Mass Effect 2: The Illusive RPG

I am finally catching up on the games that I missed while my Xbox was MIA and this week’s agenda was full of some robo-killing space adventures. The first Mass Effect aroused me in ways that no woman ever could. It was one of my favorite games of all time. So I pop in Mass [...]

Guest Review Mass Effect 2: Aliens on Broadway

The Good: Awesome graphics, gameplay, and story that push the envelopes on how modern games should be.

The Bad: New players might be behind on the story and wonder what the plot of the series is; there was also one time that I finished a mission and on the cinematic afterwards I got a game over screen but no other glitches so far.

The Verdict: Everyone should make love to this game like you can make love with the alien in the biosuit. I believe this game could be in the running for game of the year.

Mass Effect 2: A Breakup Letter

The Good: each squad member’s story is better told and more interesting than most stories in other games; the revamped combat system is fast-paced and exciting; enjoyed the carry-over elements when playing as an imported Mass Effect 1 character (they weren’t game changing, but they certainly added interesting elements); actually felt a desire to see my squad survive the final mission.

The Bad: no loot and a very boring upgrade system; streamlined RPG system takes away some of the customization; completely gets rid of an inventory; sense of scale diminished from the last game as most planets are unable to be visited; overarching story feels like a middle story—I didn’t feel like this game added much to the canon of Mass Effect other than stringing together the beginning and the upcoming conclusion (Mass Effect 3) to the trilogy.

The Verdict: Buy. It is well crafted, a smooth experience, and the stories of your squad members are perhaps the most memorable in video game history. Just know that this game really plays more like an action game (more so than the first Mass Effect) and barely feels like an RPG. If you want that traditional RPG experience—building up characters, equipping the weapons you want, etc—I honestly can’t recommend this to you. If you’re not a fan of third-person shooters, I also can’t recommend this to you. To everyone else, buy this game or borrow it if you’re nervous about it.