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. benoski
    Mar 11, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bioware never fail to impress me, for this game was REALLY game of the year of 2010, great characters, good gameplay mechanics and truly an epic story. Mass Effect 2 was truly a gem on my shelf and to this day remains to be one of the best games ever made in 2010. I like the way how the decisions you make in ME1 affect ME2 and how characters react to you. For example, if you killed off the council in ME1 the other races except for the human race and the your squad members will dislike you and react to your decision. The mining game is quite unnecessary but at least we get SOME reward for it like the resources we need for useful and important upgrades. The game may be a third person shooter-RPG hybrid but the weapons in this game are terrificly balanced as no weapon is powerful or weaker then each other. It's a bit of a shame you can't actually fly the Normandy but the ship is so designed and massive that you can scratch this flaw out and deal with it. The graphics are some of THE best I have seen in a video game and the cutscenes in which you can interact in are so beautiful especially the cinematic ones. The soundtrack is probably one of the best soundtracks I have ever heard of in my life. My personal favourite is "Suicide Mission", one of the best tracks I have ever heard. If you don't have ME1, you don't need to buy it, as ME2 fills you in on what has happened during the tutorial. Plus if you completed ME1 you can import your Shepard into ME2 which is a welcome feature. The DLC is also worth the money, I mean you will want to empty your pockets for the DLC in ME2. You have the SR-1 Normandy crash site, Zaeed and Kasumi as squadmates, new weapons and armor, Overlord, Lair of the Shadow Broker and the upcoming ME2-ME3 bridge gap DLC "Arrival". Oh and if you buy a new copy of ME2 you get a code for the Cerberus Network which gives you some armor and weapons, the SR-1 Normandy crash site and Zaeed. If you buy a used copy on the game, prepare to give in 1200 Microsoft points. The voice acting is also very good quality in Mass Effect 2, and the tone, pitch and overall, the lines, make good voice acting for Mass Effect 2. (Unlike Sonic 06, the voice acting was bad in that). Mass Effect 2 is overall one of the best video games to every come out of BioWare and with Mass Effect 3 coming out later this year, the series is set for a phenomenal conclusion to be remembered in years. If you don't have it now, buy it, or I will punch you in the face like I did to Khalisah Al-Jilani, a reporter in the game, but not a major character at all, but still, if you don't buy this and BAM!… Expand
  2. oboehobo
    Mar 9, 2011
    10
    I have to say that this game took me by surprise. I was expecting to enjoy it, but not as much as I did. The world (while linear) is expansive and great in variety. If you are brave enough to go and scan all the planets in the galaxy, you will find many mini-missions. Some of those lead into their own little plot giving Mass Effect's mythology a greater breadth. There are also the expanseI have to say that this game took me by surprise. I was expecting to enjoy it, but not as much as I did. The world (while linear) is expansive and great in variety. If you are brave enough to go and scan all the planets in the galaxy, you will find many mini-missions. Some of those lead into their own little plot giving Mass Effect's mythology a greater breadth. There are also the expanse of normal side-quest you can access by talking to people and exploring different places. I did about 75% of everything you could do on one playthrough and it took me around 35 hours. That is a pretty good length for am Action RPG. This game did have its flaws though. I might have given this a ten, but that is only because these flaws are very minor, and may only be here because I am nitpicking. If you want an epic story, this game does it in a strange way. There are many short stories played throughout the game as you meet new characters, but the story is only an epic tale once you complete the game. If you were expecting a "lone hero sent to save the universe" type of story, you may be slightly disappointed. The game is a great bridge that sets up the continuing Mass Effect story-line, but the game's story itself is slightly lack-luster. But remember that this is only my opinion, and you should play the game to decide for yourself.
