Mass Effect 2

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3743 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,340 out of 3743
  2. Mixed: 161 out of 3743
  3. Negative: 242 out of 3743
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  1. CRockwell
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is not a perfect game, but a 9/10 rating just does not do it justice. This triumph of storytelling is easily the most enjoyment I'll get from a game in a several year span, the only other coming close being Assassin's Creed II -- though that had a much shorter gameplay value for me when compared to Mass Effect's replay value. It has a personality and Mass Effect 2 is not a perfect game, but a 9/10 rating just does not do it justice. This triumph of storytelling is easily the most enjoyment I'll get from a game in a several year span, the only other coming close being Assassin's Creed II -- though that had a much shorter gameplay value for me when compared to Mass Effect's replay value. It has a personality and memorability that makes playing it for the first time akin to watching a movie from a great director for the first time, and knowing it's destined to become a classic. It has this certain something that rises it above the rest, and will make it go down into my greatest memories of games played list, making it fully justified as a 10/10 in my eyes.… Expand
  2. RobB.
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    The game is simply incredible. Everything you loved about Mass Effect 1 is still here, but everything that frustrated you is gone. The first 10 minutes were the best opening of any videogame ever. I see this game sucking up my life for the next several months, if not years.
  3. CharlieM.
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    Highly addictive, cinematics are so good its like being in a movie, new equipment and weapons lay out takes some getting used to, hotkeys for abilities is a huge plus. Bravo on one of the best games ever made gentlemen.
  4. ZhenshuoLiu
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    Fell in love with the game moment I walked into Afterlife. I think I stayed there for 2 hours doing nothing but enjoying the music and scenery. The amount of detail put into things that aren't even pivotal makes this game a real hit. Like Avatar, it creates a real alternate world. Unlike Avatar, I get to actually do what I want in it. 10
  5. NickP.
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    I cannot properly produce, in words, how damn much I love this game. I was all prepared to be underwhelmed, as I didn't thnk they could do better than the first game. I was wrong. Seriously and completely wrong. No more recycled animations, no more terrible Mako, no more "character looks dramatically to the side, and then walks off". Everything is more seamless. That doesn't I cannot properly produce, in words, how damn much I love this game. I was all prepared to be underwhelmed, as I didn't thnk they could do better than the first game. I was wrong. Seriously and completely wrong. No more recycled animations, no more terrible Mako, no more "character looks dramatically to the side, and then walks off". Everything is more seamless. That doesn't mean there aren't little issues. The loading times seem really long, even when installed to the hard drive. There are some bugs where the audio cuts out and chops up strangely, and your crew mostly remains silent when in conversations when you're perusing the galaxy. But in comparsion to everything else about the game, I simply cannot complain. That's picking nits. I'm 10 hours into the game, and it is by and far the most amazing game I've played, ever. I've enjoyed a lot of games, I have. but this goes beyond everything I have ever expierenced. Thank you Bioware. I'm glad that ME1 got me to buy an Xbox and I'm thrilled to be a part of this experience. Game of the year? No. Game of the forever, for me at least.… Expand
  6. RicardoL.
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    Modern, fascinating and truly innovative, Mass Effect 2 is a brand new take for the western rpg, Bioware reached a perfect mix between action and storytelling, graced by stunning visuals and a long and challenging gameplay.
  7. DevonM.
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    Fantastic game! Better than the original. Only flaw is the use of a tedious mini-game that needed to be played over and over. Combat and story more than make up for it.
  8. NickB.
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    By far this is the game of the year in january the game is absoleutly incredible. This game makes halo 3 fell like tetris the graphics are fenominal, the charecter designs and customization is great and the planetary traveling from mass effect 1 is still alot of fun, the story is incredible to 10 out of 10. YA GAME OF THE YEAR
  9. RyanH
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    This sequel to one of the best games of all time lives up to the hype. It's story is deep and compelling and the ending is among one of the most intense in not only gaming, but entertainment history.
