it's still nothing I'd quite call a real 'shooter'. Likewise, having control over your face, armor, class and powers adds customization in the sense of an RPG, but player-character development isn't what I'd say is the main focus, and true star, of the game, and you're not just following a rigid character along witnessing his story, either. The greatest aspect of the game is the story - not just the content and succession of events, but the incredible potential that the player has to mold the game around his choices of dialog and action. The characters are deep and enthralling, and the story content itself is very cool, but the thing that makes me want to play Mass Effect 2 over and over - what makes the game so uniquely engaging - is how dynamic it is: how involving and rewarding the player's role in the story feels, and the insane degree of flexibility written into what can happen in a relatively fixed and linear world. Sure it has its flaws: little things like graphics bugs (though these were rare), and frustrating flaws in cover mechanics, and class balance (mainly for Insanity difficulty), and, of course, the super-boring-not-interesting-or-innovative-at-all mining 'activity' (chore), but none of the game's downsides were great enough to take away from that epic and satisfying feeling you get once you're done.… Expand
  21. JohnH.
    Apr 7, 2010
    10
    This game was an amazing game. It continues from the first game very well and keeps an interesting story throughout the game. Everything in this game was done brilliantly and always has enough to keep you interested. I hope that Bioware will be able to make Mass Effect 3 as awesome as this.
  22. TemplarGR
    Sep 9, 2016
    9
    Very good game for what it is: A great Gears of War clone with a great setting and story. I don't agree with it being the best of 2010, the best of that year was Fallout New Vegas. But it was close.

    I liked the gameplay elements, the action, the graphics, the story, the characters, the voice acting and the dialogs, the choices. It was a really fun sci-fi experience. I was    Very good game for what it is: A great Gears of War clone with a great setting and story. I don't agree with it being the best of 2010, the best of that year was Fallout New Vegas. But it was close.

    I liked the gameplay elements, the action, the graphics, the story, the characters, the voice acting and the dialogs, the choices. It was a really fun sci-fi experience.

    I was dissappointed with the dumbing down of RPG elements compared to the first Mass Effect though. Make no mistake, this is no RPG anymore. This is a shooter with a dialogue wheel. While this is not necessarily bad, a game doesn't have to be an RPG to have a great story, this game was FALSELY advertised as an RPG by the press and some fans.

    The only issues i have with this game, are the repetitive combat with the braindead enemies, and that the story doesn't really advance the franchise storyline much. It was somewhat uneeded as a part in the trilogy, made just for the sake of making it to earn more money one more time with the engine.

    Still, i did enjoy it. And remember it fondly. So a 9/10, recommended for all sci-fi fans.    … Expand
  23. Ghoster
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    No much to say here! They fixed all bad things which was annoying in 1st part continuing awesome story and characters. Map system and fighting is also improved which made this game almost perfect. Play 1st part because of story line and this part for fun!
  24. Sunfire
    Mar 30, 2014
    10
    True sequel to the first masterpiece,again great story,improved gameplay elements.(only backfire is the new weapon and skill system in my opinion,but its easy to overlook that).
    And what catched me is,that how the game feedbacks on your imported savegame,you backstory.
    PLAY THE FIRST GAME FIRST!!!!! MUST HAVE FOR EVERYONE. Looking foward for the third one which i will start next week.    True sequel to the first masterpiece,again great story,improved gameplay elements.(only backfire is the new weapon and skill system in my opinion,but its easy to overlook that).
    And what catched me is,that how the game feedbacks on your imported savegame,you backstory.
    PLAY THE FIRST GAME FIRST!!!!!
    MUST HAVE FOR EVERYONE.
    Looking foward for the third one which i will start next week.
    And so far,the best optimized game i've seen.It runs so well on my old P4 that im amazed.

    [spoiler] it is really satisfying to hear how are the rachni(just save them :D),to meet old friends,to get **** up by krogans.:D
    To look at the universe,and see what you made with your choices.(council or TV report from ME1.)    … Expand
  25. Orctownorc
    Oct 4, 2012
    6
    Mass Effect 2 is stunning space opera and a stunningly mediocre game. It boasts some of the best NPCs and voice acting ever seen in gaming. Then it sticks the 'actors' in the most constricted spaces imaginable, playing about the most asinine 'campaign' ever made. You have beautifully conceived characters like Jack, trapped on a tiny space ship where nothing happens, playing a minigame toMass Effect 2 is stunning space opera and a stunningly mediocre game. It boasts some of the best NPCs and voice acting ever seen in gaming. Then it sticks the 'actors' in the most constricted spaces imaginable, playing about the most asinine 'campaign' ever made. You have beautifully conceived characters like Jack, trapped on a tiny space ship where nothing happens, playing a minigame to 'travel the galaxy' which means running around to encounters on tiny little maps that are supposed to represent 'planets. The parts of the game that are good are really great, but the total experience is good cinema in a BAD game. If they keep the cionema and get around to building proper cities and planets one day this franchise might become AWESOME. Cross your fingers and PRAY.… Expand
  26. ThomasS.
    Feb 1, 2010
    9
    This game is so good that you almost forget that they removed a lot of the traditional RPG stuff. Seems like they spend more time making the side quest better than adding loads of items for customizing. If it have to be this way i prefer ME2 as the side quests of ME1 and endless driving around the same boring planets got old very fast. A few glitches but nothing serious. More customizing This game is so good that you almost forget that they removed a lot of the traditional RPG stuff. Seems like they spend more time making the side quest better than adding loads of items for customizing. If it have to be this way i prefer ME2 as the side quests of ME1 and endless driving around the same boring planets got old very fast. A few glitches but nothing serious. More customizing and this would have been a 10.… Expand
  27. AWarGuy
    Aug 14, 2011
    10
    Best game I have ever played in my life.
    The soundtrack, voice acting, gameplay. exploring and an open world game. Clocked this game 3 times and I intend to play more of it!

