Staff Writer
Mass Effect 2 by BioWare Games is a shooter RPG (role-playing game) set in the future where humans are among an alliance with alien races to council the far reaches of outer space and the worlds among them.
You are Commander Shepard, back again after defending the alliance from the Reapers. With a new start and crew, Shepard is summoned by a human interest group called Cerberus, whose intentions are questioned for peace amongst all races. Shepard’s decisions are more crucial than ever as he takes on the second attack of the Reapers.
Following the first Mass Effect’s success, this beautifully created marathon of a game provides hours and hours of fantastic storylines and exciting game play. One of the most intriguing and well-done aspects of Mass Effect 2 is the speech craft, as you can play as a renegade, patron or neutral character based on what you say during dialog. The cut scenes are spectacular, and the story keeps you compelled to keep playing. The game play is far improved from the first game, with the shooting mechanics tweaked and the different powers of every character implemented into the action seamlessly.
As the story builds, you develop relationships with your crew as you choose to be a friend or a hard-nosed leader to your team. All of these factors combine to make Mass Effect 2 one of the best games I have ever played – and it is dangerously addicting. If you’re a fan of RPGs, this is a title you must play, and to the gamers looking to try out the genre, this would be a great place to start.
I give Mass Effect 2 a very deserving 9.5 out of 10, and with the final chapter in the trilogy due in stores soon, GameStop lists the current price for the game at $19.99 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
Promise to finish your homework before you emerge yourself in the world of Mass Effect 2?
Tyler Stinson may be reached at tstinson@springfieldcollege.edu