Aww, I quite liked checking the CDN updates to read about various Turian and Elcor hi-jinks and Blasto saving Christmas. I'm surprised it went on for so long to be honest, must be a pain in the ass to think of anything mildly interesting to write about. Looking forward to the new DLC, it's been quite a wait so I hope it's up to par.
Now for something completely different, I got a bit bored of my phones ring tone so I made myself a Shepard Wrex one for a laugh and thought I would share.
Liara knew what I'd done with Miranda when she talked to me after Shadow Broker Snide jealous remarks. Made me feel like a bad person. I just wanted the achievement
Well, luckily Gabe Shepard never surrendered to alien love. Now, my raging space lesbian Aura Shepard did, and it will be interesting to see what happens with Liara in the dlc.
Got finished with Kasumi's mission as well as the Firewalker stuff. Kasumi was a pretty cool cat and I hope shes back for 3. The mission itself was quite short so I'm glad I got it for 200 points but it was neat seeing all of the museum items. I really enjoyed the Firewalker stuff too, more so than I though I would.
So just bought all 3 DLC packs during that sale. Overall I thought the value I paid for them (200 pts each!) was awesome. Here's some more specific thoughts:
Kasumi: Cool character, liked the mission but kinda short. If I had this in the middle of the game instead of going back after I was done, I think it would've fit better.
Overlord: Kind of a predictable mission; felt like one of those (sooooo prolonged) side quests from ME 1 just with a different Mako.
Shadow Broker: Absolutely awesome. A fully fleshed out mission, which was sizeable (took me a good 5 hours to finish,) answered questions and moved things forward? Never would've expected that from DLC. The size and scope actually reminded me more of the main missions from ME 1 (ya know, the Feros, Noveria or Virmire mission.)
Hope the last bit of DLC announced is as good as Shadow Broker, and hope that ME3 lives up to everything that's built up to it.
I just finished Shadow Broker, and it was great, especially the chance to
resume getting the blue alien love from Liara at the end!
:lol
But yeah, the actual quantity and quality of content in Shadow Broker is more than Kasumi and Overlord combined. I'm kind of surprised that Kasumi and Overlord were so short compared to Shadow Broker but they all cost the same. Kasumi I actually bought for full price back in the day but never finished, Overlord and Shadow Broker I got during the sale. Kasumi's a great character and all and I guess you do get to enter The Matrix in Overlord, but the value that Shadow Broker brought to the table blew the other 2 DLCs away. You get a ton of fun combat and TWO, count 'em, TWO quality boss fights during Shadow Broker! Hopefully Bioware learns from the DLC experiments they conducted in ME1 and 2 and brings all the good shit to the table in ME3.
I actually thought that after the first boss fight that I was done and they were gonna do a "well we have a lead on the Shadow Broker, let's wrap this up in ME3!" moment. So glad I was wrong. :lol
Done with the new DLC, enjoyed it. Not so sure about the hammerhead stuff
(it gets killed really easily on insane which means you need to mess around with terrain or bounce about like an amphetamine riddled rabbit)
.
Thought the stuff at the end of the shadowbroker mission was a good touch.
Where can I get that Asari porn film that everyone seems to be buying / renting ... and holy shit does the Illusive Man get a lot of tail. Though I thought that was a bit unrealistic given that the Shadow Broker could have offed him at any time with that sort of info.
Oh... and anyone know why Kaiden is my Femshep's framed picture on the SR2? I don't recall him being her love interest in ME1. I hope that doesn't carry over to ME3.
I logged roughly 34 hours for Mass Effect 2 and finished all missions, side quests, romances, DLC, planetary scanning, you name it. It was a continued soldier character from the first Mass Effect with all appropriate choices made. I had one crew member die for my main character play through, but I have no regrets about that. It was a mistake that I'll have to live with and besides - he volunteered.
Having said that, and just yesterday starting my second play through as a male renegade Shepard, this game truly is my game of the year. Going from Soldier to Vanguard is such a varied experience and seeing how the story unfolds for a primarily Renegade play through vs Paragon is just astounding. You may end up at the same ending, but the road traveled is vastly different. Both times thus far though, with the experience being very different each time with both choices and combat, it feels like a whole new game, but just as fun and exhilarating as the first run.
With how limited my time is, it speaks volumes when I look at all of the new 42 games I picked up during the Steam sale in the past two weeks, and I just want to go back to playing a game I've owned for just about a year and even finished once before. It has been so long since I have been this high on the experience of playing a game and I can't wait to play more of it.
Thank you Bioware for crafting what is thus far, my game and series of this generation. Enjoy the many well deserved game of the year awards. I'll be looking forward to the final piece of Mass Effect 2 DLC and Mass Effect 3.
For the rest of you about to take this journey, welcome to the fold and I hope you enjoy your stay.
Thought the stuff at the end of the shadowbroker mission was a good touch.
