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Mass Effect 2
Game Name: mass Effect 2
Developers: Bioware
Price: £30
Release Date: Out Now!
Review by Andy Yates
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 It's been difficult coming up with a way to review Mass Effect 2 unbiased because even with it's faults it is a superb example of what a sci-fi RPG should be like.
Firstly I'm not going to try and fob you off with "You don't need to play Mass Effect 1 to Enjoy number 2" because that is Rubbish. If you've not played the first game you really need to go and play it straight away! Go on, we'll wait for you to come back...
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...Okay? All sorted? Good, because now you've (hopefully) got a saved game from the first Mass Effect title it's time to import that and play as that character and all the decisions you made from the first game, including the people who lived or died, the people you killed or let live, and the other moral choices presented to you previously. All of it matters, you'll see them all again this time round and because you're this involved in the story nothing you'll have ever played will match this experience (for now at least!)
Of course it is possible to play ME2 without playing the original but it's kind of like starting a book on the 5th chapter, you've only got a vague idea of what's going on!
What's impressive here is how well the plot is managed between the two games, especially with the constant story branching involved. There's a lot of mention of the "good old days", journeying about with the old team and the antics you got up to. In fact, some of the old team return to help again which is just marvellous, it gives a sense of continuity in the story as well as being emotionally rewarding.
 The Story is very even driven in Mass Effect 2, by which I mean you play some parts of it at any point but it's usually obvious when you can move onto a major plot point. A large portion of the game is focused on building the team and gaining their loyalty which is essential to the later stages - if you don't have a mostly loyal team, it's going to get tougher later. Supporting characters also help by providing upgrade schematics to the Normandy (your ship) or other useful additions to your equipment. Once you've gained their loyalty, which involves a specific mission for each character where you help them out in a big way, they also gain an additional unique power.
The characters are brilliant and are my personal reasons for loving this series. My favourite being the morally conflicted ex-cop Garrus and the guilt ridden scientist Mordin. The other supporting cast is also excellent, but I wont mention many here for spoiler reasons! Otherwise a great touch is the opportunity to get a feel for what the rest of the crew of the Normandy is thinking. Wonder through the crew quarters and you'll hear snippets of dialogue as they discuss the mission, or Shepherd and the team. It adds even more life to the rich and interesting world that has been created.
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Thanks for visiting! Please Let me know if you spot any errors (eep!) please let me know! |
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