Mass Effect 2

 Xbox 360
Mass Effect 2 Image
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 98 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3743 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Mass Effect trilogy is a science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life forms and mysterious uncharted planets. In this dark second chapter, Saren’s evil army of Geth soldiers has just been defeated, and humans, who are still struggling to make theirThe Mass Effect trilogy is a science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life forms and mysterious uncharted planets. In this dark second chapter, Saren’s evil army of Geth soldiers has just been defeated, and humans, who are still struggling to make their mark on the galactic stage, are now faced with an even greater peril. [BioWare]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 98
  3. Negative: 0 out of 98
  1. games(TM)
    100
    Despite all of the ways Mass Effect 2 is more engaging to play and explore, after 35 remarkable hours it was the characters that stayed with us… Game of the year in January? Oh, go on then. [Feb 2010, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AceGamez
    100
    It’s forty-plus hours of top-notch combat, incredible voice-acting, emotional provocation, stunning graphics and exhilarating gameplay of a standard that simply hasn’t been achieved before as a complete package.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Gaming Nexus
    100
    If you liked Mass Effect 1 to any degree whatsoever, you’ll definitely love Mass Effect 2 with its improved combat and AI, and cinematics and storyline – sans the glitches we all know and hate from ME1.
  4. AtomicGamer
    95
    Mass Effect 2 is easily one of the most compelling, exciting and emotionally affecting interactive experiences you’ll ever have.
  5. Gamer Limit
    95
    Right now I’m even salivating at the prospect of finishing up all of the extra content.
  6. ActionTrip
    93
    Everything BioWare did to improve the game has lead to satisfying results. Such efforts actually redefine how sequels should be made. This was one of the most memorable gaming experiences we've had in recent history.
  7. GameCritics
    75
    Players who can look past the lack of drive, annoying decisions, and a general stripped-down, dumbed-down feeling can (thankfully) still look forward to some truly spectacular moments and unforgettable action before credits roll.

See all 98 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 557 out of 650
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 650
  3. Negative: 44 out of 650
  1. GaryL.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    Was the wait worth it? Was all the replay of part 1 worth it? ABSOLUTELY. By Far the best game and character development we have been waiting Was the wait worth it? Was all the replay of part 1 worth it? ABSOLUTELY. By Far the best game and character development we have been waiting for. Broke up with girlfriend, quit my job. I don't want to waste any more of my time NOT plaing this game....is it a game? A state of mind and being.… Expand
  2. Plumbum
    Aug 21, 2010
    10
    Well, every game has it's detractors,but seriously? "Oh noes, they dun stole my RPG elements! It is awl dumb-down and stoopid now!" blissfullyWell, every game has it's detractors,but seriously? "Oh noes, they dun stole my RPG elements! It is awl dumb-down and stoopid now!" blissfully forgetting through their misty-eyed watercolour memories that Mass Effect could be muscled through with sheer gaming skill and an unleveled Shepard. Being able to be beaten by skill alone, an RPG does not make. The inventory was awful, it turned the whole game into a puzzle of managing your inventory. I'm glad to see it gone. To finish up, the romance options are much improved, instead of humans only or a 106-year old archeologist.… Expand
  4. EddieB.
    Feb 14, 2010
    10
    When I played Mass Effect, I had believed it to be one of the best games I had ever played. When I played Mass Effect 2, it turned out to be When I played Mass Effect, I had believed it to be one of the best games I had ever played. When I played Mass Effect 2, it turned out to be the best game I've ever played. Contrary to what most people are calling a "dumbed down system," Mass Effect 2 offers much more of a challenge to returning players. Shepard actually seems mortal in this game and cannot run out into gunfights and spam unlimited bullets, as he must take tactical cover in areas as well as navigate his squad to tactical cover. The power wheel is also much improved seeing as how a global cooldown came into play making the game much more difficult and requires much more planning. Yes, there are fewer RPG elements as far as character customization goes, but it also eliminates the unnecessary inventory system that was in Mass Effect. I could literally go on for pages on what has been upgraded in this game and how it is not "dumbed down," but I do not have that much space. Mass Effect 2's choices, consequences, flow, locales, and most importantly, characters are what make the game amazing. It is quite simply the best game I've ever played.… Expand
  5. CodyB
    Mar 3, 2010
    10
    Let me start off by saying that I hated Mass Effect 1. It was slow, clunky, glitchy, and extremely boring. I tried to play it 2 different Let me start off by saying that I hated Mass Effect 1. It was slow, clunky, glitchy, and extremely boring. I tried to play it 2 different times but the pace of the game was so slow that I couldn't ever get into the amazing story. Mass Effect 2 is nothing like the first! Every problem that was in ME 1 they have fixed in ME 2. This is hands down the best game I have played and I haven't even finished it yet. I feel like I am Marcus Phoenix with jedi powers in this game! Nuff said.… Expand
  6. TheShinyOne
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    In my opinion, this is the BEST GAME EVER MADE. It is so perfect, I felt like I had complete control at the end(unlike in 3), I was a suckerIn my opinion, this is the BEST GAME EVER MADE. It is so perfect, I felt like I had complete control at the end(unlike in 3), I was a sucker for side quests and it actually paid off! I loved it so much, it felt like the perfect adventure, every part of it was an awesome twist or an action sequence. It was awesome.… Expand
  7. drlowdon
    Jun 12, 2013
    9
    Having defeated the invading Reapers Commander Shepard learns that an even greater threat has emerged. In the far reaches of space somethingHaving defeated the invading Reapers Commander Shepard learns that an even greater threat has emerged. In the far reaches of space something has started abducting entire human colonies and Shepard has little choice but to work with the questionable Cerberus organisation to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced.

    Despite its flaws the first Mass Effect took the action role player to a new level and this sequel improves upon it in nearly every way. In order to succeed the player must convince the best from around the galaxy to join their cause. The stories of these characters and your interactions with them are the driving force behind the majority of the game and this is all helped along by the improved conversation wheel that makes talking to your crew fluid and engaging.

    The third person combat is also largely improved and now plays very much like a simplified version of Gears of War, the art of using cover now vitally important. Of course the character traits, such as cloaking and levitation powers are still present. Those that played the original will also be pleased to know that the slow loading times and long elevator rides have been almost completely removed.

    The only criticism of this sequel would be the addition of resource gathering. This involves a dull planet scanning mini-game to collect minerals that can be used upgrade or build new armour and weapons and seems completely unnecessary. This is however a minor blip in a game that sets a new standard of what can be achieved in the role playing genre.    … Expand
  8. Stopdumbingdown
    Mar 18, 2020
    0
    great game if you like,

    non-rpgs handholding Regressive politics boring stories boring gameplay accessibility cinematic presentation    great game if you like,

    non-rpgs
    handholding
    Regressive politics
    boring stories
    boring gameplay
    accessibility
    cinematic presentation
    lazy, simple, shallow content
    zero c&c

    one of the most overrated games ever created    … Expand

See all 650 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
2
#2 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
8
#8 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010