Where can I get that Asari porn film that everyone seems to be buying / renting ... and holy shit does the Illusive Man get a lot of tail. Though I thought that was a bit unrealistic given that the Shadow Broker could have offed him at any time with that sort of info.
Oh... and anyone know why Kaiden is my Femshep's framed picture on the SR2? I don't recall him being her love interest in ME1. I hope that doesn't carry over to ME3.
I don't really see it as unrealistic since the Shadow Broker doesn't gain anything from killing the illusive man. Being able to monitor him and gather information is what he does.
As for Kaiden I'd be willing to bet it'll carry over to next game. You should probably double check the last ME1 playthrough you did.
Got the game a few days ago and am about 30 hours in. Wrapped up everyones loyalty mission. Does the game continue on after the main story? There's a few side missions I would like to tie up afterwards. Also I'm assuming that starting the
IFF mission
triggers the endgame, right?
Edit: worth it to get shadow broker at this point and play it before doing what I mentioned above?
I just got Mass Effect 2 but realized that my Mass Effect 1 game had been deleted from my harddrive. I think I was on the last level, do you guys think going through ME1 would be beneficial in any way?
Kasumi is awesome. Her mission is terrible. Shame on you Bioware. Hitting up Overlord next and building up to what I hear is the best Shadow Broker DLC. Perhaps I'll have some faith in Bioware with post game offering for the future.
cornontheCoD said:
Anyone read the Cerberus news on the main menu today? It's hilarious :lol :lol :lol :lol
I just got Mass Effect 2 but realized that my Mass Effect 1 game had been deleted from my harddrive. I think I was on the last level, do you guys think going through ME1 would be beneficial in any way?
PC or 360? For me, it is definitely beneficial because the game is great, with some rough edges.
However, if you really want to avoid playing ME1 and you're playing on the PC, you do have the option of downloading a ME1 save. I'm sure every conceivable permutation is available. http://www.masseffectsaves.com/
On the 360, if you don't import a ME1 save from your profile, I think your stuck with some pretty lame default decisions.
Mrbob said:
Kasumi is awesome. Her mission is terrible. Shame on you Bioware. Hitting up Overlord next and building up to what I hear is the best Shadow Broker DLC. Perhaps I'll have some faith in Bioware with post game offering for the future.
How to mod the 360 version of ME2 Updated 10/15/10
4) Changing ME1 choices:
While the save editor lets you change the choices you made in Mass Effect 1 those changes will NOT be adjusted in your current playthrough. So you need to mod those choices on an importable ME2 save(ie one AFTER the game's end) and then import it into a new playthrough.
Finished the game again, this time on insanity, this morning at 6am :lol Now I have a 100% complete insanity save for me3 Okay, Mordin died for no apparent reason during the ending, so I had to replay the whole mission on Casual but still. I got the achievement and that's all that matters Surprisingly easy overall. That AI core fight where you find your last team mate was a breeze with Cain :lol 38+ hours. A lot more fun the second way through for some reason.
Got the game a few days ago and am about 30 hours in. Wrapped up everyones loyalty mission. Does the game continue on after the main story? There's a few side missions I would like to tie up afterwards. Also I'm assuming that starting the
IFF mission
triggers the endgame, right?
Edit: worth it to get shadow broker at this point and play it before doing what I mentioned above?
. You can continue playing after the end-game, and Shadow Broker was written from the perspective of a completed file (though it works regardless of when you play).
So while I didn't like Kasumi, I'm almost done with Overlord and I think it is much better. This mission has a little meat to it with a slightly more interesting story. Kasumi is such a great character to use though. Her cloak with warp ability is great.
And once again, the Galaxy is saved thanks to the Powerpu- I mean Commander Shepard.
I really should start getting these games as they launch rather than wait for them to go on sale a year later.
To answer my own question: 5-ish hours. From getting the IFF, through
Legion's
Loyalty Mission and through the suicide mission with no casualties. The rubbed it in the Illusive Man's face when he got snippy about
the base getting blown up
. Well, if he didn't want Paragon Shepard to do what Paragon Shepard does best, he should have chosen someone else.
The final mission was pretty fun, although it was somewhat obvious who to pick for the specialists, I'd say.
Need a tech-head? Tali. Someone with squad leadership experience? Garrus, twice. There's no way Garrus would let his team die. A powerful Biotic? Well, Jack can kill a space station with her mind. And Mordin to guide people out, since he's the medic.
Good game, and a good length, too. Clocked in just around 34 hours total. Definitely a replayable game. So... is there anything to do post-game? Got all gray entries in the Journal, although
doing the walk of awesome with the entire crew praising me
was one of those things you have to wonder why so few other games do. The ending was pretty good. Looks like ME3 will have a target-rich environment. Well,
Grunt
needs something big to fight, anyway, so he'll be happy.
