Hahahahhahaha.
Best Mass Effect comedy ever.
Best Mass Effect comedy ever.
Up with people
The middle chapters in a trilogy usually have one big obstacle: They can't exactly offer up the intoxicating discovery of a new universe, or the gratifying closure of a final chapter. Uncovering delicious truths about the Collectors and the Reapers proves irresistible - despite a final boss that seems to belong in an entirely different universe - but the main quest is a slow burn that takes too long to pick up steam.
The real heart and soul of Mass Effect 2 lies in the characterizations of your ever-growing crew of self-described bitches, bloodthirsty bastards, and half-reformed malcontents. You can pick out the archetypes, but each character is a fully-developed individual with a deep history, specific desires and often questionable methods. The best moments of the game all come from the rough-and-tumble side missions and conversations that slowly builds trust, loyalty and even affection between you and your crew.
While combat consistently excites and the main quest doesn't lack for mystery, those side-stories tap an emotional vein that neither can touch. You don't just watch as a friend grapples with an ethical dilemma, familial dilemma or the nature of the universe itself - you guide each personality to a conclusion as either friend or manipulator. Doing so always unlocks a cool new ability for them to use in battle, but it's the poignant emotional payoff of these encounters that'll stay with you for days. The fact that not every story has a happy ending simply deepens your emotional investment.
Mass Effect 2 overcomes its gameplay weaknesses with a fantastic weave of dynamic combat, lavish presentation and engaging character and weapon customisation. But for all the myriad improvements that make Mass Effect 2's visuals so appealing and its combat so exhilarating, it's ultimately the way it moves us that makes it so memorable. When you've finally completed every last side quest, upgraded every piece of gear, and scoured every planet, sadness sets in - until you remember there's at least one more Mass Effect coming. Maybe the sizzling surface of a desolate planet in the middle of a trilogy is a pretty good place to hang out after all.
Planetfall
Meet your new intergalactic whip
Headed down to some hostile planet's surface to dispense justice or shoot holes in the local fauna? Dpn't plan on tooling around in Mass Effect's six-wheeled Mako. Instead of rambling around vast and creepy expanses of barren star-baked dirt looking for lookalike bases, camps and mineral deposits, you'll automatically drop right into athe areas of immediate interest aboard the Kodiak drop shuttle. You never get to pilot this sucker directly but why drive when one can be driven? (why play a game when one can watch a movie?)
The Verdict on Xbox360
-Enveloping universe filled with interesting characters and revealing side quests
-Outstanding, flexible combat in gorgeous environments
-Why do characters cry oil slicks?
Surf Solar said:Thank you. It was a hard job to read (the small solution) but informative. The rating is a bit too high? But I'll see what I think of this game. I can't wait, played the fuck out of the first one a few days ago and really enjoyed it.
Good Shep wasn't above beating the shit out of somebody, but didn't kill if he didn't have to. He's kinda like future Batman. But then again moving people's perspectives was piss easy in the first game. "Ashley, stop being xenophobic." "Ok, skipper." "Garrus, be like me and be above the law." "Cool." Didn't even need a damn Speech Check 3/4ths of the time.SuAside said:i also never get how "good people" are always against killing. how wonderfully simplistic & naïve.
Heavens, no. That Quarian broad, on the other hand... Sexy voice, great body, leather, underage. What's there not to like? I can't believe BioWareians didn't think to make her a romanceable character. Given the physical constraints (sex would be a virtual impossibility, since Tali's weak immune system necessitates that she wear her protective suit at all times), there was a golden opportunity there to develop a romance on a more emotional and philosophical level.Kilus said:Admit it ratty, you just want to do some blue aliens.
Phil the Nuka-Cola Dude said:and that's the lack of a vehicle. I explored every planet, completed every side-mission... yet no riding in the Hammerhead. They talk about it, and you can even see the keybinds in the options menu; but it's nowhere to be found.
Probably set up for some day-1 DLC or some shit.