Mass Effect 2 PC
User Score
8.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1892 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,683 out of 1892
  2. Mixed: 86 out of 1892
  3. Negative: 123 out of 1892

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. RossH
    Feb 17, 2010
    10
    After about 34 hours of this game I realized this is the best game I've ever played. The combat is way more improved from the first game, some of the choices you make at the beginning can really change what happens at the end. If you own the first game (only $20). The different choices you can make almost make a never-ending game. The only complaint I have is that some of the characters aren't completely developed, for example: Miranda was a well made character, while Samara was almost completely developed.… Expand
  2. KevinR.
    Feb 17, 2010
    10
    This game is an absolute work of art. The depth of the story along with the enigmatic characters give this game such an organic feel. It's a single player experience but as I played through the game it all feels as though you're never alone. The sound engineering and musical score is some of the best of all time. I'm constantly in awe of the world in which bioware has created, but just much inspired by the music. Bottom line, this is one of the best games of all time.… Expand
  3. JG
    Mar 22, 2010
    10
    This game is so good i realy dont know where to begin, so i wont i shall leave you in awe at this Amazing game!! i recomend it highly. Well deserved 10/10. Everything about this game just feels polished and everything feels just perfect although i leaves you with thoughts of potential and the desire to never want this outstanding game to end!
  4. ThomasF
    Nov 14, 2010
    10
    This game takes the best of storyline, gameplay and graphics and sticks it into one box. You won't regret the all 20 hours it takes to beat the game, and you may even go back to beat it a couple (or five, hehe) more times doing everything different.
  5. Higher_Standard
    Aug 17, 2010
    8
    Better written, but it seems like the gameplay got even more repetitive when compared to the first. Still an extremely immersible game and well secured in my small vault of favorites. I would give this a ten because I love it. But from a neutral perspective the repetitiveness in gameplay has made it hard for me to play it again until me3 is announced
  6. tommy22
    Aug 20, 2010
    10
    Very good gaming experience, I loved it from beginning to end. For me this game represent what the future of gaming is like. The story is great, the graphics are amazing, the sound is good and overall the game play is very satisfying indeed. For me this is the best game that came out this year!
  7. black_mamba
    Aug 26, 2010
    10
    Best god-damn game ever!
    I mean...I was just speechless when I played it!
    Can't wait for BioWare to release ME3 and import my Commander Shepard of The Normandy to it!!
  8. Icegames
    Sep 14, 2010
    10
    As I played this game for the second time after I bough it when it was released I have to make a small review. And small it is. This game is awesome in every way. 10
  9. MaXiMuMMaXiMuS
    Aug 29, 2010
    10
    I entered the Mass Effect universe through this game. I beat it and I enjoy every single fiber of its existence. I played through and beat Mass Effect 1 twice after beating the second game. 2 is an obvious improvement.

    It just glistens with epic. I've witnessed FPS-only, MMO-only, and even RTS-only fans praise this game for its prominence and go out and buy it. I can guarantee that if any     game will change a genre-strict players mind, this is it. If you like good games, or even good movies, you will like this game.

    I cant even begin to contemplate why anyone would give this less than a 9/10, and even that's being harsh. The game is a complete masterpiece. It blows my mind that somebody had the audacity to say that it's like a mediocre movie. If you fail to perceive this game's quality then you should not be writing reviews, and you shouldn't even be playing games.

    Other developers need to play this game and take notes as I have yet to experience anything of this caliber since Ocarina of Time.

    Hell, the lowest critic score is a 74, and the next one up is an 85, so that should tell you something. Other than the glitches that the PC players experience, it's perfect. That's the only thing keeping it from a 12/10. Ocarina of Time is still the best game of its time. But this is one HELL of a runner up.    … Expand
  10. Shefath
    Sep 7, 2010
    10
    The game is absolutely ea at its best.Bioware did a great job with this game.I loved the graphics and story.Rpg elements are awesome.Overall the game is the best of its kind
  11. Dell_Boi
    Sep 8, 2010
    10
    Rarely does a game come along as special as Mass Effect 2. It is an incredible sequel to an already incredible first game, that picks up proceedings two years after the events on the citadel. What has to be said is the sheer amount of content packed into the game, should the player chose to complete it extensively. There are tens of galaxies to explore, planets to scan, and abnormalities to find and investigate, the game basically plays out exactly how you want it to, with your style of combat, perhaps all guns blazing as a Soldier Class or a more tactical approach as a Biotic, with abilities including levitate and slam, to be able to physically lift enemies out of cover, exposing them to your teams support fire. Speaking of support, Mass Effect 2 has a fantastic range of squad members that become available as you progress in the story and get to know them around the galaxy. Without giving too much away, your new mission to save humanity from a new type of enemy, involves you having to put together a squad, the best of the best, to combat this threat to humanity and the other alien races. You will get to know all of your team with individual missions relating to them, in which you can gain their loyalty and trust, which will make them more focused in missions, and give you a better chance of succeeding. Of course, decision making was always a big part of Mass Effect 1, and things are no different here, with the choices you make pivotal, not just to the game, but also in Mass Effect 3, as your character will carry over to complete the trilogy. If you did happen to complete ME1, which would be highly recommended before starting the second, then your character can be imported into the sequel, looking identical, (apart from new higher textures and the usual graphic updates) and how you played ME1 has a baring on who is alive in the second, and their opinions on you. Some people have criticised the game for losing it's way as an RPG, but I think the balance is perfect between RPG and third person shooter, that fans of both genres will enjoy. Of course, as a third person shooter it is considerably slow paced compared to its rivals, but this just goes to make it more interesting, and add meaning behind what you are trying to achieve. Once you've spent the best part of five hours just talking to your squad, getting their background stories, you do feel an emotional attachment that you will carry with you throughout the missions, this adds to the tension, and the desire, to strive and succeed. Of course everyone will have their favourite squad members, largely dependant on personal preference, and whether or not the player has an attachment through the first game, to characters such as Garus. On to the actual missions, and it has to be said the variety is very good, both in terms of the enemies you will be facing and the beautiful, exotic, and sometimes hazardous planets you will find yourselves in. The developers have obviously thought long and hard about different conditions distant planets could have, and this shows in game with some quite genius ideas. There is one mission on an unstable planet where direct sunlight is too hot to pass, so the player must pass from shade to shade, keeping cool in cover, while battling waves of Geth. That one mission in particular makes you realise your not in home comforts anymore! Other locations include mountainous and snowy planets, exotic tropics with mean jungle vegetation and many more. It's fantastic the detail that has been put into - not only the landscapes - but the skies, they all look distinctly different and whenever you land on a new planet you always find yourselves looking at the constellations in the skies, the moons and shooting starts. Mass Effect 2 truly is a masterpiece, both in story telling and space exploration. It grips you with every mission and also makes you appreciate such detailed story telling, when character dialogue changes mission to mission, based on your choices and the sort of person you are. The RPG elements are still there, just perhaps not as predominantly as they were in the first game, but there is so much content in the game it's not even worth condoning it for going with a more shooter approach. The combat is good, the cover system works well, the weapons have a lot of variety in classes and upgrades, as well as ammo types, such as the ability to freeze enemies and shatter them, or burn them. The variety of enemies always keeps you guessing as to what weapon ammo would be best, depending on if the enemy is protected with shields, armour, or has biotic abilities of it's own. All in all a fantastic sequel that will have you just as deeply attached as the first, and will encapsulate you in your own personal story, with your own unique character and your own unique choices, there is no limit to the outcomes on ME2, and as soon as it's over you'll be begging for ME3 so you can import your character and see out this marvellous series.… Expand
  12. LonBorah
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    Rpg in true sense beyond all expectations a very good contender for the pc game of the year gameplay n graphics is very nice syory is awesome cant wait for the final part. The ending depends on ur decisions . Bioware is going good with dragon age origins mass effect 2 and many more titles . Hope the expansions are good
  13. Tyhcus
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Mass Effect 2 currently represents the pinnacle in interactive story telling. The consequences of choices made in the first game and the relentless action drive you from plot to plot as you weave your own path to the final epic confrontation. The possibility of permanent story death - though not at all difficult to prevent - gave the game a whole more sinister overtone. Bioware are at the top of the game with this release and we can only hope they improve on gameplay mechanics further and bring them up to par with their superb storytelling skills.… Expand
  14. user1234
    Sep 25, 2010
    8
    Big depart from original. In giving the shooter-happy kids pleasure, immersion is sacrificed. No elevators, no Mako, no planet exploration, no polish in story progression (no constant buildup to resolution), no infinite ammo, no thermal heat dissipation. The cine is worth watching, but there isn't much to bother beyond one or two replays. Graphical updates is probably one aspect that's truly improved. In overall, though, style is apparently cut and sliced to dismiss, not improve, the original. Hold airlocks tight, the game might blast your brains through. One can argue it is better, but there is much mainstream influence. For the fans of original... lower your expectations. For the fans of plain entertainment.... a must-have.… Expand
  15. not_good
    Jan 3, 2011
    8
    They cut out a lot of the fluff of the first game. Not as many weapons or armor to choose from, but really, most of it got melted into omni gel which is no longer needed. They ditched the Mako parts which is good. A lot of the rpg leveling system got cut, but again it was mostly fluff stuff like the equivalent of lockpicking, which is just a universal type skill now. This game is a satisfying experience with a high replay value. Much improved on from the first.… Expand
  16. Fireside
    Apr 9, 2011
    8
    Played as a vanguard on the hardest setting (yep, I eat sandwiches with the crust cut off) and had a blast. Was hardcore hard, but doable. Combat is well done and the story is top notch, but there's something about the small restrictive environments that makes me feel a bit claustrophobic. I'd like someone to somehow combine a game like this with the open-world feeling of the Elder Scrolls games.
  17. TerrymcG
    Mar 13, 2011
    5
    Mass Effect 2 really is a mixed bag. One the one hand, one can't help but be impressed with the quality of the audiovisual presentation. The voice actors are probably the best in the business and they are able to create an atmosphere unlike in any other games. Especially Jennifer Hale as the female Shepard deserves a lot of praise for her work. The modelers, animators and texture artists are incredibly talented as well and their work is impressive to behold. Most of the dialog is well written, which is pretty rare for a computer (or should I say video?) game.

