I suggest you jump straight into Mass Effect 2, even if you haven’t played or finished the first game. Like its predecessor, Mass Effect 2 plays like a movie, where you are its star attraction, the best hope of the galaxy, and a fearless leader all in one.
From the opening portion you will find yourself taking your time enjoying the scenery. Mass Effect 2’s world is a very-detailed and realistic one, even on a computer with relatively weak 9500 GT graphics (at 1152 x 864). The high-production values also extend to the music and sound effects, creating a compelling world that you’re happy to be a part of. While there’s not that much to do in the beginning, that changes the first time you find yourself under enemy fire.
Even the character creation system is well thought out, a logical progression from the opening scenes. That’s the general idea I got from this game. While RPG staples such as package delivery and find the X are prominent, the whole experience seemed quite integrated and quite new to me. The overarching story arc is simplistic at points, merely a clear path you have to take, but the variety of locations and situations you find yourself in keep things interesting. Whether you’re leading your team against an enemy squad, or negotiating your way to ultimate victory, Mass Effect 2’s gameplay is the kind that keeps you playing “for just one more mission”.
And, in the tradition of past Bioware RPG epics like Knights of the Old Republic, and Dragon Age, your teammates feel like living breathing colleagues, instead of cookie-cutter minions suited for specific tasks. As you prepare your team for the suicide mission, earning your subordinates’ loyalty by completing missions where they have a personal interest flesh out their profiles.
It will take a few marathon sessions to get through this game, at least if you want to prepare enough to get everyone out alive. But the fun doesn’t stop after you’ve won the final battle and make a decision that will most likely affect what happens in Mass Effect 3. The different character classes all have their own way of killing enemies, but it’s different enough to merit several playthroughs.
In fact, Bioware shrewdly structured Mass Effect 2 as an advertisement for Mass Effect 1; certain storylines in the second game are dependent on what you did on the first, based on the save game files your import at the beginning. Make certain choices in Mass Effect 1, and you’ll be rewarded with content in Mass Effect 2 that expounds on your old decisions.
And the choices you make within Mass Effect 2 have their own consequences. Fail to win an allies’ loyalty or prepare adequately, and you may find yourself mourning loss in the final battle. Yet more reasons to involve yourself with Bioware’s creations.
Mass Effect 2 is the complete package. From great visuals and involving sound effects, to missions that never seem to get old, this is a game you should spend your hard-earned money on. It will totally be worth it.
Post from: The Gadget Blog
