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. deftones034
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    One of the very best. From the combat to the story. Also ME and andromeda was underrated. Thanks
  2. ANTtheKNEEEE
    Mar 7, 2022
    10
    One of few times the 2nd game is better than the 1st imo. I've never been a fan of sci fi for some reason. But this game made it an exception. The story was just so good. Miss tali
  3. OwlCloud
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    A perfect blend of presentation, story telling and gameplay.

    I can't recall a game living up to it's expectations quite like Mass Effect 2 did. From the opening moments, you can almost smell the whiff of popcorn that would whisp through the lit up halls of a theatre. The music is amazing. Scene depending, it can go from quietly alluring to heart poundingly pulsating. From start to    A perfect blend of presentation, story telling and gameplay.

    I can't recall a game living up to it's expectations quite like Mass Effect 2 did. From the opening moments, you can almost smell the whiff of popcorn that would whisp through the lit up halls of a theatre. The music is amazing. Scene depending, it can go from quietly alluring to heart poundingly pulsating. From start to finish, Mass Effect 2 is a beautifully cinematic, brilliantly crafted and impeccably polished marvel.

    The story has been and can understandably be accused of stepping sideways as opposed to moving forward, but I would argue that stepping sideways is also way of saying that the main narrative slows down in order to allow for a less immediate sense of exploration via smaller scale stories. It is through these small stories where Mass Effect triumphs. The mysterious threat of the reapers and their plans are looming in the darkness while the Mass Effect universe breathes. The loyalty missions, the mystery of the terrifying collectors and the side quests shine so bright in part due to these very reasons.

    The gameplay is solid. Some might dislike the watering down of the RPG elements which is absolutely understandable but the combat in Mass Effect has never been at the forefront for me personally. It's fluid, it's fun and it's pretty - and that's all I need.

    The cast of characters deserve their own mention. They are incredible. This rag tag team of well acted misfits are without a doubt, the best thing about Mass Effect 2. They are all so realised, each and every one, save perhaps Jacob, who despite being boring is still likable and believable. Thane, Jack, Samara, Garrus, Tali - I could go on, are all the beating heart to this starcrossed tale.

    This is the peak of a series that is in itself almost perfect, and that is saying something. Mass Effect 2 is an absolute masterclass of its kind.    … Expand
  4. Baldingsan
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    The best entry of an unforgettable sci-fi trilogy and in my book, the finest game BioWare has ever made. The plot is less substantial than in other entries, but what really stand out are the characters and the experience of being in command of the Normandy. Suffice to say the gameplay mechanics, level design and dialogues are a vast improvement over its predecessor.
  5. balding
    Oct 11, 2018
    10
    Una lección magistral de cómo afrontar una secuela. El universo se siente mucho más rico que en el primero, la variedad de localizaciones es ingente, da la sensación de viveza en cada rincón de la desolada Galaxia es real. El combate funciona genial tanto en su parte shooter como en su parte RPG, un equilibrio idóneo entre ambos géneros. Los niveles son variados, con escenarios muyUna lección magistral de cómo afrontar una secuela. El universo se siente mucho más rico que en el primero, la variedad de localizaciones es ingente, da la sensación de viveza en cada rincón de la desolada Galaxia es real. El combate funciona genial tanto en su parte shooter como en su parte RPG, un equilibrio idóneo entre ambos géneros. Los niveles son variados, con escenarios muy imaginativos, algo que se demanda en un juego de disparos. El sistema de conversaciones se ha mejorado. Si uno quiere ir por la senda de la virtud y desbloquear opciones en los diálogos que alteren las misiones debe trabajárselo en cada línea, no comprarlo.

