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. MikeM
    Feb 13, 2010
    5
    The game play itself has 2 major problems: -The companions are constantly stupid; they either jump in front of your gun, or run back around the previous corner and don't fight, or stand there and blink while you fight. -The cover system's controls are moronic; the commands for taking cover, and for hurdling your cover and jumping into the crossfire are practically the same. The The game play itself has 2 major problems: -The companions are constantly stupid; they either jump in front of your gun, or run back around the previous corner and don't fight, or stand there and blink while you fight. -The cover system's controls are moronic; the commands for taking cover, and for hurdling your cover and jumping into the crossfire are practically the same. The game's details and production values are good, but this doesn't merit A reviews when the gameplay is C-. If you love ME1, this game is enjoyable enough. There is no way in hell it deserves its score. I've seen other player-reviewers giving this and other games a 0 because the critics and players give 10s to games that deserve a 7. I agree entirely. I'll add a few points: -Bioware's trend is to make well-polished garbage, and somehow get great reviews. -Game reviewing cannot be taken seriously. Either they're crooked or stupid or both. -Player-reviewers must be reviewing games the day they buy them, and biased toward approving of what they've spent their hard earned money on. When a play-through of a modern game is 40-80 hours, you cannot review it even 10 hours in. No one wants to read a movie review of the first 15 minutes.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. AnthonyF
    Feb 15, 2010
    10
    This was one of the best games I've ever played. Everything about it is fantastic, and any fan of science fiction should love the story which pulls from just about every famous piece there is, from Firefly to Babylon 5. It's well worth your money, as you'll want to repeat the 30+ hour campaign over and over again, not only to try out the different classes, but to see all This was one of the best games I've ever played. Everything about it is fantastic, and any fan of science fiction should love the story which pulls from just about every famous piece there is, from Firefly to Babylon 5. It's well worth your money, as you'll want to repeat the 30+ hour campaign over and over again, not only to try out the different classes, but to see all the dialogue and different paths you can take. I don't give games perfect scores lightly, but Mass Effect 2 fully deserves one.… Expand
  5. AdamO.
    Feb 15, 2010
    10
    Love the game. I would have preferred some things to be carried over from Mass Effect (1) like the weapons/armor choices and talent point allocation. But these are minor compared to the story and experience of the ME2. I have played through twice now as Paragon and Renegade and with each play through I would totally loose track of time as I get sucked in to the story and adventure. Love the game. I would have preferred some things to be carried over from Mass Effect (1) like the weapons/armor choices and talent point allocation. But these are minor compared to the story and experience of the ME2. I have played through twice now as Paragon and Renegade and with each play through I would totally loose track of time as I get sucked in to the story and adventure. Because of the lake of RPG elements I would give the game a 9.5 but I will round it to a 10. A 9 would not be doing the game justice as this is probably one of my favorite games of all time.… Expand
  6. SamM
    Feb 18, 2010
    9
    This game is a tecnological marvel with a stunning story that draws you in further than any game I've played so far. Combat can be excellent, if a little one dimensional, but the improvements from the previous chaper are massive, especially the galaxy map, character back stories and exploration of other planets. Very highly recommended, but play the original first.
