Mass Effect 2: Ultimate Edition

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 8,507 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Mass Effect 2: Ultimate Edition Game Cover
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"Mass Effect 2: Ultimate Edition" is a single-player Sci-Fi Shooter game with exceptional mechanics, stunning graphics, and memorable music. Commanded by Captain Shepard, players must work with the organization Cerberus to stop a new enemy threatening human colonies. The Collector's Edition features bonus content including a comic book, exclusive in-game items, and behind-the-scenes videos. Despite some bugs, the game offers a highly emotional, compelling atmosphere and high replayability.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,507 reviews
story1,959 positive mentions
grinding117 negative mentions
  • Mass Effect 2 is widely regarded as the best game in the trilogy, with an engaging story and memorable characters.
  • The gameplay has been significantly improved, offering a more dynamic combat experience compared to the first game.
  • The character development and loyalty missions add depth and emotional weight to the narrative, making choices feel impactful.
  • The Steam version lacks access to all DLCs, requiring players to go through Origin to obtain them, which can be a frustrating process.
  • Some players have reported bugs and glitches, including issues with character movement and game crashes.
  • The removal of certain RPG elements from the first game, such as inventory management and vehicle exploration, has disappointed some fans.
  • story4,633 mentions

    Mass Effect 2 is widely praised for its exceptional storytelling and character development, with many reviewers highlighting the emotional depth of the narrative and the impact of player choices on the story's progression. The game shifts focus from a grand overarching plot to more personal, character-driven arcs, particularly through the loyalty missions that allow players to connect with their squadmates on a deeper level. While some critiques mention a less cohesive main story compared to its predecessor, the overall experience is described as immersive and engaging, culminating in a thrilling final mission that emphasizes the stakes of the player's decisions throughout the game.

    • “This game is an awesome achievement in storytelling and character choices.”
    • “The story is excellent, with a gripping narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish.”
    • “The characters are well-written, and the story is immersive, making you care about the outcomes of your choices.”
    • “The main story is full of frustrating plot holes, and the loyalty mechanic (the only bit that links the interesting stuff to the main plot) feels super arbitrary and disconnected.”
    • “However, the big reason why I didn't like this game was because the story, in this story and dialogue-rich RPG, is trash.”
    • “The entire game is basically a recruitment mission, only to end up not using any of your acquired squad members properly in the final mission.”
  • gameplay1,306 mentions

    The gameplay in Mass Effect 2 has been significantly refined compared to its predecessor, transitioning to a more action-oriented third-person shooter with improved cover mechanics and a streamlined inventory system. While some players appreciate the enhanced combat and character abilities, others lament the reduction of RPG elements and the removal of vehicle gameplay, which contributed to a more immersive experience in the first game. Overall, the game offers engaging mechanics and a compelling narrative, making it a standout title in the series despite some criticisms regarding its simplification of gameplay.

    • “The gameplay is solid, gunplay is cover-based, characters and their loyalty missions are interesting and emotional, graphics and settings are gorgeous, music is epic and the overall threat feels real and galaxy impactful.”
    • “The world-building and new companions are much more fleshed out and interesting this time around, and the combat has been retooled to a third-person cover shooter with a bit more distinction between player classes along with the morality system having greater effects on gameplay.”
    • “Mass Effect 2 improves upon the gameplay from the first game and further expands the narrative of the Mass Effect universe.”
    • “The gameplay is bad.”
    • “It's not just that the gameplay is bad, it's that the levels feel endless, with the same bad corner-based shooter loop lasting for far longer than it should.”
    • “The gameplay is a massive case of two steps forward, one step back.”
  • graphics622 mentions

    The graphics of Mass Effect 2 are widely praised for their quality, especially considering the game's release in 2010. Many reviewers note that the visuals still hold up well today, with improved textures and character models compared to its predecessor, Mass Effect 1. While some acknowledge minor graphical glitches and dated elements, the overall aesthetic, art design, and immersive environments contribute significantly to the game's appeal, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.

    • “The graphics are stunning and beautifully done.”
    • “The graphics hold up well and the voice acting is superb.”
    • “The graphics are incredible, especially for a game that came out almost 9 years ago in 2010.”
    • “The graphics are dated and some of the grindier elements are annoying, but if you like role-playing games at all you'll love this.”
    • “Some well-known graphics bugs remain unfixed more than a decade after the game was first launched, but there are workarounds published.”
    • “The graphics may be dated but everything else is still phenomenal; I just love this game.”
  • music283 mentions

    The music in the game has been widely praised for its epic and immersive quality, with many reviewers highlighting the soundtrack as one of the best in video game history. Composed by Jack Wall and others, the music effectively enhances the emotional depth of the story and gameplay, particularly during key moments like the "suicide mission." While some opinions suggest that the soundtrack may not be as memorable as the first game's, the overall consensus is that it significantly contributes to the game's atmosphere and player experience.

