Mass Effect 2 - Behind The Hyped (Inside the reviews)

http://features.metacritic.com/features/2010/mass-effect-2-inside-the-reviews/

One of the all-time greats?

The second in BioWare's planned trilogy of action-RPG games set in outer space almost 200 years into the future, Mass Effect 2 (96 and 95%) finally arrived in stores this week, a little over two years after the first Mass Effect captured the imagination of gamers (and sold over 2 million copies in the process).

The story-driven game revolves around the actions of the player-controlled Commander Shepard, who is sent on a mission to track down the mysterious aliens known as the Collectors, who have been causing entire human colonies to disappear. Expected to contend for the title of game of the year (despite its January release date), Mass Effect 2 is so far living up to the hype, collecting stellar reviews on the level of last year's critical darling, Modern Warfare2 94.

What exactly is so good about Mass Effect 2? That's what we aim to explore here, as we go deeper into the reviews to highlight aspects of the title that the gamer press is excited about. First, to put the scores for ME2 in perspective, let's see where the game ranks in several different categories:

ALL TIME HIGH SCORES : XBOX 360

1. Grand Theft Auto = METASCORE Average= 98% USER SCORE = 7.6

2. Bioshock = METASCORE= 96% USER SCORE = 8.7

3. Mass Effect2 = 96% = USER SCORE = 9.1

ALL TIME SCORES = PC GAMES

1. Half LIfe 2 - METASCORE=96% USER SCORE = 9.3

2. The Orange Box = METASCORE= 96% USER SCORE = 9.5

3. Half Life 1 = METASCORE = 96% USER SCORE = 9.1

4. Bioshock = METASCORE = 96% USER SCORE = 8.1

5. BALDURS GATE2 = METASCORE=95% USER SCORE = 9.4

6. Mass Effect2 = METASCORE= 95% USER SCORE = 9.1

Mass Effect2 = one of the best games ever, one of this gens best games (my personal favorite singleplayer game this gen). Congrats at releasing two amazing games close to each other Bioware (Dragon Age and ME2).

Differences between the first and second installment

Critics have identified shooting mechanics, load times, and visuals as among the features that have been improved in the sequel. Inventory, armor upgrades and experience are simplified this time around (experience is awarded only at the end of each mission), while the first game's hated vehicular missions have been eliminated altogether. Also, the unique, emotion-driven, real-time "conversation wheel" that allowed extensive user control of dialogue in the first game is back for ME2, with some enhancements.

Pretty much everything that anybody took even the slightest issue with in Mass Effect 1 has been axed or rebuilt entirely. - IGN

Also note that while playing the first ME installment is not a prerequisite for enjoying ME2, those players who still have their save files from the original can import their character and settings into the new game. Your experiences in the first game, in turn, will have an effect on your gameplay in the sequel (including altering the events and characters you encounter), although all players will start at the same level of play and even those players who import their characters will have an opportunity to alter their appearance before diving into ME2.

While you can easily play and enjoy Mass Effect 2 without any knowledge of the original, you'd miss out on how BioWare has masterfully woven the memorable characters and story threads from the first game into this rich new tapestry. -GAMESPY

Overall concept and story

While ME2 is clearly a story-driven game, critics are finding that the main plot is unexceptional if not a bit cliched. Instead, it is the characters and dialogue that elevate the title far above boilerplate science fiction and make the game so "gripping." The sequel includes over a dozen characters with detailed back stories, which gives the game "the feel of a well serialized epic" according to TEAM XBOX

These are some of the most compelling players I've ever seen in a videogame. - IGN

BioWare's scribes have not only created one of video games' greatest stories with Mass Effect 2, they have redefined how stories are is told in this medium - -GAME INFORMER

The main plot is conventional science fiction that draws to a predictable close, so the narrative wonders don't exist within the sturdy-but-safe central story; rather, they gild its periphery - GAMESPOT

