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. GC
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    This is a game of improvements over ME1 which was a spectacular gaming accomplishment... Texture Detail, Lighting, Story, Controller Layout, Dialog Trees, Dialog Interaction,, Normandy, Elevator Rides, Side Quests, Exploration, Inventory System, Enemy AI, Squad AI, Targeting, Game HUD, Mid Level Loading,, Level Design, ... the list goes on... To see every gripe or annoyance from the first This is a game of improvements over ME1 which was a spectacular gaming accomplishment... Texture Detail, Lighting, Story, Controller Layout, Dialog Trees, Dialog Interaction,, Normandy, Elevator Rides, Side Quests, Exploration, Inventory System, Enemy AI, Squad AI, Targeting, Game HUD, Mid Level Loading,, Level Design, ... the list goes on... To see every gripe or annoyance from the first game tweaked and improved, makes a great game design (ME1) become truly fantastic. If you liked ME1 get ME2... you'll love it. Yes, they made adjustments to Combat (less like KOTOR) and streamlined the RPG aspects (simpler inventory/character management) but the changes only add to the overall gaming experience. Bravo BioWare. Wish you had done something like this with Dragon Age.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. MitchD
    Feb 1, 2010
    9
    While I can not in good conscience give this game a ten it deserves more than a 9. to give the game a ten would be to say that it is perfect and in all reality it has very few faults...but the faults are there. Mako exploration was redundant and got boring after a while...well scanning planets was cool for the first 20 minutes then it was redundant. A mix of the two for ME 3 would be While I can not in good conscience give this game a ten it deserves more than a 9. to give the game a ten would be to say that it is perfect and in all reality it has very few faults...but the faults are there. Mako exploration was redundant and got boring after a while...well scanning planets was cool for the first 20 minutes then it was redundant. A mix of the two for ME 3 would be nice. I ran into a few glitches where i Had to reload because i got stuck in something (not a huge deal seeing as how bioware learned how to actually work an autosave feature in the game). Aside from that there are not a lot of complaints. to all you fools giving this game a 0 because of the Cerberus Network card only being able to be obtained through a new purchase...Stop crying. It is in Biowares best interest to protect their sales numbers and i think it is an intuitive way to do it. Sorry if you have multiple accounts but thats just tough luck. all it takes is 5 bucks off a $60 game and most people jump at the opportunity to get it. DLC is pretty much uniform these days and a game should not lose points unless it is actually screwing over the purchaser of the game. in which case this does not.… Expand
  4. T.M.
    Feb 1, 2010
    9
    A very good game every dialogue has at least a good or bad option and you can do pretty much whatever you like. The graphics are so good too, way more action and a superior story The only negatives that I'm sure everyone agrees with are the planet scanning which you have to do for upgrades if you wanna survive on higher difficulties, the repetitive Harbinger enemies and the glitches A very good game every dialogue has at least a good or bad option and you can do pretty much whatever you like. The graphics are so good too, way more action and a superior story The only negatives that I'm sure everyone agrees with are the planet scanning which you have to do for upgrades if you wanna survive on higher difficulties, the repetitive Harbinger enemies and the glitches such as randomly floating in the air forcing you to have to re load a save. But trust me man it is an awesome game. The reason for the 9 is the glitches and game issues.… Expand
  5. MikeH
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    A joy to play! Improving on ME1 in every way-from the conversations, to the leveling up system, to exploring the galaxy. The wonderful scripting come to be expected from Bioware is still present, but with superb references to ME1, which will make players of the previous game smile. All in all, a beautifully crafted game, that leaves us all wondering the answer to this question-how long A joy to play! Improving on ME1 in every way-from the conversations, to the leveling up system, to exploring the galaxy. The wonderful scripting come to be expected from Bioware is still present, but with superb references to ME1, which will make players of the previous game smile. All in all, a beautifully crafted game, that leaves us all wondering the answer to this question-how long until Mass Effect 3?… Expand
  6. FabioL
    Feb 1, 2010
    6
    It's kinda weird to see such high ratings to ME2. Not a bad game by a long shot, but it was SIGNIFICANTLY dumbed down in the sake of streamlining... The game is a thousand times more linear, the characters are much blander, the missions aren't quite exciting, and so on. As for the new mechanisms, the reloading isn't a great improvement over the overheating one in ME1. Now It's kinda weird to see such high ratings to ME2. Not a bad game by a long shot, but it was SIGNIFICANTLY dumbed down in the sake of streamlining... The game is a thousand times more linear, the characters are much blander, the missions aren't quite exciting, and so on. As for the new mechanisms, the reloading isn't a great improvement over the overheating one in ME1. Now you can't even TOUCH a weapon you're not proficient with. Inventory management, even if a pain, is way better than no inventory AT ALL. Weapon management is no longer relevant, as every member has the same upgraded version (some kind of Cerberus "standard issue" policy, perhaps?). Planet exploring, while buggy, was much more rewarding, interesting and "role-play-y" than the current boring and pointless "flash game" scanning. Bioware should try to reach some level of balance in their simplification attempts, or ME3 will probably be the D&D 4.5 ed, of videogames.… Expand