  7. ScottF
    Feb 19, 2010
    5
    I really don't see why so many people think this is the "game of the year." So many flaws with this game that are easily fixed if Bioware had just spent the time to fix them instead of releasing it ASAP. Glitchy graphics, dumb as hell A.I., sometimes the characters will yell something in battle and it will sound like they're saying it in slow-mo for no reason, i dunno if its I really don't see why so many people think this is the "game of the year." So many flaws with this game that are easily fixed if Bioware had just spent the time to fix them instead of releasing it ASAP. Glitchy graphics, dumb as hell A.I., sometimes the characters will yell something in battle and it will sound like they're saying it in slow-mo for no reason, i dunno if its just me but i think shepard is looking at the ground whenever he's running and sometimes not even looking forward, the character modeling of shepard and some of the other characters is terrible (move like robots, sound like robots), the loading screens are way to long even for a Bioware game... I could probably go on for a long time about all the small things that pissed me off about this game, but i won't. And those were just the SMALL things that should've been fixed at the last minute had they actually wanted to make a GOOD game and not just a sequel that they knew would sell cause it had the title Mass Effect on it. Seriously, this is not the Mass Effect I know and love. I am fine with getting rid of the tedious RPG aspects, but they tried to make it like a TPS. This would've been fine, but AI is terrible, especially on Insanity difficulty. Let me describe a situtation i had yesterday... We run into some Blue Sun's Mercs and my partners take cover (so far so good) but then, they decide "hey, i don't like being safe behind this box where the enemy can't shoot me so i'm gonna jump over it and get shot at and die in 2 seconds." seriously, the AI is that bad. either that will happen or they will stand up while behind cover in an attempt to shoot an enemy, but won't go back down when getting shot at, thus leading to instant death on Insanity difficulty. Once again, small gripes I guess, but this game got pecked to death by the small stuff which kept it from being even a DECENT game IMO. The reason i say that is the plot is what i was really dissapointed in. The game consists of one mission: Destroy the Collectors. And that's fine, but you would think there would be more to it then just that with a Bioware game. Nope. That's it. They somehow thought making the storyline consist of finding all ELEVEN allies so you can go on a "suicide" mission (which it is if playing on Insanity with the dumb AI) was a good idea. That's all there is to the story. Really. I wouldn't lie. The actual "story" you could finish in maybe 10 or so hours. All in all, i'm extremely dissapointed in both this game and in the gaming community for giving such a piece of blatant trash good review just cause it's a sequel to such a great game. Thanks Bioware, you have shaken my faith in video games.… Expand
  8. JasonK
    Feb 19, 2010
    7
    Actually this game was kind of meh IMO. Yeah the combat is a huge improvement, (not half as good as most proper FPS though) and the cinematic conversations are still kind of cool, and yeah the graphics look slightly more sparkly than before (although they do seem to have a touch less style and feel more generic this time around). All in all, it
  9. Brandon
    Feb 19, 2010
    9
    Excellent. I highly recommend this game to Shooter and RPG fans alike. Excellent streamlined combat system that feels smooth and fast paced. Beautiful graphics missing the dreaded pop-ins from the first game. My favorite part of the game, though, is the characters. Amazingly developed characters voiced by some familiar faces. These characters can all be emotional and dramatic, and they Excellent. I highly recommend this game to Shooter and RPG fans alike. Excellent streamlined combat system that feels smooth and fast paced. Beautiful graphics missing the dreaded pop-ins from the first game. My favorite part of the game, though, is the characters. Amazingly developed characters voiced by some familiar faces. These characters can all be emotional and dramatic, and they can even stir some emotion up in you. The only reason I didn't give this game a full 10 was because the mining mini-game was tedious, although that's minor. I also miss some of the armor and weapon variety, as the weapons have died down to three of each weapon type, and armor is just a few customization pieces.… Expand
  10. ZaneB
    Feb 21, 2010
    10
    Definitely a great game! The story is highly rewarding and the characters are very interesting. Despite ME2 being one of the best games ever, I still wish Bioware would have focused more on RPG elements. The experience kind of felt like KOTOR(favorite game ever), except with less, engrossing RPG combat, leveling and equipment.