    Todo eso y más es Mass Effect 2, pero el final lo que se le queda a uno es la experiencia que significa. Quedarte horas conociendo a tu tripulación de forma hipnótica no se consigue en cualquier juego. Sentir preocupación por ellos y la enorme presión que le llega a uno llegado el momento es una sensación que pocas veces he sentido en un videojuego. La sensación de querer sufir un lavado de cerebro selectivi para volver a jugarlo sin saber nada es algo que en mi agenda pocos juegos tienen, Mass Effect 2 es sin duda uno de ellos.    … Expand
  6. Twigball
    Jul 1, 2018
    10
    Amazing game. Best one of the series by far. You really care about all the characters. Flying to different galaxies and exploring planets. Fighting aliens. What more do you need! And what an ending.
    Bought all the DLC and they were just as fun.
  7. RafaelBarrera
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    Mass Effect 2 represents the improvement of the original Mass Effect formula: improved combat system ( although it still was very improvable for its time ), every decision feels like a big change to the experience, the whole story... Mass Effect 2 is a ''must play'' definitely. One of the videogames of my life.
  8. velikaplana
    Jul 7, 2018
    10
    Mass Effect 2's improved shooting mechanics are no-brainers; they're the expected advancements that clean up the flaws of its predecessor. But what makes this sequel so rich isn't mechanics, but vision. A nightclub lit with flames, deadly family reunions, a friend accused of the inconceivable--these are the sights and events that cast shadows in your mind and heart. A few blemishes proveMass Effect 2's improved shooting mechanics are no-brainers; they're the expected advancements that clean up the flaws of its predecessor. But what makes this sequel so rich isn't mechanics, but vision. A nightclub lit with flames, deadly family reunions, a friend accused of the inconceivable--these are the sights and events that cast shadows in your mind and heart. A few blemishes prove that this planned trilogy still has potential for growth, but they barely diminish the game's overall impact. This is a galaxy you want to explore that is populated with characters you are glad to know. Mass Effect 2 is the kind of game that you return to, not just because it's fun to play multiple times, but also because its universe is a place you wish you could call home.… Expand
  9. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    9
    A masterpiece of the series, awesome, difficult , sound, great improvement in the Mass effect series
  10. XknightReaper
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my 2nd favourite game ever made this is definitely the best BioWare game I love the fact that there’s so much different endings like your entire crew can die except for Jack I loved majority of the characters everything about it is great the gameplay is a massive step up from the first game this in my opinion was the perfect sequel fell free to disagree but I love this game I’ve spent over 100 hours on this game and I still play it… Expand
  11. PaddyW106
    Oct 2, 2020
    10
    The masterpiece game, the perfect sequel. Can not wait for it to be re mastered
  12. SolidSovereign
    Nov 24, 2019
    9
    A wildly amazing space rpg. Improved on the first Mass effect in every way except one, the number of armor and weapon options.

    Story 9/10
    Setting 9/10
    Game-play 10/10
    Graphics 9/10
    Music/sounds 9/10
    Replay-ability 10/10
  13. MatthewDavisMed
    Jul 10, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece in every possible way, improving it's combat and story with more emotion and an epic soundtrack. Not to mention a lot more content.
  14. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    Mass Effect 2 is one of the best Sci-Fi RPG’s ever made, even better than the first. Great atmosphere, Story and Characters.
  15. Filmanwalt
    Oct 27, 2021
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is my favorite part of the trilogy, which shines with breathtakingly well-written characters and a strong continuation of the story.

    story The narration of the story is very round and starts right away with a loud bang. In the very first round you just think: "What are you doing to us here". In the course of the game, the story is spun and told in a very exciting way,    Mass Effect 2 is my favorite part of the trilogy, which shines with breathtakingly well-written characters and a strong continuation of the story.

    story

    The narration of the story is very round and starts right away with a loud bang. In the very first round you just think: "What are you doing to us here". In the course of the game, the story is spun and told in a very exciting way, which then culminates in the last mission.

    The characters, regardless of whether they are new or old, get a lot of substance through their own loyalty missions and many well-written dialogues and you develop or develop a strong bond with the individual characters.

    The threat from the collectors, and therefore in the background from the reaper, with the harbinger as a spearhead is very well thought out and clever and the danger grows more and more as the game progresses.

    Gameplay

    Mass Effect 2 has seen some gameplay improvements which make the game feel more dynamic (reloading and ammo). It has become an action-packed cover game with very good-sounding weapon sounds. In general, the music is again very atmospheric and appropriate. There are many missions that don't seem trivial, but have hands and feet and the resource gameplay has been made more pleasant than in Part 1. Only I would have liked more role-play, especially the skill trees are very rudimentary and offer no opportunity for experimentation.

    Graphics / atmosphere

    You just get more of the very strong staging, the very atmospheric sci-fi setting and the picturesque music. In the Legendary Edition, everything is polished again to a high gloss.