Many reviewers found the story satisfying, and even uncommonly emotional. More than one critic also praised the moral ambiguity present throughout ME2, with players often left uncertain whether or not they've done the "right" thing even after they've made a decision, rather than facing easy, black-or-white choices. And Wired was among the publications that found the new game incredibly involving:

You also gain an emotional connection to the characters, which pays off in spades during the game's climax. - WIRED

The writing here is strong enough that it feels authentic when a character breaks down in tears. - GAMES RADAR

Gameplay

Virtually all reviewers — in addition to finding the game fun to play — have focused on shooting and combat, with many agreeing with the assessment of Official Xbox 360 Magazine that the game boasts "fluid and intuitive combat." (That word "fluid" pops up repeatedly in reviews.) However, ME2 seems much more focused on the action part of its action-RPG hybrid, with some critics griping that BioWare went too far in removing a lot of the RPG elements.

The actual game portions are slightly tarnished. … The crunchy role-playing underpinnings of the original are almost entirely gone, replaced by a squad-based shooter that happens to have character ****s and a lot of player-driven dialogue. -1up

Most reviewers, however, echoed GAMESPOT, which noted that "the role-playing elements haven't been pared down as much as they've been cleaned up." Similar phrases like "streamlined," "stripped" and "lean and trim" turn up again and again in reviewer comments, with several publications applauding the elimination of standard RPG "busywork."

On one hand it's a fast-paced action game that bears little resemblance to anything we might have seen in the role playing genre previously, while on the other it's an incredibly complex narrative that requires a huge level of commitment from the player in order to fully appreciate it. - GAMEPRO

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one. I thought Dragon Age was a much better game, even the original Mass Effect so far is the better game.

Just got my CE Yesterday. I have a few games to finish before i start but, im stoked. I most likely will start it on Monday.djsifer01

Its truly an amazing game bud. I hope other developers look at Bioware as an example of improving on games. ME1 was fun and had so much potential, but also had some downfalls... ME2 has fixed any issues ME1 had and basiacally improved on everything. Simply amazing imo.

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one.

EVOLV3

LOL, there are TONS of rpg elements in this game. Just because they improved the combat doesnt mean its not an rpg. Its just as much of an rpg as ME1, KOTOR or Jade Empire imo.

im over 30 hours into this game and the first thing that comes to my mind is RPG, not shooter.

[QUOTE="EVOLV3"]

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one.

kozzy1234

LOL, there are TONS of rpg elements in this game. Just because they improved the combat doesnt mean its not an rpg. Its just as much of an rpg as ME1, KOTOR or Jade Empire imo.

im over 30 hours into this game and the first thing that comes to my mind is RPG, not shooter.

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one. I thought Dragon Age was a much better game, even the original Mass Effect so far is the better game.

EVOLV3

You're right in that traditional RPG elements are missing. Inventory, traditional leveling up (getting XP for killing things), and mission-style ends to quests are gone.

Inventory is better, though. The massive amounts of inventory shuffling in the 1st are gone, thankfully. When you have 20 units of the same gun in each locker, that's just horrible. Levelling up, I'm not missing the level ups every 12 minutes; this is closer to their older games in terms of level up pace. The quest endings save a lot of backtracking, although something could have been worked out.

Characters are definitely better. The pace is much better (remember getting dumped into the Citadel and trying to figure out what to do?) The combat is 100X better. Classes are way better. AI is better. Hell, even the lighting is better. It's overall much better than the original.

This game is great,I am tired of the same old RPGs.

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one. I thought Dragon Age was a much better game, even the original Mass Effect so far is the better game.

EVOLV3

I loved the original & love Mass Effect 2 even more. They majorly improved the game & created one awesome & entertaining experience.

Thank You Bioware!

Only 58 critic reviews? Where are the rest. When my new PC arrives I will test this out with some ME2. See what all the fuss is about.

