Mass Effect 2 Steam Key GLOBAL

About

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Mass Effect 2 Steam Key GLOBAL screenshot

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 8,547 reviews

story2k positive mentions

grinding118 negative mentions

Incredible story and character development that immerses players in the Mass Effect universe.
Improved combat mechanics and gameplay compared to the first game, making it more engaging.
The loyalty missions for squad members add depth and emotional weight to the narrative.

DLC access is complicated and requires using the EA Origin platform, which can be frustrating.
Some players experience bugs and glitches, including getting stuck in the environment.
The game simplifies RPG elements from the first installment, which may disappoint fans of deeper customization.

story
4,678 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
55%
3%
The story of "Mass Effect 2" is widely praised for its depth and character development, with many players noting that the loyalty missions for squad members add significant emotional weight and backstory. While the main plot is often described as less compelling than the first game's, it effectively sets the stage for the climactic "suicide mission," where player choices can lead to dramatic consequences for the crew. Overall, the game is celebrated for its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and the way it intertwines player decisions with the unfolding story, making it a standout in the RPG genre.
- “The story is a blizzard of emotions that chills you to the bone, and the choices you make feel as if they hold the weight of the entire galaxy.”
- “The storyline was unraveling in front of me like a stunning tapestry, and the personalities of the characters seemed to deepen as I progressed forward.”
- “The narrative in Mass Effect 2 is a masterclass in storytelling. Its ability to weave complex storytelling, character development, and player choice into a cohesive and engaging experience has set a high standard for RPGs and narrative-driven games in general.”
- “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.”
- “The story is as for the first one an absolute must.”
- “The story, in this story and dialogue-rich RPG, is trash.”
gameplay
1,325 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
55%
6%
The gameplay in Mass Effect 2 has been significantly refined compared to its predecessor, transitioning to a more action-oriented third-person shooter style while still incorporating RPG elements like character classes and skill upgrades. Players appreciate the streamlined mechanics, improved combat fluidity, and engaging squad dynamics, although some miss the depth of RPG features from the first game. Overall, the combination of captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and enhanced gameplay mechanics makes it a standout title in the series.
- “The gameplay mechanics of Mass Effect 2 are flawlessly executed, striking the perfect balance between thrilling combat and strategic decision-making.”
- “It envelops you in its unique and spectacular combination of third-person shooter mechanics, RPG elements, and captivating storytelling, while leaving other games in its wake.”
- “The refined third-person shooter mechanics offer exhilarating firefights, complemented by a vast array of powerful weapons and abilities that allow players to customize their playstyle.”
- “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.”
graphics
632 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
46%
2%
The graphics of Mass Effect 2, while somewhat dated by modern standards, are generally praised for their quality and detail, especially considering the game's 2010 release. Many reviewers note that the visuals still hold up well today, with improved character models and environments compared to its predecessor, Mass Effect 1. Additionally, the game benefits from community mods that enhance its graphical fidelity, making it visually appealing even for contemporary audiences.
- “From the very moment I embarked on Commander Shepard's interstellar adventure, I was drawn into a world teeming with unforgettable characters, breathtaking visuals, and a gripping narrative that has set new standards for the sci-fi genre.”
- “Graphically, Mass Effect 2 (2010 edition) still stands tall even in today's era of advanced gaming technology.”
- “The graphics are stunning and beautifully done.”
- “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.”
- “The graphics may be dated but everything else is still phenomenal; I just love this game.”
- “The graphics are beginning to show their age; however, they are certainly of sufficient quality to not disturb the gameplay.”
music
282 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
38%
2%
The music in the game has been widely praised for its exceptional quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting the hauntingly beautiful score composed by Jack Wall. Tracks like "Suicide Mission" and "Normandy Reborn" are particularly noted for their emotional impact, making them memorable parts of the gaming experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in video game history, effectively complementing the narrative and gameplay.
- “Additionally, the hauntingly beautiful musical score, composed by the legendary Jack Wall, adds another layer of depth to the game's atmosphere.”
- “The game's memorable soundtrack and expertly crafted sound design heighten the emotional impact of key moments and contribute to the immersive atmosphere of the Mass Effect universe.”
- “The soundtrack is incredible and memorable, and I count it as being among the best game soundtracks.”
- “The music isn't as good in this one and Harbinger is a loser.”
- “Only the soundtrack was not memorable.”
- “Mass Effect 2's soundtrack seems more run of the mill.”
replayability
135 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
56%
3%
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 a decline in replay value after the initial experience, the majority highlight the depth of story and character interactions as key factors that enhance replayability. Overall, it is regarded as one of the most replayable games, offering a rich and varied experience with each playthrough.