    But on the other hand, the actual game play is somewhat clumsy and even boring. Bioware (or perhaps EA?) essentially dropped almost all of the RPG elements and tried to go for a Gears of War type of game play. How ever, they couldn't pull it of. Gears of War is far more fluid and the game play in that game is high octane adrenaline rush. Where as ME2 game play is something from the previous decade. It's unresponsive , repetitive and dull. Duck and cover, point and click. The less said about the embarrassing mini games, the better.

    Bioware prides itself in being able to tell great stories. And while the method of the story telling in ME2 is nice, the actually story is almost non existent. It feels more like a collection of side quests, rather than a really story.

    In the end, one gets the feeling that Bioware is trying to reach out to new gamers. And in doing so, they have decided to ditch the traditional RPG elements. Whether this strategy works for them, I can't really say, but for my part, I will no longer associate the Bioware brand with high quality RPG's. Mass Effect 2 is really an interactive movie with a shoddy fps game. And because games are incredibly expensive, spending money on a mediocrity is simply not worth it. Spend your money on good books or movies instead.    … Expand
  18. Eilrahc
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    A definite MUST PLAY! This game is IGN's 2010 #1 must play game for the Xbox360. Now I played the PC version so I can't speak for the 360 game. The PC version is UNBELIEVABLE. This game has some of the most epic storytelling and character development I've played in a long time. It's also a MASSIVE improvement from the first game (even though I loved the first game). Highlights for me:
    1) D    ialogue options (it's just so much fun)
    2) Exploration (sidequests feel organic especially if there is a connection to the first game)
    3) Character development    … Expand
  19. famu
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    Great game. Graphics are simple, fast and very nice, functional to the game. Main story is good and easy to follow, but there are one or two side-quests in which you haven't a clue about what you're doing. Game is great, i just love combats and i think it's the best part of Mass Effect. Like in the first chapter, you can pause the action to make your choices, and combat is as they often say "easy to learn, difficult to master" like in the best games: football for example. This is a game to taste slowly, like a good wine, because it has a long and very careful work behind. This is the kind of game for which i don't regret spending 50 bucks.… Expand
  20. kram789
    Oct 16, 2010
    6
    Barely enjoyable. I did not play ME1 and I bought ME2 through Steam on-line. Those two conditions probably did me in as I have never gotten comfortable with the combat interface. I am ok with guns. They are simple and work like you think they would. The special talents always seem to go awry. When they work they are great, but its luck. Maybe if I had the game manual it would make more sense. I have played it for hours, but I am not even interested in finishing it.… Expand
  21. Raven224
    Oct 26, 2010
    10
    Whilst lacking the major array of skills the first had this game is not one that needs them in the least indeed it would be to its detriment. Characters are exactly what you want them to be, alive, colourful, even **** The plot stays strong throughout and visually a cut above what most everything else can dream to offer.
  22. Kaizoku2793
    Mar 17, 2011
    10
    Mass Effect 2 is just simply epic only second to Dragon age Origins and Oblivion. It surpasses Mass Effect in every way possible. Cannot wait for Mass Effect 3.
  23. HomeCritic
    Jan 10, 2013
    3
    Mass Effect 2 has the worst continuation of story in any sci-fi. It destroyed the lore of Mass Effect 1, made main antagonists into brain dead morons, and it actually serves no point, because we didn't learn anything really important in it, for example, how to stop the reapers or how to unite a galaxy against this threat and so on and fourth. The beginning just happened and later on no further themes of this "revival" weren't addressed nor the whole process explained. Shepard died and got resurrected, just to serve the plot, it adds no meaning nor change to main characters character, Shepard seems to be just a static brick. Overall, the storyline was not good, at all.
    Other problems contains game mechanics and oversimplification of RPG elements and lore breaking transition from unique concept of weapon mechanics to general ammo clips. Exploration is also dumped down to boring planet search minigame. Customization was improved on some parts, but overall it was also majorly oversimplified and generalized. They really tried to push this game to general audience, which they shouldn't have been doing in the first place.
    ME2 marks the beginning of the complete wreckage for the whole franchise, ME3 being the second mark on that path. This game shows how lack of attention to the detail and story can destroy the potential of interesting and engaging lore.    … Expand
  24. Sovereign
    Oct 25, 2010
    10
    This is the greatest story i ve ever seen in a movie, book or game nothing can compare to this game its the highest achievement in gaming and game of the century/millennium
  25. zombiehampster
    Nov 3, 2010
    10
    I don't think I've said "wow" playing a video game as many times as I did while playing Mass Effect 2. Just to make things perfectly clear, this game is awe inspiring. I was blown away by Mass Effect when it first came out and decided to play through it once again before taking on 2. Well I just finished Mass Effect and jumped straight on to 2...and the difference is like night and day, and not just from a visual perspective. First off, Mass Effect 2 is NOT your traditional definition of a role playing game, but is more of a hybrid of first person shooter with less role-playing elements (compared to the first game) and with an emphasis on action. Personally I was hesitant to see how this would affect the experience, but I'm very happy to say that the game is even more engrossing than the first. Bioware made some very bold decisions with their treatment of ME 2, and I would say that their judgment was sound. The combat system has been tweaked to be more cover based and with the new thermal clips (think ammo supply, but they re-fluff it to fit the game worlds reality) limit mindless blasting. Now you have to be a bit more careful on your ammo expenditure, which to me adds a new level of dynamics to how you approach combat. Thankfully thermal clips can be found in and out of combat fairly easily, so it isn't to the point where it gets unfair, but I ran out of ammo several times and at one point was forced to use some hand to hand attacks to get a Krogan off my teammates. It was one of the best moments yet. Weapons and powers now have different defense types that they are effective against, which gives you a reason to consider their applications against the current enemy you're facing. Bioware also decided to scrap the inventory system altogether, which as of now I don't really miss at all. One of the things that tended to bog down game play for me was the constant need to omni-gel 3/4ths of my inventory every half-hour, which was more annoying than anything. They really put a lot of thought into that, as it doesn't disrupt the flow of the story any more, but it may be nice in the future to return to a more limited item system. Sadly, for the loot-whores, it's pretty much nonexistent, with more of mind towards researching upgrades from the schematics that you find. That being said, I don't miss their disappearance one bit...yet. One thing that does cause some sadness is the loss of the Mako, but from a design perspective, it was a good decision. As much fun as I had landing on barren planet after planet, it did get old after the 15th or so Assignment and grew very repetitive. The planet scanning mini game that replaces it is actually interesting so far, and I like the concept (once I downloaded the patches for faster scanning). The rest of the mini-games that make up the hacking parts of ME 2 are simple (at first, I jumped in with no idea how to play them) enough and only required a little trial and error if you just jump in with no prior knowledge on how they work. I like them better than the ol' frogger or simon game from the first. With that out of the way, let me get to the thing that really makes ME 2 shine, and that's its excellent cinematic style and character development. The voice work is top notch, I had many different moments where I laughed out loud, got teary eyed at some of the more somber moments, and just cheered out when something amazing or unexpected occurred. The games ability to move me and immediately engross me in the world, right from the start, is impressive, and the developers really improved their cinematography compared to the first. One thing that really helps develop the feel of the game is the music. Mass Effects music has always been spectacular, giving it at times a Blade Runner-like feel, and while I'm not normally a fan of the synth-sound, it does its job extremely well and then some. So far I have very little (if at all) complaints about this game. If anything the controls, especially after playing ME 1, take some getting used to. Being the crouch-whore that I am, I felt a bit out of place when my first reaction was to try to crouch in combat, but now there is no such thing. The cover mechanics work well, but I wish that you could separate the use/take cover/storm commands, as I sometimes had difficulty when near cover when attempting to storm away from an incoming missile. The inclusion of the health regeneration is mixed for me, as I like not having a health bar, but in this game it works. All in all this game is the closest thing to the game I would like to see and play. It may not be for everyone, but I think its appeal transcends any genre, be it rpg, fps, or whatever. An engaging story with dynamic characterization (you and your teammates), well written dialogue, and fun game-play are what make ME 2 one of the best games I have ever played, and I have played many, and it would take a very jaded gamer to hate this one.… Expand
  26. lindethier
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    I was a fan of the original Mass Effect, and I got to say I loved Mass Effect 2. Reworking the combat system to be a bit more action paced was a step forward. I like the character dialog, and the side quests you can do for your crew mates are very satisfying. Although I thought the ending came a bit suddenly, if you explore every single planet and get every single side quest completed, you will clock in a hefty amount of time. All in all, it was a worthy sequel to the first game, and nicely sets the stage for the third game.… Expand
  27. Brumbek
    Jul 2, 2011
    7
    First, ME2 has brilliant production values. The art design is amazing and the presentation is stellar, like most BioWare games. But strip away all that, and you have a very lacking game, sadly. Missions are greatly stripped down compared to ME1, and even character interaction is "streamlined" for the sake of "accessibility". Actual driving was replaced with a load screen...physically finding minerals was replaced with the infamous mini-game...weapon customization was removed...how is this progress? But the biggest crime is the story...it's totally contrived. Nobody can explain why the bad guys did what they did...the end boss made no sense and was never explained. Where's Saren when you need him... So sorry to say but ME2 has suffered the BioWare effect where they take a great game and make the sequel vastly inferior in order to misguidedly appeal to the "masses". Well this "masses" effect is NOT making things better. ME2 is still a great game...just fatally flawed and is more of a tragicomedy than its developers realize. I score it a 3 compared to ME1, 8 or 9 compared to most games, and a 7 overall.… Expand
  28. AlexKershaw
    Nov 21, 2010
    10
    Presentation - 10
    Graphics - 10
    Sound - 10
    Gameplay - 10
    Lasting appeal - 10