  7. NateB
    Feb 1, 2010
    3
    Felt this game was a major disappointment and letdown. While the sound, atmosphere, and dialogue are high water marks, the combat is beyond clunky (especially after having played GoW 2 and Uncharted 2) and the RPG elements are severely reduced from BioWare's other installments. Unlike in prior games, it makes little difference what class you choose or what characters you choose to Felt this game was a major disappointment and letdown. While the sound, atmosphere, and dialogue are high water marks, the combat is beyond clunky (especially after having played GoW 2 and Uncharted 2) and the RPG elements are severely reduced from BioWare's other installments. Unlike in prior games, it makes little difference what class you choose or what characters you choose to bring along as almost all abilities are identical to one another. Furthermore, what kind of RPG doesn't even have maps for levels, loot drops from fallen enemies or stats for their weapons? Having greatly enjoyed KOTOR, Jade Empire and NWN I really wanted to like this game and tried for hours, but at the end of the day the lack of RPG features and horrible combat were faults too great to power through.… Expand
  8. GameInformer
    Feb 1, 2010
    0
    We at Game Informer believe this game blows chunks. Good graphics but they still do not natch up to games like Uncharted 2 or KIllzone 2. The PC version definitely does, but in comparison, the Xbox 360 version is poor. Again, the story really is not that compelling and you will find yourself wondering what is going on if you were lucky enough not to play the first one. GI out.
  9. TonyA.
    Feb 1, 2010
    0
    I cannot believe the over hype of a game that is COMPLETLEY UNPLAYABLE due too tiny text size. Bioware have said that it is meant for HD TVs, but it does not say that on the box, or in any " perfect score" review I have read. They have also broken the best parts from the original software to sell to you for extra money. Bioware and EA are guilty of disregard for gamers and pure greed in I cannot believe the over hype of a game that is COMPLETLEY UNPLAYABLE due too tiny text size. Bioware have said that it is meant for HD TVs, but it does not say that on the box, or in any " perfect score" review I have read. They have also broken the best parts from the original software to sell to you for extra money. Bioware and EA are guilty of disregard for gamers and pure greed in thier last two games, and I implore you not to buy this game as you will be very angry after 10 minutes.… Expand
  10. ChrisM.
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    This game is a big achievement for the game industry. it sets a new mark for nearly every aspect in modern videogames. it starts with a great story, incredible well written dialogue you only hear in really good movies, great graphics and sound an an absorbing atmosphere. al lot of people have already mentioned these points but there is one thing left no one mentioned: the great greatThis game is a big achievement for the game industry. it sets a new mark for nearly every aspect in modern videogames. it starts with a great story, incredible well written dialogue you only hear in really good movies, great graphics and sound an an absorbing atmosphere. al lot of people have already mentioned these points but there is one thing left no one mentioned: the great great outstanding art design of the game. there are moments of pure design magc in this game. a great game, a game you need to play, in other words: a masterpiece!… Expand
  11. BrentonM.
    Feb 1, 2010
    10
    Hats off to Bioware! Only halfway through the game and it's living up to everything I hoped it would. Purposely stayed away from reading too much into it prior to release, so being a huge fan of ME1 makes all the surprises and ramifications even more EPIC!
  12. 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
  13. ChristopheM.
    Jan 31, 2010
    6
    Having played ME1 recently, I was very disappointed: I expected better and got less (very linear story, few and very linear missions, degraded interface,
  14. 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
  15. AndrewH.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    To say that this game has built upon Mass Effect is giving it too little credit. BioWare has taken the near-perfect system used in Mass Effect and honed all of the edges. The combat is better, exploration is less of a pain, and most of all, this game manages to bring out emotions buried deep within you to actually care about the members of your team. Mass Effect 2 is, by far, the greatest To say that this game has built upon Mass Effect is giving it too little credit. BioWare has taken the near-perfect system used in Mass Effect and honed all of the edges. The combat is better, exploration is less of a pain, and most of all, this game manages to bring out emotions buried deep within you to actually care about the members of your team. Mass Effect 2 is, by far, the greatest game I've ever played.… Expand
