When the original Mass Effect came out, Bioware established a very typical sci-fi universe, complete with massive orbital cities, foreign planets, and plenty of alien creatures. What separated this universe from others was the plethora of individuals and relatable issues that came with them. This was a sci-fi universe that was relatable and deep. You could get to know those around you and, even more than the most well known sci-fi universes, you could really explore the world the universe you lived in.
Mass Effect 2 ups that. Shepherd returns, this time working for a faction known as Cerebrus, one that few seem to trust. As they have done you a great favor, they are now tasking you with saving the universe once again. The game is a direct sequel in what is a proposed trilogy. And it's an effective chapter in the saga. You once again have choices to make, some difficult. Do you let a colony of people die because you want the loyalty of a team member, or do you stand by your principles and save them. These are the kinds of choices you have to make, and this ultimately affects your relations with the universe around you. The aforementioned scenario is also an example of how directly you affect your new team as well. The characters who comprise your team of warriors now give you a direct glimpse into their lives by tasking you with missions that directly affect them. At several points you will have to make tough decisions, and these will, once again, affect the rest of the game.
But, even without directly helping these characters, they're still a fairly interesting bunch. You have a variety of characters, all multifaceted. Some who seem to be bitter and hard have good reason to be so, while others who seem too nice can show a side that is as dark as any villain. As the commander of this crowd, you have to make the choices that will affect their outlook on you and ultimately affect their performance during the mission. Act too harshly, and you may lose some support. Act too naively, and you may let a criminal slip loose.
Gameplay, in my opinion, takes a backseat. My issues with the first game were also gameplay related, and while a few things have improved, the primary issues remain. I always found gameplay in the original to be a tad dull. Here, gameplay remains as dull. While there are several options, it's also quite formulaic. You run, take cover, and play shooting gallery with enemies. Occasionally you run into some hacking minigames, but those lose their charm after a little while. It would have been nice if Bioware could have included some variety, but the lack of truly exciting gameplay moments leaves the game lacking. And with so many games out there these days that contain a plethora of cinematic gameplay moments, one has to wonder why Bioware has settled for a more mundane formula of gameplay. However, the gameplay keeps the game moving, and it's not so bad where you dread having to shoot more bad guys.
Thankfully, the makers of the game listened to players and did away with certain annoyances. Gone is the Mako, which took up a chunk of time in the original having to explore planets. Gone, also, are the long and unnecessary elevator sequences and the plethora of backtracking to get back to the Normandy. Everything is streamlined to put you right where you want to be. It's nice to see a company that cares enough for what its gamers want to cut out the bs and get to the good stuff.
Mass Effect 2 isn't a giant leap for the series. But, with a game as good as the first chapter, the sequel doesn't have to be. It's another fantastic game that continues a rich and exciting universe full of life to explore. And, that alone, makes it a worthwhile purchase.