    Story is great with lots of depth, the graphics and voice acting is awesome and the choices and customisability works really well... Perfection?
  29. zerohearne
    Nov 24, 2010
    10
    This is a must have game!!!! The best, buy it you won't regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    You get to build your own ship,assemble teams and get to choose your missions.
    Plus it has amazing graphics. no bugs, just a great game.
  30. AdenFlorian
    Dec 9, 2010
    10
    It's been a while since I've played a game as good as ME2. I've never felt so connected to the characters before, the combat seemed just right, might use very slight tweaking. Story was awesome, just the whole game rocked.
  31. Sepoquro
    Sep 10, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. *SOME MINOR SPOILERS*
    I really liked the story, but the combat sometimes gets a little repetitive and the RPG element is just too weak, maybe even weaker than the original Mass Effect.

    Also, thus far (before Mass Effect 3 may reveal some things), the story seemed a little pointless (not saying its not good; it's just mostly irrelevant to ME1). I mean in Mass Effect 1 you discovered about the Reaper threat, and you would have expected that the Reapers show up en masse in ME2, but instead the only thing you find in ME2 that helps with the story long term is what happened to the Protheans and all those before them.

    So really, it is like:
    ME1: Reapers are coming!
    ME2: What, Reapers?
    ME3: Reapers are here!

    Mass Effect 2 could be cut out and the story on the long term is still going to be fine and I doubt anyone would notice it if the new characters are cut out in ME3.    … Expand
  32. zouozof
    Dec 25, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this game is a wonderful story but very very nice, seems to think of a movie, but the gameplay and each player makes his decisions based on the various options and this makes it a good game, the characters are done in a very realistic but have also been taken from real people makes it even more interesting a game, the graphics are one of the best I've ever seen, in addition to those scenes where the player can do little at the end as the ship going through the remains destroyed ships from the base of the collectors is a scene from the film, beautiful and well done with many details, the game is very imaginative… Expand
  33. Itsapaul
    Dec 26, 2010
    10
    Really the best shooter to come out for a while, but I can't stand fps games so maybe I'm biased. Its not really an rpg since theres no loot or inventory involved, and customization is strictly powers-based since you're going to get the upgrades for all your guns anyway (and those all have specific uses so you can't be a "shotgun x" 100% of the time really). The story is top notch and Mass Effect is a superb sci-fi universe overall For all you casuals, the graphics are amazing.… Expand
  34. liho1eye
    Dec 30, 2010
    8
    Great story. Nice improvement to combat since ME1. Cool and fun game.
    On downside upgrade system was dumbed down. Dialogs make me want to punch people. Clipping into walls and ceiling.
  35. Sarge376
    Feb 4, 2011
    10
    Bioware.. is there a better RPG developer? If so, Mass Effect 2 extinguishes any doubt. A stunningly beautiful game with spectacular scenery and amazing visuals, this game will not disappoint when it comes to eye candy. A step up from the traditional RPG style of Bioware, the games combat allows real time combat and decent shooter action, with the well known Bioware stragetical pausing weve grown accustomed to all mixed together. The games real strengths come from the plot, which allows the player to choose various conversation choices aswell as plot paths which can make dramatic consequences to the way the player experiences and inevitably ends the game. If you are a veteran of RPGs or wanting to dip your toe in and test the water, Mass Effect 2 is an excellent game to experience. The worst thing about this game is the time waiting for Mass Effect 3 to be released. 10/10.… Expand
  36. rambostyrer
    Jun 26, 2011
    7
    Good game, But a weaker story, and the fact they cut out most of the roleplaying elements, makes it a weaker game than the first, witch is a shame, because what it does well it does really well. good action sequences, I thought the characters, were a lot more interesting this time, we got to see more of the galaxy, places like illium and the Krogan homeworld were interesting places. So Bioware if you wanna make the third Mass effect a smash hit classic, you take a strong story and the roleplaying elements of the first game, and mix it with the action, and more interesting setting of the second.… Expand
  37. veridian
    Jan 25, 2011
    10
    To me, in short, ME2 is close to plain awesome, in almost every aspect. Hats off to Drew Karpyshyn for inventing the ME universe, for the books and game script (and of course to all the team who participated in game development). The story, the execution, the choices, animations, combat, dialogue, immersion, believable characters, graphics, music - I was impressed. DLCs add some new action to the game, and if you're a fan of the franchise, you know what to do. All in all, you are left wanting more, expecting the final part of the trilogy. Highly recommended!… Expand
  38. Gratson
    May 20, 2011
    9
    Great storyline, fun gameplay. Felt a bit like playing through a movie, was quite enjoyable. Not quite as long as I'd hoped for, but that's the only complaint I have. It's one of the few recent RPGs I didn't get bored of before I finished it, which is mainly due to the enjoyable storyline.
  39. Morring
    Apr 7, 2013
    7
    Good game, with a few flaws. Graphics and sound are quite good, and while you may have less sidequests than ME1 if you're not interested in the DLCs at least this time you won't be exploring the same three maps with a few crates in a different position. The plot offers you a limited choice, to be fair most of the time you will just have different ways to get to the same result, but the characters, voice acting and the one plot you have are actually very enjoyable. If this approach is something you don't like then consider buying something else, like The Witcher 2, before ME2. The inventory system is quite different from ME, you will only have a few versions of each weapon and some upgrades, this again is a matter of taste. ME had a clunky, console friendly inventory which I don't mind at all forgetting, the old grid based diablo and nwn system would have been a better choice than what you had in ME so I can't see any reason to complain, while some people seem to miss it. Combat manages to be fun for the whole game. Based on your class you will have different ways to hack trough you enemy's defenses and go for the kill, by sheer firepower or trough one of the many abilities, freezing and shattering them with an headshot or just push them up above or down into a pit with your biotic powers. The final boss is probably the easiest battle in the whole game toh. You can find something better in the "Lair of the shadow broker" dlc.

