Mass Effect 2 Reviews

If you'd rather not read through yet another round of Mass Effect 2 reviews, you can head over to The Escapist for Yahtzee's quick and painless video review. Should it not alleviate your need for more ME2 impressions, though, then you can check out the blurbs below.

GamingTrend gives it a 99/100:
Simply put, Mass Effect 2 is a game that everyone should play. I don't care if you're an RPG fan, an action fan, or a casual game fan; this title is one that needs to be experienced by everyone. It is a shining example of how immersive and compelling this medium can be, and is fantastically entertaining from start to finish. Every time I wonder how high the gaming bar can be raised, Bioware comes along and completely shatters every expectation. It may sound a bit melodramatic, but I can honestly say that Mass Effect 2 is one of, if not the best game I have ever played. Simple as that, and I cannot wait to see what they do to wrap up this trilogy. I have little doubt it will blow our collective minds all over again.

MyGamer gives it a 9.2/10:
While Mass Effect 1 was a good game, this sequel really just improves everything. With a wide range of gameplay tweaks and some slight nudges to the presentation, the game ends up really reaching its full potential. The game is getting all sorts of hype, and it is warranted. Pick this up if you beat the last one. Take your original Shepard and assemble your team. RIGHT NOW!

Britxbox gives it a 9/10:
There are really no grounds upon which to criticise Mass Effect 2 as a third person action game but it's hard to ignore some of the issues inherent to the game's overall structure and design. It is undoubtedly not only a step forward for the series, but for the state of Western RPGs as a whole and it presents an incredibly gripping and sturdy middle chapter for what will inevitably be seen as one of the best Sci-fi trilogies of all time in any medium.

Videogame Geek gives it a 9.5/10:
With a compelling story, incredible graphics, realistic sounds and explosive gameplay, it's hard to create a single reason why anyone would not buy this game. Sequels are typically moments in a series where the creators become overwhelmed and can't find a true way to overcome the greatest of the original product, but like Halo 2 and The Empire Strikes back, Mass Effect 2 fires on all cylinders. It sets up Mass Effect 3 perfectly while answering the questions from Mass Effect 1 and continuing Commander Shepard's story. If you haven't played this game and you own an Xbox 360, pick this one up as soon as you can. If you don't own an Xbox 360, this would be the perfect title to sway you into buying one.

GamingExcellence gives it a 9.6/10:
Even if you don't immediately like the changes that Mass Effect 2 has brought to the series it's hard to argue with the successes of the games storytelling and atmosphere. Everything truly feels like it's slowly building to a head with only the crew of the Normandy to stand between the destruction of all sentient life in the universe. Barring any other issues or difficulties the game may have the core gameplay, backed up by the storytelling, more than makes up for these issues.

Game Observer gives it a 94/100:
Mass Effect 2 is, without a doubt, a vast improvement over its predecessor. Enhanced combat mechanics, visuals, and a more diverse cast not only set it apart from the first game, but from all games of its type. Just like its commanding officer, Mass Effect 2 once again comes out on top as a game that should not be reckoned with.

TheGamersHub gives it a perfect 5/5:
Overall, Mass Effect 2 is essential gaming. Equal parts intense shooter and character-driven RPG, there really isn't anything quite like it. There are certainly a few missed opportunities, but BioWare have improved on every element of the fantastic original, providing a real sense of a living, breathing galaxy just like the best Sci-Fi has to offer. But what Blade Runner or Star Wars cannot offer is a real sense of choice and consequence, meaning that you, the player, will have a unique experience. Mass Effect 2 isn't perfect, but you won't find a more personally involving single player experience anywhere.

D+PAD gives it a perfect 5/5:
Everything about the game plots, combat, progression, characters comes together in a tidy, satisfying package. I'm not going to mention anything about the story, either, other than that's it's all very exciting and ultimately left me desperate for the trilogy to be concluded in Mass Effect 3. I wouldn't want to spoil any of it. Mass Effect 2 is probably the finest sequel in the history of videogames, and an excellent experience in its own right. It might just be one of the most significant works of sci-fi in the last thirty years.

Pads & Panels gives it a 4/5:
Overall, Mass Effect 2 is a great game that would have been excellent had the bugs and glitches been cleaned up. For a game that tries so hard to change the issues that plagued its predecessor, it simply leaves too many glaring mistakes unattended. That said, Mass Effect 2 is still another solid journey in the boots of Commander Shepard.

Blast Magazine gives it an "A+":
While Mass Effect 2 is an undeniably better game than the original, it's important to stress that it's the middle of a greater story. As such, it's highly recommended that you play the original first and transfer that character over to the sequel. You'll find a far richer and more rewarding experience that way. Either way, this is a truly great game. Epic, mature, and intelligent, Mass Effect 2 is just the sort of title that the industry needs to see more frequently. Where so many RPGs, especially those from Japan, are merely cookie-cutter copies of each other, this is a sci-fi adventure boldly going where few games have gone before.

And iAfrica gives it a 9.7/10:
Overall, however, the game is very impressive. It's an extremely enjoyable experience that, although not necessarily better than the first title, comes highly recommended.