    Conclusion

    For me the best Mass Effect 10/10 stars!
    The DLC are ABSOLUTELY recommended, outstanding.    … Expand
  16. Gamer_Shepard
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Best Game Ever !... Bioware nailed it with their game design , narrative and story.. Most rewarding game I've ever played ... Where all your efforts and decision adds up for the final suicide mission ... Thank u Bioware !
  17. Luccio26
    Jan 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Story 3/3
    The strongest experience in the series for me. The companions in this game are so well written, that for me they trump any party experience in any game I've played to date. Characters like Jack, the wayward biotic who was experimented on and tortured for years or Solus the stuttering scientist with dark secrets. There are no shortage of surprises, and changing story arks depending on your decisions made in game. The ending mission for me is the perfect ending to any video game. The choices you've made and the friendships built dictate who lives and who dies in your party as does the decisions you make during the ending cut scenes. I don't want to spoil the experience so just go and play it. Immerse yourself and do all of the content because it isn't filler. It is all worth it.
    Gameplay 2.5/3
    Once again Mass Effect 2's combat system is fun and quirky with its pseudo RTS system that Bioware have used in their Dragon Age games as well. A few QOL changes from one with a more fleshed out customisation system. Weapons feel great. The exploration system is fun, however the mining can get a bit repetitive and mind numbing at times. I did prefer the system they had in ME1 with the rover and mining/traversing the planet.
    Sound/Music 2/2
    As per my ME1 review, Bioware have created another character with the music in this game. The feeling you get going through abandoned labs, the eeriness exploring through space with the synth and electro drumkit give you a real sense of being in another world. The voice acting is once again 10/10 with every character showing emotion and don't fall flat ever.
    Visuals/Art Design 2/2
    Absolutely for its time revolutionary. The textures on the ships, the layouts of the planets, the facial expressions. This fixes the issues with ME1 and creates one of the best looking games and will forever be timeless. Guns look great, the explosions and the biotic powers are mesmerizing. The Art team really did such an amazing job.

