User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5738 Ratings

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  1. Nov 21, 2010
    10
    Presentation - 10
    Graphics - 10
    Sound - 10
    Gameplay - 10
    Lasting appeal - 10

    Story is great with lots of depth, the graphics and voice acting is awesome and the choices and customisability works really well... Perfection?
  2. Nov 14, 2010
    10
    This game takes the best of storyline, gameplay and graphics and sticks it into one box. You won't regret the all 20 hours it takes to beat the game, and you may even go back to beat it a couple (or five, hehe) more times doing everything different.
  3. Nov 3, 2010
    10
    I don't think I've said "wow" playing a video game as many times as I did while playing Mass Effect 2. Just to make things perfectly clear, this game is awe inspiring. I was blown away by Mass Effect when it first came out and decided to play through it once again before taking on 2. Well I just finished Mass Effect and jumped straight on to 2...and the difference is like night and day,I don't think I've said "wow" playing a video game as many times as I did while playing Mass Effect 2. Just to make things perfectly clear, this game is awe inspiring. I was blown away by Mass Effect when it first came out and decided to play through it once again before taking on 2. Well I just finished Mass Effect and jumped straight on to 2...and the difference is like night and day, and not just from a visual perspective. First off, Mass Effect 2 is NOT your traditional definition of a role playing game, but is more of a hybrid of first person shooter with less role-playing elements (compared to the first game) and with an emphasis on action. Personally I was hesitant to see how this would affect the experience, but I'm very happy to say that the game is even more engrossing than the first. Bioware made some very bold decisions with their treatment of ME 2, and I would say that their judgment was sound. The combat system has been tweaked to be more cover based and with the new thermal clips (think ammo supply, but they re-fluff it to fit the game worlds reality) limit mindless blasting. Now you have to be a bit more careful on your ammo expenditure, which to me adds a new level of dynamics to how you approach combat. Thankfully thermal clips can be found in and out of combat fairly easily, so it isn't to the point where it gets unfair, but I ran out of ammo several times and at one point was forced to use some hand to hand attacks to get a Krogan off my teammates. It was one of the best moments yet. Weapons and powers now have different defense types that they are effective against, which gives you a reason to consider their applications against the current enemy you're facing. Bioware also decided to scrap the inventory system altogether, which as of now I don't really miss at all. One of the things that tended to bog down game play for me was the constant need to omni-gel 3/4ths of my inventory every half-hour, which was more annoying than anything. They really put a lot of thought into that, as it doesn't disrupt the flow of the story any more, but it may be nice in the future to return to a more limited item system. Sadly, for the loot-whores, it's pretty much nonexistent, with more of mind towards researching upgrades from the schematics that you find. That being said, I don't miss their disappearance one bit...yet. One thing that does cause some sadness is the loss of the Mako, but from a design perspective, it was a good decision. As much fun as I had landing on barren planet after planet, it did get old after the 15th or so Assignment and grew very repetitive. The planet scanning mini game that replaces it is actually interesting so far, and I like the concept (once I downloaded the patches for faster scanning). The rest of the mini-games that make up the hacking parts of ME 2 are simple (at first, I jumped in with no idea how to play them) enough and only required a little trial and error if you just jump in with no prior knowledge on how they work. I like them better than the ol' frogger or simon game from the first. With that out of the way, let me get to the thing that really makes ME 2 shine, and that's its excellent cinematic style and character development. The voice work is top notch, I had many different moments where I laughed out loud, got teary eyed at some of the more somber moments, and just cheered out when something amazing or unexpected occurred. The games ability to move me and immediately engross me in the world, right from the start, is impressive, and the developers really improved their cinematography compared to the first. One thing that really helps develop the feel of the game is the music. Mass Effects music has always been spectacular, giving it at times a Blade Runner-like feel, and while I'm not normally a fan of the synth-sound, it does its job extremely well and then some. So far I have very little (if at all) complaints about this game. If anything the controls, especially after playing ME 1, take some getting used to. Being the crouch-whore that I am, I felt a bit out of place when my first reaction was to try to crouch in combat, but now there is no such thing. The cover mechanics work well, but I wish that you could separate the use/take cover/storm commands, as I sometimes had difficulty when near cover when attempting to storm away from an incoming missile. The inclusion of the health regeneration is mixed for me, as I like not having a health bar, but in this game it works. All in all this game is the closest thing to the game I would like to see and play. It may not be for everyone, but I think its appeal transcends any genre, be it rpg, fps, or whatever. An engaging story with dynamic characterization (you and your teammates), well written dialogue, and fun game-play are what make ME 2 one of the best games I have ever played, and I have played many, and it would take a very jaded gamer to hate this one. Expand