    10/10
  28. Stopdumbingdown
    Mar 18, 2020
    0
    if you are one who likes rpgs and thought the next mass effect would take what was great about the first game and add it into the mechanics of the next game, you would be wrong

    this game is standard bioware Regressivism and, its not a rpg werd to accessibility and cinematic presentation tho for those who dislike actual rpgs and, like handholding, boring companions, bottom    if you are one who likes rpgs and thought the next mass effect would take what was great about the first game and add it into the mechanics of the next game, you would be wrong

    this game is standard bioware Regressivism

    and, its not a rpg

    werd to accessibility and cinematic presentation tho

    for those who dislike actual rpgs
    and, like handholding, boring companions, bottom feeder storylines, dimwitted romances and regurgitated Regressive politics

    0/10    … Expand
  29. post_no_bills
    Mar 11, 2018
    0
    OK, so why such a bad score? Is it fair?

    I want to be clear about one thing. This is NOT a review based on how much I loved the game ORIGINALLY. It is a review of the game as it is NOW. Why the difference? The game is still for sale on Origin, which, in my mind, confers a responsibility on the part of EA to ensure that it actually works on modern systems. IT DOES NOT.    OK, so why such a bad score? Is it fair?

    I want to be clear about one thing. This is NOT a review based on how much I loved the game ORIGINALLY. It is a review of the game as it is NOW.

    Why the difference? The game is still for sale on Origin, which, in my mind, confers a responsibility on the part of EA to ensure that it actually works on modern systems. IT DOES NOT.

    Specifically, there are game ending bugs associated with both the Liara and Kasumi missions. Game ending. As in, no way past.

    I have wasted quite a bit of time on this, and I heartily regret my decision to repurchase this game (my original purchase was via CD, and it was too scratched up to reload).

    Buying this game in 2010 was a great idea. Buying this game today is a complete waste of time and money. Given the spectacular incompetence typically shown by EA in almost everything they do I probably should have expected it, but I didn't. So shame on me.

    Edit: I spent 3 hours online with EA technical support. Three (3) different people. Their technical support is singularly inept. End result? It is a BUG. They could not figure out a way around it. It is a top of the line system that I play tons of games on without any problems. It is SHAMEFUL that they are selling old software that they know probably won't work.    … Expand
  30. PaulusM
    Feb 7, 2010
    4
    I was massively dissapointed by this game. Having played the first I expected it to be an interesting follow up, all the perfect reviews didn't exactly lower my expectations. Don't get me wrong here: This isn't a "I was dissapointed so this gets a 0 review". I'm not a massive fan and I have no hard feelings toward the developers or critics or whoever. The first game I was massively dissapointed by this game. Having played the first I expected it to be an interesting follow up, all the perfect reviews didn't exactly lower my expectations. Don't get me wrong here: This isn't a "I was dissapointed so this gets a 0 review". I'm not a massive fan and I have no hard feelings toward the developers or critics or whoever. The first game was rough but visionary. Instead of refining these rough edges, Bioware decided to cut them off and remove them altogether, thus making the outcome a bit more polisher but shallower in almost every regard. It hardly feels like an RPG anymore. Here's why: Since stats are removed there isn't any sense of character progression or standard that you can measure your progress with. Enemies don't give XP thus removing the sense of accomplishment when killing a horde or boss. The cities are bleak, small and entirely pointless. No stores, hardly any upgrades and the little there are have no real progression. For example if you upgrade the assault rifle its characteristics change dramatically. Level one is inaccurate, powerful at short range and lots of ammo. Level two is accurate, little ammo and good for range. Level 3 is basically like level 1 of the rifle again. What? Why not choose the characteristics you want and then upgrade accordingly? This system is pointless. Bioware has fallen in an annoying routine of RPG development: Step 1: Assemble your crew Step 2: Please your crew by doing them or side missions that reveal their shocking past Step 3: Climatic finale where you have to sacrifice a few members and usually get a sex sequence (see step 2). Pacing is terrible, you never get a sense of immediacy and the game drags quite a bit halfway. As of now the game feels like a slow-paced shooter with an extensive dialogue system. It's a mere shadow of the athmosphere and new concepts of the first one. Buy at your own discretion and don't trust the reviews.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. Vandal
    96
    Mass Effect 2 resumes with pride the path opened by the first game. This sequel is a lesson of how things should be made.
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  2. AtomicGamer
    96
    Mass Effect 2 delivers a story that's deeper than what many novelists are capable of, and its action is better than what most Hollywood directors are creating nowadays. It's an addictive, engrossing experience that many gamers will replay over and over while they hold their breath waiting for the third game.
    Read full review
  3. PC Games
    88
    A brilliant mix of shooter and role-playing, filled with great characters, excellent design, lots of action and clever dialogue. It's a shame though that Bioware did not improve the inventory and skill system of the first game, but actually reduced it even more. I really wished there were more customization options, more ways to develop and gear up my characters. But all these are merely small points of criticism, since there is so much to feel and experience in this game. Mass Effect 2 is a thrilling, emotional ride and ultimately every bit as good as its predecessor.
    Read full review
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