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Mass Effect 2 |OT|
- Thread starter Skilotonn
- Start date
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Alright, just finished the game, later than everyone else. Great shit! I guess I'll do a mini-review of it:
Pros:
+ The dialogue/writing was overall really fucking good in every respect. Bioware are great at making characters you want to listen to and have in your party... well, except Jack. Very solid cast all-around, perhaps their best cast yet (if you don't count BG2). The VA is generally amazing too.
+ The combat is much improved over the predecessor, which was a clumsy-as-shit 3rd person shooter. While not nearly as good as "true" 3rd person cover-based shooters, it still is great.
+ Lengthy game, with lots to do. There was also a lot of proper role-playing too, which I was afraid would take the shaft.
+ The action choices were a nice addition, and added another dimension to the already-great dialogue system in this series.
+ The lack of inventory clutter was a bit disappointing at first (I like to collect shit in RPG's), but eventually you realized this was better. You essentially saved a lot of time by not having to worry about stacking crap (especially since your inventory could become full in ME1, one of the biggest idiot moves in recent gaming history
).
+ The aesthetics were top-notch, and so was the audio. Great voice acting, and superb art direction; the scope of some areas were amazing, and downright awe-inspiring. Though there was also a problem with this, more on that later.
+ Sidequests and side areas were actually unique this time around! Much improved over the rehash-rehash-rehash sidequests and planets from the first game. There were a few too many collect-and-return quests here though, too simplistic.
+ The endgame was EPIC. Both the first game and this one have fucking epic endgames; I even think I prefer this one more. I was on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole time. Also, the end boss, while looking a bit stupid, was badass.
Cons:
- The dialogue system is too transparent and needs a revamp; left side = investigate, right hand side = progress, upper right corner = paragon, lower right = renegade. This makes several choices too black and white, and Bioware needs to make it more subtle for the next game.
- The sense of proper exploration was lost in the sequel. While the Mako driving was boring in the first one, at least you felt you were exploring this vast universe. The galaxy map and the probe/fuel management aspect only made this thought worse.
- The mining, ugghhh. So slow and so boring (and I can't even imagine putting up with the 360 version's supposedly über-slow scanning). This wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't for the fact that the sidequests were hidden on planets that you had to scan. You might say that EDI clearly spelled out "anomaly detected", but the problem here is, if you choose "Enter Orbit" for a planet, it counts as explored, and the OCD in me didn't want this unless I reached "Depleted" status for it. It would've helped if simply hovering above a planet mentioned its current resource status instead of you having to visit it, enter its orbit and check there, which is painfully slow.
- The environments themselves in the combat scenarios were often very bland and flat. Boxes upon boxes upon boxes, and too much dirt and grime made them boring to fight in.
- The weapon picking system was worse than in the first game. While there were barely any real differences between weapons in the first game, at least it clearly showed performance differences. Since there's no weapon range in ME2, you had to try each weapon out in a mission to properly know how it stacks up. The information for each weapon was simply lacking, a minor annoyance.
- Male Shepard's voice acting. He still sticks out as crap compared to all the other solid VA's. Had to restart after two hours.
Random thoughts:
? It would've been sweet if you could meet those big flying insect-monsters (the ones that drop the red exploding bugs). Overall, a bit more enemy variety would've been cool.
? What's with all the family issues in the posse? :lol
? I've experienced surprisingly many geometry glitches in this game, and even lost a couple of hours progress once or twice. And one of the times I didn't even bump into some geometry!
? Too bad the rain from the Jack sidequest wasn't used in other places, it looked great.
? Eventhough the combat is much improved, I still felt it was a bit simplistic. I may chalk it up to the Soldier class (which I picked), so I'm reserving a proper judgment until I've tried some other class in the future.
? The lack of a working scroll wheel in the PC version is baffling.
Anyway, a very good game, and much, much improved over the first one (which was a 7/10 game at best in my book) in almost every aspect. If I had to slap a score on this game, it would probably be a 9/10.
