Mass Effect 2 Review

The very first review of BioWare's Mass Effect 2 has appeared in the latest issue of OXM, and it clocks in with a score of 9.5/10.  A post over on the GameSpot forums brings us a quick summary of the review:
+Enveloping Universe filled with interesting characters and revealing side stories.

+Outstanding flexible combat in gorgeous environments

-Main story is a bit dissapointing; Dull element mining and hacking

...

The written review is very good, giving praise to the games incredible polish and massive improvements over the original in most every way. It makes not of highly satisfying battle sequences and "on your knees, in front of the tv" moments throughout.

The experience system is different, delivering bulk experience for mission completion rather than after each individual kill. Each character is rewarded through different missions with different skills and upgrades.

The reviewer noted that he was dissapointed with the "loot". The original had an abundance and the sequal doesnt have enough, BUT you would constantly be experimenting with weapon upgrades.

Mining Planets was kind of a drag.

Each character is a brilliant fleshed out dynamic story waiting to be uncovered. The reviewer noted that while its hard to match a main story that literally fleshes the universe out, like the first game, the side stories, missions and characters more than make up for it. The best fun in the game can be found in these moments.

Incredibly replayable.