  4. 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
  5. Nov 1, 2010
    10
    I was a fan of the original Mass Effect, and I got to say I loved Mass Effect 2. Reworking the combat system to be a bit more action paced was a step forward. I like the character dialog, and the side quests you can do for your crew mates are very satisfying. Although I thought the ending came a bit suddenly, if you explore every single planet and get every single side quest completed, youI was a fan of the original Mass Effect, and I got to say I loved Mass Effect 2. Reworking the combat system to be a bit more action paced was a step forward. I like the character dialog, and the side quests you can do for your crew mates are very satisfying. Although I thought the ending came a bit suddenly, if you explore every single planet and get every single side quest completed, you will clock in a hefty amount of time. All in all, it was a worthy sequel to the first game, and nicely sets the stage for the third game. Expand
  6. Oct 26, 2010
    10
    Whilst lacking the major array of skills the first had this game is not one that needs them in the least indeed it would be to its detriment. Characters are exactly what you want them to be, alive, colourful, even **** The plot stays strong throughout and visually a cut above what most everything else can dream to offer.
  7. Oct 25, 2010
    10
    This is the greatest story i ve ever seen in a movie, book or game nothing can compare to this game its the highest achievement in gaming and game of the century/millennium
  8. Oct 24, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are too many good things in this game to list them all, which is fitting since the question isn't "What is good about this game". The question is "What ISN'T good about this game", and the most i can come up with (after playing it many times) is the mining mini game. This is the only part of the game that is seriously lack luster. The last boss was also a slightly disappointing climax, and an illogical overall "evil scheme" made by the bad guys in ME2.

    That said, there are flaws in all games, however compared to the first mass effect (and many other RPGs), Mass Effect 2 is the closest I've seen to a perfect game in the recent decade ever since the first xbox and the N64 was put out of commission.

    Overall, it is an excellent game and a testament to the fact that Bioware remains on the cutting edge of western RPGs, and further solidifies themselves as a world renown game developer
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  9. Oct 20, 2010
    10
    A definite MUST PLAY! This game is IGN's 2010 #1 must play game for the Xbox360. Now I played the PC version so I can't speak for the 360 game. The PC version is UNBELIEVABLE. This game has some of the most epic storytelling and character development I've played in a long time. It's also a MASSIVE improvement from the first game (even though I loved the first game). Highlights for me:
    1)
    A definite MUST PLAY! This game is IGN's 2010 #1 must play game for the Xbox360. Now I played the PC version so I can't speak for the 360 game. The PC version is UNBELIEVABLE. This game has some of the most epic storytelling and character development I've played in a long time. It's also a MASSIVE improvement from the first game (even though I loved the first game). Highlights for me:
    1) Dialogue options (it's just so much fun)
    2) Exploration (sidequests feel organic especially if there is a connection to the first game)
    3) Character development
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  10. 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
  11. Oct 15, 2010
    9
    Ok, so i've had this game since it came out. Beat it twice- Once time Good- One time doing what i would do in real life. So, the Good: Great Graphics - Superb Story Line - Great Characters The Bad - The RPG elements have been downgraded from ME1. It just doesn't feel the same, strategic feel, of the first ME. I can just run around pressing (spacebar) on everything. With that aside, onlyOk, so i've had this game since it came out. Beat it twice- Once time Good- One time doing what i would do in real life. So, the Good: Great Graphics - Superb Story Line - Great Characters The Bad - The RPG elements have been downgraded from ME1. It just doesn't feel the same, strategic feel, of the first ME. I can just run around pressing (spacebar) on everything. With that aside, only small glitches in acting/voice appear rarely. I've had only 2 problems like this since it came out - 1) Miranda -on her loyalty mission- was floating above us when we came out of the elevator. 2) The sound of cars (In Lair of The Shadow Broker) kept continuing after i crashed the detective, and fought her guards. So, besides the RPG elements and rare glitches, this is a very, very good game. With the captivating story line, and stunning graphics, i only wonder how they will beat this with ME3 (It IS a trilogy, and ME3 WILL come out, in-case some of you did not know). The only thing they could've done better, was tone up the RPG element, which i believe they will do in ME3. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is thinking about getting it. Expand