Pros:
+ The dialogue/writing was overall really fucking good in every respect. Bioware are great at making characters you want to listen to and have in your party... well, except Jack. Very solid cast all-around, perhaps their best cast yet (if you don't count BG2). The VA is generally amazing too.
+ The combat is much improved over the predecessor, which was a clumsy-as-shit 3rd person shooter. While not nearly as good as "true" 3rd person cover-based shooters, it still is great.
+ Lengthy game, with lots to do. There was also a lot of proper role-playing too, which I was afraid would take the shaft.
+ The action choices were a nice addition, and added another dimension to the already-great dialogue system in this series.
+ The lack of inventory clutter was a bit disappointing at first (I like to collect shit in RPG's), but eventually you realized this was better. You essentially saved a lot of time by not having to worry about stacking crap (especially since your inventory could become full in ME1, one of the biggest idiot moves in recent gaming history
).+ The aesthetics were top-notch, and so was the audio. Great voice acting, and superb art direction; the scope of some areas were amazing, and downright awe-inspiring. Though there was also a problem with this, more on that later.
+ Sidequests and side areas were actually unique this time around! Much improved over the rehash-rehash-rehash sidequests and planets from the first game. There were a few too many collect-and-return quests here though, too simplistic.
+ The endgame was EPIC. Both the first game and this one have fucking epic endgames; I even think I prefer this one more. I was on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole time. Also, the end boss, while looking a bit stupid, was badass.
Cons:
- The dialogue system is too transparent and needs a revamp; left side = investigate, right hand side = progress, upper right corner = paragon, lower right = renegade. This makes several choices too black and white, and Bioware needs to make it more subtle for the next game.
- The sense of proper exploration was lost in the sequel. While the Mako driving was boring in the first one, at least you felt you were exploring this vast universe. The galaxy map and the probe/fuel management aspect only made this thought worse.
- The mining, ugghhh. So slow and so boring (and I can't even imagine putting up with the 360 version's supposedly über-slow scanning). This wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't for the fact that the sidequests were hidden on planets that you had to scan. You might say that EDI clearly spelled out "anomaly detected", but the problem here is, if you choose "Enter Orbit" for a planet, it counts as explored, and the OCD in me didn't want this unless I reached "Depleted" status for it. It would've helped if simply hovering above a planet mentioned its current resource status instead of you having to visit it, enter its orbit and check there, which is painfully slow.
- The environments themselves in the combat scenarios were often very bland and flat. Boxes upon boxes upon boxes, and too much dirt and grime made them boring to fight in.
- The weapon picking system was worse than in the first game. While there were barely any real differences between weapons in the first game, at least it clearly showed performance differences. Since there's no weapon range in ME2, you had to try each weapon out in a mission to properly know how it stacks up. The information for each weapon was simply lacking, a minor annoyance.
- Male Shepard's voice acting. He still sticks out as crap compared to all the other solid VA's. Had to restart after two hours.
Random thoughts:
? It would've been sweet if you could meet those big flying insect-monsters (the ones that drop the red exploding bugs). Overall, a bit more enemy variety would've been cool.
? What's with all the family issues in the posse? :lol
? I've experienced surprisingly many geometry glitches in this game, and even lost a couple of hours progress once or twice. And one of the times I didn't even bump into some geometry!
? Too bad the rain from the Jack sidequest wasn't used in other places, it looked great.
? Eventhough the combat is much improved, I still felt it was a bit simplistic. I may chalk it up to the Soldier class (which I picked), so I'm reserving a proper judgment until I've tried some other class in the future.
? The lack of a working scroll wheel in the PC version is baffling.
Anyway, a very good game, and much, much improved over the first one (which was a 7/10 game at best in my book) in almost every aspect. If I had to slap a score on this game, it would probably be a 9/10.
I have been taking my time with Mass Effect 2, am around the 32 hour mark and finally going to take the Omega 4 Relay tonight I think. Fantastic game....I think Ive been putting off the Omega 4 jump just because I dont want the game to end.