    Some very annoying flaws: you're going to find your character slide up on a few obstacles without any way to get back down. This only happens on a few obstacles, but it is quite frustrating having to reload your game for a bug like this. Another common problem is the game crashing at some points when you try to change the weapons equipped on your characters. If you bough some weapon dlc this adds some extra irony.

    All in all, for me it felt like playing a not too recent final fantasy game, with less grinding, good graphics and a fighting system that isn't annoying. It may not be your cup of coffee, but if it is then you're going to love this game.    … Expand
  40. SteelSoapy
    Feb 26, 2011
    10
    This is the most satisfying game I have ever played. In many series, the first game makes a hit, but then the sequels are usually just little different versions that are no better or just worse than the first. This is a huge exception. The first was great, but Mass Effect 2 is so much better. People are not happy about the less customizations in the game. Sure, I understand, but it was more satisfying not to have to mess with it and just shoot, throw, and electricute things while fighting. There is still customization, just not as upgrades. It's mostly just armor parts, finding another weapon, or armor colors and pieces. It's better for the people who just want to play and enjoy the movie-like game. The many choices and path ways for your character to go through dictate what happens in the future of the story. Also, some events in this game are a result of what happened in your character's story in the first Mass Effect whether you import your character or not. It's just amazing and easy to get sucked into just like a great movie. Just like my first Mass Effect review, this is something that you have to walk into not expecting it to be like any other game or run the same way as its prequel, which has disappointed people. Mass Effect 2 is in a league of its own, making it one of the top rated PC games of all time on Metacritic (94).… Expand
  41. RiktheRuler
    Mar 6, 2011
    10
    This game was very enjoyable. The graphics were great, the story line was great, the movie clips were not to time consuming and the fighting was fun. The only thing that was borderline boring was the way you went about gaining necessary points or resources for upgrading weapons but it was not bad and I found out in the end I did way more than necessary. The only thing I would complain about is the total lack of need for the sexual content to make this a good game. I don't understand why it was put in there. I would love to have played this game with my son but not going to happen due to this content plus borderline unacceptable as a married man. Most men would probably not feel comfortable with their wives or daughters watching as they played this game. Why is that necessary? Great game other than that though.… Expand
  42. mt2e
    Mar 9, 2011
    10
    The reason I'm giving it a 10 instead of a 9 is because I would honestly feel bad because in my heart it felt like a 10, in my logical mind it felt like a 9. First off the story, the acting, the delivery of both of those is the best I'v EVER seen in any video game. The combat is so crisp, clean, entertaining that I was in disbelief the first time I was able to shoot anything. Rating this game a 10 but there are still improvements I could see being made, like the mini games, a more diverse mini game experience. Honestly this game is so good that dosen't even matter because while doing a mini game I was so pleased with everything else I didn't care. Good games let u ignore the small faults, because those can be improved on. Honestly this game was like watching Star Wars for the first time.....for me it was like when I use to watch Star Trek Voyager every week when that series just came out....it was well...an unforgettable experience. a 10 ALL DAY.… Expand
  43. schnoogens
    May 29, 2011
    10
    Amazing game. Awesome storytelling, great action sequences, and they removed some of the confusing inventory management from the first game. It's like playing a movie. This is a must-play and is my favorite RPG of all time...it has exceeded Fallout 3.
  44. PalladiumGM
    Mar 11, 2011
    6
    Mass Effect 2 is a very polished and occasionally brilliant RPG. Prepare to be disappointed by a lack of customization, a loss of freedom and the nagging feeling that it's just an on rails shooter in disguise. Also DLC delivery is this game's reason to be and if you don't want to pay through the nose, wait for the eventual 'ultimate' package with everything in it and buy it shortly before/after ME3 comes out.… Expand
  45. paritosh47
    Mar 10, 2011
    10
    Those who are saying ME2 is one of the best rpg are not familiar with the term 'evolution'.......ME2 is not one of the best rpg......its THE best rpg ever made....its the evolution in rpg genre mixed with third person shooter elements.......epic storyline......hardcore decision making......memorable characters......legendary protagonist which is defined by users........nd extreme graphics(no doubt visually pc version is better than both xbox 360 nd ps3)......the best part of the game is that the decisions made by you in ME1 will directly effect the storyline if save games are imported.....i will not disclose more detail...ITS A MUST PLAY GAME.......MASS EFFECT SERIES IS THE BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER LIVED..........WAITING FOR MASS EFFECT 3....… Expand
  46. wordy_actions
    May 26, 2011
    10
    Honestly, this is one of the best games I've ever played. The story, character interaction, and dialog is second to none. I've played it through eight times on different characters and each time the emotional turns and set pieces are still impressive. Several fantastic DLC, such as Shadow Broker, have further boosted the game's standing. True, they've removed a lot of classic RPG elements like inventory management. But they've created a huge and believable universe to explore and fight in, one that should be the envy of any other RPG. Still it's not a true blood RPG and it shouldn't be called that, but that isn't a bad thing. It's an amazing Action-Shooter-RPG hybrid that has only improved with additional playthroughs. Can't wait for Mass Effect 3!… Expand
  47. Underscore
    Mar 15, 2011
    7
    Initially, I had fairly low expectations for the game, I'd seen it in passing by GameStop a couple times, heard the name, confused it with Dead Space, Fissure (Or whatever the name was, where you have some nice Spore World-Shaper guns), and any other sci-fi shooter.
    My friend insisted I play it, and I was reluctant, to say the least, but eventually I tried it.
    Great story, great characte    rs, great voice acting (Besides male-shep. Weird, seeing as it's a talented voice actor, maybe the director is to blame here?), great graphics (Though I'm not one to end a decision on graphics at all), and a wonderful assortment of Mage/Warrior/Rogue-esque classes brought into the future. The explanations for some of the things in the game are a little wonky, but it's a fantasy game.… Expand
  48. mjwilliams84
    Mar 17, 2011
    8
    Mass Effect 2 has the feel of directing a multi-million dollar blockbuster. You don't create your own character nor roleplay it per sé, you just guide and direct the epic sci-fi story as it unfolds. Superbly written characters, a much improved cover/shoot combat system and streamlined stats make it a very worthy time-sink indeed. Highly recommended for fans of RPG and FPS-centric games alike.… Expand
  49. AnnoyingPourage
    Apr 20, 2011
    9
    Easily a 10 for the first 90% of the game. The only thing kept me from calling this "perfect" was how much it built up to the conclusion and then ending abruptly (which is to say how badly I wanted more from it). Great game! As for all the haters that are clearly outnumbered here, why not do yourself a favor and actually try to enjoy this game? Don't you know it takes more muscles to type hate than to do this - - - > ^_^… Expand
  50. Doublecross
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    OMG BEST GAME EVER!!!!!!!!!!! Love love love love it!!!! I really like what they have done with this new installment, I mean i love the whole franchise but, it really just gets better everytime i play it lol.
  51. Tata
    Sep 20, 2011
    8
    I don't know what others see in this game. Yes,it is good, no, It isn't great. Story is kind of a mixed bag; good, but feels extremely unrealistic (yes, I know this is a sci-fi game). The combat part of the game is the worst. I don't know if the console ports have this, but you can shoot from behind a wall even though you don't flat to the wall and companion abilities are done from your perspective not the one who uses it. These things weren't present in the original game. Insanity difficulty is challenging, despite these irritations/bugs. The other problem is the inventory. You can't change companion armors and when you have to choose yours the stat display feels very misplaced. Character development is great, dialogue is the same. After 3 play-through I can say this game is good, but not great like the original.… Expand
  52. frax_bigos
    Mar 28, 2011
    7
    Too many differences between the first and second chapter of this title may disorient some Mass Effect's fans. The game is drastically action-oriented and it should be classified as an action-rpg.
    The game experience is fun and immersive. It has many strengths, but also some weaknesses that puts it still away from being a true masterpiece. Pros:
    -Great storyline: worthy of Star Wars seri    es
    -Detailed background history
    -Great character psychological profiles
    -Fluid and intensive action
    -Immersive scenarios
    -Good sound-tracks
    -Many hours of game