Mass Effect was like Assassins Creed in a sense. Both new IPs, both good games. Mass Effect was much better though. ME2 is to ME what AC2 was to AC. A massive improvement in almost every aspect. More characters, & in my opinion more likeable. A story as interesting, if not better then the first. Combat miles ahead of the first, almost on par with gears, and that's before you include biotics & squad control (Which then sets itself apart from Gears, not making it worse, but not an improvement over Gears, just different). Almost no technical issues. Redundant RPG elements removed, such as the inventory system which I spent ages breaking down hundreds of the same items to turn to omni-gel & pointless character improvements, such as spending a point to increase weapon damage by 1%, where as now they have halved the level cap & a point will increase weapon damage by 5-10%. Exploration removed & replaced withs scanning, which as of yet I still don't mind, though it's the type of thing I'd expect to get bored of.

People whining over some RPG elements being removed really have to take a step back & remember what they offered in the first ME. They were redundant & tedious. My only complaint is the helmet can't be toggled like the first, but even then, I would have it removed indoors all the time anyway, but because they now have attribute bonuses I feel I am missing something, though they are very small. I can't consider using the preorder armour for this reason as the helmet cannot be removed, though I like the N7 armour the most anyway, so it gives me an excuse not to use them. ME2 is the greatest single player experience this gen.

[QUOTE="EVOLV3"]

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one. I thought Dragon Age was a much better game, even the original Mass Effect so far is the better game.

R3FURBISHED

It's the best game I've played this generation.

[QUOTE="R3FURBISHED"][QUOTE="EVOLV3"]

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one. I thought Dragon Age was a much better game, even the original Mass Effect so far is the better game.

EVOLV3

What RPG elements does ME have over ME2 that you liked & why?

Its nice that they liked it?

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

[QUOTE="EVOLV3"]

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one.

EVOLV3

LOL, there are TONS of rpg elements in this game. Just because they improved the combat doesnt mean its not an rpg. Its just as much of an rpg as ME1, KOTOR or Jade Empire imo.

im over 30 hours into this game and the first thing that comes to my mind is RPG, not shooter.

I don't understand why it matters what Genre its under. The game is what it is. I'll back anyone who says this is the best combat you'll find in an 'RPG' game. But I will also back anyone who says it has 'RPG' elements, while some elements are missing. Does that at all effect the quality of the game? No, not unless you only play games under a certain genre.

As soon as I get the power supply needed to run my new graphics card, I will get this along with the original. I got tired of missing out on PC/360 exclusives and decided to upgrade my PC for the task of taking them on. Now that this is getting rave reviews, I'm glad I made the investment.

I don't understand why it matters what Genre its under. The game is what it is. I'll back anyone who says this is the best combat you'll find in an 'RPG' game. But I will also back anyone who says it has 'RPG' elements, while some elements are missing. Does that at all effect the quality of the game? No, not unless you only play games under a certain genre.

BadNewsBen

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

[QUOTE="EVOLV3"]

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one.

EVOLV3

LOL, there are TONS of rpg elements in this game. Just because they improved the combat doesnt mean its not an rpg. Its just as much of an rpg as ME1, KOTOR or Jade Empire imo.

im over 30 hours into this game and the first thing that comes to my mind is RPG, not shooter.

There is loot, a form of inventory; but that part is reduced. There is character customization through their stats, which is the important aspect. Individual stats are there, damage, health, shields, etc. It's just done differently, and that's not bad; different is good.

i dont see much of an rpg in there tbh but bioware have made the right decision to take it in this direction and sacrifice rpg elements. overall the game just works much better than the original, which was in itself a great game, and the result is something spectacular. one of the best games this gen for me, no doubt

Dragon Age was one of my favorite games this gen due to its pure RPG feel. Mass Effect on the other hand I do feel is better because of the inclusion of RPG elements which was originally the reason I bought it.