One thing I really like this time around are the missions when you find the anomalies while exploring worlds - all of them are so different and the worlds all seem pretty interesting.
Anyways, just chiming in to state how much I love this game!! I think tonight Im going to finish up exploring/mining a few more planets, maybe use the Retrain skill on Shepard and then hit the relay. As excited as I am to see how the game ends - I really dont want it to.
One thing I really like this time around are the missions when you find the anomalies while exploring worlds - all of them are so different and the worlds all seem pretty interesting.
Anyways, just chiming in to state how much I love this game!! I think tonight Im going to finish up exploring/mining a few more planets, maybe use the Retrain skill on Shepard and then hit the relay. As excited as I am to see how the game ends - I really dont want it to.
EatChildren said:
Hmmm, I think you picked the worst examples. The whole Quarian and Geth conflict is like borrowed material from Battlestar Galactica. While Garrus's revenge story is generic and completely unimaginative. Frankly, Samara and Thane are the only characters with something interesting to tell.
a Master Ninja
Member
I can't believe somebody made this.Dr Zhivago said:
I agree with you about good choices at the top and bad choices at the bottom making most of the choices a clear decision between good and evil but I like way that investigate is on the left. When I'm talking to people I want to learn as much as I can and I'd hate to be cut short because I accidentally picked the continue option.BeeDog said:
I was thinking recently and wouldn't a weapon upgrade system similar to that, for example, from RE4/5 be a better and more, well, deep than the one that was implemented in ME2?
In RE4/5 you have three or four types of weapons from each class (pistol, shotgun, sniper, machine gun) and each weapon has its own parameters (number of ammo, power etc.) that you can upgrade.
Each weapon from each class has its strong points and weak points - for example one pistol, when fully upgraded, has 320 points to "power" but only 24 rounds in a clip, other has 250 points of "power" and 100 rounds in a clip.
At least that would add a real RPG element because the system used in ME2 sucks when it comes to that. In one playthrough you can buy all upgrades and each upgrade influences all weapons of such type. Not to mention, when you find a new weapon the description only says: "this weapon upgrades weapon X", but doesn't even say how does it upgrade it. You don't even have to choose: well, maybe I should take the more powerful pistol, or maybe the one when I don't have to reload so often. :/
In RE4/5 you have three or four types of weapons from each class (pistol, shotgun, sniper, machine gun) and each weapon has its own parameters (number of ammo, power etc.) that you can upgrade.
Each weapon from each class has its strong points and weak points - for example one pistol, when fully upgraded, has 320 points to "power" but only 24 rounds in a clip, other has 250 points of "power" and 100 rounds in a clip.
At least that would add a real RPG element because the system used in ME2 sucks when it comes to that. In one playthrough you can buy all upgrades and each upgrade influences all weapons of such type. Not to mention, when you find a new weapon the description only says: "this weapon upgrades weapon X", but doesn't even say how does it upgrade it. You don't even have to choose: well, maybe I should take the more powerful pistol, or maybe the one when I don't have to reload so often. :/
BeeDog said:
While I'm inclined to agree, there's a reason why the dialog tree is so transparent. In the choices given to you when making conversation with somebody, there are two issues. 1) what is written is not what you actually say. What is written is moreso an inner monologue that Shepard has before responding and 2) tone is completely missing.
For example, you could be telling a team member that they're ugly. Well, are you joking to bring levity to the situation, or are you actually trying to insult the person? The only clear way to distinguish between those two very different responses is by placing it in either the paragon or renegade slot.
infinityBCRT
Member
Okay after watching co-op and feedback and listening to numerous podcasts I'm getting sick of "its still an RPG because you're playing a role" argument. Yes, if you take it literally, you are playing a role in this game, but thats not what RPG was ever meant to denote. RPG usually refers to games which let you get experience to upgrade your skills and collect various types of inventory (health packs, armor, weapons, buffs). I'm not saying its good or bad that its less of an RPG but PLEASE don't use that lame argument anymore.