    So...the elephant in the room: Combat. I find this form of combat to be refreshing and much, much better than the first Mass Effect's. I understand that there are some gamers out there who crave a hardcore RPG that requires an insane amount of strategy and multitasking. If your one of those gamers, you will not enjoy ME2. It's combat is fast paced, shoot-em up action, with lots of enemies and sweet effects. Think of it as Star-Trek meets Gears of War. I personally enjoyed much more than the clunky combat from ME1. But, like I said, if you want hardcore RPG combat, this isn't for you. On to conversation. If you like talking, you'll love this game. I'd say more than half of the game is conversing with other characters. If you are like me, and you explore all the options in each conversation, you will open up a lot of interesting dialogue. Morality choices are also very common in this game. They can range from something as innocent as should I turn in or let someone go to who gets to live and die. These situations can be difficult to make a decision if you become connected to your party members. This is one of the reasons I loved this game so much. Bioware has actually gotten me, an average gamer, to care about video-game characters. That is not an easy task.
    So overall, I found this game very enjoyable, and very well done. If you haven't checked this one out yet, save up and buy it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  3. Weefz
    Mar 9, 2011
    9
    Great game that does a lot to fix the troublesome interface issues of the original Mass Effect. Incredible writing, wonderful voice acting from Jennifer Hale. Some of the add-on missions are truly moving (while others are just terrible) while the main game is is outstanding. Weapon choices do feel a little pointless and planet mining, while soothing, can get pretty dull. Thank heavens theyGreat game that does a lot to fix the troublesome interface issues of the original Mass Effect. Incredible writing, wonderful voice acting from Jennifer Hale. Some of the add-on missions are truly moving (while others are just terrible) while the main game is is outstanding. Weapon choices do feel a little pointless and planet mining, while soothing, can get pretty dull. Thank heavens they got rid of the elevator loading screens.… Expand
  4. thelawgiver
    Mar 9, 2011
    10
    This game will replace your life for a solid 40 hours. And that's if you can resist playing it again. And again. And again. Each character build is so unique, with its own strengths, weaknesses and challenges. The story is incredibly entertaining. The graphics are mind-blowing. The combat is incredibly rewarding, fun and well-paced. The level system is intuitive and thoughtful,This game will replace your life for a solid 40 hours. And that's if you can resist playing it again. And again. And again. Each character build is so unique, with its own strengths, weaknesses and challenges. The story is incredibly entertaining. The graphics are mind-blowing. The combat is incredibly rewarding, fun and well-paced. The level system is intuitive and thoughtful, eliminating the mere appearance of variety in favor of meaningful choices. The weapon/armor/equipment system is similarly straightforward, offering you the same benefits of upgraded weapons as you travel through the galaxy and gain more experience without the unwieldy and frustrating inventory interface that plagued ME1 (and Dragon Age: Origins). The controls flow seamlessly, and the combat and movement interfaces are intuitive and easy to use. There are only a couple very minor drawbacks: mining, which you need to do for upgrades, can be tedious (or it is insanely addictive, depending on who you ask); missions are too linear (but aren't we getting at least a little sick of all this Oblivion/Fallout/NWN2 open world nonsense, where you forget about the main storyline quests after the 4th random sidequest you stumble upon?); the main storyline isn't as compelling as ME1 (it's the second in a trilogy; it's necessarily transitional); the planet surface exploration is gone, and the paragon/renegade construct feels somewhat forced. But these are all very minor and often debatable criticisms of a truly fantastic and epic game. Everyone should play ME2.… Expand
  5. IF_Awesome
    Mar 7, 2011
    0
    You can stick a "W" in front of it but that doesn't make it an RPG. Mass Effect 2 is basically a glorified shooter that rips off elements from Japanese Visual Novels and Dating Sims, which these developers then mock. Mass Effect 2 also consists of some of the worst voice acting in any game ever and his really hard to take seriously due to bad voice actor choices. If this was a JRPGYou can stick a "W" in front of it but that doesn't make it an RPG. Mass Effect 2 is basically a glorified shooter that rips off elements from Japanese Visual Novels and Dating Sims, which these developers then mock. Mass Effect 2 also consists of some of the worst voice acting in any game ever and his really hard to take seriously due to bad voice actor choices. If this was a JRPG reviewers would be up in arms that, for example, when you leave your ship on a mission you can only take a few people with you, or point out how the plot basically just combines several different sci fi movie plots and is one big cliche. Apparently since it's a western game it's beyond these criticisms. This game is nothing special.… Expand
  6. HeyImBenMiles
    Mar 2, 2011
    10
    I really don't mean to overstate anything, but Mass Effect 2 may be the greatest single manifestation of entertainment in history. Oh, and the mining thing was fun too. Jokes.