  10. Wiliab.
    Jan 28, 2010
    10
    I have never played anything as amazing as this game. It pulls you in, and you cant stop playing. The last two nights i said to myself, its time to go to bed...I played another 3 hours each time. I grew up a gamer back in the nes days, played some of the greatest games on all kinds of consoles. Im not even finished with me2 yet, and to me, its THE greatest game ive ever played. Just amazing!
  11. MikeP
    Jan 29, 2010
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing. I've never been so affected by story-telling in my life. Visuals are stellar, combat is solid, and the characters are compelling and interesting. GOTY 2010 and my new favourite game.
  12. KevinJ.
    Jan 29, 2010
    10
    Improved Mass Effect 2 in every way possible. Best improvement worthy of note is the highly improved combat system. The story is extremely engaging and brings the player to a new intimate level with the story. ME2 is the highest rated game in my book for the 360, GTA IV doesn't deserve the #1 spot.
  13. TrevorS
    Jan 29, 2010
    10
    Possibly the best game of the year already, and it's only January! The most addicting game I've played in a VERY long time. This is the new standard for RPGs.
  14. PhilG.
    Jan 29, 2010
    10
    So close to flawless it might as well be flawless. Fantastic story and voice acting, amazing graphics and presentation, combat that is visceral and challenging, and so much value crammed into the box versus every other release since the first Mass Effect (except for maybe Dragon Age). A must have for Xbox and PC owners, and worth many replaythroughs. With 2010's 'bumper So close to flawless it might as well be flawless. Fantastic story and voice acting, amazing graphics and presentation, combat that is visceral and challenging, and so much value crammed into the box versus every other release since the first Mass Effect (except for maybe Dragon Age). A must have for Xbox and PC owners, and worth many replaythroughs. With 2010's 'bumper crop' of game releases, it's very safe to call it Game of the Year right now.… Expand
  15. Kackyd
    Jan 29, 2010
    10
    there are alot of whining pussys out there bitchn about this game. i thiought it was awesome. it is exactly what a action rpg should be.
  16. RaymondH.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    This is absolutely the best game i have ever played, everything about it is perfect from the combat to the story to characters and even the technical stuff (like framerate and texture pop in) everything is flawless. If you do not already own this game, buy it, something that can bring you as much joy as this game will is a bargain at any price but for only 60 dollars you have no excuse This is absolutely the best game i have ever played, everything about it is perfect from the combat to the story to characters and even the technical stuff (like framerate and texture pop in) everything is flawless. If you do not already own this game, buy it, something that can bring you as much joy as this game will is a bargain at any price but for only 60 dollars you have no excuse not to own it… Expand
  17. FraserB.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    Haven't put too much time into this game, however I know the epic vibes which this game gives off! I never really got into the first Mass Effect however this game will drive me to give it a playthrough as the full experience is realised when you import a ME1 Character. 10/10
  18. Forrest
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    Best RPG since Final Fantasy VII. Better than most movies I've seen. The first one blew my mind but this is even better. Not being able to Remove the helmet with the Dragon Age armor is my ONLY complaint as Shepard's facial expressions are great! Buy this game but be sure and play the first one first.
  19. PeterW.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    I imported my mass effect 1 save and it made the game far better. This becomes one of the most personalized games i have ever played. The story is just as good as the first one and the graphics have been improved. They focused more on action than RPG elements. There are only like 20 guns but its not a bad thing. Overall perfect score for me.
