Mass Effect 2

K. Fields
2022-05-11T19:02:36-04:00
Video Games

After finishing Mass Effect 2 from the Legendary Edition, I am now two-thirds of the way through the Mass Effect trilogy. The first game was excellent. BioWare delivered another winner in Mass Effect 2. Both are all-time classics as far as role-playing games. Despite many similarities, the gameplay evolved in the sequel. The first Mass Effect felt more like a traditional RPG with action/shooter elements while Mass Effect 2 felt a bit more like an action/shooter with RPG elements. It's a bit like Alien vs Aliens. Combat was largely improved in Mass Effect 2 and gun overheating was replaced by expendable ammunition. The number of squad mates was increased, the inventory system was streamlined, and interstellar travel was changed for the better. Both games featured a paragon/renegade system, which represented Shepard's ethical/moral balance. Not only did this affect dialog choices but they added interrupt actions during certain cut scenes. By choosing a paragon or renegade action, you could drastically change the outcome of the scene. The great thing about the Mass Effect series is that many choices have real consequences in the storyline. In fact, I imported Shepard from Mass Effect into Mass Effect 2 and several plot elements were preserved between games. That may not be unique but it isn't exactly common in video games.

Production values were high as expected and the Legendary Edition made the game feel fresh despite its age (originally released in 2010). Hollywood talent was again used for voice acting. I recognized Martin Sheen, Yvonne Strahovski, Tricia Helfer, Michael Dorn, and others. At first, I didn't prefer Mass Effect 2 to the original. Mass Effect 2 grew on me, however. Overall, the sequel is more polished and is probably the better game, all things considered. I loved them both. Next up is Mass Effect 3 to close out this epic saga.

The Illusive Man (played by Martin Sheen)