  7. xLeTudex
    Mar 2, 2011
    10
    The best game ive ever played. The most enjoyable, interesting, emotional, rewarding game out there. Never in a game have the characters been so memorable, you actually care what happens to them. To be voted game of the year when it came out in January says it all. Well done Bioware.
  8. jaredmowens
    Feb 28, 2011
    10
    A game that can keep me interested for 6+ playthroughs hardly deserves a negative review. It isn't perfect, but if those are the standards expected nowadays, expect a lot of disappointment from absolutely everything. The combat is gripping and fresh. The decisions are cut and dry, but still engaging. 9.7
  9. IamTHEbeaN
    Feb 27, 2011
    9
    The game manages to improve the faults of its predecessor by adding game play mechanics and introducing the ability to import saved files form the first game.

    PROS: Firefights are vastly improved. Character and story progression is good. In game choices make an impact in story development. Different classes in game offer unique ways to play and manage to feel different. CONS: Minimal RPG    The game manages to improve the faults of its predecessor by adding game play mechanics and introducing the ability to import saved files form the first game.

    PROS: Firefights are vastly improved. Character and story progression is good. In game choices make an impact in story development.
    Different classes in game offer unique ways to play and manage to feel different.

    CONS: Minimal RPG aspects. Game feels more like a shooter than an RPG.    … Expand
  10. themoza
    Feb 26, 2011
    10
    I wish Bioware hadn't taken so much away, I wish ME 2 was less about shooting robots in the face, but then again its just a game and considering Bioware have really tried to evolve and push forward the franchise I applaud a brilliant game. Standards in storytelling have been improved, dialogue is more streamlined and combat has been tuned to something like Ghost Recon's standards. Even ifI wish Bioware hadn't taken so much away, I wish ME 2 was less about shooting robots in the face, but then again its just a game and considering Bioware have really tried to evolve and push forward the franchise I applaud a brilliant game. Standards in storytelling have been improved, dialogue is more streamlined and combat has been tuned to something like Ghost Recon's standards. Even if the game has been dumbed down to an action game with RPG elements, its still a cracking game.… Expand
  11. SuperJosh79
    Feb 26, 2011
    10
    Through replays and expansions I have put in over 100 hours into this game, and I'm eager to play more. I think this may be my favorite game of all time.
  12. BoTheMastaOfAll
    Feb 23, 2011
    10
    This game gets it right. Both Mass Effect 1 and 2 are remarkable, yet they are extremely different. I liked the simplicity the weapon system and how damage was more focused on upgrading your character rather than your weapon. Biotics are also much more fun this time around. I found it to be a good mix of rpg and shooter, just like the first one, just more tilted in the shooter directionThis game gets it right. Both Mass Effect 1 and 2 are remarkable, yet they are extremely different. I liked the simplicity the weapon system and how damage was more focused on upgrading your character rather than your weapon. Biotics are also much more fun this time around. I found it to be a good mix of rpg and shooter, just like the first one, just more tilted in the shooter direction this time around. Still takes about 30 hours to complete.… Expand
  13. Amcope
    Feb 17, 2011
    10
    Bioware has been on a roll with their RPGs. Mass Effect 2 has the story and gameplay to make most gamers nod their heads and say "This is what I play games for". The fact of the matter is, if you don't play this game you are missing out. It's intelligent and action packed. Need I say more?
  14. DaveMcAwesome
    Feb 16, 2011
    10
    The game was fantastic, and a great blend of action and RPG elements. Even without importin a save game from the first game, I was sucked into this one and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Starting a second playthrough, this time with an imported game to see some of the things I missed.