  20. TravisC.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    Never before have I felt so immersed in a game. It seems that EVERY action I made in the first Mass Effect has effects in the fantastic sequel. Any complaints from the first game (long elevator rides, texture pop-in, item management) have been addressed in this one to provide a much more streamlined, accessible and enjoyable experience. I can't wait to see what Mass Effect 3 has in Never before have I felt so immersed in a game. It seems that EVERY action I made in the first Mass Effect has effects in the fantastic sequel. Any complaints from the first game (long elevator rides, texture pop-in, item management) have been addressed in this one to provide a much more streamlined, accessible and enjoyable experience. I can't wait to see what Mass Effect 3 has in store for us...!… Expand
  21. JustinC.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    The best game in quite some time, I'm not any fan of RPG's, nor am I a RPG player...but this game is something different. It feels different, it plays different. Bioware blurs the line between video games and movies, while still having some of the best gameplay in recent memory. I was also somebody who couldn't get into the first installment (due to my lack of enthusiasm The best game in quite some time, I'm not any fan of RPG's, nor am I a RPG player...but this game is something different. It feels different, it plays different. Bioware blurs the line between video games and movies, while still having some of the best gameplay in recent memory. I was also somebody who couldn't get into the first installment (due to my lack of enthusiasm for most RPG's), but this one had me put in 27 hours in 5 days, I simply couldn't stop until I had it beat. The story is fantastic, and I had no trouble picking up the loose ends and figuring out the basics and what was going on (again, i barely played the first). The squad you assemble really feels connected, and as if you have an obligation to be their commander. This is a completely immersive universe that doesn't stop at any point, the pacing is spot on. Exploration and conversating feels perfectly balanced with the stellar gameplay. Graphics and presentation are top-notch, easy to use menus and never confusing of your objective. Quite simply, this game is a video gaming masterpiece. ....no it isn't. This is an entertainment masterpiece that trancends video gaming into the realm that it should be recognized as, the biggest entertainment industry. This game is the reason why people play, and the reasons why gamers do what they love. Do yourself a favor, and go buy this. It might not be Game of the Year 2010, this might be the game of the upcoming decade, yes...the decade.… Expand
  22. SteveH.
    Feb 11, 2010
    10
    This game is great. The RPG elements from the first ME have been toned down but I still felt satisfied the way BioWare handled it. The games cover system is great, it works very similarly to gears of war. The story is very enticing and the characters on your squad are very cool. Watch some of the gameplay videos for rent this game if you are on the fence, otherwise buy this game!
  23. CraigB
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    Simply outstanding. With Mass Effect, BioWare created a rich world full of depth, intrigue and character - with Mass Effect 2, BioWare have mastered that world, and by doing so they have delivered an absolute masterpiece. Simply put, Mass Effect 2 is in a league of it's own and will silence any cynicism within the opening ten minutes. Personally, I would go as far as calling it the Simply outstanding. With Mass Effect, BioWare created a rich world full of depth, intrigue and character - with Mass Effect 2, BioWare have mastered that world, and by doing so they have delivered an absolute masterpiece. Simply put, Mass Effect 2 is in a league of it's own and will silence any cynicism within the opening ten minutes. Personally, I would go as far as calling it the best game this generation, although that is entirely subjective of course. Everything about this game oozes class - you have to play this game, there's no two ways about it.… Expand
  24. QuinnS.
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    Bioware did not make this game to suit a more casual crowd. The casual crowd is not going to put 20 plus hours for the bare bones run of the games story and expect it to appeal to Wii gamers. They made it more shooter to expand there market, sure, but thats not a bad thing, and its trying to fix what people criticized most about the first.
  25. WilliamD.
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    Game was great. The devolpments in some of the events are truely touching. While I am a huge bioware fan this if the first game where the emotional choice actually made me care about them aside from which female am i pursueing this trip?
