MASS EFFECT 2
9.5 out of 10

Very few video games fall into the “Amazing” category…Mass Effect 2 is one of those games. I was one of the rare people that didn’t play Mass Effect 1, yet I was able to fully embrace the broad scope of Mass Effect 2. The initial draw for ME2 for me was the strong cast of voice talent they got, Martin Sheen, Seth Green, Michael Hogan, Carrie –Anne Moss, Tricia Helfer, and Michael Dorn. Usually when a game can produce that much talent – you can almost assume the budget for this game will be huge and very few corners will be cut. Well – it’s the truth. This game is one of the more complete games I’ve ever played. There was some initial hesitation about not knowing the story and if I would be lost but that wasn’t the issue at all – There’s a small cinematic before the game starts that brings you up to speed on the last few minutes of the first game. From then on, you’re in the thick of Mass Effect 2 and it’s an amazing ride.

For those who don’t know – Mass Effect 2 is action role playing game. There’s plenty of 3rd person shooter action – but there’s a fair amount of storyline and choices to be made – and those choices determine the path you’ll walk down. Now you need to be careful – because the choices you make now, will certainly affect the outcome of the game. There’s also a vast universe that’s ready to explored and plundered for ore to upgrade your equipment. You can also easily get yourself lost in conversation – trying to figure out which response will get you the most beneficial result. Mass Effect 2 is one of those games you don’t just want to play through – it’s one of those games that you want to play to perfection. Trust me, I’m already on my 2nd playthrough and trying to make better decisions than I did last time.

Mass Effect 2 isn’t for the casual gamer – it’s for the hardcore gamer in all of us. ME2 is one of those games that could turn a casual gamer hardcore, and turn a hardcore gamer into a hermit that won’t see the light of day for weeks. The Downloadable content so far is pretty good – even throwing a bone back to Mass Effect 1 as you raid the crash site of the original ship. The best way to describe this game is the “Dark Knight” of Video Games. Very few video games will come close to matching the complexity and completeness of Mass Effect 2. Go out and buy this game – you will NOT be disappointed. 9.5 out of 10

Andy