Mass Effect 2

The much anticipate sequel to Bioware's mega hit, it's tough not to be caught up in the hype. That said, this is certainly a solid game and, overall, an improvement over its predecessor.

Let's start with the improvements. The combat is much more shooter based. Gone is the RPG model of needing to develop your ability with a weapon in order to use it effectively. Now, the bullets go where you point the cursor. The controls have been tightened and the experience more visceral. Indeed, the combat is so much like Gears of War (right down to the conveniently placed cover) as to be a bit unnerving. However, layered on top of the combat are the still present tech and biotic powers, including the ability to call up a radial menu that pauses the game and allows the user to give individual commands to squad mates, and you have a tactically more complex experience than a typical shooter.

The leveling system and powers have been refined, some would say simplified, from Mass Effect 1. There are fewer options when it comes to abilities, but the abilities you do have are amped up and combine together more effectively. Mixing and matching squad mates is more flexible and gamers that can learn to combine and coordinate their squad's abilities can lay devastating pain upon their enemies.

Bioware continues to develop their ability to create deep characters and stories. Both voice work and character animation are second to none. The dialog scenes, always a big part of every Bioware game, are far more dynamic than before. Much more like participating in a movie drama. Once again, relationships become a big component of the game. Indeed, the story consequences of your relationships with your squad are more dramatic than in Mass Effect 1. Also fun is your ability to import your Mass Effect 1 characters, which effect the starting conditions of the universe in which you play. This is a feature that Bioware promises to expand upon even more in ME3.

Now for the bad. Gone is the mako and driving around generic planet environments to search for resources and side missions, but that has been replaced with slowly scanning the planet from orbit, which is even more dull. Once you find a side mission, they are much more various than in ME1 as well as being better integrated into the story, but the actual process of finding these missions is boring as hell. In addition, the resource gathering is essential to upgrading your ship and equipment, something you're going to want to do to get the most out of this game.

This game is also easier than before, with a sense of trying to appeal to a wider audience. The game is more shooter now than RPG and there is a general sense of the game being dumbed down a bit.

That all said, none of this is a deal breaker. The story does suffer somewhat from being that middle child of a trilogy, bridging opening and climax, but overall its exciting, engaging, and stands well on its own. The challenge can still be found by cranking up the difficulty. There's certainly nothing here that doesn't leave me eagerly awaiting ME3.