    This game is a masterpiece with my final verdict being a 9.5/10. There is 55-65 hours in a playthrough that does all the main missions and side companion quests. and 65+ for those completionists. This is a must play game in the series and one of the strongest games of its generation.    … Expand
  18. Arya977
    Dec 31, 2020
    10
    Gameplay..............Amazing
    Graphics................Amazing
    Story.......................Amazing
    Score.....................Great
  19. JCKatou
    Mar 25, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Si la 1era parte fue buena esta es aún mejor, gran jugabilidad simplificaron mucho las habilidades y el sistema de lealtad me pareció muy buena, la exploración en los planetas ya no es como en la 1era entrega y se vuelve más fácil. Excelentes personajes y conversaciones muy variadas.… Expand
  20. bigchocolate69
    Jun 28, 2022
    8
    The suicide mission is some of the most fun hours of gaming you could ever have! Overall not as strong as the first Mass Effect game but still a very good sequel with fantastic combat.
  21. Jessicaw
    Jun 22, 2020
    9
    This is an amazing RPG even with features being dumbed down from the first one. It still managed to create a fun game with a great story.
  22. SWFan523
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is home to probably the best mission in all of video games. One that takes the context of your entire journey and lays out your decisions right in front of you. For that alone, it's worth playing, not even mentioning it's other successes.
  23. GhostKill
    Jan 29, 2023
    10
    Perfect! One of a very few games that deserves a 10, but Shep and crew in Mass 2 well deserves it. Mass Effect 2 take a huge leap from 1 and this is the space RPG of a lifetime. Bioware were at their best with Mass 2. Definitely one of my favorite games ever!
  24. Soldier1stClass
    Jul 23, 2020
    9
    Mass Effect 2, to me is the best game in the Trilogy. Sure the majority of the game is just recruiting squad members for a suicide mission but the build up towards it and the characters and locations you visit was all well done.
  25. Triguin
    Aug 14, 2020
    10
    La trilogía en su conjunto es la más épica historia espacial jamás contada...
    Esta segunda parte cuenta una historia más oscura, más adulta, más inmersiva....
    El desarrollo del juego es genial, y las misiones secundarias de los compañeros son la piedra angular del juego....además el final del juego es posiblemente de lo mejor y más emocionante que jugarás en tu vida.... Mención especial a    La trilogía en su conjunto es la más épica historia espacial jamás contada...
    Esta segunda parte cuenta una historia más oscura, más adulta, más inmersiva....
    El desarrollo del juego es genial, y las misiones secundarias de los compañeros son la piedra angular del juego....además el final del juego es posiblemente de lo mejor y más emocionante que jugarás en tu vida....
    Mención especial a la música de Jack Wall....    … Expand
  26. iamvenom
    Sep 13, 2020
    10
    it is the halo 2 but of bioware which means more and better, for me the better sequel of all times
  27. HeraldsSpring
    Oct 19, 2020
    9
    This is an awesome game. Probably still my favorite out of the 4 games. I liked the new characters they added and I still will come back to replay this to this very day. It’s been 10 years and this game still looks great. One issue though is the lighting, if this game had good shadows and lighting I would still love the graphics. Also one complaint would be the bugs. I experienced a glitchThis is an awesome game. Probably still my favorite out of the 4 games. I liked the new characters they added and I still will come back to replay this to this very day. It’s been 10 years and this game still looks great. One issue though is the lighting, if this game had good shadows and lighting I would still love the graphics. Also one complaint would be the bugs. I experienced a glitch several times in my second play through where Shepard would stop Turning and could only move in a straight line. But it could be resolved by being hit by an enemy though. Overall 9/10… Expand
  28. Art2020
    Mar 8, 2022
    9
    Its a totally awesome game although I wished that they would have had a little more RPG elements left from the previous game and not be so action oriented.
  29. Dom007
    May 4, 2021
    10
    One of the best video games of all time in the greatest video game trilogy ever. Brilliant storyline, amazing opening sequence and the greatest video game finale of all time. It has possibly the greatest video game cast ever with superb voice acting, character dialogue and interaction. The soundtrack is one of the best gaming ost's ever made, the graphics where incredible for its time andOne of the best video games of all time in the greatest video game trilogy ever. Brilliant storyline, amazing opening sequence and the greatest video game finale of all time. It has possibly the greatest video game cast ever with superb voice acting, character dialogue and interaction. The soundtrack is one of the best gaming ost's ever made, the graphics where incredible for its time and they still hold up to this day, the in game universe is my personal favourite of any gaming franchise and to top it all off the game has decent combat and gameplay.… Expand
  30. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 18, 2020
    9
    OVERALL - 94%

    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics (for time) - 8/10
    Story - 9/10
    Game Length - 9/10
    Characters - 7/10
    Level/Area Design - 8/10
    Atmosphere - 8/10
    Sound Effects - 8/10
    Soundtrack - 7/10
    Replay Value - 8/10

    Great sci-fi RPG with huge improvements on the first game. Plus... Alien Sex.
  31. RodrigoroRex
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    "Mass Effect 2": Amazing game, it provides an amazing experience for the player. 7 out of 7. Played it on Xbox 360.
  32. Megalo_Dongg
    May 14, 2021
    10
    Simply the Greatest Game ever made without contest. This is an irrefutable fact.
  33. EasyGamerBoi
    Jun 10, 2021
    10
    Probably the best game I’ve ever played. Everything is perfect. That’s all I can say honestly, i love it to death
  34. CloudStrife05
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest games, sequels, opening, story and ending ever made in the gaming industry.
  35. KAM1054
    Nov 16, 2021
    9
    This game is honestly a emotional roller coaster than the first one and I love it.
  36. B00tador
    Nov 28, 2021
    9
    The least interesting part of the trilogy, but the best game all the same. Best blend of combat and RPG, most immersive etc. Collectors story falls a bit flat, but it's still really good.
  37. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    10
    Atmosphere: 10
    Enjoyment: 10
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 8
    Music: 10
    Story: 10
    Total: 9.50
  38. BroTheHomes
    Jan 2, 2022
    10
    Simply put one of the best games I've ever had the enjoyment of playing, while it's quality as a fully fleshed out 'RPG' is certainly questionable, there is no denying the vast beauty and pure greatness this game is. The game is all built around reaching the end point of the game, and while, at almost any point, you can go to the end of the game you are HEAVILY encouraged to do the variousSimply put one of the best games I've ever had the enjoyment of playing, while it's quality as a fully fleshed out 'RPG' is certainly questionable, there is no denying the vast beauty and pure greatness this game is. The game is all built around reaching the end point of the game, and while, at almost any point, you can go to the end of the game you are HEAVILY encouraged to do the various quests around the galaxy, as based on the decisions you choose and make your ending of the game will vary massively. I love the concept of building up to one final point and having almost every decision you've made up to it come into play. The characters and companions throughout this game are definitely the best part about it but just the sheer amount of fun this game provides earns its status as one of the best games to ever be made, in my opinion.… Expand
  39. Superjackman117
    Feb 23, 2022
    9
    One of my most beloved Sci-Fi RPG's I've ever played, I recommend it, the game has some seriously good RPG mechanics that I've seen in a game and the Universe actually feels like a universe, you attach yourself to the crew and feel devastated if you lose any of them in your ending. If you love RPG's this one is a must play.