  12. Oct 13, 2010
    10
    Great game. Graphics are simple, fast and very nice, functional to the game. Main story is good and easy to follow, but there are one or two side-quests in which you haven't a clue about what you're doing. Game is great, i just love combats and i think it's the best part of Mass Effect. Like in the first chapter, you can pause the action to make your choices, and combat is as they oftenGreat game. Graphics are simple, fast and very nice, functional to the game. Main story is good and easy to follow, but there are one or two side-quests in which you haven't a clue about what you're doing. Game is great, i just love combats and i think it's the best part of Mass Effect. Like in the first chapter, you can pause the action to make your choices, and combat is as they often say "easy to learn, difficult to master" like in the best games: football for example. This is a game to taste slowly, like a good wine, because it has a long and very careful work behind. This is the kind of game for which i don't regret spending 50 bucks. Expand
  13. Oct 2, 2010
    10
    Usually in a trilogy the weakest part is the second part, but boy the rules do not apply here. This game is a masterpiece a classic a game that will be talked about for years and years to come. Even if you do not care to play the first game(which I recommend you do) you will still enjoy this game greatly. The only downside is having to wait for ME3 for the conclusion of this trilogy!
  14. Sep 25, 2010
    8
    Big depart from original. In giving the shooter-happy kids pleasure, immersion is sacrificed. No elevators, no Mako, no planet exploration, no polish in story progression (no constant buildup to resolution), no infinite ammo, no thermal heat dissipation. The cine is worth watching, but there isn't much to bother beyond one or two replays. Graphical updates is probably one aspect that'sBig depart from original. In giving the shooter-happy kids pleasure, immersion is sacrificed. No elevators, no Mako, no planet exploration, no polish in story progression (no constant buildup to resolution), no infinite ammo, no thermal heat dissipation. The cine is worth watching, but there isn't much to bother beyond one or two replays. Graphical updates is probably one aspect that's truly improved. In overall, though, style is apparently cut and sliced to dismiss, not improve, the original. Hold airlocks tight, the game might blast your brains through. One can argue it is better, but there is much mainstream influence. For the fans of original... lower your expectations. For the fans of plain entertainment.... a must-have. Expand
  15. Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 2 currently represents the pinnacle in interactive story telling. The consequences of choices made in the first game and the relentless action drive you from plot to plot as you weave your own path to the final epic confrontation. The possibility of permanent story death - though not at all difficult to prevent - gave the game a whole more sinister overtone. Bioware are at theMass Effect 2 currently represents the pinnacle in interactive story telling. The consequences of choices made in the first game and the relentless action drive you from plot to plot as you weave your own path to the final epic confrontation. The possibility of permanent story death - though not at all difficult to prevent - gave the game a whole more sinister overtone. Bioware are at the top of the game with this release and we can only hope they improve on gameplay mechanics further and bring them up to par with their superb storytelling skills. Expand
  16. Sep 20, 2010
    10
    Rpg in true sense beyond all expectations a very good contender for the pc game of the year gameplay n graphics is very nice syory is awesome cant wait for the final part. The ending depends on ur decisions . Bioware is going good with dragon age origins mass effect 2 and many more titles . Hope the expansions are good
  17. Sep 14, 2010
    10
    As I played this game for the second time after I bough it when it was released I have to make a small review. And small it is. This game is awesome in every way. 10
  18. Sep 8, 2010
    10
    Rarely does a game come along as special as Mass Effect 2. It is an incredible sequel to an already incredible first game, that picks up proceedings two years after the events on the citadel. What has to be said is the sheer amount of content packed into the game, should the player chose to complete it extensively. There are tens of galaxies to explore, planets to scan, and abnormalitiesRarely does a game come along as special as Mass Effect 2. It is an incredible sequel to an already incredible first game, that picks up proceedings two years after the events on the citadel. What has to be said is the sheer amount of content packed into the game, should the player chose to complete it extensively. There are tens of galaxies to explore, planets to scan, and abnormalities to find and investigate, the game basically plays out exactly how you want it to, with your style of combat, perhaps all guns blazing as a Soldier Class or a more tactical approach as a Biotic, with abilities including levitate and slam, to be able to physically lift enemies out of cover, exposing them to your teams support fire. Speaking of support, Mass Effect 2 has a fantastic range of squad members that become available as you progress in the story and get to know them around the galaxy. Without giving too much away, your new mission to save humanity from a new