I froze my ass off waiting in line so that I could scoop up my copy of Bioware’s latest masterpiece, “Mass Effect 2”. This hot new action/ RPG was released on January, 26^th 2010, and graced both PC gamers and Xbox 360 fans alike. After this late night acquisition had been made, I eagerly drove home and immediately opened the game and put it into my expectant console. For six hours I ceased to be Joe Bryant. I was Commander Shephard, and I was engaged in an epic battle against an alien race known as “the Collectors”. Now there were a surprising amount of changes and additions to the game, as opposed to its predecessor. This game has held true to my expectations, providing a wide variety of moments in game-play including epic gun fights, crisp CG cut scenes, and even the fun little hacking mini-games! There are some familiar faces in this game, though your team consists primarily of some fresh alien faces this time around. Those have you that have read a previous article I did regarding Mass Effect may recall the instance I described where I encountered a lippy female news reported and ended up laying her out, right? Well hours into the game, who do I encounter? Yup. That mouthy trick of a reporter has spotted me and requests another interiview. I graciously oblige. She starts bringing up some old news from the previous game “ Blah blah blah you let the council die so humans could gain power over other races blah blah blah”. I was not shocked at all when the option to punch the reporter in the face appeared. That’s how I roll. Aside from punching women in the face, there are other reasons to play this game, so let’s get into those as well!

THE VISUALS!

The game looks amazing in all aspects. The CG cut scenes can be so immersive and enrapturing that it can make you forget that you’re playing a video game, and not watching a movie.  The graphics stay smooth and fluid even in the most heated of battles. The particle effects and weapons fire all around produces a real sense of danger, making the game that much more fun! The camera angles during conversations seem to have been tweaked in order to add a more cinematic vibe. There have been a few moments where my space cadet Shepherd seems to be able to walk right through counters and get stuck on the other side, but it could be worse. Various worlds in a large galaxy provide all sorts of unique and well designed locales, denizens, and creepy creatures that have been designed in all too perfect detail.

GAMEPLAY

Those of us Mass Effect OG’s probably noted the immediate differences in the way the game played. What happened to equipping your people? What is the deal with the weapon load out locker thing? I can’t help but feel that Bioware detracted from some of the RPG elements of the game in order to make it a little more accessible to the average fool-faced gamer. In exchange, the combat is much more fluid and fast paced. The gun fights allow for a more visceral experience in the fact that you can order your squad members about( like the good lackeys they are) and combine techniques, powers, and biotics with your own strategy. As smooth as this game is for the most part, there have been frustrating moments in which I got punked out by some soft ass enemies all because my well-trained soldier can’t seem to crouch down behind cover. I mean, I’m pressing the button, yelling at the screen, and Shepherd just cannot seem to grasp what I want from him. Beyond that minor annoyance, the game plays quick and allows for a wide variety of strategies to be implemented utilizing your own abilities, as well as those of your homies.

PARTYING WITH YOUR PARTY!

Yes, your team members are handy on the battlefield and yes they also afford you various perks and upgrades. Another unique facet of a Bioware game is the fact that your party members can also be another source of entertainment when not solving some intergalactic crisis or dispute. You can get to know your party members past, you can flirt with them, or just be an asshole to them. Seeing as how MY Shepherd was imported from the previous installment, all sorts of renegade debauchery has taken place with my set. I figure that since the hero was out of commission for a couple years, that he is entitled to a few extra drinks and maybe spitting a little game at the ladies on the ship. Don’t act like you wouldn’t! I love to make Jacob do morally questionable actions, I got faded out with Dr. Chakwas, and I get aggressive with Grunt every chance I get. Making that busta back down! There are uses for your squad beyond harassing them or hitting on them. For instance, using techs or biotics in combination on poor unsuspecting enemies are prime examples of this. Have one party member use Pull, then you use Warp or Incinerate and blast that mark ass Geth!

THE STORY

The story of Mass Effect 2 is fairly engaging in a subtle fashion. I did not immediately call up all of my friends and rant about the amazing story line of this game, but I did want to know what happened next. The solid tale coupled with the cinematic camera angles of CG scenes and interactive moments alike made for what I felt to be an interactive movie experience. The writing and voice acting in this game is of the high level quality we have all come to expect from Bioware. The ability to import your Shepherd from the previous installment is a fun feature as well. In my record I punched out a news reporter, hooked up with a blue chick, and killed off the alien council. Needless to say, my Shepherd is not too popular on the Citadel. Oh and I found the sex scenes to be a little tame. Do I really need to be 18 to buy a PG-13 game?

SHOULD YOU TRY IT?

Hell yes you should try it! Seeing as how some of the more RPG elements of the game were trimmed and the shooting tweaked to play smoother, even gamers that don’t get down on RPG’s could have a blast with this one. The addition of Paragon or Renegade actions also allow for more interesting and interactive conversations. With such sexy balance of game-play, graphics, alien chicas, and a good story, I’m inclined to gove this game a 9/10! Though the cover mechanic can be a little frustrating at times, this game was well worth the wait in the cold! Chances are that my Shepherd could beat up your Shepherd…and he can probably spit much more solid game at the ladies as well.

Joseph Bryant – SwiftGlassEater