Mass Effect 2

Other products by Electronic Arts

Product Features

• New location based damage system allows for targeting of key weak points, blasting off limbs, igniting enemies, or cripple and disable enemy troops.
• Collector's Edition items including: Mass Effect 2, art book, Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book, exclusive in-game weapon and armor, behind-the-scenes and making-of DVD and Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content.
• Improved NPC conversation system where Commander Shepard can take matters into your own hands by interrupting or using force to get the answer required.
• Integration with the original Mass Effect game allows players to import saved files and continue play with those files in Mass Effect 2.
• Choose from 19 different weapons, including devastating heavy weapons that can end a battle in seconds.

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B002VL2HA2
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: January 26, 2010
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #876 in Video Games (See Bestsellers in Video Games)

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Product Description

Platform: Xbox 360 | Edition: Collector

Amazon.com Product Description

Mass Effect 2 is the sequel to BioWare's hit space-based role-playing game (RPG), Mass Effect. A single player adventure, Mass Effect 2 allows players to continue the adventures of the fully customizable series hero, Commander Shepard, as you take on a whole new adventure and cast of supporting characters. Features new to this latest release in the franchise include the ability to import game save files from the original Mass Effect game to continue the adventure in an unbroken fashion, a new damage system, a more flexible dialogue game mechanic and more. Extending players play experience even further, the Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition contain additional digital and physical content including art and comic books, in-game items and more. See the full list of included content below. The return of Commander Shepard. View larger. A new cast of characters. View larger. Along with familiar faces from the past. View larger. New damage and dialogue systems. View larger. Collector's Edition bonus items. View larger. Story Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new danger has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced. To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy’s most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, doubters say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong. Gameplay An space-based action RPG like its predecessor, gameplay in Mass Effect 2 revolves around the player's particular version of Commander Shepard and continuing development of this character as the game proceeds. As the game opens a variety of character classes are made available to the player, with talents, both exclusive and general, associated with each. With experience these talents are leveled up, resulting in the unlocking of related abilities and/or entirely new talents. The player has the ability to customize their Commander Shepard in a number of ways including physical appearance, gender, and certain aspects of their personal history, with the rub being that these choices can influence things like available missions, dialogue choices with non-player characters (NPCs), and character background. Accompanying this main character are a number of preset supporting characters that the player can direct and develop relationships with, which again, will alter the outcome of the story. All the characters from the original game make an appearance in Mass Effect 2, but the immediate characters surrounding Commander Shepard are new. Additional new features that players can expect to experience include new alien races; a more realistic damage system; a new heavy weapons system allowing for maximum damage; a regenerative health system; a dramatic increase in the number of character animations available to Shepard; and updates to the dialogue mechanic used when conversing with NPCs. Integration with the Original Mass Effect Mass Effect 2 allows players of the original Mass Effect game to import save games to continue the story of their own Commander Shepard. In doing this, the decisions that were made in the first game will affect the events of the second game. In addition, characters from the first game will return, as long as they were not killed off by the player in the first game. On the other hand, new players coming to the series for the first time in Mass Effect 2 will start a brand-new character, discover the events of the previous games as they progress and embark on a thrilling stand-alone adventure that does not require the previous game for play. Key Features Futuristic Weapons - Choose from 19 different weapons, including devastating heavy weapons that can end a battle in seconds. Elite Specialists - Recruit up to a dozen of the galaxy's most dangerous operatives to help you in your mission. Train and equip your team to survive insurmountable odds. Explore the Galaxy - Scan planets to uncover unique secret missions in the Mass Effect universe. Integration with Original Mass Effect - Players of the first Mass Effect can import save games to continue the story of their own Commander Shepard. New players will find a thrilling stand-alone adventure awaits them, a polished and action packed journey that surpasses the first game in nearly every possible way. Intense Third-Person Combat - Increased intensity with precision shooter controls to let you control the action and overcome insurmountable odds. New Damage System - New location based damage system allows for targeting of key weak points, blasting off limbs, igniting enemies, or crippling and disabling enemy troops. Character Customization - Choose a player class, customize your appearance, and tailor your own abilities and strengths. As you progress, so do Shepard’s abilities. Improved Dialogue Mechanic - Improved NPC conversation system where Commander Shepard can take matters into your own hands – interrupting or using force to get the answer required. Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition for Xbox 360 Includes: Mass Effect 2 software for Xbox 360 48-page hardcover art book Limited edition Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book Exclusive in-game Collectors’ Edition weapon and armor Bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos Limited edition Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content

Product Description

Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new enemy has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced. To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy’s most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, they say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong. The Collector’s Edition includes: • The full version of Mass Effect 2 • 48-page hardcover art book • Limited edition Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book • Exclusive in-game Collectors’ Edition weapon and armor • Bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos • Limited edition Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ME2 is better than I ever thought it was possible., January 31, 2010

By	Brandon Lee (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews

Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

I did play the first mass effect when it came out few years ago. In many ways, first mass effect was a flawed game. Its frame rate was a mess. Its inventory system as well as loading time was a nightmare. But I really liked mass effect despite all that. I liked it enough that I actually preordered collector's edition on Amazon.