type of enemy, involves you having to put together a squad, the best of the best, to combat this threat to humanity and the other alien races. You will get to know all of your team with individual missions relating to them, in which you can gain their loyalty and trust, which will make them more focused in missions, and give you a better chance of succeeding. Of course, decision making was always a big part of Mass Effect 1, and things are no different here, with the choices you make pivotal, not just to the game, but also in Mass Effect 3, as your character will carry over to complete the trilogy. If you did happen to complete ME1, which would be highly recommended before starting the second, then your character can be imported into the sequel, looking identical, (apart from new higher textures and the usual graphic updates) and how you played ME1 has a baring on who is alive in the second, and their opinions on you. Some people have criticised the game for losing it's way as an RPG, but I think the balance is perfect between RPG and third person shooter, that fans of both genres will enjoy. Of course, as a third person shooter it is considerably slow paced compared to its rivals, but this just goes to make it more interesting, and add meaning behind what you are trying to achieve. Once you've spent the best part of five hours just talking to your squad, getting their background stories, you do feel an emotional attachment that you will carry with you throughout the missions, this adds to the tension, and the desire, to strive and succeed. Of course everyone will have their favourite squad members, largely dependant on personal preference, and whether or not the player has an attachment through the first game, to characters such as Garus. On to the actual missions, and it has to be said the variety is very good, both in terms of the enemies you will be facing and the beautiful, exotic, and sometimes hazardous planets you will find yourselves in. The developers have obviously thought long and hard about different conditions distant planets could have, and this shows in game with some quite genius ideas. There is one mission on an unstable planet where direct sunlight is too hot to pass, so the player must pass from shade to shade, keeping cool in cover, while battling waves of Geth. That one mission in particular makes you realise your not in home comforts anymore! Other locations include mountainous and snowy planets, exotic tropics with mean jungle vegetation and many more. It's fantastic the detail that has been put into - not only the landscapes - but the skies, they all look distinctly different and whenever you land on a new planet you always find yourselves looking at the constellations in the skies, the moons and shooting starts. Mass Effect 2 truly is a masterpiece, both in story telling and space exploration. It grips you with every mission and also makes you appreciate such detailed story telling, when character dialogue changes mission to mission, based on your choices and the sort of person you are. The RPG elements are still there, just perhaps not as predominantly as they were in the first game, but there is so much content in the game it's not even worth condoning it for going with a more shooter approach. The combat is good, the cover system works well, the weapons have a lot of variety in classes and upgrades, as well as ammo types, such as the ability to freeze enemies and shatter them, or burn them. The variety of enemies always keeps you guessing as to what weapon ammo would be best, depending on if the enemy is protected with shields, armour, or has biotic abilities of it's own. All in all a fantastic sequel that will have you just as deeply attached as the first, and will encapsulate you in your own personal story, with your own unique character and your own unique choices, there is no limit to the outcomes on ME2, and as soon as it's over you'll be begging for ME3 so you can import your character and see out this marvellous series. Expand
  19. Sep 7, 2010
    10
    The game is absolutely ea at its best.Bioware did a great job with this game.I loved the graphics and story.Rpg elements are awesome.Overall the game is the best of its kind
  20. Sep 5, 2010
    9
    With attractive graphics, a fantastic score, convincing voice action and a compelling storyline, Mass Effect 2 picks up where the first game left off and will keep you playing late into the night. The second game has improved a few of the niggling gameplay issues in the first game, but still has a little room for improvement. It's easy to forgive any minor flaws in the game though, simplyWith attractive graphics, a fantastic score, convincing voice action and a compelling storyline, Mass Effect 2 picks up where the first game left off and will keep you playing late into the night. The second game has improved a few of the niggling gameplay issues in the first game, but still has a little room for improvement. It's easy to forgive any minor flaws in the game though, simply because of its finesse and style overall. The Mass Effect games so far have been two of the most evocative titles released in the last 5 years. If you've played the first game, you probably already bought the second. If you've played neither, start now. Expand
  21. Yaz
    Sep 5, 2010
    9
    This game is great. The atmosphere makes up for a lack of variety in combat. I did not like the restrictive environments (you can't really go anywhere on the Citadel for example), but in general if you liked the first, you should give this one a chance. Planet scanning does suck though.
