Mass Effect 2

Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Bioware
# of Players: 1 player
Platforms: PS3
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Release Date: January 18, 2011
ESERB: M-Mature (Blood, Drug Reference, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence)

Mean As Hell Rating
10/10

Rejoice PS3 owners! Good things come to those that wait! The best version of Mass Effect 2 is all yours! Ok maybe that was a little too fanboyish, but it goes without saying that not too many gamers saw this coming... especially 360 owners. It was released a year ago on the 360 and PC, now it is on the PS3 and improved to boot! Those gamers that only pay attention to the PS3 radar may be somewhat confused as to when the original Mass Effect came out and why you didn't get your sweaty palms on it. Fact is; it never came out on the PS3. The series first entry came "only" to the Xbox 360 and the PC. And since Microsoft published the game, PS3 owners will never see it on their console. That's the bad news; good news is that Mass Effect 2 is on the PS3 and it is bigger and better than it's predecessor in every way.

I know how you guys feel; it's the 2nd entry to series and you're just jumping on, almost like walking into a movie mid reel. But let me tell you this; Bioware has more than delivered on their end. They have given us an awesome package that makes you forget about skipping the first title. It is also worth mentioning that the original Mass Effect is a totally different game next to Mass Effect 2, so in gameplay terms you're getting a richer experience right off the bat. And while Mass Effect 2 is a story driven medium directly related to the original title, you get a much needed recap of prior events. It is an interactive comic that explains the story of the first game and lets you make choices that will affect your playthrough of the sequel. Add that with fact that Mass Effect 2 on the PS3 comes with a load of DLC extras and even an enhanced game engine and it is pretty clear that: Mass Effect 2 on the Playstation 3 is best most complete version of the game yet! I will say however that it is in your best interest to purchase this game new to get the unique DLC content because it is'nt on the disc. Buy it used if you want, but be ready to pony up $15 for the DLC. The good news is that the DLC includes other content that was released for the 360 and PC.

 When Mass Effect 2 starts, it's as serious as a heart attack. You get to watch the destruction of your ship and the apparent demise of Shepard. And just as you start to get used to all the death and destruction the interactive comic book I was talking about earlier kicks in. It is very colorful too I might add. I'm sure no one could think of a better way to explain what came before (short of playing Mass Effect), but it is not a complete document of events that transpired in Mass Effect. Basically what I'm saying is; when the time comes for you (as Shepard) to make those tough life or death decisions that you have to make in Mass Effect, you really don't have substantial enough information. But hey, if you want the full experience; go play Mass Effect!

What about the story you say? Let me put it this way; the story is like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his body building days... on steroids! It was the focal point of the original and is like butter in the sequel! You have good/evil split going for character development, the conversations have extra spice and it actually gets better as you progress in the game. In this game; you are Shepard. You own him! I know it sounds like slavery but in the game it works beautifully. You're the captain! You have some tough decisions to make! Don't worry, chances are you'll like the end result. Case in point; during a cut scene there will be a prompt to pull a trigger for Paragon (good) or Renegade (evil) action appears at the bottom of the screen. If you activate it you'll see a dramatic sequence, like punching someone or kicking them out of a ship for not having their ticket. Just kidding bout the last part; but it is awesome to have the options for actions that push the game beyond that standard RPG fare.


Mass Effect 2 seems to be the end result of different genres artfully thrown into a bowl. On one note it's a third person shooter, on the other it's an RPG with sandbox sensibilities. I personally liked the battles. they played out as a typical cover based shooter. You can slide into cover nice and smooth, as is popping in and out to take shots at your variety of enemies. I will say that the cover system isn't as tight as what you find in a top of the line shooter; you can get stuck on infamous invisible object. All of the bugs notwithstanding, Mass Effect works good as a shooter but what really shines it on is the tech and biotic powers you use in combat. When you create your character, you don't just select a gender and customize your appearance. You can also choose from one of six different classes that make out your abilities you can use in combat.

From a role-playing point of view; you might say Mass Effect is stripped or somewhat shallow. The traditional inventory is all gone, you select a weapons you want when you go on a mission or from a weapons locker. You can buy different weapons and armor upgrades, they are sent to the Normandy science station, where you then apply them how you see fit. To change armor; you go to your personal quarters. Character development is kinda light for the RPG genre. I put in over 40hrs and didn't even make it to level 30. Maybe I suck but I'm just saying. The game is not as deep as a traditional role playing game. Cut and dry. That's the bad news; for my sake, I appreciated not having to go through tons of inventory screens. The game is solid nonetheless.

What didn't I like? There are a few technical glitches, frame rate inconsistencies are common. There is even the occasional bug that will cause you reload a previously saved game. Horrible, I know! But it is a meager stuff and not even worth really complaining about.  None of the above should deter you from getting this game if you missed out on when it was only for the 360. The art design is as awesome as ever and the textures actually look richer on the PS3 than they do on  Xbox 360. Just saying. I mean; it could have been a little better, more consistent. But this game shines like sun light! Awesome production values and solid entertainment! Much bigger than the laser fire and cool load outs they riddle the action scenes! It is an adventure that is beckoning you to jump on board. It doesn't care if you don't have a 360; give this baby a ride. Because even when it is over you'll still be thinking about what a thrill it was.