  15. Slay
    Feb 16, 2011
    10
    Absolutely one of the best games I have ever played. Great plot, amazing graphics, life like characters and the best dialogue system in gaming history. Only thing that left me a bit disappointed was the character development. It was too simple and lacked the choices
  16. Daggard
    Feb 12, 2011
    8
    For all that is done right (improved visuals, great backstorys of side characters, amazing voice talent) too much is paired back and streamlined from the original game. Almost all the of RPG elements are stripped back and simplified. Weapons and armour are limited in variety, as are upgrades to equipment. The shooter mechanics are tighted to the n-th degree, Gears of War the obviousFor all that is done right (improved visuals, great backstorys of side characters, amazing voice talent) too much is paired back and streamlined from the original game. Almost all the of RPG elements are stripped back and simplified. Weapons and armour are limited in variety, as are upgrades to equipment. The shooter mechanics are tighted to the n-th degree, Gears of War the obvious template for controls. But exploration is no longer a pillar for the gameplay. Loot is reduced to a handful of the same elements. The variety just isn't here any more. Thankfully the writing is still sharp, the dialogue improved and the characters are all interesting for the most part. I just wish Bioware would refrain from going to such extremes to make the game more accessible to non-rpg gamers...… Expand
  17. TheGreatGatsby
    Jan 22, 2011
    10
    Beautiful story, beautiful visuals, funny jokes, interesting characters, decent shooting, what's not to love? Great game, I've got to say. GOTY 2010.
  18. Shtiggy
    Jan 19, 2011
    6
    Limited range of movement and interaction on levels makes this very frustrating. I do like the dialogue options and gameplay is fun, other than what was previously mentioned. This leaves a lot to be desired and I think it is very overrated.
  19. Mummu
    Jan 17, 2011
    8
    Great game, with spectacular sound and graphics. Althought it don't grip as the first mass effect. History isn't so interested and deep and characters haven't a lot of of charisma.
  20. flamingRooster7
    Jan 15, 2011
    9
    Don't get me wrong this game is amazing in almost every way. It's just that it doesn't really feel like a RPG Sandbox game, because exploration is very limited. Maybe in ME3 they'll fix it.
  21. Faroon
    Jan 12, 2011
    10
    Game of the Year 2010. In a year that included Red Dead Redemption, Assassin's Creed:Brotherhood and Starcraft 2, that's some achievement. Story, characterisation, the fully realised, believable sci-fi world, and the vastly improved inventory system. The best game of the year, and one of the top 5 games of all time. The third game can't come soon enough.
  22. kenf1ott
    Jan 11, 2011
    10
    pure genius; all of it. especially the porting your character from ME 1 so you can see the continuation and effects of your choices from the first game. love all the DLC so far (one more DLC on the way by may I hear). the missions, the characters and dialogue and... it's really just a perfect game. graphics, sounds, cover system, weapons all perfect.

    I've played through 7 times and each    pure genius; all of it. especially the porting your character from ME 1 so you can see the continuation and effects of your choices from the first game. love all the DLC so far (one more DLC on the way by may I hear). the missions, the characters and dialogue and... it's really just a perfect game. graphics, sounds, cover system, weapons all perfect.

    I've played through 7 times and each was a different experience in how I approached the interactions and missions. yes it's that deep of a game!

    own it!    … Expand
  23. myles7701
    Jan 10, 2011
    10
    I've been a Bioware fan since Dragon Age, and this game is definitely a credit to the developer! Mass Effect 2 is absolutely awesome! I can't tell you how many times I've sat down to play for an hour and all of the sudden the entire day is gone!
