Xbox 360 Video Game Review - Mass Effect 2

If you're looking for an Xbox 360 video game with space battles, you're better off trying Wing Commander on Xbox Live Arcade or Battlestar Galactica. Now, if you want to save the human race, kick some butt, and have the hero look somewhat similar to yourself, then get Mass Effect 2 for Xbox 360.

Mass Effect 2 is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare, and published by Electronic Arts. Before, I continue, if you haven't tried Mass Effect 1, please try that game first. The 1^st Mass Effect game will prepare you for the challenges to come in Mass Effect 2. All the critical plot decisions you made in Mass Effect will carry over and you will receive some in-game bonuses too.

In the late 22^nd century, you lead a ragtag team of alien criminals, explorers, and pro-human allies to protect the human race from extinction. Who's the villain? Well, it isn't Darth Vader or the Borg, but the villain isn't a pushover. The enemy is a race called the Reapers, a race of mechanical "self-aware" dreadnoughts that periodically harvest the galaxy of all sentient life once galactic civilization reaches a certain point in development.

One great feature in Mass Effect 2 is the result of making decisions on the fly that will alter the course of the game in the terms of a new ally, a dead foe, or even the destruction of a space colony in deep space. You can be the good guy and basically perform acts of kindness or be a badass and kill every person and/or creature at your own discretion. You can also take your time to save the human race since there's neither time limit nor a countdown to oblivion (unlike Fallout 1 & 2 for the PC).

Depending on what type of gamer you are, you will allow enjoy missions to uncharted worlds to obtain resources for tech upgrades which will make your mission to save humanity a lot easier. Perhaps, you like to tackle adventures on alien worlds full of espionage, drugs, technology, and love. A weird combination, I agree, but the Mass Effect galaxy is full of weird alien races that might remind you of a family member or two.

The visual quality of all the worlds you can visit is superb. Every detail, big and small will stand out and pull you into the Mass Effect universe. The music and sound effects were also done as well as the graphics were. Just about every place you visit in the game has its unique atmosphere in the background that are actually interesting to look and listen to. If you're interested in buying the music from Mass Effect 2 and its prequel, Mass Effect, you can purchase it on iTunes or Amazon.com. ^[1]

I only have two main issues with the game. The first issue is the weapons selection feature that allows you select weapons could be a little easier to call for. At times, I pick the wrong weapon like a pistol and I got a synthetic AI with heavy armor and rocket launcher(s) ready to blast me halfway across the battlefield. Not fun at all.

My second grip is that you get to buy your weapons. Sometimes, if you would know where to get the ultimate weapon and you got the money to buy it. I'll rather go to the nearest star system, buy the weapon, and "say hello to my little friend" to every bum trying to kill me.

You can purchase Mass Effect 2 at various game stores such as Best Buy, Gamestop, and Amazon.com at any time - check out www.gamefaqs.com for more price comparisons. ^[2] To be frank, once you get started with this game full of unexpected challenges and surprises, you might have trouble turning the game off or keeping track of time.

References:

1. "Amazon.com: Mass Effect 2: EA Games Soundtrack: MP3 Downloads", Amazon.com

2. "Online Store Prices for Mass Effect 2", Gamefaqs.com