The whole conversation/decision system that is present in ME2 is closer to what you'd see in adventure games than in any traditional RPGs.
The whole conversation/decision system that is present in ME2 is closer to what you'd see in adventure games than in any traditional RPGs.
BeeDog said:
I played on 360 (had a PC good enough to run at full, but had my saves on the 360) and while I didn't love the mining I didn't hate it. I think that a lot of those that truly hate it simply mined too much. I mined a fair amount, but did it in spurts and I didn't feel the need to mine each planet dry as there's no need to do so. Once I got the scanning upgrade it didn't feel so slow, of course I haven't tried the PC version to compare, so it could be very different for all that I know.
GuardianE said:
I think this is exactly it. Because of the non-exact nature of the dialogue prompts, it's necessary to give extra information to the player in order for them to ascertain the tone of what the statement or question will be.
I mean, how often have you selected something only to hear Shepard say something that seems completely different from what you selected?
CitizenCope
Member
"There's a lot to do, Shepard. Maybe another time."
What do I have to do to hook up with this chick?
I'm a galactic super hero and I've taken your side on everything. Never mind I've seen you on youtube nailing other Sheps.
What am I doing wrong here?
"Finished" the game. Too late to get Miranda in the sack?
What do I have to do to hook up with this chick?
I'm a galactic super hero and I've taken your side on everything. Never mind I've seen you on youtube nailing other Sheps.
What am I doing wrong here?
"Finished" the game. Too late to get Miranda in the sack?
CitizenCope
Member
Patryn said:
I am cry now.
Hooked up with an alien the last game. That doesn't count.
Been married for 13 years. This was my chance to hook up with another chick and I blew it.
Oh well off to DVR Chuck.
I <3 Memes
Member
Jirotrom said:
Just checking here, but do you mean that you wont buy the DLC for ME1 now? Because Bring Down the Sky DLC is free for PC users.
Patryn said:
yup
My Vanguard solved it one way and my Infiltrator the other. I hope the two different news briefs aren't all we get.
I also solved the Helena Blake quandary 2 different ways. So far it's been a universal, "Them dying = no reward."
Subitai said:
Best way to start is with an imported lvl 60 ME1 character.
There are a couple of different options for best class. I believe it's generally considered to be Sentinel/Infiltrator/Soldier? I've had the most fun with my Infiltrator (imported ME1 lvl 60 Infiltrator.) Cloak made the arena combat areas a lot more fun for me.
I figured out why I liked using the flamethrower. It's different. It gets bonus vs armor (husks), the AOE (husks) and greater damage potential (more ammo(vs husks.))
The Lamonster
Member
Interesting. I was a soldier but never put any points into that!Subitai said:
The Lamonster
Member
It seems that way when you first get it, but during endgame it's pretty weak.Dries said:
Dead Prince
Banned
How do i use the Cain weapon? I got it but didn't know how to use :lolDresden said:
The Lamonster
Member
Hold down the button, and you have to have a large % of ammo.DMPrince said:
Wiggum2007
Junior Member
Dresden said:
I almost felt like cheating when I killed each of the Praetorians in the game using a single shot from the Cain. :lol
Just pop out of cover for a few seconds and mow down 3 guys or half a bar of armor on a big guy. I was either sporting warp (reason I got Jack's loyalty sooner than I would have) or fire ammo usually.The Lamonster said:
Dude, I loved it when I was able to get one cleanly off w/ out killing myself. Worth every minute I used scanning for it.Dresden said:
Goddamn the ally side missions are awesome. The missions to recruit them and the loyalty missions are sooooooooooooo much better than the main story.
I wish there was were more teammates
My teammate screen has 1 empty slot left and I'm sure I got everybody.... is it for
I wish there was were more teammates
My teammate screen has 1 empty slot left and I'm sure I got everybody.... is it for
legion?
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