  24. mikey42782
    Jan 2, 2011
    8
    Mass Effect 2 is an engrossing an addictive game, but i really feel that they took away some of the best elements to it. The story line is gripping, the characters are awesome, weapons etc. But what happened to customization? What i loved about the first one, was not only the plethora of weapons, armor, omni tools and the like, but the customization you could put into them. ForMass Effect 2 is an engrossing an addictive game, but i really feel that they took away some of the best elements to it. The story line is gripping, the characters are awesome, weapons etc. But what happened to customization? What i loved about the first one, was not only the plethora of weapons, armor, omni tools and the like, but the customization you could put into them. For example, a lancer assault rifle, with a damage of 120 could be upgraded to with a combat sensor, kinetic stabalizer , and several different types of ammunition. Every weapon, and each armor at least has 1 or 2 sometimes 3 upgrade slots. I mean granted, there was only a set amount of items you can carry(150 i believe) but thats what was a lot of fun for me in the first one. Now each character, gets to pick an ammo type and have that active on your weapon. The thermal clip is another thing i didn't like in the second one. Call me crazy, but i love unlimited ammo lol. In the first one, there was a lot more points and a lot more attributes to help level up your character, when you leveled up sometimes and most of the time, in the middle of combat. In the second one, you level up at the end of each mission. Those are my cons, i wish they would have kept some of those things. But the rest of the game is solid. From the story line, to the upgrades to the Normandy, to doing endorsements in the citadel.
    And to be completely fair, i fear change, so my review may not be the best on the spot, but if it helps you make a choice in getting it, i am glad i could help.    … Expand
  25. nightly_tugboat
    Jan 1, 2011
    10
    Just here to reiterate on what everyone else has already said. This game is **** bomb as **** And my review must be 150 character long so this is meant to waste space. Appologies.
  26. Dannyboy
    Dec 31, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 1 was groundbreaking. It took games like Jade Empire and Star Wars KOTOR and those other style fantasy huge RPG's and shifted them to next gen nicely. Beautiful design, amazing created universe that would make George Lucas proud, lovely graphics and some of the best gameplay in a game i've experienced. Obviously, it was a tough act to follow but they managed it with aplomb.Mass Effect 1 was groundbreaking. It took games like Jade Empire and Star Wars KOTOR and those other style fantasy huge RPG's and shifted them to next gen nicely. Beautiful design, amazing created universe that would make George Lucas proud, lovely graphics and some of the best gameplay in a game i've experienced. Obviously, it was a tough act to follow but they managed it with aplomb. Firstly, you notice the game picks up from the first one, quite literally, whatever choices you make in the first one affect the game you are playng in the second one. The characters are even more diverse and the idea that you have to assemble the rag tag bunch and upgrade their department is a great idea. Everything you do culminates to the ending and, without spoiling anything, is a classic ending. Altough i must say you will want to upgrade and interact with your friends in this game to make sure they can come back from the suicide mission. The graphics are just as good and the design of the worlds are just as unique and diverse. The voice acting is also good. Seth Green in particular reprising his role from the first movie as the light hearted pilot Joker. All in all, its a classic and the fact that its part of a trilogy makes it all the more epic. Along with Star Wars KOTOR, the Mass Effect series will go down as the most definitive games of the decade.… Expand
  27. Timcld87
    Dec 18, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is by far one of the best games out. The storyline is superb and the graphics are superb also. The way you can choose all the different dialogues and actions. You can be a paragon or renegade. This game is just top of the line. And also I banged Miranda
  28. Deadsarow
    Nov 27, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is one of the best games ever made, putting you into an action packed narrative, filled with memorable characters and genuine feelings. Perfect length, amazing aesthetics, and a universe you will not want to leave. Cannot wait for the next installment.
  29. Deturis
    Nov 25, 2010
    10
    To put it simple - best action-rpg hybrid I ever played, my favorite game so far.
    BioWare created great universe with well writen characters, story and action - amazing job BW!
    Can't wait for Mass Effect 3!
  30. claychastain
    Nov 25, 2010
    10
    Absolutely, hands down, the most intense, engaging, and thoughtful role-playing action game ever made. Everything about this is polished and interesting, and I find myself picking up and playing it all over again several times, even though I know what every choice and option there is to take. It's a great game, and it's one that I will never forget playing. For people who love a complexAbsolutely, hands down, the most intense, engaging, and thoughtful role-playing action game ever made. Everything about this is polished and interesting, and I find myself picking up and playing it all over again several times, even though I know what every choice and option there is to take. It's a great game, and it's one that I will never forget playing. For people who love a complex story, it's amazing. And, the DLC adds quite a bit to an already expansive game. Get this. Now.… 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 »