Stuff about Mass Effect 2 (Spoilers)
By Sarumarine 3 Comments
After I beat Mass Effect 2 I took a few days to let things sink in. I really enjoy this game. It took a bit of adjusting to all the changes they made but I think it's better for it.
One of the first things I noticed is how Wild West the Terminus System is. There's smoking, drinking, and there are even a few quick draw pistol hip shots. Shepard does a pistol hip shot. Zaeed does a pistol hip shot. One of the mercenaries does a pistol hip shot. Hell, at one point I was dissapointed there wasn't a gun that looked vaguely like a revolver if only to make those scenes more awesome on other playthroughs. I've read a few mentions of a Magnificent Seven vibe surrounding the game here and there, but man, you could go as far to say "How the Terminus was won". Not to mention Shepard isn't much more than a hired gun with a cool ship and a few willing volunteers. It's a nice touch to let you know that you aren't in Citadel space anymore. It also lets Bioware cut loose with character design. I mean, there's a Elcor smoking a cigar on Omega. I had to do a double take just to make sure it wasn't a mutation or part of his body. If you scan enough planets you can find a Batarian lighting up for a smoke break. Although, Batarians are into so much dirt that seeing one of them smoking isn't all that surprising.
But Citadel Space is a no smoking zone so that's probably why you don't see any Batarians there. Heh.
Another thing I love about this game is any chance to hang out with Quarians, Geth, and then mess with them. It's too bad that getting Legion as early as possible screws your chances of getting the best ending but it's so much fun to drag him around from planet to planet. I was a little sad that taking him to the Citadel doesn't really do anything. I wanted alarms to go off and for people to shit bricks that there was a Geth on the station. However, it's also kind of funny that no one seems to notice or care. I can just picture someone on the citadel "Maybe if I ignore it, it will ignore me", or maybe "I DO NOT SEE ANY GETH AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. GOOD DAY SIR!" Taking Legion to the Migrant Fleet is a different matter. As soon as you step on board the Rayya there are a million guns pointed at him. It makes him seem pretty badass because he doesn't react. I know he's machine, but it's like he's not impressed with the Quarian's hostile response. Getting into the trial, the voice actors for the Admirals was pretty funny. Apparently, Claudia Black (Admiral Xen) wants to rule all Geth. I don't know if I'm down with that. However, she's the only Quarian on the station who seems like she would give Legion a high five . . . before trying to open him up like a soup can.
Lastly, playing a new character (give or take a few long service bonuses) on Hardcore is god damn intense. Shit gets real. Even the stupid Mechs have armor to chip away. Suddenly it's no longer Shepard saves the galaxy while his two friends watch. You have to use your team. It's like, "Miranda! Warp that guy!" "Mordin! Burn that guy's armor!" "Grunt! Concussive shot!" "Holy shit! Someone kill that god damn Krogan!" It's definately put a new lease on the game. Also, after trying out Engineer and Vanguard I wanted to see the Soldier. The bullet time skill plus sniper rifle headshot equals tons of fun. Plus, I can finally enjoy the assault rifle. Now all those cutscenes where Shepard magically whips out an Assault Rifle no longer look totally funky.
Oh, and there should be a Mass Effect 2.5 where you play as Mordin Solus and he kicks everyone's ass. I'd play it. Heh.
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