  26. MilesE
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    This game has absolutely fantastic pacing, voice acting, animation, gunplay and a truly great blend of action and traditional RPG elements. BioWare has taken a step forward and dispensed with some of the more "useless" busywork that wouldn't contribute or make sense to the kind of series Mass Effect is striving to be. If you're a fan of fantastic story - play this game. If This game has absolutely fantastic pacing, voice acting, animation, gunplay and a truly great blend of action and traditional RPG elements. BioWare has taken a step forward and dispensed with some of the more "useless" busywork that wouldn't contribute or make sense to the kind of series Mass Effect is striving to be. If you're a fan of fantastic story - play this game. If you're a fan of diverse action - play this game. If you're a fan of science fiction - play this game. If you're a fan of games in general, you OWE it to yourself to play this game.… Expand
  27. icecream
    Feb 12, 2010
    10
    This game is a 15 out of 10. Maybe some will give it a 12 out of 10 or even a 10 out of 10 but anything less than that is insulting. You should be smacked in the face and your gaming license revoked. There is not a game that comes close to the incredible star power voice acting, the incredible graphics, characters, and engaging story. If you dont give it a 10 out of 10 ask yourself why do This game is a 15 out of 10. Maybe some will give it a 12 out of 10 or even a 10 out of 10 but anything less than that is insulting. You should be smacked in the face and your gaming license revoked. There is not a game that comes close to the incredible star power voice acting, the incredible graphics, characters, and engaging story. If you dont give it a 10 out of 10 ask yourself why do I own a video game machine? Is it time to find a new hobby? Because its not the game ITS YOU.… Expand
  28. AndrewG
    Feb 12, 2010
    10
    I am in absolute love with this game. From the revamped combat to the ability to carry over your character and even an amazing story and cast, this game lives up to the hype. Mass Effect 2 leaps bounds over the original when it comes to the game play, graphics, and well... everything! I do miss the looting and leveling up when I kill people though. However, these are only a few negative I am in absolute love with this game. From the revamped combat to the ability to carry over your character and even an amazing story and cast, this game lives up to the hype. Mass Effect 2 leaps bounds over the original when it comes to the game play, graphics, and well... everything! I do miss the looting and leveling up when I kill people though. However, these are only a few negative aspects against a mountain of amazing qualities. Every PC and 360 owner owes themselves to play this game.… Expand
  29. Aegis
    Feb 13, 2010
    10
    This is probably the best game I've played since Silent Hill 2. Everything that bogged down the first game is either gone, or streamlined. No more elevator rides that seem to take forever, no more generic planets to explore with wonkey tank controls. Everything new fits perfectly, and everything that's gone, well, I just don't miss it. I'm also of the opinion that RPGs This is probably the best game I've played since Silent Hill 2. Everything that bogged down the first game is either gone, or streamlined. No more elevator rides that seem to take forever, no more generic planets to explore with wonkey tank controls. Everything new fits perfectly, and everything that's gone, well, I just don't miss it. I'm also of the opinion that RPGs and action just don't mix too. To me, the idea that I'm going to have trouble with an enemy because I'm not "leveled" enough is stupid. I'm just as capable of a headshot at level one as level fifty, so why do my bullets do less damage? Are they waiting to give me the real ones or something? Granted, you can still level up some skills and abilities, but not nearly as many as before. It isn't unfair, or a huge cut; it's streamlined. I just really can't see what people are so upset about. Even as a huge fan of mass effect I still see this as a massive improvement over the original. Anyway the game is a shooter yes, but it's deep too. Deep in story, deep in dialog. If you don't like long cutscenes or the occasional log entry to read, you might want to roll with something else or rent it first. Same as if you hate shooting and fast paced combat. I really can't say anything that the other excellent reviews haven't already said, perhaps with this exception: The PC version is by far the best of the two in my opinion. Combat flows so much smoother with the mouse and keyboard than the 360 controller. And it's fairly low profile in terms of system requirements too. STALKER: shadow of Chernobyl puts more strain on my PC than ME2 even. So don't worry if your card is listed as below minimum requirements, just be prepared to view it at a lower resolution.… Expand
  30. 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 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 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
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 98 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 98
  3. Negative: 0 out of 98
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    95
    Mass Effect 2 overcomes its few gameplay weaknesses with a fantastic weave of dynamic combat, lavish presentation, and engaging character and weapon customization. But for all the myriad improvements that make Mass Effect 2's visuals so appealing and its combat so exhilarating, it's ultimately the way it moves us that makes it so memorable. [Feb 2010, p.56]
  2. 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]
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    100
    Both an astonishing RPG and confident shooter, Mass Effect 2 is daring, shocking and often awe-inspiring in its use of choice. This is the future of storytelling in videogames. [Issue#, p.85]
See all critic reviews »