Sunday 1 June 2014

DAY 152 / GAME 152 Mass Effect 2

 DAY 152 / GAME 152


Mass Effect 2


      The Mass Effect trilogy has the benefit of being a story told in three parts.  More often than not, sequels in the gaming world are created in order to either continue the profits driven from the first iterations, or to expand the game into a more updated console and take it new places.  But lately, as is the case with Mass Effect, developers have taken the fantastic -however risky- route of planning a game with a story in 3 parts.  Risky of course, because if the game doesn't take off after it's introduced, then the rest of the story will go untold.


        Luckily, Mass Effect took off, allowing for the full plot to unfold.  Which is great because the Mass Effect trilogy may be one of the greatest science fiction stories ever told in a gaming platform.  Arguably, the best part of the series was the second part; Mass Effect 2.

           For those who have played part 1, Mass Effect 2 was exceptionally good.  There are a number of situations you are placed in that require you to make some hard calls.  A lot of those calls mean you essentially choose who lives and dies on the battlefield.  When you load up Mass Effect 2, save game information from Mass Effect 1 carry over and those decision you make now play out.  It's always a fantastic feeling when you find the personalized story you've experienced now carries over into the rest of the trilogy, now making the entire story all your own. 


      Mass Effect 2 cleaned up everything that was either somewhat unpolished including controls, load times, visuals and (thank god) the inventory system.  It introduced new characters, ones that were exciting and even more interesting than the previous installment.  Bioware also went out of their way to really push the personalities of the crew you were working with.  Making it a point to create a variety that you have strong feelings towards, whether it be good or bad.  In fact, most people you'll talk to really do hate some crew members and love others.  This really goes a long way to help personalise the story as well.  Since you're more likely to pick a crew for missions that you really enjoy, giving each person's gameplay and story slightly different.


     Mass Effect 2 has so much incredible content I couldn't possibly sum it up in one post.  Not only is it one of the most amazing sci-fi stories ever told, it contains some incredible characters, absolutely fantastic alien designs and an expansive encyclopedia of information Bioware created to back up and solidify the whole game.  It's solid, encouraged multiple playthroughs and absolutely begs to be expanded on.  I'm very excited to hear that Bioware will be creating another Mass Effect game, seperate of the trilogy's story, allowing us to enjoy more of the world without diluting the already amazing and complete 3-part narrative.  




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