  11. HarveyB
    Feb 3, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is an exceptional game in which it surpasses the original in so many aspects. The graphics have taken a jump since Mass Effect. technical hiccups, such as the long elevator loading times have also been eliminated. The story is one of the greatest in Sci-Fi action gaming and can hold its own with the likes of Star Wars and Star Trek. as a Xbox 360 owner, do yourself the favor Mass Effect 2 is an exceptional game in which it surpasses the original in so many aspects. The graphics have taken a jump since Mass Effect. technical hiccups, such as the long elevator loading times have also been eliminated. The story is one of the greatest in Sci-Fi action gaming and can hold its own with the likes of Star Wars and Star Trek. as a Xbox 360 owner, do yourself the favor and get this game. It is an enriching space opera in which you, the player are the person who makes all the decisions and will ultimately, save the galaxy. Game of the year in January? most likely.… Expand
  12. Wulfenstein
    Feb 5, 2010
    8
    Well what can I say another game with huge hype but nothing really when you get to play it. I didn't get to play the first one just heard from word of mouth really but didn't get interested in it and gee sex scenes in games there borig enough in movies let alone in games and it's a crappy selling point to push a product ooo thers's a sex scene or you see some actress Well what can I say another game with huge hype but nothing really when you get to play it. I didn't get to play the first one just heard from word of mouth really but didn't get interested in it and gee sex scenes in games there borig enough in movies let alone in games and it's a crappy selling point to push a product ooo thers's a sex scene or you see some actress naked whoopiee...Anyway I bought the ME2 yes I agree kinda kool having your own ship recruiting your own crew kinda remined me of the series Firefly, you get to fly every where kinda like KOTOR..The controls felt stiff like GRAW they should have used the movement like RB6 V2 or Rogue Trooper the chracter has flexability to move in the enviroment..The team controls or team AI dumb seen better on RB6 V2 and The conflict series games..No destructable enviroments seen so much of it lately to have a game with nothing in it kinda felt weird..Graphics could have been alot better after seeing GOW 2, COD MW 1,2, Dead Space...Weapons not much upgrading there and the sysstems is untidy rather than keep going back into upgrade everytime you should be able to select what you want or can afford then close the screen..Whats with the planet scanning and probe man truthfully I feel asleep and the only reason I woke up is because my game pad vibrated to tell me that it found something..If your gonna send probes out at least we could find a lost base or a crashed ship or something not boring mining whatever it is..Or you scan a planet and it glows in different areas what minerals are there and you just slect areas and send out multiprobes at once half the time and gets you back into the game..There no close combat weapons most of the time the enemy comes towards you wanna do more than buttstroke with your weapon you wanna goto to town with a energy sword or chainsaw and just hack and move on. Guess maybe they do better in number 3 see what happens.… Expand
  13. TimD
    Feb 5, 2010
    9
    EA is a greedy company that ruins video games by "stream lining" it, which is a euphemism for "dumbed down". This is not Mass Effect, it's Gears of War with dialog trees. On my First play through as a Vanguard on veteran difficulty, I felt that skills were such an after thought that all I ended up doing was shooting as if I were playing a cookie cutter TPS. Had I rated this game EA is a greedy company that ruins video games by "stream lining" it, which is a euphemism for "dumbed down". This is not Mass Effect, it's Gears of War with dialog trees. On my First play through as a Vanguard on veteran difficulty, I felt that skills were such an after thought that all I ended up doing was shooting as if I were playing a cookie cutter TPS. Had I rated this game after I beat it I probably would have given it a 7/10, but when I went back and played as a sentinel on insane difficulty, it finally felt more like an RPG with TPS elements, also known as Mass Effect. They promised that our decisions in the first would be significant in the 2nd, but WOW were they lieing. Like you would think the decision to let the council live or die would be a game changer, but no... only difference is 1 short cut-scene of the council and a few lines of text. It is like the WRPG hit an amazing peak with Fallout 3 and Mass Effect 1 and just now lost its soul. Thanks EA!… Expand
  14. ChristianR
    Feb 5, 2010
    9