- “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.”
- “The game's replay value drops like a rock after one playthrough.”
- “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 development
133 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
44%
2%
Character development in Mass Effect 2 is widely praised for its depth and emotional impact, with players forming strong attachments to well-crafted characters through engaging backstories and loyalty missions. The game sets a high standard for RPGs by seamlessly integrating character arcs with player choices, enhancing the overall narrative experience. Many reviewers highlight the significant improvement in character development compared to its predecessor, making it a standout feature that elevates the game's storytelling.
- “The depth of the character development in this game is unparalleled, with unforgettable moments of joy, camaraderie, and heartbreak that will leave players emotionally invested until the very end.”
- “Mass Effect 2 places a strong emphasis on character development, and it excels in this regard.”
- “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.”
- “The character development is flat, the RPG experience is weak, and the story provides paltry excitement at best--an over-hyped snoozer.”
- “Character development is weak, but the main plot is still strong and has lots of potential for the next installment.”
- “Less squad mates with more character development would have been preferable.”
grinding
125 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
4%
94%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, 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 scanning processes can feel like a chore, especially during extended play sessions. Overall, while grinding exists, it is often seen as a necessary but frustrating part of the experience, with some players recommending mods to alleviate the tedium.
- “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.”
emotional
120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with players expressing deep connections to characters and their stories, often leading to tears and heart-wrenching moments. The choices made throughout the game carry significant weight, affecting character fates and enhancing emotional investment, while the exceptional soundtrack and character development amplify the overall experience. Many players describe it as an unforgettable emotional journey, making it a standout in interactive storytelling.
- “The depth of the character development in this game is unparalleled, with unforgettable moments of joy, camaraderie, and heartbreak that will leave players emotionally invested until the very end.”
- “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.”
- “The story is gripping and, if you get invested, heartbreaking.”
atmosphere
94 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
44%
3%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by a hauntingly beautiful musical score and dynamic character interactions. Reviewers note the captivating environments and emotional depth, often comparing it to classic sci-fi narratives, while some express a preference for the atmospheric elements of earlier installments. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as a standout feature that significantly contributes to its storytelling and player engagement.
- “The atmosphere is out of this world; I loved the lighting and aesthetic of this game.”
- “The locations, the atmosphere, the story, the characters, the music... this is the best space RPG adventure game to date, period.”
- “With the score and the atmosphere, playing Mass Effect makes it feel like I'm watching a movie, in a good way, mind you.”
- “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 ME1 and they tried to transform it into a more action-oriented product, killing completely the atmosphere and sense of being part of something bigger.”
- “The atmosphere and feeling is dark and claustrophobic.”
stability
79 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
92%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, such as getting stuck in walls, freezing, and issues with AI behavior. While some players note improvements over previous installments, the overall experience remains marred by technical issues, leading to a mixed reception regarding its stability. Despite these problems, many still find the game enjoyable due to its strong narrative and engaging 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.”
- “Since writing the above, I've tried playing it again in 2023 and now it's such a buggy experience that it's become unplayable.”
- “Expect to reload/step back in save games often due to wall/cover glitches, autosaves outside of playable areas, etc. 9/10 story, 5/10 engine.”
- “First off, I want to warn people that the game is incredibly buggy.”
humor
73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever writing, memorable dialogue, and the ability to balance comedic moments with serious themes. Players appreciate the character interactions, environmental jokes, and the overall charm that adds depth to the narrative, making it both entertaining and engaging. Despite some darker tones, the game consistently delivers laugh-out-loud moments, showcasing a well-crafted blend of humor and storytelling.
- “The dialogue was funny, badass, and interesting.”
- “Despite the darker tone, the game manages to be surprisingly funny at points as well.”
- “The voice acting and writing was excellent and the game pulled off humor and sarcasm better than most other games at the time.”
optimization
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
56%
14%
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 optimization and occasional performance drops after extended playthroughs.
- “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.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
83%
The monetization model of the game is praised for its value, offering extensive content through DLC at a low price, which provides 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... wth!" because 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...”