EVOLV3

I understand what you are saying, but, for myself at least, Dragon Age felt like an RPG that was trying to be an action game due to the fact that there is so much combat and so little resting (or so I saw) on how you play the game - being said, sure there were choices that if you made choice A than this would happen and if you made choice B than this would happen. But it all led to the same place in the end. And by the half-way point, you new every encounter would end in a fight, there was no getting around that.
Not to mention the seemingly random difficulty of battles, one would be a cake walk while another that should be easy would be incredibly difficult.

Concerning ME 1, there were just too many bugs, glitches, Makos, in that game for it to be better than it's highly polished and extremely well designed/executed sequel...even if that sequel is lacking on the RPG side of things. Greatly...

[QUOTE="EVOLV3"]

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

LOL, there are TONS of rpg elements in this game. Just because they improved the combat doesnt mean its not an rpg. Its just as much of an rpg as ME1, KOTOR or Jade Empire imo.

im over 30 hours into this game and the first thing that comes to my mind is RPG, not shooter.

UnnDunn

Its overrated imo. As a third person shooter its pretty good, but Bioware really messed up the RPG side of it by basically not having one. I thought Dragon Age was a much better game, even the original Mass Effect so far is the better game.

EVOLV3

I didnt pick it up yet but i am happy with the way they handeled the RPG elements compared to the original. This is the kind of game that isnt meant to be weighed down by strong RPG elements, the games strengths are its combat, dialogue, and story, all the RPG elements did in the first game was slow that down. Micromanaging my squad, inventory, and skills points in the last game became so boring it started to dampen the experience of the actual gameplay. Bioware recognized this and slimmed it down and it really shows the games strengths. Like they said, its an action rpg, not your average rpg.

The original ME had a few RPG elements that were pointless and affected the experience in a negative way.mo0ksi

Exactly. 2 is much better for their removal.

Mass Effect was like Assassins Creed in a sense. Both new IPs, both good games. Mass Effect was much better though. ME2 is to ME what AC2 was to AC. A massive improvement in almost every aspect. More characters, & in my opinion more likeable. A story as interesting, if not better then the first. Combat miles ahead of the first, almost on par with gears, and that's before you include biotics & squad control (Which then sets itself apart from Gears, not making it worse, but not an improvement over Gears, just different). Almost no technical issues. Redundant RPG elements removed, such as the inventory system which I spent ages breaking down hundreds of the same items to turn to omni-gel & pointless character improvements, such as spending a point to increase weapon damage by 1%, where as now they have halved the level cap & a point will increase weapon damage by 5-10%. Exploration removed & replaced withs scanning, which as of yet I still don't mind, though it's the type of thing I'd expect to get bored of.

People whining over some RPG elements being removed really have to take a step back & remember what they offered in the first ME. They were redundant & tedious. My only complaint is the helmet can't be toggled like the first, but even then, I would have it removed indoors all the time anyway, but because they now have attribute bonuses I feel I am missing something, though they are very small. I can't consider using the preorder armour for this reason as the helmet cannot be removed, though I like the N7 armour the most anyway, so it gives me an excuse not to use them. ME2 is the greatest single player experience this gen.

Twin-Blade

Just wondering are the issues from the first ME resolved in ME2? Primarily:

1. Copy paste areas

2. Inventory systems

3. Boring vehicular sequences

4. Broken melee system

5. Ai

6. Interface

I'm about to get it anyway, just wondering what I should expect..

I love the game even though it's more action than RPG. It brings a kind of identity and focus that the original failed to accomplish. The original ME had a few RPG elements that were pointless and affected the experience in a negative way.mo0ksi

Just wondering are the issues from the first ME resolved in ME2? Primarily:

1. Copy paste areas

2. Inventory systems

3. Boring vehicular sequences

4. Broken melee system

5. Ai

6. Interface

I'm about to get it anyway, just wondering what I should expect..

Gamerz1569

[QUOTE="mo0ksi"]The original ME had a few RPG elements that were pointless and affected the experience in a negative way.psn8214

Exactly. 2 is much better for their removal.