  16. BrandonS.
    Jan 31, 2010
    9
    This game is mostly perfect. There are a few scant problems with the cover system and friendly AI isn't very good. However the story and presentation is spectacular and needs to be experienced by everyone whom claims they enjoy video games. For that, it would be 10 in my book. However, the game takes too many steps back in it's RPG, Exploration, and Strategy elements for This game is mostly perfect. There are a few scant problems with the cover system and friendly AI isn't very good. However the story and presentation is spectacular and needs to be experienced by everyone whom claims they enjoy video games. For that, it would be 10 in my book. However, the game takes too many steps back in it's RPG, Exploration, and Strategy elements for seemingly no reason. Those of us whom enjoyed the first one get a little less stuff to love here even though the main campaign is twice as long. It's more about the story this time around.… Expand
  17. SamuelG.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    This is rounded up. There is no such thing as a perfect game, but I have never seen a game get so close before. Mass Effect 2 completely redefines what video games are capable of as an interactive storytelling medium, and is quite possibly the best game I have ever played in my life.
  18. davidshepard
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    best game ever
  19. RyanH.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    This is my first video game review. This game deserves a review...Its amazing. The best game I've played on the 360 since its launch. The best way to play the game is by importing your save file(if you have one) from the first game. The transfer system is amazing, little details and giant plot points are all tweeked in the sequel by transferring over your save file... Its an amazing This is my first video game review. This game deserves a review...Its amazing. The best game I've played on the 360 since its launch. The best way to play the game is by importing your save file(if you have one) from the first game. The transfer system is amazing, little details and giant plot points are all tweeked in the sequel by transferring over your save file... Its an amazing experience and full brings in those devoted to the original game... I have yet to beat the game and have over 30hrs into my first playthrough... Game of the year... all the way… Expand
  20. JaredR.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    By far the best game I have played so far. Truly astonishing game play and a very intriguing storyline. It will draw you in, and you will play for hours. I have never written a review for a video game before, because I never took the initiative to. But after playing this game, I felt almost as if I had to. BioWare put a lot of work into it, and it shows.
  21. MichelleP.
    Jan 31, 2010
    9
    Where do I start? The game picks up from the first one, there's new squadmates, new love interests, new enemies... You're still the same Shepard and the story is still mindblowing! The only cons of this, in my opinion, is that mining the minerals is a pain in t he ass and it's turned out to be more of a shooter than an RPG. Certain squadmates aren't needed to hack or Where do I start? The game picks up from the first one, there's new squadmates, new love interests, new enemies... You're still the same Shepard and the story is still mindblowing! The only cons of this, in my opinion, is that mining the minerals is a pain in t he ass and it's turned out to be more of a shooter than an RPG. Certain squadmates aren't needed to hack or bypass certain objects because you're able to do it yourself. You also need to pick up ammo for your guns. To the person who gave it a 0 because he has two kids: I share a 360 with my brother. He used the Cerberus code on his account and I thought I wouldn't be able to get the DLC either. You do, you just have to work to earn your DLC by playing.… Expand
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. KaiK.
    Jan 31, 2010
    8
    Now before you nail me to the cross and tell me that my opinion is wrong its important to note that this game is good but far from perfect. It has many good improvements from the first one (mostly combat), but the pacing and game play at times are uninteresting, and at times flat out boring. For example: In Mass effect 1, you had the "mako" a vehicle to explore planets. The mako game playNow before you nail me to the cross and tell me that my opinion is wrong its important to note that this game is good but far from perfect. It has many good improvements from the first one (mostly combat), but the pacing and game play at times are uninteresting, and at times flat out boring. For example: In Mass effect 1, you had the "mako" a vehicle to explore planets. The mako game play was a cut and paste kind of game play which was some what boring. However it make collecting resource bearable since you get to shoot enemies and actually play. But in Mass Effect 2 you do something even more boring and even more cut and paste. You probe and scan planets to gain resources, which is extremely time consuming and uninspiring and flat out boring. Although its optional you won't be able to upgrade anything unless you mine for these resources. Your survival depends on these upgrades, which essentially means that you have to do it whether you like it or not. The other step backwards for Mass effect 2 is the Galaxy navigation. It is time consuming and unnecessary compared to Mass Effect 1 which had a quick and accessible galaxy navigation, Mass Effects 2 replaces that with a … Expand