    This game is not a massive improvement over but is still quite better than ME1. The charm/intimidate option relies on your actual choices instead of just assigning points. The game was noticably more cinematic and had great character driven story. There were some hiccups though: the new leveling system takes getting used to, it makes way to many references to the first game via the This game is not a massive improvement over but is still quite better than ME1. The charm/intimidate option relies on your actual choices instead of just assigning points. The game was noticably more cinematic and had great character driven story. There were some hiccups though: the new leveling system takes getting used to, it makes way to many references to the first game via the private terminal, and the mining is the epitome of boredom. But these flaws are relatively minor in the face of a story that put most books and movies to shame, characters with great depth, and the revitalized and more strategic combat system. I wholly recommend this game.… Expand
  15. RussellA
    Feb 6, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is simply put one of the best games ever made. Mass Effect was an innovative breakthrough in creating a game that tied cinematic events and dialogue in with the choice to create your own adventure, but it was very flawed in many areas. mass Effect 2 smashed those flaws and creates the same cinematic epic storytelling you decide, but injects it with incredibly fun Gears of Mass Effect 2 is simply put one of the best games ever made. Mass Effect was an innovative breakthrough in creating a game that tied cinematic events and dialogue in with the choice to create your own adventure, but it was very flawed in many areas. mass Effect 2 smashed those flaws and creates the same cinematic epic storytelling you decide, but injects it with incredibly fun Gears of war like battles, level design to match epic firefights, as well as improved powers and graphics The glory in mass effect 2 lies in its npc's though. The bulk of the game and story, which is admittedly a slow burn, involves recruiting and gaining the loyalty of your team you take into the suicide mission, and they are all amazing. Every character by the end feels so real and amazing in their own way, that the decisions and ending have you pacing back and forth to see who made it out of the wreckage. Mass Effect 2 cut away the fat that mass effect 1 had, improved its characters and story telling, vastly crafted a terrific game play experience, and created one of the most epic end games ever played. Mass Effect 2 is not to be missed, ever. Not playing it will be missing out on of the greatest games ever made, with a story unique to each, with thousands of decisions and dialogue to choose. Mass Effect 2 will leave your jaw dropping.… Expand
  16. JonathanW
    Feb 6, 2010
    10
    Mass effect 2 is a solid improvement over the original which was an already stellar title. The upgraded combat, level up, and armor systems work smoothly and make it a faster less tedious experiance. My only complaints are that the Story is slightly less surprising than the original (though in no means bad) and the final boss looks very cheesey (though it does fit into the story very Mass effect 2 is a solid improvement over the original which was an already stellar title. The upgraded combat, level up, and armor systems work smoothly and make it a faster less tedious experiance. My only complaints are that the Story is slightly less surprising than the original (though in no means bad) and the final boss looks very cheesey (though it does fit into the story very well.) If you love third person shooters and or RPGs M.E.2 should be on the top of your list.… Expand
  17. ConnorM
    Feb 7, 2010
    10
    Pulled a full forty hours out of this game. I wont say that they were the best hours of my life, but they were the best hours I've ever spent playing a video game. I've sampled very sci fi game out there and this was the best by far. The choices and interrupters were flawless. being able to load your old character personalized the game more than any other I have played. This is Pulled a full forty hours out of this game. I wont say that they were the best hours of my life, but they were the best hours I've ever spent playing a video game. I've sampled very sci fi game out there and this was the best by far. The choices and interrupters were flawless. being able to load your old character personalized the game more than any other I have played. This is the best game ever.… Expand
  18. DomMC
    Feb 8, 2010
    10
    Great game, loved how all of my decisions from the first game were carried over. Each time I was forced into choosing what to do I felt hugely involved, not knowing what impact they would have. The character interaction was phenomenal, and this was the first time i've been able to really connect with characters in any kind of entertainment media. Bring on the sequel.