    Cons:
    -Too easy, even the most difficult levels of play
    -Some graphical glitches in the dialogues
    -Really poor and boring exploration feature
    -Few and anonymous sub-quests

    Love it or hate it... two thumbs up for me!    … Expand
  53. zentoo
    Apr 14, 2011
    9
    I have spend above a 100 hours in mass effect 2, so you might as well ask yourself why I dont give this game a perfect 10. Its quite simply really, there are some small flaws. I will try to explain them, but know the game is really an extremely well designed experience. With that said; I find there are two flaws in this game. First, the number of comrades you pick up in the game is to large. Now, you might ask why this could possibly be a problem. This is quite simple, all of them have a "loyalty quest" - and with so many comrades all the sidequests feel a disconnected to the main plot. Add to this that with so many comrades, you never get a special feeling for any of the comrades - like you did in the first mass effect where you had a more limited number of them. Its a shame really.

    The second flaw, is the whole weapon system. This problem is more compounded by several smaller issues. First off is the "new and improved" ammo system, which blows to be honest. The first game had a heatcooldown system, which was actually fine. Now you have what they call "heat clips" that are universal, yet you cant shift them between the your weapons - this is just plain odd. besides the weapon selection is dumbed down to much. You have a severely limited amount of weapontypes to choose from, and the way you upgrade and find them feel.... well to be honest, mildly retarded. But even though the games have these flaws, I will still rate it a 9 for the solid script, plot and surperb gameplay.

    Score (9.0)    … Expand
  54. HighwayUK
    Sep 5, 2011
    7
    Expands the story very well, although heavily spoilt by amount of DLCs that you have to buy to make the game even halfway decent in length. Paid DLCs is a ripoff no matter how it's marketed, the game is VERY short even with them all.
  55. TheArchitect
    Apr 24, 2011
    10
    Awesome!!! Mass Effect 1 was a great game all by itself,but in ME2 Bioware removed almost every flaw of ME1 like boring vehicle drives,generic bases on planets,cluttered inventory,difficult aiming of powers etc.ME2 delivers much more streamlined and fast paced combat that is both fun,engaging and challenging (on higher difficulty levels).Some people claim that ME2 is less RPG than ME1,I strongly disagree,neither game is a true RPG,both are action RPGs,and ME1 inventory system with millions of upgrades for weapons and armor were more frustrating to most people than enjoyable.While I think that ME2 solution to that issue isnt the best out there,it is an improvement over ME1 though I must criticize the lack of option to change armors for the party members,alternative outfits after they become loyal dont cut it.Everything is well designed,graphics is beautiful,music is epic,voice acting excellent,storyline and party members mostly very well done.Mass Effect universe sucks you right in through a most beautiful cinematic experience where your decisions actually matter,it feels like you are in an interactive movie that is absolutely epic.Story,characters and party members are all very believable and engaging,something that is rarely seen in games.I havent played a game that involved me this much since Baldur's Gate.The game lore is also very convincing and I found myself more than once reading Mass Effect wiki a lot.Cant wait for Mass Effect 3.If you havent played Mass Effect series,do it now,you will not regret it.One of the best games ever that you will play over and over again.It does have few minor flaws like simplicity of the most quests,planet scanning and mining is slow etc.Despite the minor flaws this game delivers so much and sets new standards for games,almost everything in the game is well polished and absolutely lifelike and believable.I recommend you play ME1 too,to get a better feeling for the entire story.I am generally very critical when it comes to dissecting games but ME2 is tough to criticize,all minor flaws are overshadowed by the awesomeness of the rest of the game that is why I cant give it anything less than 10.… Expand
  56. rpm
    Sep 24, 2012
    8
    Having played all three games in this series multiple times with a variety of characters, my conclusion is that ME1 is still my favorite followed by ME3 and then ME2 close behind.

    When ME2 came out I imported my ME1 saves, and then when ME3 came out, I imported my saves from ME2 and carried on with the story. After playing ME3 with several of my characters, I then went back and started     new characters in ME1 and played all three games back to back to back, and it was enjoyable to play it as one huge story arc.

    This brings be to both the praise worthy elements and criticisms of this review of ME2.

    1. Brilliant opening cinematic and basis for creating/recreating your character.
    The opening sequence provides both a dramatic narrative and a clever method of providing the player with the option of sticking with the same character played in ME1 or choosing another type.

    2. Graphics +/-
    When you play this series one after another, you really notice how the graphics evolve over the years these games were produced. While there is a stark improvement to the environments from ME1 to ME2 and character models are superior, I do feel that there was more artistic skill involved in rendering the characters in ME1. As an analogy, some artists can do more with 6 colors than less talented artists can do with 24. It seemed to me that the artists involved with ME2 had superior software and got a little lazy. There are exceptions...Jack, for one...but the rendering in ME2 seems a little plastic compared to ME1.

    3. Story
    This is basically a squad building game. Find the unique new characters and add them to your team. Both you and the enemy are trying to add to their teams. Nothing really happens storywise that progresses you from the end of ME1 to the beginning of ME3 other than each side trying to add to their strength through numbers. It isn't a bad story, just not as good as ME1.

    4. Gameplay
    To me, ME2 seems much more like a 3rd Person Shooter than ME1, which had more RPG elements. How much you enjoy ME2 is very much dependent on what style of play you want. If you are an RPG'er like me, then you will probably be disappointed with the changes made to ME2. Most RPG'ers like to micro-manage their squad. ME2 streamlines many of the elements in ME1, removing many of the choices which were, to me, a fun aspect of ME1. But if you want to just blow away enemies and not worry about details, this will be a lot of fun for you.