  22. Aug 29, 2010
    10
    I entered the Mass Effect universe through this game. I beat it and I enjoy every single fiber of its existence. I played through and beat Mass Effect 1 twice after beating the second game. 2 is an obvious improvement.

    It just glistens with epic. I've witnessed FPS-only, MMO-only, and even RTS-only fans praise this game for its prominence and go out and buy it. I can guarantee that if any
    I entered the Mass Effect universe through this game. I beat it and I enjoy every single fiber of its existence. I played through and beat Mass Effect 1 twice after beating the second game. 2 is an obvious improvement.

    It just glistens with epic. I've witnessed FPS-only, MMO-only, and even RTS-only fans praise this game for its prominence and go out and buy it. I can guarantee that if any game will change a genre-strict players mind, this is it. If you like good games, or even good movies, you will like this game.

    I cant even begin to contemplate why anyone would give this less than a 9/10, and even that's being harsh. The game is a complete masterpiece. It blows my mind that somebody had the audacity to say that it's like a mediocre movie. If you fail to perceive this game's quality then you should not be writing reviews, and you shouldn't even be playing games.

    Other developers need to play this game and take notes as I have yet to experience anything of this caliber since Ocarina of Time.

    Hell, the lowest critic score is a 74, and the next one up is an 85, so that should tell you something. Other than the glitches that the PC players experience, it's perfect. That's the only thing keeping it from a 12/10. Ocarina of Time is still the best game of its time. But this is one HELL of a runner up.
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  23. Aug 26, 2010
    10
    Best god-damn game ever!
    I mean...I was just speechless when I played it!
    Can't wait for BioWare to release ME3 and import my Commander Shepard of The Normandy to it!!
  24. Aug 20, 2010
    10
    Very good gaming experience, I loved it from beginning to end. For me this game represent what the future of gaming is like. The story is great, the graphics are amazing, the sound is good and overall the game play is very satisfying indeed. For me this is the best game that came out this year!
  25. Aug 17, 2010
    8
    Better written, but it seems like the gameplay got even more repetitive when compared to the first. Still an extremely immersible game and well secured in my small vault of favorites. I would give this a ten because I love it. But from a neutral perspective the repetitiveness in gameplay has made it hard for me to play it again until me3 is announced
  26. Aug 14, 2010
    6
    Playing this game felt like playing a mediocre movie. Character development was poor, the characters were generally bland, plot development was practically spoon-fed to you (e.g., characters made major discoveries as if through sheer epiphany whereas ME1 would have taken the time to gather and piece together the clues). The game was severely watered-down; I don't need to get into the majorPlaying this game felt like playing a mediocre movie. Character development was poor, the characters were generally bland, plot development was practically spoon-fed to you (e.g., characters made major discoveries as if through sheer epiphany whereas ME1 would have taken the time to gather and piece together the clues). The game was severely watered-down; I don't need to get into the major complaints that you've likely already heard about the new weapon/armor/ammo system - they're pretty common. Recruiting characters was a tad ridiculous because, unlike ME1 where the people you recruited were random encounters during your mission, in ME2 the people you recruit are specifically targeted and all of their recruitment missions made them out to be essentially demigods of raw physical/biotic/mental superiority, only to have them suddenly turn into lame ducks when they were in your party (for the sake of game balance). Half the game's missions involved recruitment and loyalty missions for your squad; there was very little in the way of actual side missions or of a main quest line. You'll waste a ton of time scanning planets for minerals and launching probes to harvest them - a ridiculously tedious process, although not quite as tedious as exploring in ME1 was - and you'll be left wondering where the $%!# element zero is. Character reappearances in this game were awkward and their personalities (except for Garrus/Tali) made huge, seemingly random changes. Speaking of random, the dialog options seemed to award Paragon/Renegade points completely randomly. You'll finish a dialog to find you got both Paragon and Renegade points, wondering where on earth one or the other could possibly have come from. If you decide to be Paragon (good guy), many of the "Paragon" options involve making intimidating threats, extortion, use of force, or even for having somebody killed. That does not sound very "Paragon" to me. Very seldom are the Paragon choices truly "Paragon" in nature. This game was definitely made to be played as a Renegade, which should probably be somewhat expected, considering the entire plot line involves you being forced to work with terrorists and thug gangs.

