It toke me a few hours to figure it out, but Bioware has really achieved something with Mass Effect 2. They cut all the fat, trimmed old conventions and needless gathering, streamlining and focusing on the action and characters. I had my doubts at times, secretly dreaming of massive inventory screens, and +5 damage sniper rifles. These faded as my quest continued, a long build up. Every step is building towards an inevitable great conflict to decide the galaxy’s fate. Recruiting fascinating new followers, characters with real character, each a personality unique and diverse. Selecting a mere two to accompany on missions was difficult, I enjoyed conversing with them, learning there tale, discovering pasts and hidden truths. Although not required, every party member has a loyalty side quest, further exploring deep and emotional individual stories. Some were simple violent diversions, other touching family moments, lost loved ones, memories of past choices.

Choices, or to be more specific my choices, from mass effect 1 have impacted this world. The decisions I made two years ago carry weight, people life’s affected, politics changed by my rash conclusions. Carrying over my version of Commander Shepard; coming out of retirement, seeing all my reckless actions shaping this future, meeting old friends, remembering lost allies.

Visually impressive, on both the small and large scale, close-ups reveal all manner of very detailed alien tusks, scaly skin or bony appendages. A galaxy spanning epic; from Tuchankas nuclear blasted wreckage, to the neon cityscape of Illium. Environments come in every variety, sharp details and vast impressive vistas. Constantly refreshing settings rendered with great design.
Speaking with every strange new alien life form, dialog wheel keeping the conversation cinematic; Selecting tone and direction rather than exact wording. React with compassion and understanding, or lash out with harshness and occasional violence. I selected the path of Recklessness, following my path from Mass Effect 1. Completing my mission at any cost, imposing my will with intimidation and sporadic murder.

Combat has been refined, speed up. Shooting model is great, guns and weapons have real impact, add in the vast abilities from the Jedi like gravity distorting biotic powers, to high-tech disabling and advanced combat skills. Staying fresh and exciting, never ceasing its relentless pace. Very enjoyable visceral combat, perfectly difficulty from beginning to end.

The long build up is worth it, the team comes together for our supposed suicide mission. Without spoiling the final encounter, everything comes together in a truly epic fight, each party member filling their role. Every expensive upgrade paying off, as the team faces off against endless odds. Incredibly satisfying final fight, ending in the expected cliffhanger, Mass Effect 3 will surly begin with a bang. I can only imagine the impact of these new events, new choices.

By removing the old conventions of loot and inventory management, and instead focusing on fast paced exciting combat, and truly impressive new characters. Mass effect 2 is a great achievement. I finished my game with 35+ hours, finishing all the loyalty missions and nearly every side mission. I scanned uncharted planet for minerals, hacked computer terminals and found distress becomes from stranded ships. Spent untold hours conversing about galactic history or reading codex entry’s on alien biology. A vast world filled with lore.

This year’s first great game; with some of the best designed, most fleshed out characters yet seen in video games.