    Conclusion:
    Mass Effect 2 is a great game. The story is just enough, the new companions are well done, and the visual style is effective. I just happen to enjoy ME1 more (except for a few really silly dialogue sequences such as Matriarch Benezia's main scene). Try playing all three games in a row to get a good idea of how they compare!    … Expand
  57. PET
    May 27, 2011
    8
    I personally enjoyed Mass Effect 1 better. Mass Effect 2 tends to be more of a shooter, with some crappy shooter mechanics. I enjoyed it but I became way to bored. I just wanted to finish it. As I said it's more of a shooter, however the shooter mechanics are not that great. For once, you have limited weapons. I found some of them but never bothere on changing my team mates weapons. No need. Second, you don't know which weapon was better? What ar the advantages of XYZ weapon. Nothing. Second, they force you to use other weapons because you will run out of bullets. I persoanlly wanted to play as a sniper. I did this in the first game and it was damn fun. But here, I ran out of bullets so fast that I had to use the assault weapon. After each fight, you need to go to collect bullets... it really out focuses me of the storry. Also, the story is like this: 1. New threat 2. Get a team 3. Each of your members need a "personal favor". 4. If you do their mission, they become loyal. 5. You go to the relay 6. Finish the game That's about it. I finished it in 21 hours and no... it wasn't really that great. What I really enjoyed about the game was the sound. It really used my headphones that have an USB Sound Card. Also. The level up system. Very boring. You have ... like 2 abilities and the rest are different "bullets". ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz In Mass Effect 1 you really feel like you are advancing. Getting moints in something and you become better at it. And you can also see the result. 8/10… Expand
  58. Yann
    May 6, 2011
    8
    [FR] La suite magnifique d'un jeu exceptionnel. Mass Effect est un jeux qui mélange jeu de tir à la première personne et jeu de rôle où chaque décision prise influence intégralement l'avenir de votre personnage... Les actions et décisions que vous prennez dans Mass Effect 2 se répercuteront (parfois de manière dramatique) dans la suite tant attendue; Mass Effect 3. Le système d'amélioration d'armes est un pur plaisir et la manŅ Expand
  59. zogondragon
    May 14, 2011
    10
    Indeed, a great action RPG game. You should try this, if you are a gamer. Storyline is simplified a little bit, but improved combat system and the depth of characters are compensating that fact.
  60. aikeno
    May 11, 2011
    9
    The most re playable out of any game I have ever owned, far too much fun I cant wait for the third installment. I do hope that they add more RPG element to 3 like more customizable weapons (like in ME1) and armor. And maybe even more powers for biotics. either way I'm looking forward to ME3
  61. illidan4
    May 14, 2011
    10
    Never liked the fantasy genre. By role-playing games treated very coldly. But Mass Effect sunk into the soul and even became a favorite game. Becomes sad when the game ends, because this game want more and more.
  62. R3ct4ngle
    May 15, 2011
    10
    This game has been the most satisfying and addicting game that I have played since Diablo II. The game has its shortcomings (Limited choice for weapons, limited free roaming that differs from ME1, and some glitches that get you stuck) but its positives far outweigh the negatives. As a previous ME1 player it was very nice to see some of my decisions actually appear in the second game. The combat system is fun, and it offers different play styles for different players. I have played through all difficulty levels as all of the classes, most recently playing as a soldier on insanity. The replay value in this single player game is amazing. Great characters, great interactions, great story line.… Expand
  63. DevilhornsMag
    May 22, 2011
    10
    Pure poetry, this is the closest a game has come to true cinematic greatness. Story, characters, feeling, choice, combat, visuals..everything comes together brilliantly in this. Yes please, bring on more of the goodness :)
  64. Lanzmann
    May 21, 2011
    10
    Lacks pace, but that's pretty much it. The experience is enjoyable, the story is still thrilling (even though paces terribly) and the graphics are very good. The excellent soundtrack and voice acting add to it as well. Now, if you're whining that this isn't an RPG, go play The Bard's Tale or something. It's still an incredible game, and beats its predecessor in almost every aspect.
  65. Anaron
    May 18, 2011
    9
    A satisfying game that lives up to the first game in just about every sense. The game allows you to be the galaxy's most-feared renegade or its most-loved paragon. The only downside is the removal of some RPG elements that made the first game quite enjoyable.
  66. Gozeta
    May 25, 2011
    10
    thoroughly enjoyed Mass Effect 2. I replayed this game 3 times. I can not wait for ME3. The only down side is that I can only romance one character at a time! :X
  67. Xarran
    May 11, 2013
    10
    What can i say about this game? It is still the best game I ever played. The combat mechanics are much improved from Mass Effect 1 and feels much more fluid.The story is is great, it keept me intrested the whole time. All characters are intresting each in their own way(especially Mordin & Legion). The game is full of decisions wich have consequences that ripple thru the story and also effects in Mass Effect 3. Only gripes i have with the game is that the planet scanning minigame becomes a bit tedious. It takes too long to scan the planets and get the ressources you need. Also the rpg elements have been reduced quite significantly and there is not enough of Liara T'Soni! So are you gonna be the Paragon Shepard who is nice to everyone or are you gonna be Renegade Shepard who punches people in the face? The choice is yours! I'm Commander Shepard and this is my favorite game on the citadel!… Expand
  68. Mystril
    Aug 10, 2011
    10
    10/10.

    I cannot believe that people actually WANT TO SPEND THEIR TIME managing a completely useless inventory, when they can go out and smack enemies about in ME2. I enjoyed the fact that there was no inventory to speak of in ME2, and it was one of the good points of DA II. I like getting new items, I really do, it is awesome to get new good loot. I fully understand that, but I don't wa    nt to have to manage it in an inventory and I don't want to have to swap from Katana I to Katana II and III every damn time I kill an enemy and receive the new and upgraded weapon. Loot should be meaningful, and rewarded from something special (kill boss or complete difficult mission etc.).

    Mass Effect missed some things. It's combat wasn't all that good (ME2 improved on that), it's exploration "system" sucked (ME2 removed and got in planet scanning, imo just remove both), graphics (ME2 improved bigtime), immersion (I felt more inline with my shepard in ME2 than ME1).
    ME 2 did also miss out on some things. In essence, the main story, is rather shallow, it feels like the game is a big mix of side missions, rather than a big main story and some side missions. The storyline could use a little bit of work. In the end, though, I have enjoyed every minute with ME2 and I am super hyped for ME 3.
    I will give it a 9/10 because of the "little" miss on the storyline.    … Expand
  69. Ross_Peterson
    May 27, 2011
    9
    Would give this game a 10 had it not been for the simplification of the RP aspect that made ME1 exceptional. In removing the bugs, awful loading times, and terrible mechanics and travel, ME2 also removed inventory, customization, and a crucial story-arc that is truly dimensional. That being said, Mass Effect 2 is still one of the top video games that have ever been created, right up there with anything you throw at it. From its dazzling cut-scenes to its exceptional game-play, Mass Effect 2 MORE than made up for its flaws, and obliterated Mass Effect 1 in terms of overall quality in comparison. The story was compelling and at times even emotional. A true indication that a video game can be art. This was more than a game, and you would shoot yourself in the foot if you never gave this game a chance.… Expand
  70. MrCinnamon
    Jun 21, 2011
    10
    First off, I want to point out the stupidity of Users giving low scores at the moment. Almost all are giving it a low score because they release DLC's. Thats like criticising an author for releasing each of his books individually over 5 years instead of putting them in a 1000 page omnibus. Mass Effect 2 is a masterpiece. A symphony of stunning graphics, sublime voice acting, innovative gameplay, incredibly gripping non-linear story and a rich sci-fi universe, brimming with lively characters. This will go down in the history of gaming. One of the greatest RPG trilogies that will ever be made.… Expand
  71. Mofoso
    May 30, 2011
    9
    Game play and story line are phenomenal, extremely satisfying, fun and action packed story line with a interesting "Karma" system. Only cons are that the facial graphics and animation in some of the cut scenes are some times awkward and that the cover system is a little corky. Another con is that the lines that Commander Shepard says in some of the cut scenes on occasion are slightly cheesy. Overall great game with a few minor cons that in no way affect the game play experience but could still be improved.… Expand
  72. Powderkeg40
    Jun 5, 2011
    10
    I ended up playing through this one 3 times in full and part of me still feels the draw to have another go. Flat out amazing game one of the best of 2010 for sure and I'd probably rank it in the top 10 games I've played of all time. And I've been gaming since you could fit multiple games on a 5 & 1/4 floppy.
  73. DrakkenPA
    Jun 9, 2011
    10
    Leading off with 10. Games are for fun, enjoyment diversion. ME2 delivered that to me in spades. The biggest gripe from others seems to stem from what an RPG is or isn't. For some the R stands for loot, inventory, tons of gear, options etc. For others the R is the characters, story and action. For me, the R is that latter. I really could care less about the drudgery of inventory and looting that the original ME1 contained. For those that miss that, it's cool... to each their own. However to consider that "RPG Roots" reaches all the way back to pen and paper games, some of those were loot heavy gear fests and some where story, character and action driven. To claim that ME2 "oversimplifies the RPG genre", it really comes down to what you consider and RPG to be. It's a very individual choice... not an 'ending of the genre' as some might claim. My $0.02… Expand
  74. sgt0pimienta
    Jul 20, 2011
    10
    Mass effect 2 is AMAZING...if you consider yourself a skilled pc gamer,who even past mass effect 1,with ALL its content it should give up to 40-50 gameplay hours,but remember this issn't to be counted as one game,but as a full story,including ME 1 you should have 80-90 hours,this game has an inmense replay value.

    it only has three issues:

    You have to play the first one if you wish to ull    y understand it
    you need a good system,most of the complaints about framerate are because they forgot to get an average video card.
    it has changed to satisfy the action players a bit more,but the rpg players a bit less.