    All in all, the game was passable, but it simply lost the magic that Mass Effect 1 had, which is a shame because they could have so easily have stuck to the original formula, focused more on making a solid plot with great character development, interesting characters, and a strong quest line, and had an amazing game. But hey, at least EA decided to ship this game with only a simple CD key check, and no other restrictive DRM. That's a huge plus over the first. Still, I wouldn't pay more than 20 bucks for this game. It was simply a bland experience overall. And another note, if you played ME1 on the 360, you may want to Google for a "character import tool" for ME2 so that you can make sure you're truly starting where you left off instead of going with the default story line. It makes a huge, huge, huge difference.
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  27. TomP
    Apr 15, 2010
    10
    The best game ive ever played, amazing story, fantastic graphics, fasinating characters and locations, truly epic score, fast and intense combat, i could go on and on what makes this game great. The only dissapointment for me was the removel of the RPG elements from the first game, Inventory managment, not nearly as much skills in the first game, four upgrades per body region ( head, The best game ive ever played, amazing story, fantastic graphics, fasinating characters and locations, truly epic score, fast and intense combat, i could go on and on what makes this game great. The only dissapointment for me was the removel of the RPG elements from the first game, Inventory managment, not nearly as much skills in the first game, four upgrades per body region ( head, torso, legs, arms, shoulders, ) i expected tons and tons of loot like the first game but we cant have everything, only 3 guns (aside from heavy weapons which has five) per weapon class. but these things can be overlooked easily. Expand
  28. KillerJ
    Apr 15, 2010
    7
    Huge disappointment. Totaly idiotic story, which takes you nowhere in the end so you spend 30+ hours just to get to the same position you were in the beginning. Story which you have to follow by working for mass murderers and terrorists. Story, where 80% are loyality missions... No RPG just a really poor TPS, idiotic minigames, no armor for squadmate, only two weapons of each category and Huge disappointment. Totaly idiotic story, which takes you nowhere in the end so you spend 30+ hours just to get to the same position you were in the beginning. Story which you have to follow by working for mass murderers and terrorists. Story, where 80% are loyality missions... No RPG just a really poor TPS, idiotic minigames, no armor for squadmate, only two weapons of each category and the most "brilliant" innovation, the ammo system. This all ending with the most funny final boss I have seen in a decade. Sorry Bioware, but an overgrown Terminator may scare 5 years old kids, other people just have to laugh... ME2 is the biggest disappointment I have ever had in my 20 years of playing games. But this will teach me not to preorder games in the future and to to believe all that nonesce and hyped 10/10 reviews. Expand
  29. JohnG
    Apr 12, 2010
    6
    Take away the Gear of War type fighting you have a giant movie that you play through, it has taken the Role Playing genre and turned it upside and gave it to Mass Effect 2. This game does include great action while fighting with good graphics. I'm just waiting for Bethesda to get there hands on this one and make Mass Effect 3. I dont suggest buying something like this unless you want Take away the Gear of War type fighting you have a giant movie that you play through, it has taken the Role Playing genre and turned it upside and gave it to Mass Effect 2. This game does include great action while fighting with good graphics. I'm just waiting for Bethesda to get there hands on this one and make Mass Effect 3. I dont suggest buying something like this unless you want to see how great other RPGs are like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout or Baldar's Gate. Expand
  30. TheJoker
    Apr 8, 2010
    8
    I played the ME1, and I consider ME2 to be a downgrade in some places. For example inventory is nearly non-existent, there are few weapons, even fewer armors (not counting dlc's). The dialogues are good I would there to say that they are even better than the last time. DLC's are very good. Overall its a good game, although a mark lower than the last one.
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 55
  2. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.