The story was pretty good. I liked how character focused it was, although
that did take it's toll in a lack of a good villain. Saren and Sovereign were good vilains. A clear threat, good planners and gerenally someone you looked forward to fighting. Harbinger and the Collectors are just kind of there as "those things you need to stop". I mean the biggest recurring villain was that Collector ship, and it blows up in a cutscene. The Human-reaper was pretty cool, but also a bit of a letdown. I mean, I get the idea behind it, but again, it's just kind of there. The real meat of this game is the Loyalty missions, and the suicide mission itself.
Well, just finished Shadow Broker for the first time.
Jesus.
That was the best piece of DLC I have ever played. God damn. The end section's locale was freaking gorgeous. Couple things I want to mention here that really stood out to me-
-
I really enjoyed the dossier terminal at the end. Reading about Miranda's inability to conceive was actually pretty touching considering I romanced her on a playthrough. Legion's gamertag and profile was hilarious and I loved reading about Tali's suit upgrades. Stimpak 2.0? No wonder she seems so perky all the time.
-
The end cinematic where your Shepard is fighting the shadowbroker by punching him in the face was amazing. I was on the the edge of my seat that entire time. Really good action scene and camera work for that part.
-
As mentioned earlier the run up to the confrontation with the SB was great. I loved the ship design and the sky box and omgwtfawesome. Great stuff. The car chase scene was a lot of fun and Bioware should experiment to their hearts content in ME3.
So good deal ME2. I finished up all of the DLC and this just cemented that it was my favorite game of the year!
Oh, one question before I go. If I didn't have a relationship with Liara in ME1 theres no way to start one during Shadowbroker right? Just didn't want to ruin anything I did on the ME2 playthrough romance.
A bit OT since it's about the first game, but does anyone know how exp is split between difficulties in ME1? IIRC, you got more exp per kill on lower settings, or was it the other way around? I'm thinking of doing a perfect ME1 save on casual before ME3 comes out but I want to make sure I reach lvl 60 in one go too :S
I wish I had more time to explore the Shadow Broker stuff. There was so much info at the end but I had a plane to catch in 8 hours and it was 3AM so I needed to go to bed
I wish I had more time to explore the Shadow Broker stuff. There was so much info at the end but I had a plane to catch in 8 hours and it was 3AM so I needed to go to bed
A bit OT since it's about the first game, but does anyone know how exp is split between difficulties in ME1? IIRC, you got more exp per kill on lower settings, or was it the other way around? I'm thinking of doing a perfect ME1 save on casual before ME3 comes out but I want to make sure I reach lvl 60 in one go too :S
There are no XP differences across the difficulties of Mass Effect. Its based on the level you are, how you get the kill, and other factors (like the experience modifier achievement). I'm pretty sure its impossible to make 60 in one go, but I could be wrong. I know for sure its possible to make 60 across two playthroughs.
One trick is to avoid getting kills inside the Mako. Mako kills only earn you something like half the XP you should get. What you should do instead is damage enemies with the Mako, then when they're near death jump out and get the kill with a weapon. You'll get full XP for the on-foot kill. Great for getting maximum XP from Thresha Maws and the like.
There are no XP differences across the difficulties of Mass Effect. Its based on the level you are, how you get the kill, and other factors (like the experience modifier achievement). I'm pretty sure its impossible to make 60 in one go, but I could be wrong. I know for sure its possible to make 60 across two playthroughs.
One trick is to avoid getting kills inside the Mako. Mako kills only earn you something like half the XP you should get. What you should do instead is damage enemies with the Mako, then when they're near death jump out and get the kill with a weapon. You'll get full XP for the on-foot kill. Great for getting maximum XP from Thresha Maws and the like.
yeah, I just read up on that stuff, thanks ^^ I already have a lvl 60 character which took 2 or 3 playthroughs, and I had forgotten about the new game+ option. I think I can live with not being able to choose new stats or a new class. I think I'll play with that one then The saves better be there though :lol
There are no XP differences across the difficulties of Mass Effect. Its based on the level you are, how you get the kill, and other factors (like the experience modifier achievement). I'm pretty sure its impossible to make 60 in one go, but I could be wrong. I know for sure its possible to make 60 across two playthroughs.
One trick is to avoid getting kills inside the Mako. Mako kills only earn you something like half the XP you should get. What you should do instead is damage enemies with the Mako, then when they're near death jump out and get the kill with a weapon. You'll get full XP for the on-foot kill. Great for getting maximum XP from Thresha Maws and the like.
It's impossible to hit 60 on a single run-through even with the modifiers due to the logarithmic nature of amount needed to level up. The last five levels require an absurd amount of experience. By the time you're at 58, the amount of EXP needed to go up one level is equivalent to the amount you need to go from like 1 to 40 or 50 or so.
I think the highest you can hit in a single run-through is 56 or 57.