    But overall,with an average to good video card this game shouldt present problems and everyone will enjoy it.    … Expand
  75. snowshreder
    Jul 5, 2011
    8
    I have to admit, this game was fun i enjoyed it quite a bit, Although I cant help but feel like this was meant to be a movie more than a game and i'm talking about a Sci-Fi Grade B movie. I still think the game is worth buying but doesn't deserve a 9.
  76. TheMaximalist
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    From Bioware comes the next installment in their sci fi shooter Mass Effect 2. Things begin right after Mass Effect 1's ending and the Normandy and it's crew are sent to investigate the Terminus System where ships have dissapeared. Once again you can play as Shepard who is violently killed when the Normandy is attacked then the organization Cerberus rebuilds you and you have to find out what is happening and stop it. Instead of being bossed around by the alliance you are bossed around by the Illusive Man voiced by Martin Sheen. The Game looks beautiful and the sound of plasma rushing past your head is great too. The combat is similar to Mass Effect 1 there is some new powers it is lighter on the RPG side but I did not mind that because the devs put extra detail into the battles. This time you have ammo instead of guns heating up which is great. You go to different planets in the game and gather up a crew to fight the enemy. There are little side missions to gain the crews loyalty too to increse the survivability on the final mission and if you suck bad on the final mission you can even get Shepard killed. I didn't make any sexy relationships this time over all that I did was have a girl over for dinner though but then she died. The game is great I have played through it 15 times since i got it ill give it a 9.5 this review will be on my blog also at http://www.maximalistgtg.blogspot.com/… Expand
  77. AlienSpaceBats
    Jan 27, 2013
    8
    Chest-high walls everywhere! Mass Effect 2 trades in most of the RPG (inventory, loot) elements from the first game, changes its tone (darker, more serious) and expands on the combat elements. Thankfully the dialogue wheel and conversations are just as expansive as before, although hub worlds and areas have been minimized, marginalized (the Citadel is tiny now). No vehicle sections (amended somewhat with DLC), though the "N7" missions are back and aren't repetitive this time around. Stellar voice acting, music and cinematography as to be expected, writing is very dodgy in places but as far as experiences go, this one is hard to beat - the endgame ("suicide run") is second to none.… Expand
  78. gvazdas
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    This game was really charming, beautiful and interesting.
    The plot twists were really though out, the story was very original and not a copycat from the first game.
    The characters were very developed and the action was improved over the last game.
    Mass Effect offered very great features and story while Mass Effect 2 improved over every aspect of the game. BioWare has made another great gam    e with interesting story.… Expand
  79. Sangman
    Aug 5, 2011
    8
    To put things into perspective: I liked the first Mass Effect, however I will likely never be able to replay it again because some things in it annoyed me so much, the planet exploration being the biggest offender... Now on to Mass Effect 2, it plays like the first game, except the combat has been much improved and the most annoying things from the first game have been cut out (the tedious exploration being one of them). Fear not though, in most cases there is a... suitable replacement for those things, so it's not like things like exploration are gone entirely. It's just different, simpler - 'dumbed down' if you wish to call it that.

    Indeed, the RPG elements from the first game have been simplified a bit. The inventory system is gone, the skill/level system has been edited (I don't like the changes to that), the weapon/armor mods are gone for the most part... I'm not too thrilled about all the changes, but it all makes sense in its own way. The inventory was very cumbersome to use in the first game, I felt. Improving it would have been a better idea rather than cutting it though.

    I guess you could say that Mass Effect 2 is now an action/adventure game with some light RPG elements but I'm not sure if that's fair. The dialogue things are still very in-depth and choices you make still affect the outcome of things (albeit sometimes in an unexpected or even nonsensical way) which is what makes an RPG in my eyes and not things like an inventory system.

    Now speaking of dialogue... this is my main pet peeve with Mass Effect 2: the story is not very interesting and most of the characters are just really unlikable. You meet most of the characters from the original game again (depending on choices you made in the first game, if you decide to import a save) but all of them have turned into complete bastards. I liked Garrus in the first game, he seemed like an honorable vigilante kind of guy who'd fight to do the right thing. Mass Effect 2 continues that idea but goes a bit overboard with it by turning Garrus into a bitter, violent guy who shoots criminals like there's no tomorrow. It might seem like an OK evolution of the character but I didn't like it. The same can be said for many other characters.

    There are a lot of other things I could say about Mass Effect 2 but what it boils down to for me is this: it's an excellent action/adventure game with RPG elements, lots of dialogue, an interesting story that **** itself inside out near the end, if you like long epic games you'll enjoy it. I spent 35 hours beating the game (this includes sidequests) and it was time well spent, despite the flaws. I'd say it's better than the first game.    … Expand
  80. Sealreth
    Aug 8, 2011
    10
    Well I could Describe it in one sentence: One of the best kickassing brilliant si-fi addictive Bioware game ever released Bioware Really really impressed me with part one couldn't wait for 2 had to play it,
    And here it was they did it again, again they made me have tears in my eyes, the story in the mass effect sage is so good it will make you cry ^^

    ROCK on Bioware (and ea)

    Sealreth,
  81. zupergozer
    Aug 24, 2011
    10
    this game is really story focused...just the way I like it. the story is fun and well written, gameplay is average but the game also has vehicle sections with horrible controls but you get used at the controls ( to bad that is at the last level) overall one of the best RPGs i have played and i mean in which other game can you bang aliens in space!
  82. Scyrenus
    Oct 7, 2011
    10
    Best game i ever played. The story is just so amazing i can't stop replaying the game again and again from start to the end. Also the game is very emotional in many ways which made me cry once or twice.
  83. MatiMata
    Mar 28, 2013
    10
    I've just finished it for the second time, after restarting my character, making a new different shepard. the second time was even better than the first one, it took me long hours, I think between 20-30 to finish it, with lots of side quests.
    This game is amazing for how it makes you get sucked into the characters, the plot, the reactions, the environment, you actually feel they are alive    , they exist somewhere else, that's the amazing sense you get along the game, and after you finish it.

    I always recommend starting with the first Mass effect, which is a bit uncomfortable by game-play meanings, but is also amazing, by plot and characters.
    Even though some elements were removed like, inventory etc... it won't affect the game in general, hell I didn't even notice that it didn't have those options, until the end. and I didn't care.

    This game gives you the spice and makes you want another one, like this isn't finished yet, and bioware already provided ME3. what else can you ask for?    … Expand
  84. cgriff63
    Aug 15, 2012
    10
    Hands down one of the greatest games I've ever played. The story is incredible, and the gameplay is near perfect, and the worlds themselves are beautiful. But the best thing about this about this game would have to be the characters. Each character in your squad gets a unique and thrilling two missions devoted to them that help flesh them out as characters along with a ton of dialogue that helps establish their backstory. Of all of the characters I had on my team, I didn't find a single one to be generic, or uninteresting. I recommend this game to anyone who is into or even has an appreciation for space related science fiction (i.e. star wars, star trek.)… Expand
  85. hellgate007
    Jan 18, 2013
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fist play through on the 360 later I got this for this PC on budget buy OMG no gamepad support again for the sequel, really!? The combat is much more fluid almost fun but taking away the buggy rides and keeping in the chatting up your crew to get laid is so inane and pointless.… Expand
  86. Darkmark
    Mar 9, 2013
    9
    Definetly the best game in the series in my opinion. The gameplay is pretty much the same as the other games, but the missions are much more interesting and i really liked the system of having to earn your squads trust. The story is probably also the best in the series and it comes up with some difficult choices every now and then.
  87. Undersky
    Nov 22, 2012
    9
    If you like RPGs this game is a must. Very nice story line combined with charismatic characters and a decent combat system mixing the engaging FPS style with the tactical RPG elements. The scenarios are small and linear but the game itself is so epic that I can't see myself giving it anything but a 9.