  19. LukaszC
    Feb 8, 2010
    9
    For me the first Mass Effect was a big dissapointment and back in the days i gave it a 7 . It had great graphics that could not hold a steady framerate for sh** , only 13 - 18 hours of gameplay (and yes i did some sidequests but when all sideplanets look the same you get bored preety fast) and the awful mako levels . Now i can say this is what ME 1 should have been . Graphics ? 30 fps For me the first Mass Effect was a big dissapointment and back in the days i gave it a 7 . It had great graphics that could not hold a steady framerate for sh** , only 13 - 18 hours of gameplay (and yes i did some sidequests but when all sideplanets look the same you get bored preety fast) and the awful mako levels . Now i can say this is what ME 1 should have been . Graphics ? 30 fps locked ... i had only one instance where the graphics went down for a second . Length ? 30 hours easliy if you play the loyalty missions which unlike the sidemissions in ME 1 are much better done . Mako ? GONE ... oh god how happy i am that its gone . Of course not everything is perfect though ,i liked the rpg elements of the first one but now its almost gone ,next time maybe do a compromise leave the system how it is(with the assigning points to power stuff) but give us loot and xp signs . Also the companions still are not perfect but they are a far cry better then in ME 1 . Also the heavy weapons are a little bit like a getaway card with cain beeing really a little bit too powerful ... i had it in the last fight and it raped the boss really hard . Still this game is great and a must buy for rpg fans that dont have fear of TPS games . But its not perfect how many 10 are saying . Its a 9 a solid 9.… Expand
  20. MadAgreement
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    I bought this game the day he was out in france and i finish it 3 days later. The story is so powerful and full of action... At the end of this game, it's like when you have finished to read and awesome book, you're depressed. Can't wait the third one. And for those who don't know if they want to try the one before, I can asure you that when you taste it, you fall I bought this game the day he was out in france and i finish it 3 days later. The story is so powerful and full of action... At the end of this game, it's like when you have finished to read and awesome book, you're depressed. Can't wait the third one. And for those who don't know if they want to try the one before, I can asure you that when you taste it, you fall totaly into it. The story is absolutly different from one player to another and that's make it more personnal. With this masterpiece, it will be diffucult for the other studios to make an attractive game. There's no doubt that's the game of the year.… Expand
  21. Martin
    Feb 9, 2010
    10
    This is game of the year alright. It has such an amazing story for a videogame. The only other videogame stories that can compare to this game is legend of zelda and resident evil. If you like amazing games, do yourself a favor and get this astounding game.
  22. RickC.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    The shooting mechanics have been made to play like a shooter but their is enough strategic depth to still make it fun. And the story and graphics are amazing.
  23. MatthewDiMaio
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    Mass effect 2 improves on the original's problems and combat, while keeping most rpg elements and expanding on this exciting and enriching universe. Mass Effect 2 will be in the top game nominations for Game of The Year
  24. ChrisC.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    I'm expecting this to win GOTY assuming people don't forget it 12 months down the line if they have such a short term memory. The game is utterly brilliant and I have currently sank in about 20 hours and I think I'm ready for the final mission but I'm scared to start it because I don't want to lose my party members. Well most of them. It's pretty cool how I I'm expecting this to win GOTY assuming people don't forget it 12 months down the line if they have such a short term memory. The game is utterly brilliant and I have currently sank in about 20 hours and I think I'm ready for the final mission but I'm scared to start it because I don't want to lose my party members. Well most of them. It's pretty cool how I have an attachment with most of them now and don't want them to die. I know very few games that have made me feel that way. This game is definitley the Uncharted 2 of the 360. A classic.… Expand
  25. dc
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    I liked mass effect but thought its glitches and combat made it a 7 this games improved both of them big time the story is good just wish i could use it on my PS3 instead of 360 because of the multiple discs but that doesnt really bother me to much 10 out of 10 bring on the sequel : )
  26. RobertOgilvie
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    Overall, an exceptional game. Interaction and combat are both greatly improved over an already high quality original. Similarly, the handful of irritating flaws from the previous iteration are largely solved.
  27. MeganS.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    The Game of the Year, guaranteed. One of the most, if not THE most, emotionally engaging video games I have ever played. This game has set a precedent that all future releases will have a burden of measuring up to. Buy now. Play forever.
  28. AlexanderD.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    One of the best sequels in videogame history, Mass Effect 2 comprises outstanding storytelling, compelling gameplay and a state of the art presentation beyond any other game in recent years. Bioware is far ahead of the pack in every department, and Mass Effect 2 undoubtedly proves how much this trilogy might come down to becoming the best Sci Fi themed RPG ever made.
  29. leejunS.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    This game is most incredible RPG of Bioware Corp. I already injoyed first one, but sequel is twice better than that. Bioware knows how to make RPG game. This is realy epic :D
  30. David
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    This is a fantatic game. If you are a fan of the new breed of RPG/Shooter game, pick this up. Mass Effect sets itself apart by creating its own distinct place in the science fiction universe. A must have for 360 owners.
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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 »