After finishing the game and well into finishing second play through, I think it is safe to say this is the best game I ever played in this console cycle.

The improvement over the fist mass effect is so great that I think it might rival that of Uncharted 2. First, the game looks good. I mean really good. The look of Mass effect 1 was frankly rather bland. It is not the case in Mass effect2. There are so much detail and sci-fi themed atmosphere in this game that every area that I visited over the course of the game featured very distinct and beautiful look. Many times it felt like I was looking at really cool looking science fiction art work and I played enough games to know it is hard to make it so.

Also, shooting mechanic of this game improved dramatically over the last. I am a fan of gears of war series. So I am very sensitive when shooting control doesn't feel right when it comes to third person shooters. (this is the reason I couldn't play Dark void recently. Its control felt so wrong that I was practically torturing myself) ME2 control is almost as good as Gears of war 2. Its cover system is not as natural as Gears of war 2 but it came really close. However, I am having way more fun shooting in this game more than GOW 2 because cool biotic powers and all the customization that I can do with the characters. I can not stress this enough!! Combat is so much fun that this is the best third person shooter for me over gears of war 2 and Uncharted 2.

Lastly, I like to mention the story. I do not wish to spoil anything so I will try to avoid specific detail as much as possible. If you have played any bioware games, you know how story is presented. Basically, the story is told by all the conversation between characters. So those conversation between characters have to feel as natural as possible. otherwise it would just distract the players from the story even if it is the best story ever written. Thankfully, bioware also delivers in this aspect. Every dialogue is voiced over and delivered with such a mastery that it almost feel like I am watching a actual person speaking in front of me. The main story itself wasn't really unique yet all the detail that carries over from the first game was impressive. Let's just say that Story is good and told well. I don't expect much from video games but Mass effect 2 more than exceeded my expectation.

I loved this game. I normally don't buy collector's edition and often feel like I shouldn't have paid 60 dollars for a game since they tend to drop its price within two or three months. But this time is different. I don't care if mass effect drop its price to 30 dollars next month or whatever. I loved every minute I spend on this game. It was worth every penny. It was such an unique experience for me and games like this reminds me why I love video games. Thank you Bioware. I look forward to your next project.

26 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a fan of the changes, but still an incredible game., January 27, 2010

By	AM (Frederick, MD USA) - See all my reviews

Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

Having played WAY too much of it when it came out yesterday, opinions are solidified. I want to say up front that it's still a great game, and worth every penny... because if I don't say it now, I may lead someone to believe otherwise, as I don't actually like ANY of the changes to the game--I just don't dislike them so heavily that anything is spoiled. It's also worth noting that virtually no critic seems to agree with me at all here, so your mileage may very well differ, especially toward the end of the critical portion of this post.

Combat saw the largest overhaul by far. Bioware wanted to enhance the shooter element of Mass Effect, saying that they wanted it to be on par with things like Modern Warfare, and attract some of those users. It's not on par with the Call of Duty series as a shooter, and trying to make it feel more like that was, in my opinion, detrimental.

Mass Effect 1 weaponry had unlimited ammo, and lore to back that up (despite the obvious logical disconnect with equipping ammo types on your weapon). That's been retconned in favor of standard ammunition dropped by enemies. Accordingly, attacks aren't limited by weapon overheat, but ammo and reloading. Gone is an element that was both unique to Mass Effect, and which made the game's weapons seem high tech and futuristic, while still feeling familiar as firearms, instead of high tech magic wands. It's also plenty inconvenient if you want to rely on sniping--there are more opportunities for it in ME2 than ME1, which is wonderful, but the sniper rifle (at least initially) has a maximum ammo capacity of ten. Ten? Really? I don't know the caliber of real world sniper rifles, but I could fit more than ten .45 cartridges in one pocket of my jeans.