    • “The music is breathtaking, the missions are a joy to play, and most importantly, your decisions matter.”
    • “The soundtrack is incredible and memorable, and I count it as being among the best game soundtracks.”
    • “The locations, the atmosphere, the story, the characters, the music.... this is the best space RPG adventure game to date, period.”
    • “The music isn't as good in this one and Harbinger is a loser.”
    • “The music is pretty dull, basic techno stuff with nothing memorable, and the story is uninteresting to me.”
    • “The soundtrack doesn't feel like much to be honest, but it's decent.”
  • replayability135 mentions

    The game's replayability is highly praised, with many players noting the significant impact of choices, character classes, and multiple endings that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some reviews mention limited replay value due to linearity or bugs, the overall consensus highlights a rich variety of paths and experiences that make the game engaging long after the initial playthrough. Many players report returning to the game years later, drawn by its immersive story and character dynamics.

    • “Replayability is amazing, giving so many different paths to pursue, different relationships as you live out a life that's completely different from your own.”
    • “The game has so much variety and branching paths that you would legitimately have to play this game several times over to see it all, giving it immense replayability!”
    • “Your actions actually have consequences in the game and this makes for great replayability.”
    • “I don't think there would be any replayability using the different classes.”
    • “It's the only RPG I own with no replay value - that's unheard of.”
    • “Warning: limited replay value, each playthrough may take roughly 15 - 20 hours but with only 3 ways to play paragon, neutral, renegade that is 45-60 hours if you want to see everything, plus a few hours of DLC.”
  • character development127 mentions

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and emotional engagement, often compared to cinematic storytelling. Players appreciate the unique and imaginative character designs, as well as the significant improvements over the previous installment, which enhance the overall narrative experience. The game's focus on character backstories and relationships, particularly through loyalty missions, creates a rich and immersive RPG experience that resonates with players.

    • “Literally like watching a movie in its in-depth character development.”
    • “The character development in this game is on par with any movie or show you could think of, and in a generation of games where too many characters have the depth of a porno, it is truly refreshing.”
    • “Never before has a game made me more emotionally attached to characters; this game has some of the greatest character development ever to grace the world of video games.”
    • “The character development is weak, but the main plot is still strong and has lots of potential for the next installment.”
    • “The level design is linear, character development is flat, the RPG experience is weak, and the story provides paltry excitement at best--an over-hyped snoozer.”
    • “While the overarching plot of the entire trilogy develops the least over the course of this game compared to the other ones, Bioware made a smart decision and used ME2 largely as an opportunity to give your companions massive character development.”
  • grinding124 mentions

    The aspect of grinding in the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding the resource gathering and scanning mechanics tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the streamlined gameplay compared to the first installment, they still note that the mining and hacking mini-games can feel like unnecessary filler, detracting from the overall experience. However, others argue that the improvements in combat and story make the grinding feel more rewarding, even if it remains a significant part of the gameplay.

    • “Many of the side missions are not really tedious or grindy at all.”
    • “There are really no weak characters here, no tedious interactions; you'll find yourself looking forward to this aspect of the game regardless of how many times you play through.”
    • “Vehicle exploration has been removed in favor of a tedious scanning mode; it's frankly awful.”
    • “On a fresh playthrough, this is easily the most tedious, boring part of the game.”
    • “The only poor part of the game is the scanning of planets for minerals (a tedious task if there ever was one), needed in order to upgrade your ship and equipment.”
  • emotional115 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game series is widely praised, with players expressing deep connections to characters and their stories, often leading to tears and heartfelt moments. Many highlight the impactful character development and loyalty missions that evoke strong feelings, making choices feel weighty and consequential. Overall, the series is celebrated for its ability to create an immersive emotional experience that resonates long after gameplay ends.

