Mass Effect 2 (2010) Edition

About

In "Mass Effect 2 Special Edition," Commander Shepard must save the galaxy by recruiting a team of elite warriors to fight against the invading Reapers. With a new inventory system and improved health regeneration, players will face tougher choices and deadlier enemies in this intergalactic adventure. Every decision made will significantly affect the game's outcome, making for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Genres & Tags

Role Playing

Play Modes

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

66%

Audience ScoreBased on 166 reviews

story26 positive mentions

stability4 negative mentions

Mass Effect 2 features an excellent story with well-developed characters and engaging narrative choices, making it a standout in the RPG genre.
The game includes all DLC pre-installed, providing a comprehensive experience without the hassle of additional downloads.
The suicide mission is a highlight, showcasing the consequences of player choices and enhancing the emotional investment in the characters.

The game is plagued by technical issues, including frequent crashes, poor AI pathing, and a problematic launcher that complicates access to the game.
Gameplay mechanics feel outdated and sluggish compared to modern standards, with many powers being ineffective and combat lacking polish.
The requirement to use the EA launcher and the inability to access previous saves or content from the original version frustrates many players.

story
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
46%
7%
The story of Mass Effect 2 is widely praised as the best in the trilogy, featuring compelling character development, engaging loyalty missions, and a high-stakes suicide mission that demands player investment for optimal outcomes. While some reviewers note that the gameplay mechanics have aged poorly and the narrative may feel somewhat disconnected from Mass Effect 3, the rich storytelling and emotional depth of the characters create a captivating experience that stands out in the gaming landscape. Overall, it is considered a must-play for its intricate plot and memorable characters, despite minor gameplay issues.
- “The story of Mass Effect 2 is nothing short of compelling and mysterious, pulling you in with its darker tone and intricate character arcs.”
- “This isn't just a game; it's an odyssey that defrosts the coldest hearts, an epic saga that sends shivers down the spine, and a story that brings warmth to the iciest of souls.”
- “The choices you make have profound consequences, and the depth of the side quests and stories is truly mind-blowing.”
- “Although it's sad to say that ME2 didn't contribute much to the story for ME3; it's mostly ME1 that contributed to ME3's story. But ME2 is a must-buy for me. I loved it; it's the first Mass Effect game I've ever played before playing ME1, and the difference between ME1 and ME2 is like night and day. Better gameplay, better missions, better companions, interesting characters like the Illusive Man, and I would say the story for the game is solid, even though I hear some people say it's messy, which I can understand.”
- “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.”
- “Despite these hiccups, Mass Effect 2 shines brightly in its storytelling, captivating characters, and vast universe.”
gameplay
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
57%
8%
Gameplay in the Mass Effect series has received mixed reviews, with some praising the engaging mechanics and seamless flow, particularly in Mass Effect 2, while others criticize the shift from traditional RPG elements to a cover shooter style, leading to repetitive and sluggish gameplay. Many players appreciate the rich storytelling and character depth, but note that the gameplay mechanics have not aged well, making the experience feel dated compared to modern titles. Overall, while the narrative and character development shine, the gameplay can be a point of contention among fans.
- “The gameplay in Mass Effect 2 is flawless, offering a seamless flow in events that kept me engaged throughout.”
- “I was seduced by the crisp gameplay mechanics, mesmerized by the thrilling narrative, and entranced by the character depth that was as vast as the galaxies I explored within the game.”
- “It stands out with its unique blend of third-person shooter mechanics, RPG elements, and rich storytelling, while other games simply melt into the background.”
- “I don't hate the plot, but the execution and gameplay is downright awful.”
- “It's a shame the developers abandoned 3rd person RPG mechanics for over-the-shoulder cover shooter garbage.”
- “Enemies spawn and walk towards you, causing very repetitive gameplay where you often sit in one doorway or behind the first barrier you come across.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's humor is highlighted by the ability to interrupt dialogue scenes, allowing for comedic moments such as physically interrupting tough-guy monologues. This blend of drama, action, and humor creates an engaging and entertaining experience, likened to a warm fire in a cold environment.
- “Also introduces the ability to interrupt in dialogue scenes, which is hilarious for punching some guy in the face while he's spouting his tough-guy monologue.”
- “The drama, action, and humor were like a warm fire in the cold, harsh tundra.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
The graphics in the Legendary Edition of the Mass Effect trilogy are praised for their superior quality compared to the original versions, featuring modern enhancements, fewer bugs, and recent updates. This edition provides a more visually appealing experience while including all DLCs, making it a better value for players seeking a comprehensive and polished gameplay experience.
- “With its superior graphics, fewer bugs, recent updates, and inclusion of all DLCs, it offers a better deal, delivering the entire Mass Effect trilogy at higher quality and a more affordable price.”
- “It's a classic, but if you want more modern gameplay and graphics, plus the ability to play the trilogy in one go, the Legendary Edition will be better.”
stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game has received consistent criticism for its stability, with users reporting numerous bugs, random crashes, and frequent startup errors, leading to a frustrating experience.
- “Super buggy, prone to random crashes and errors on startup.”
- “Because it is a buggy mess.”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with some users reporting performance issues in hubs, occasional micro-stuttering, and inconsistent mouse sensitivity. While not everyone experiences these problems, the presence of unfixed bugs has been noted as a drawback.
- “Some bugs remain unfixed, the mouse sensitivity can be wonky, and there's the occasional micro-stuttering in certain areas, though not everyone experiences this.”
- “The only drawback being some performance issues in hubs some have reported (me included).”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music in the original digital deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 is highlighted as a notable feature, accompanied by a bonus soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Additionally, the package includes a digital art book, comic, and video, further enriching the game's artistic and narrative elements.
- “The original digital deluxe Mass Effect 2 included the base game along with some DLC, plus a bonus soundtrack, digital art book, comic, and video.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional depth of the characters is highlighted, with Tali evolving from a mere information source to a relatable and determined individual, while Thane is portrayed as a mysterious and heartbreaking figure. Jack embodies resilience despite her struggles, and Legion stands out as a uniquely crafted robot character, blending gentleness with danger, making him a memorable favorite among players.
- “Special notice goes to Tali, who is no longer a walking Wikipedia article; instead, she is a curious, starstruck, and overwhelmed character who is determined and true. Thane is meticulously crafted to be mysterious, charismatic, and heartbreaking. Jack is a woman fighting against the world that has beaten her down, but she wishes her heart would heal. Legion is one of the most uniquely written robot characters in gaming; his thoughts are truly unorganic, and he is both gentle and dangerous - he's a standout character in a sea of standouts, no wonder he's been my favorite all these years.”