Classes are now much more strictly defined. Abilities available to one class may very well not appear in another, even if they're the same "type" (tech, biotics, combat). The infiltrator, which I played in ME1, for example, is a tech/combat hybrid, specializing in sniping. All tech powers were also available to others with tech abilities, if they met the pre-requisites. This is no longer the case. I've got a tech/biotic party member who has a skill called overload. It's simply not available to me anymore, despite having had it in Mass Effect 1. While classes are more unique this way, the flavor of the skill sets is lost, or at least damaged. "Tech" isn't "tech," it's "tech that this character actually has." Even ammunition types are class specific. Infiltrators, for example, get cryo and disruptor ammo types. So... what, because I'm an infiltrator, incendiary rounds are too hot for my fingers or something? Am I afraid I'll prick my finger on a pointy AP round?

If I felt like my options replaced what was lost, that might annoy me less, but I don't. It's true that some of what was lost can be accomplished otherwise (for example, my missing overload ability is now partially covered by disruptor ammo), but I feel like my toolbox is smaller. During Mass Effect 1, in a pitched fight, I might overload one enemy, hit another with sabotage, use shield boost to get my armor's shields back online, and then medigel to quickly recover from hurt I took while they were down. Now... I could use incinerate. Medigel is not available for mid combat healing. You take cover, and you wait for your health to regen back up, the same as . I have no access to replacements for my offensive powers from ME1, and as far as I've seen, shield boost doesn't exist at all. If I play it more like a standard shooter, it's because 60% of my options to do otherwise are gone, and another 30% are diminished somehow.

The RPG element of equipment is largely gone. There are weapons in game to find and build, and you can outfit your party with those, but gone are the options for modifying them on the fly to fit your purposes. You can select your own armor, and paint it pretty colors (yay blue), but you can't adjust your party's armor at all. This is a bigger deal than it sounds, as it reduces your ability to tweak the game to your playstyle. In ME1, I'd give everyone the most shield-heavy armor I could find, ignoring damage reduction, and take pains not to let damage get through their shields in the first place. I'd equip them with medical systems, so if damage did get through, their health would regenerate without using up my medigel. Now, their armor is what it is. Their health regenerates if they take cover appropriately (which they don't, necessarily), but if someone is hurt, I have NO option to take care of them--I have to hope they'll get out of trouble and regen before they die. Medigel is now used to limit use of the Unity ability--a mid-combat resurrect for incapacitated members--and nothing else. I can't equip around situations to improve odds of survival, and it annoys me greatly.

Character development is also "streamlined" (read: dumbed down) to an aggravating extent. I'm not talking about a character's motivations, history, and so forth; the game's story elements are all still stellar. I mean the RPG aspect again. If you're familiar with Mass Effect 1's skill allotment screen, most characters had a healthy array of skills, and putting points into a skill unlocked several different abilities (or improvements to an ability) as you went. Now, you put points into skills directly. You get bigger numbers, and nothing else until the last level of a skill, where you "evolve" it into one of two variants. I had numerous occasions in Mass Effect 1 where I had to think seriously about where to spend my points. That's an indication that things were done right. This is missing from Mass Effect 2, and it's tragic to me.

Also gone are the low detail, "run around in the Mako on this planet and do stuff" missions. They were unpopular, so I understand why they were axed. The elevator rides in lieu of loading screens are in the same boat. Everyone complained about how long elevator rides were, but squad members would talk during many of them, or you'd hear news over the intercom. That kind of fluff was, to me, far preferable to a generic loading screen with a gameplay tip on it, and that's what we've got now. Squad members could also be talked to at any point in ME1. Face them, hit A, and they'd have a comment about the area. Gone. Sometimes an object or scenery can be activated to get a comment from them, but not always. It's something I miss. Certainly no deal breaker, but I mourn my fluff.

They replaced a lot of the removed stuff with more involved mini-games for hacking and electronics (but since there are no related skills, it's all on you now), mini-games for mining, the need to buy fuel for the ship (not every system has a mass relay, and faster than light travel from system to system without requires fuel), probes for that mining thing (and to do anything with "anomalies" detected on worlds), and so forth. While the resources gained from mining are used to upgrade the ship, characters themselves, weapons, and so on, and actually add play value, the process of mining itself is a waste of time. Hold down LT and wave a crosshair all over a planet until a sort of mass spectrometer wannabe goes off, then fire a probe. There's no thought or challenge or fun involved--you just wave your finger around. It's like putting a huge sheet of paper in front of a blind person, and saying "Rub this; eventually you'll find some braille." Screw that, put the braille in front of me, and let the enjoyable part (in this case, the upgrading) happen.