    WARNING: Half or more of the game are dialogues and cut scenes, you can skip everythin    g if you want of course but the very essence of the game you won't experience if you do. ME2 isn't Counter Strike, RPG comes first, FPS second. Keep it in mind.… Expand
  88. LeyendaV
    Jan 28, 2013
    9
    El juego es mas un título de Acción que un RPG, algo que no me agradó mucho. Sin embargo, los errores del primero se corrigen en esta secuela directa, que te permite usar el save del juego original para que la narrativa sea exacta, con una historia absolutamente maravillosa de trasfondo.
  89. stvartak
    Feb 25, 2013
    8
    If you haven't played the original Mass Effect, what are waiting for? Go play it...it's great. And if you disliked the original, you won't like this sequel any better...it's not that different. And finally, if you played and liked the original, there are numerous changes that you may find pleasing or annoying, but overall it's the same look and feel, the same world, many of the same characters, and an exciting progression toward whatever conclusion awaits in Mass Effect 3. It does suffer a bit from middle-child syndrome, as part two of any three-part series does, giving you neither the thrill of witnessing the beginning nor the satisfaction of a final conclusion. Still, ME2 has at least 80% of what you liked in ME1, so spend a few bucks for 40+ hours of solid entertainment.… Expand
  90. grazr
    Sep 13, 2012
    5
    The game is good and a must play for ME fans, but the move from non-ammo count firearms to ammo seems almost nonsensical as it completely changes how one sees the unique futuristic weapons. Scrounging for ammo is one of the least enjoyable aspects of shooters. Game was kinda ruined by the constant purposeful delaying of the final mission and the environment (galaxy) seemed so much more claustrophobic for some reason. Due to the above issues the game feels more of a grind than the first.… Expand
  91. birdman3
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    I have not played Mass Effect 1- but I still found this game to be amazing. The characters, the story, the gameplay - it is pure fun. The cover-based squad combat works great. The downsides to this game are that you have very limited options when it comes to choosing weapons- there is often one clear weapon to choose over another when picking a shotgun, pistol, SMG, etc. Also, the game seems to get into the end-game very quickly- just when you think you're just coming together as a team, you hit the last level. Finally, it seems that choosing different squadmates has a very small impact on gameplay- it makes little difference who I choose to bring with me. They all do about the same amount of damage- the only thing that changes are your abilities, which means that teammates with the more useful abilities should ALWAYS be chosen over those that don't have useful abilities. Other than this, everything about the game (except for the mining mini-game. Don't get me started on that) is phenomenal- there is a universe here that is meant to be explored, and boy is it fun.… Expand
  92. idohaker
    Dec 12, 2012
    10
    i dont belive that the best game in the frenchise i got in free i buy dragon age 2 so because of that i get the game in free i am a huge fan of the mass effect frenchise my first game of the frenchise was mass effect 2 that i got on free from that point on i became a huge fan the great story the gameplay side quest and the women mass effect 2 is the best in the frenchise for now until mass effect 4 will come out and then i will test again what is the best in the frenchise… Expand
  93. suneater
    Dec 13, 2012
    7
    Stripped of RPG elements, this is a disappointing sequel given the premise that was built in the original. It seems the popular thing to do nowadays is turn every franchise into Gears of War or Call of Duty because that's what Bioware did with this game; Mass Effect 2 is effectively Gears of War with a chat wheel. On it's own it would've been an excellent spin-off but calling this an RPG shows what a sad state of affairs the game industry is in. If you played the first you can import your character and your actions from the previous game do have some weight but this also presents the problem of killing the replay value. This is a good squad-based third person shooter but it's no RPG.… Expand
  94. balente
    Nov 24, 2012
    10
    this game is awesome... just the launch trailer gives me chills and the game itself makes me cry... seriously... im really looking forward to see Mass Effect 3 someday...
  95. Voorhees
    Dec 3, 2012
    10
    I loved the first game. This second game is the first with everything improved.In my first gameplay I played 7h without stopping. Nice characters,story,everything! It's perfect!
  96. alex82101
    Feb 4, 2013
    9
    Mass Effect 2 is amazing game from the start. The beginning tells us that this game is going to be epic and massive. The graphics are gorgeous even though the facial expressions can be bit clumsy sometimes. None of this really matters because the part where the game really shines is exploration. You can explore every planet and learn about its history and its properties. The cities are gorgeous. You can see that the developers put a lot of effort in the cities and they look really beautiful. Sadly the game faces a small problem. The combat can be very clumsy sometimes. It is not very dynamic, instead it reminds me of trenches combat in World War I. Enemies almost never rush you and as long as you stay in cover you won't die. Your movement is limited also which can make you frustrated sometimes. Overall this game is brilliant in what it tries to do. If you are fan of sci-fi games and like exploring this game is for you. Look no further.… Expand
  97. Kydos
    Dec 20, 2012
    8
    I feel like they really ironed out a lot of the problems I had with ME1 in this game. It felt a little more balanced from the start especially since your weapons now require ammunition, even if they do shower ammo upon you at least for the lower difficulties. There seemed to be a lot more choice in this game having the option to not even pick up all available team members and being asked to make decisions which could cost the lives of certain members. Unlike in ME1 you could make it through with your entire team or you could lose a lot of lives so it felt like there was actual pressure to make the right decisions. Ultimately though the way forward in terms of squad preservation was glaringly obvious and only required the patience for a bunch of sidequests so when a team mate dies it doesn't feel like you made a mistake, it feels like you just couldn't be bothered saving them. Lots of improvements on the first game and another great experience.… Expand
  98. CrusherTM
    Dec 26, 2012
    9
    Very good game from BioWare. Excellent graphics, fantastic fight mode. I have no words to describe this game. One of the most amazing games from EA - this words could be fine.
  99. DoesntMatter
    Dec 24, 2012
    4
    What I expected: More from what I got in the first game. What I got: A dumbed down, consolized game with bad game mechanics and a terrible UI. Good things first. The presentation (graphics, animations, voice over) works great, pretty much like in the first game, and the story is nice. Unfortunately, that's where the good things end. The decision that guns now require ammo is something I can accept and would even prefer. But why does my boss spend billions on a star ship with an advanced armory, yet doesn't have enough cash to buy me some ammo? That way, I have to rely on the ammo I find from dead enemies, which don't always drop the ammo I need. Great, but that's one of the minor flaws of this game: Before I started playing, I had to fix several bugs with the mouse speed and colorization of the game. Many players are complaining about this on forums, but Bioware never bothered to patch these things themselves. Then, I can hardly enjoy anything in this game, because the user interface is so *** **** bad. You can't double click in menus, always need to "click item", then "click ok button". It's not even possible to confirm with ENTER, you have to click the button. Every time. Same goes for the star map. On top of that, there are no shortcut keys to get to the important menus, you have to hit ESC and then click the menu you want to bring up. You can navigate there with the arrow keys, but for some reason unknown to anyone in this galaxy, the controls are reversed. Left goes right, down goes up. Doing simple things takes forever, because the interface is just such a damn mess. Also, every time you pick something up, a message about the item will pop up and fill about half of your screen. They got most of this right in the first game, then changed it to this to "improve" the game for gaming consoles and didn't bother to change it for the PC version - but not only is it bad for PC players, it's also an insult to console gamers. They must really think you're stupid when they dumb down a game like that. Then again, maybe many console gamers are.… Expand
  100. AngryGRG
    Mar 10, 2013
    9
    Mass Effect 2 is one of the best games ever made, it's amazing soundtrack, its gripping story, amazing made characters including your love interest. It is a awesome game made upon hard decision making and assembling your team for the ultimate-suicide mission. The game has a satisfying ending to it, making you want to reply it over again and wanting you to play the next game in the Trilogy. Though this game does have bugs and glitches, but those are minor and acceptable, nothing to ruin the experience. If you are a Mass Effect fan or not, this is a must own.… Expand
Page:

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 55 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. Vandal Online
    96
    Mass Effect 2 resumes with pride the path opened by the first game. This sequel is a lesson of how things should be made.
    Read full review
  2. AtomicGamer
    96
    Mass Effect 2 delivers a story that's deeper than what many novelists are capable of, and its action is better than what most Hollywood directors are creating nowadays. It's an addictive, engrossing experience that many gamers will replay over and over while they hold their breath waiting for the third game.
    Read full review
  3. PC Games (Germany)
    88
    A brilliant mix of shooter and role-playing, filled with great characters, excellent design, lots of action and clever dialogue. It's a shame though that Bioware did not improve the inventory and skill system of the first game, but actually reduced it even more. I really wished there were more customization options, more ways to develop and gear up my characters. But all these are merely small points of criticism, since there is so much to feel and experience in this game. Mass Effect 2 is a thrilling, emotional ride and ultimately every bit as good as its predecessor.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »