Mass Effect 2

Developer: Bioware

Publisher: EA

During the life cycle of each console generation, there are always a small number of titles that emerge and become instant classics. The Mass Effect series, in particular Mass Effect 2 (ME2) is definitely one of those games.

Continuing the story of Commander Shepherd, ME2 follows a very similar path to the first game. Shepherd is presented with an insanely dangerous mission, then spends the main body of the game recruiting a crew skilful and brave enough to carry out the task. Tightening up the controls and often annoying menu systems from the first game, ME2 integrates many of the frustrating its elements and applies them in a much more streamlined fashion. This means that many of the stat and weapon management systems, whilst still present, now go on automatically behind the scenes instead of having the player address each point individually. This results in a much more immersive experience.

ME2 feels, and plays very much like a third person shooter. This has the potential to put off the more traditional RPG enthusiast, however it works really well and the game is far better for it. Accessing your character from the first game is quick and seamless, with an interesting and engaging twist that allows players to edit their old shepherd in any way they like.

Probably the most important and captivating part of the series is the story. The different relationships fashioned along with the choices players will make that affect the outcome of the game make an obvious and welcome return. The same dialogue trees are also present, meaning that players familiar to the series will feel at home right away.

There are a few frustrating areas of ME2 that will probably annoy some players though. Neutral, paragon and evil dialogue options are still as obvious as ever, with the paragon choices being blue, and its polar opposite being red. Some will like this as it allows them to carve a clear personality for their character. However, an option to turn the colour coding off would have been nice – much in the way that Bioware’s other RPG Dragon Age: Origins keeps the nature of the morality of the dialogue a secret, resulting in a more dynamic experience.

The nature of the conversations can also become frustrating. There are a number of times throughout the game that a conversation option will be present, and when selected, will launch Shepherd into retorts that seem to be said in a completely different context to the initial appearance of the choice. This leaves the gamer feeling a little cheated. Animations of the characters can also be a little poor sometimes as well. Attempts to make Shepherd look at ease and laid back usually end up making him look really awkward. This is no more apparent than when a player successfully progresses through a romance tree. Shepherd can invite his lover up to his room. Setting in motion some of the most socially awkward moments you will ever see.

Even with all its faults, Mass Effect 2 is one of the most engaging and captivating games we have seen this generation. Players who buy this game should make sure that they have plenty of free time over the coming weeks because when they start playing, it’s going to be difficult to put the controller down. Interesting, characters that have morally divisive personalities bring the world to life in a way that few games have ever achieved. To complement this, the developers have clearly put a lot of effort into the back story, and fleshed it out to such a level that the lore and history that it has to offer can rival many of biggest space fairing franchises we have today. Any players interested in RPGs have to play this game because quite simply, it’s one of the best.