While navigating various star systems via the galaxy map, you can scan planets and mine them for resources through a mini-game. The mini game isn’t bad, but quickly becomes tedious as you’ll have to do a lot of it if you wish to research all available upgrades. This definitely comes off as a downer considering the brilliant pacing of the rest of the game. However, the research is generally worth it as it gives you access to some very useful upgrades and fun-to-use weapons like a devastating nuke-launcher, which can clear an area of all enemies in a single shot accompanied by an eye-popping explosion.
Mass Effect 2 allows you to import your saved characters from the first game. A lot of the decisions you made during the first game are carried over to your new game. But in case you do not have a save file, some of these decisions are made by the game itself depending on what suits the plot best. Fans of the first game who have played it multiple times will surely love how even minor characters make an appearance in some way. However, many of the bigger decisions do not have a big impact on the way the story unfolds in Mass Effect 2.
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Those expecting their actions from the first game to have a significant impact in the sequel may be a little disappointed. Either way, Mass Effect 2 does manage to feel like a natural progression from the events of the first game. It does not feel like more of the same. It’s always difficult to pull off the ‘middle part’ of a trilogy, but Bioware has succeeded at that. The game feels much darker and more sinister in tone compared to the first game. The shady new locations you’ll visit this time stand in stark contrast to the squeaky-clean Citadel and the sterile environments of the first game.
The musical score also deserves special mention. It’s a great mix of electronic synths and orchestral and sounds appropriate to the setting. It adds a lot to the atmosphere and some of the crucial moments in the game, especially the finale. There is a lot of random humour to be found in the game, especially if you have a good knowledge of the game universe. Whether it’s private conversations between NPCs, advertisements or just quips from your squad members, there’s always something that will make you laugh. All in all, Mass Effect 2 is an extremely polished game. It seems like Bioware simply refused to cut corners and compromise on the quality of the game. With that said, it’s still not perfect. The engine is well-optimised, but there are still some minor glitches to be found, like Shepard getting stuck in the environment (remedied only by loading a previous save) or enemy AI going brain-dead at times.
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A single playthrough of Mass Effect 2 should take anything from 25 to 40 hours (or more) depending on how many optional missions you choose to pursue. However, this is certainly not a game that’s meant to be rushed through. Playing it at a slower pace is a far more rewarding experience than just breezing through one mission after another. The game is also highly replayable thanks to the different character classes, harder modes and the choice of playing either as a male or a female Shepard.
Add to that the light morality system which either brands you as a Paragon if you play nice or a Renegade if you decide to be a ruthless uncaring bastard and you have a game that plays differently each time. There are also multiple outcomes for the choices you make throughout the game and they also affect how the ending plays out. Needless to say, if you’re interested in experiencing every single thing the game has to offer, you will have to play through it multiple times. The game is brilliantly paced and offers some genuinely thrilling missions and set pieces that you will want to go through again.
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Unlike the first game, Mass Effect 2 releases simultaneously on the Xbox 360 and the PC. The PC version is definitely the better-looking and better-performing of the two. The load times are quick on the PC and the command interface when the game is paused is slicker and easier to use than the radial menu of the Xbox 360 version. You can hotkey powers and abilities to number keys, letting you use them without pausing the action. The aforementioned prospecting mini game is also less time-consuming on the PC version thanks to the presence of mouse control. The PC version, however, does not have any support for gamepads or the Xbox 360 controller. If you own an Xbox 360 as well as a gaming PC and are on the fence about which version to pick up, the PC version is definitely our recommendation… unless you really, really need those Achievement Points.
Conclusion
Mass Effect 2 is everything a sequel should be. Bioware has stripped the franchise off all that held it back and has taken some major risks with the design, but in the end, it all works. Even the most skeptical RPG fans will appreciate the fresh new take on the classic RPG template and newcomers to the genre will feel right at home with its accessible gameplay. But even more than that, the game deserves credit for bringing to life an entire universe full of great locations, intergalactic politics, fantastic technology and quirky characters. The Mass Effect universe may borrow a lot from other sci-fi franchises but it’s still one of the best fully realised game worlds you’ll ever experience. Mass Effect 2 is certainly an early contender for the Game of the Year and has surely earned a place among the best games of all time. Yes, it’s that good. Why are you still reading this? There’s a galaxy to be saved!
(+) Great production values
(+) Improved combat is satisfying and fun
(+) New characters are a lot of fun
(+) Excellent writing. Conversations always remain interesting
(+) Some very well designed missions
(+) Solid visuals and a great background score
(-) Scanning planets for minerals isn’t a lot of fun
(-) Many decisions from the first game don’t have a big impact on the story
Title: Mass Effect 2
Developer/Publisher: Bioware/EA
Genre: Action RPG
Rating: 18
Platforms: Xbox 360 (Standard – Rs 2,499, Collector’s – Rs 2,999), PC (Standard – Rs 999, Collector’s – Rs 2,999)
Reviewed on: Xbox 360, PC
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