    Highly Recommended.
  40. Hiccup3319
    Jun 18, 2023
    10
    Amazing game, great RPG and story elements. Good side quests aswell and how your actions affect the story.
  41. HuevoAlce
    Jun 26, 2022
    9
    A great experience from start to finish. Mass Effect 2 is what put Bioware on the map for many.
  42. Valkdorah
    Jul 14, 2022
    10
    One of the most, if not the most inmersive games of all time, the history that this trilogy of games provides to the players is as good as the best Tv series of all time, every decision you make counts and when you reach to the final part of the game, you are going to think over and over what you are going to decide because you love the characters of the game and you take it seriously.One of the most, if not the most inmersive games of all time, the history that this trilogy of games provides to the players is as good as the best Tv series of all time, every decision you make counts and when you reach to the final part of the game, you are going to think over and over what you are going to decide because you love the characters of the game and you take it seriously.
    The main quest are awesome, but the secondary quests which i recommend doing, are also awesome, you know that you do them with a purpouse and that they matter to the game.
    I cannot say more things of this game because you have tou play it to see how Bioware can create masterpieces like this.
    One of the best games of all time with the best characters in videogame in my opinion    … Expand
  43. Sondergaard
    Sep 4, 2022
    8
    Amazing characters but average story unfortunately. Could have spent the time setting up ME3 and used the exact same structure that makes the game so good. Imagine if Shepard had found the plans for The Crucible at the end of the Suicide Mission?
    But still a fantastic game.
  44. Muzketin
    Jun 1, 2023
    10
    This game is extremely epic, with a very beautiful world and lore. I really enjoyed travelling in the space and discovering new worlds, meeting new characters and locations with quests. Also you can customize your starship, and add a cute space pet as cherry on top! It was one of the game that i enjoyed the most in my Xbox 360. Even tho im not a big sci-fi fan, this game is just too epicThis game is extremely epic, with a very beautiful world and lore. I really enjoyed travelling in the space and discovering new worlds, meeting new characters and locations with quests. Also you can customize your starship, and add a cute space pet as cherry on top! It was one of the game that i enjoyed the most in my Xbox 360. Even tho im not a big sci-fi fan, this game is just too epic so i LOVED it. Also the heroic ending was amazing aswell.… Expand
  45. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 4, 2023
    10
    Much improved combat irons out all of the quibbles that slightly marred the original game making for the best adventure game money can buy, with the possible exception of its own sequel.
  46. harisk8888
    Mar 8, 2023
    10
    The best mass effect game and it’s not even close. It’s hard for a story to really grip me and have me hooked the whole time but this one did. The characters were all spectacular and the excellent writing made me care about them all so much. This is a must play.
  47. fnenamg
    Sep 8, 2023
    9
    Until I played this game, I thought the shooter and RPG genres didn't blend well together. This game changed my mind.
  48. Manucci555
    Aug 20, 2023
    1
    The gunplay is enjoyable, but the characters are mostly science fiction knockoffs or copy and pasted versions of first games characters. The entire thing is mediocre from start to finish and the writing is downright bad. It was a pretty strange experience.
  49. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    One of the best RPGs i have ever played. The story was amazing, and the combat system very fun.
  50. Erick666
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    Mass Effect es una saga maravillosa, pero la segunda entrega es una obra maestra digna de cualquier amante de la ciencia ficción.
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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 »