    • “They gave him a ton of emotional depth and growth as a character, and it was very refreshing to see.”
    • “The characters, voice acting, and emotional resonance of the series is just as important as the fun gunplay.”
    • “Your choices feel (and are) a lot more heavy with what you choose and can at times even be heart-wrenching to see the result of your choices.”
  • atmosphere92 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the effective use of lighting, music, and environmental design that enhances the overall experience. While some players feel that the atmosphere has evolved or diminished compared to earlier installments, the majority agree that it remains a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's storytelling and emotional impact. Overall, the combination of rich character interactions, diverse settings, and a compelling soundtrack creates a memorable and engaging atmosphere that resonates with players.

    • “The atmosphere is unreal, and breathtaking even today.”
    • “The atmosphere, the dialogue, and of course the characters are absolutely unparalleled.”
    • “With trepidation, I clicked on the ‘play the game’ button, and was instantly immersed in one of the most impressive action role-playing games I have ever played, with a brilliant atmosphere and memorable companions, all within the framework of a fantastic science fiction setting.”
    • “The only downsides are that the game ditched major RPG elements from the first game, which was a little disappointing, and the game does not have the same atmosphere or feel as Mass Effect 1.”
    • “This game really suffers in the emotional impact and atmosphere departments compared to the other games in the series.”
    • “It really feels like they took the masterpiece of story and immersion that was Mass Effect 1 and they tried to transform it into a more action-oriented product, killing completely the atmosphere and sense of being part of something bigger.”
  • stability76 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized for being buggy, with numerous glitches affecting gameplay, such as getting stuck in the environment and issues with AI behavior. While some players report a smoother experience compared to the previous installment, many still encounter significant bugs that can disrupt immersion and require frequent reloading of save files. Overall, the game is described as enjoyable but marred by stability issues that detract from its otherwise strong narrative and gameplay.

    • “The game seemed stable and polished, not buggy.”
    • “This game runs great, you won't have the top-notch graphics, but it works for a very mobile platform.”
    • “As close to bug-free as any RPG ever, and the gameplay is silky smooth.”
    • “What I have noticed so far is that this game is extremely buggy!”
    • “Expect to reload/step back in savegames often due to wall/cover glitches, autosaves outside of playable areas, etc. 9/10 story, 5/10 engine.”
    • “There were many glitches, getting stuck on invisible walls etc., Shepard always going in and out of cover when you don't want and you can't just duck behind anything.”
  • humor71 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, providing a delightful contrast to the darker themes present in the narrative. Players appreciate the witty dialogue, memorable character interactions, and environmental jokes that enhance the overall experience, making them laugh while also engaging with the story's emotional depth. The balance of humor and seriousness, along with the inclusion of funny moments and snarky banter, contributes significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “Despite the darker tone, the game manages to be surprisingly funny at points as well.”
    • “The dialogue was funny, badass, and interesting.”
    • “The voice acting and writing was excellent and the game pulled off humor and sarcasm better than most other games at the time.”
  • optimization36 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game is generally well-received, with many players reporting smooth performance even on older or mid-range systems. However, some users experienced minor issues such as micro-stuttering and poorly optimized UI for PC, particularly with the Cerberus Network login screen. While the game runs well for most, there are notable concerns regarding control schemes and graphical settings that limit customization.

    • “It is also very well optimized and can be enjoyed with a mid-range setup (mid-range i5-6200, Intel HD 520 graphics). This game will give you hours of gripping, edge-of-the-seat fun and immerse you completely in the story!”
    • “The graphics are excellent for an already older game, and it does not consume too much hardware performance.”
    • “Mass Effect 2 is better than Mass Effect 1 in my opinion, because it just seems more organized and optimized than the first one.”
    • “The login screen for the Cerberus Network is poorly optimized for PC use.”
    • “Horribly optimized.”
    • “Sadly, the controls are not optimized for PC.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization model of the game is praised for its value, offering extensive content through DLC at a low price, providing over 100 hours of gameplay without relying on microtransactions. Players appreciate the rich narrative and clever in-game advertisements that enhance the experience, making the investment feel worthwhile.

    • “If you get the DLC (which is well worth the pennies you'll pay now) and play through the game's main and side quests fully, you're looking at about 100+ hours of quality gaming for around the price that most games charge for microtransactions nowadays.”
    • “Hey... he hustled every single one of us for discounts... what the hell! I know they heard each other's advertisements standing around...”
    • “Shep has pretty much the monopoly on advertising on the Citadel... so effectively all these people hear 24/7 is advertisements.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Buy Mass Effect 2: Ultimate Edition

Play time

32hMedian play time
61hAverage play time
15-57hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 33 analyzed playthroughs

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