  25. GageG.
    Jan 31, 2010
    8
    This game is downright amazing, but it does have it flaws. They totally ripped apart the RPG system and made it not even as in depth as the first game. It is more of a shooter rather than a RPG. I guess to appeal to the masses. And the new weapons system is not as good and many other little flaws that made me mad, but I still enjoy the game. Just make sure you know this is more of a This game is downright amazing, but it does have it flaws. They totally ripped apart the RPG system and made it not even as in depth as the first game. It is more of a shooter rather than a RPG. I guess to appeal to the masses. And the new weapons system is not as good and many other little flaws that made me mad, but I still enjoy the game. Just make sure you know this is more of a shooter than RPG. It is not a defining RPG.… Expand
  26. AustinS.
    Jan 30, 2010
    7
    The original Mass Effect is considered to be a true RPG/3rd person shooter hybrid. Mass Effect 2 has scaled back most of the RPG elements while keeping the dialog options available and streamlining combat. There are no longer any skill based stats(decryption, first aid, etc) and equipment is very limited. During interviews every Bioware representative bragged and boasted that ME2 was such The original Mass Effect is considered to be a true RPG/3rd person shooter hybrid. Mass Effect 2 has scaled back most of the RPG elements while keeping the dialog options available and streamlining combat. There are no longer any skill based stats(decryption, first aid, etc) and equipment is very limited. During interviews every Bioware representative bragged and boasted that ME2 was such a vast improvement because combat was so well tuned now. What they dont mention is the neglect of nearly everything that made the game an RPG. Bioware is considered a top-tier developer of only the best games, but to be a great developer you need to be able to improve aspects of your games WITHOUT compromising others. Another aspect that they seemed to always be pushing in everyones face was the ability to port your ME1 character to the sequel. Gamers were led to believe that the decisions made in the first would have a moderate if not profound effect on the second. Unfortunately it only affects maybe 5 minutes of reading text. The plot is in no way affected by any choices you made in ME1. The new Mass Effect shed its RPG-TPS hybrid format to become a TPS with a few RPG inspirations and speech sim. ME was one of my favorite games ever. ME2 is one of the most underwhelming and disappointing games i have played.… Expand
  27. KyleS.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    GotY. Improves on the first in every way, removing any boring elements, and only a few minor bugs. Amazing visuals, awesome story, addictive gameplay, and extremely long by today's standards.
  28. 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
  29. BenM.
    Jan 30, 2010
    6
    I felt Mass Effect 1 was a great mixture of RPG and action game. Sure it had issue that could be improved upon but it was a good mix Mass effect 2 starts off with a amazing opening cinematic, sets up players motivation and relationship to other characters, and does everything any AAA game should do. But then comes the problems: - The interface is blocky and the constant flood of pop-ups I felt Mass Effect 1 was a great mixture of RPG and action game. Sure it had issue that could be improved upon but it was a good mix Mass effect 2 starts off with a amazing opening cinematic, sets up players motivation and relationship to other characters, and does everything any AAA game should do. But then comes the problems: - The interface is blocky and the constant flood of pop-ups becomes annoying, Each popup fill about 15% of the screen. - The game doesn't pause if your 360 controller looses power. A break of Microsoft's quality rules. - NPC constantly mount scenery and on have a couple of times found myself pushed into blocked off areas that required a restart. - Most RPG elements have been cut down to appeal to a more casual and the FPS audience. - Exploration of world has been replaced with a rotating globe that moors even the most patient of players to death. - At the end of each level you are presented with a end of level summery. This thrown at you abruptly and completely breaks the flow of the game. They have tried so hard to make it a cinematic masterpiece but this one thing is the most out of feature in the game. - The level summery also provides completely useless information. Why do i need to have my experience abruptly stopped to be told about how much platinum i collected? I know this because i got a big sign in-game when i collected it and also its on my profile. - Level layout. Some of the levels feel far more linnier and made for the purpose of being a level. The environments feel like they don't have a real function apart from to challenge the player. For instance roes of walls across walkways. Don't get me wrong - the game has many fantastic moments and is a work of digital art. But it feels like it was made by share holders and not artists or designers. A must buy - but not a must enjoy.… Expand
  30. JeffB.
    Jan 30, 2010
    10
    Amazing space epic that had my heart racing and curiosity out of control from beginning to end. Choices hit hard due to being morally gray in nature and characters were deem and engaging. First series I've ever played where my choices caused me to feel joy and sometimes regret depending on the situation. Bioware really raised the bar for RPG's to come
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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 »