So far, I've found a lone positive change, but I don't like its implementation. The old paragon/renegade dialogue options are still there, but in addition, there are paragon/renegade interrupts. At points during certain conversations, a paragon or renegade icon will show in the bottom left or right corner of your screen for about one second. If you pull LT or RT (on the 360, not sure what the PC equivalent is), you'll do the paragon or renegade interrupt, accordingly. These range from shutting off a display that was terrifying someone to grabbing an electrical tool and killing an enemy in cold blood before he can make your life difficult. I applaud the addition, but the way it's handled leaves me missing them by a hair (since most conversations have no such options, you're lulled into not watching for them), cursing, and reloading a save out of a desire to know what would've happened. Having to replay like that isn't fun. I'd like a warning of some kind. It's an interruption in the heat of the moment, and I get that, but it could be timing based without being out of the blue. Warn somehow at the beginning of a dialogue, so I don't know WHEN it is, but I'm watching.

So... with all this, how can I still call it great? The most important part of a Bioware RPG for me is the dialogue, and that's intact and fantastic. Even characters I didn't even want to recruit are so well written I talk to them. I ask every question, I explore everything. The core gameplay is less fun, but it's not NO fun, and while I miss what's lost, I revel in what's still there. If you liked ME1, and the above details don't sound like dealbreakers, or you didn't play ME1 and want a great science fiction game that's more plot than pew pew, ME2 is most definitely worth your money and then some.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply put, this is a great game, February 8, 2010

By	Kevin D A Major (Barrington, NH United States) - See all my reviews

Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

The best way to describe Mass Effect 2 is as a refinement. Bioware took what worked with the original, enhanced it, and either streamlined or removed what didn't fit. The end result is a game which smartly improves on the original - both technically and in terms of plot - and turns what were weaknesses in the first game into strengths.

Graphically, this game is a tour de force. It retains the overall vibe of the first game and enhances it with better lighting and more varied locales. The sunset vistas of Illium are just as thrilling as the Blade Runner inspired Omega Station. The character models range from nearly lifelike (see: Miranda, who was modeled by real life actress Yvonne Strahovski) to intelligently subtle (Mordin, whose face and expressions showcase his age) to interesting (Thane, whose species, the Drell, are a new addition to the franchise).

The audio is much improved. The voice acting is even better than the original. Old favorites shine, and the new additions more than hold their own. Mark Meer, the voice of male Shepard, in particular, has improved. The weapons all sound different, and have a much more forceful sound than the generic dull thump they all shared in the original Mass Effect. The music is solid, even if most of it seems to hide just beyond notice.

The biggest changes are in the gameplay. Mass Effect 2 plays a lot more like a 3rd person shooter than the original game did. There's a reloading mechanism and limited ammo. While the in-game explanation for the move is tacked on, it makes battles a bit more tense as you will run out of ammo if you don't manage your resources correctly. Cover also matters more in the sequel. It's far easier for enemies to chew through your armor and health, so it pays to fight smart and use cover to your advantage. Above all else, combat finally has a semi-frantic, visceral feel to it. Geth are dangerous here. The weapons all pack a different kind, yet immensely satisfying, punch. Squad powers and abilities are almost all useful and fun to use. Combat is no longer a chore to slog through. Instead, its rewarding in its own right.

The maligned inventory of the original game is gone. The changes one can make to their Shepard and squad are much more granular here. It's an okay system, but I feel it goes a bit too far. A happy medium can exist between the clutter of the first game and the minimalistic approach this one took. YMMV, of course.

The uncharted world system of the first game has been completely revamped. There are far fewer planets with sidequests, but those that exist are far more rewarding and involved than the repetitious nature of the missions of the original. Even better, there are no Mako segments anywhere to be seen.

I'd speak about the plot, but it's hard to mention anything without spoiling it. I will just say that many things mentioned in the first game are explored in much more detail here. While not everything is answered, there's a lot of meat here for those that enjoyed the setting in the original to sink their teeth into. The galaxy feels even larger here, despite the narrow focus of the plot.

All in all, Mass Effect 2 improves on just about everything the first game had to offer. It's more than just a worthy sequel - it's an incredible game in its own right, and one of the best ever created for the genre. Despite its early in the year release, it should be considered a Game of the Year candidate. Maybe 'refinement' isn't the best word to describe Mass Effect 2. No, 'satisfying' is far more accurate. In just about all aspects, Mass Effect 2 satisfies. You can't ask for much more than that.

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