klashton84
CAGiversary!
http://mudmed.com/2010/02/03/review-mass-effect-2-2/
Hype can become a very dangerous factor when it attaches to a creation. This is especially true with video games where hype generated from an impending sequel often simmers for at least two years. To many, the original Mass Effect debuted amidst praise accompanied by very legitimate issues. The predecessor utilized a terrible inventory system, clunky combat, and contained a multitude of technical annoyances. Mass Effect 2 manages to right the wrongs of the original and culminates in one of the most engaging video games ever created.
Bioware has never lacked in the storytelling department. That is the reason for anyone to pick up one of their titles. In the past players have had to wade through the insufferables that each title included in order to be told a great story. This sequel lacks those insufferable. From the moment the player assumes the role of Shepherd, the entire universe hinges on the calls the good captain makes. In the universe of Mass Effect 2, the character essentially makes three types of decisions: paragon, renegade, or neutral. Based upon these decisions, each team member that Shepherd assembles will have different type of interaction with him/her. While moral choice is far from a new concept in gaming, Bioware evolves the characters by way of individual character-specific side missions. These quests serve as back story for the allies and make them much more than just AI compatriots. Completing these missions gain loyalty, which adds to the likelihood of the team surviving the suicide mission. There are instances where the character must make some decisions that truly require some soul searching. For a video game to effectively make the player care is nothing short of remarkable.
The original Mass Effect suffered from a series of stop and go combat decisions that made what should have been nonstop action an exercise in tedium. Players will be rewarded by learning the nuances of the combat system. By constructing a well balanced team, players can assail enemies with endless combinations of tech, biotic and combat powers. When these powers are used in tandem they become even more devastating. Rather than being inundated with hundreds of guns, Bioware has refined the weaponry system. There are only a fraction of guns compared to the original Mass Effect. Each weapons class has two or three firearms. Munitions are upgrade by conducting surface scans of planets for minerals and finding them on missions. Amongst the combat powers is the ability to switch between different types of ammo. These two concessions correct the dreadful inventory management from the first entry. An additional perk of completing the loyalty missions is another power on the combat wheel. This adds a further layer of complexity to the combat for those who embrace it.
In reviewing Mass Effect 2, I have had to diligently search for the negatives in this masterpiece. If a player newly enters the Mass Effect universe with the sequel, many of the great moments will not carry the resonance sans the history. Yet for the biggest criticism of a game to be not playing the original is outstanding. The game oozes excellence throughout fluid combat and lifelike dialogue. Even in a vacuum, Mass Effect 2 is one of the greatest games of this generation and amongst the greatest of all time. Let the hype for the conclusion of the trilogy begin.
5/5