It's impossible to hit 60 on a single run-through even with the modifiers due to the logarithmic nature of amount needed to level up. The last five levels require an absurd amount of experience. By the time you're at 58, the amount of EXP needed to go up one level is equivalent to the amount you need to go from like 1 to 40 or 50 or so.
I think the highest you can hit in a single run-through is 56 or 57.
There are no XP differences across the difficulties of Mass Effect. Its based on the level you are, how you get the kill, and other factors (like the experience modifier achievement). I'm pretty sure its impossible to make 60 in one go, but I could be wrong. I know for sure its possible to make 60 across two playthroughs.
One trick is to avoid getting kills inside the Mako. Mako kills only earn you something like half the XP you should get. What you should do instead is damage enemies with the Mako, then when they're near death jump out and get the kill with a weapon. You'll get full XP for the on-foot kill. Great for getting maximum XP from Thresha Maws and the like.
There is actually a subtle method that can be used to get to level 60 in one go on the PC. Instead of simply using the console to add XP, talent points or charm/intimidate score to your character you can do a one line edit. The default value for XP gained for getting a kill in the Mako is ~40%. If you change that to 1:1 or go a bit further and go 3:1 you can stay in the Mako to make your kills and level up much faster. Do all of the side quests and even on a 1:1 setting you should get really close to level 60 on a single playthrough.
Just finished my ME2 insanity run through... you know, short of a few fights here and there, and all of the first mission, it wasn't too bad.
Anywhere I can see a list of stuff that's new in the end game? As best I can tell only one character (that's not on your ship) who even acknowledges you've done anything
(shaman on the Krogan homeworld... and he doesn't even believe you!)
Also, do all the squad get to a point like Jacob / Jack where you can tell that your "Like to talk more about you" conversations are exhausted? It's really annoying endlessly checking the others to see if there's anything new to talk about.
Also, do all the squad get to a point like Jacob / Jack where you can tell that your "Like to talk more about you" conversations are exhausted? It's really annoying endlessly checking the others to see if there's anything new to talk about.
Fly around, visit places, and check with Kelly if there's any news with the crew. If anybody wants to talk she'll usually let you know, sometimes without even having to ask her.
There are no XP differences across the difficulties of Mass Effect. Its based on the level you are, how you get the kill, and other factors (like the experience modifier achievement). I'm pretty sure its impossible to make 60 in one go, but I could be wrong. I know for sure its possible to make 60 across two playthroughs.
One trick is to avoid getting kills inside the Mako. Mako kills only earn you something like half the XP you should get. What you should do instead is damage enemies with the Mako, then when they're near death jump out and get the kill with a weapon. You'll get full XP for the on-foot kill. Great for getting maximum XP from Thresha Maws and the like.
Fly around, visit places, and check with Kelly if there's any news with the crew. If anybody wants to talk she'll usually let you know, sometimes without even having to ask her.
I've only ever had that happen when they want to do their loyalty quest, never for a normal conversation.
Edit - To be specific, when conversation options are exhausted you get the following (not accurate)...
Jack - Look, I'm not interested in talking anymore, you're just taking the piss.
Jacob - I'm all good, if we're still alive after this is over we'll get drunk.
Grunt - I have all I need, clan, ship, enemies to fight.
Zaeed / Kasumi - Repeating text.
I can't seem to get that sort of thing with any of the others, on either of my playthroughs. I just get the default "I'm too busy" / "not got anything to say right now" responses. That's obviously outside of the love interest characters.
Yeah, and even though I checked the wiki (which says the same thing) the more I think about it the more I am unsure it's even correct. Either way it wouldn't make much of a difference trying to close in on 60 in one run, I suppose.
I've only ever had that happen when they want to do their loyalty quest, never for a normal conversation.
Edit - To be specific, when conversation options are exhausted you get the following (not accurate)...
Jack - Look, I'm not interested in talking anymore, you're just taking the piss.
Jacob - I'm all good, if we're still alive after this is over we'll get drunk.
Grunt - I have all I need, clan, ship, enemies to fight.
Zaeed / Kasumi - Repeating text.
I can't seem to get that sort of thing with any of the others, on either of my playthroughs. I just get the default "I'm too busy" / "not got anything to say right now" responses. That's obviously outside of the love interest characters.
Honestly, thats all the people I've gotten to that point. Mordin, Miranda, thane, etc all basically go back to saying the same thing, like "Let me think about what we have already discussed."
I picked up Mass Effect 2 PC on Steam sale this weekend and while I've played through the 360 version twice now (and wrapping up an Insanity run), I wanted the PC version for all the awesome vanity mods.
Is there a good resource out there on what mods are available for PC? I've done my share of googlin' and found a handful of things but nothing seriously reliable. I'm also just now getting back into PC gaming after YEARS away from it, so the easier to understand the better.
