The brilliant minds of BioWare Studios have recently released the second chapter in the epic Mass Effect Trilogy. Mass Effect 2 effectively improves and builds off the first game’s story and gameplay while bringing a new high level of intensity, and a larger-than-life goal to the table. This title opens up with an expertly crafted introduction sequence. Commander Sheppard and the crew of the Normandy are assigned the mission of hunting the remaining Geth resistance, the antagonists of the previous game. While searching a remote area for Geth, a massive unknown ship suddenly appears and instantly begins to attack the Normandy. The outcome of the introduction is shocking to say the least, and takes the game in an unexpected direction.
The forgettable MAKO vehicle segments that led to side missions from the first title have thankfully been replaced by a shuttle that takes the player to their destination in a short cut scene. Another welcome improvement is the new inventory and ability system that allows the player choose equipment and abilities for their character and allies, is streamlined into live combat. Other improvements include no more elevator rides and an improved hacking interface. The combat in Mass Effect 2 is faced paced, action packed, and surprisingly intelligent. Most of the gunfights later in the story require awareness, quick thinking, and the intelligent use of your allies’ unique abilities to survive.
Mass Effect 2 introduces a research and upgrade system that improves the character’s weapons, armor, and stats. The player must find upgrades on missions or in shops, and spend resources found on missions or, by mining one of the numerous planets throughout the game. Upgrades for team members and the Normandy it’s self can also be purchased the same way. While fun to play through, the often irrelevant and meaningless side missions of the first Mass Effect have been replaced with intriguing squad member loyalty missions. This addition provides the player with a deeper understanding of the game’s rich storyline and the characters involved. The side missions of Mass Effect 2 are also unique in how the player’s actions and even attitude while trying to complete the objective actually influence the game’s outcome. In my ending for example, a squad member that was loyal to the team ended up dying in a cut scene to save the entire squad, when he could have easily made it out alive by leaving some of the team to their doomed fate. The morale of loyal squad members is also increased, giving them heightened stats and new abilities, making them more effective during combat.