Mass Effect 2 Review (PS3)
Story
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The game starts few weeks after Mass Effect. During a patrol, Shepard's ship, the Normandy is under attack by an unknown spaceship. The unknown spaceship totally obliterated the ship, while Shepard orders anyone who survives to evacuate. Unfortunately, before he is able to evacuate himself, the ship has been destroyed, creating an explosion and a debris damaged Shepard's armour. This in effect, killed Shepard in the space vacuum.
Each main characters have their own side missions which has something to do to affect their own personalities (except one or two) and their own histories. Each of it are beautifully told with emotional storytelling. This, in turn, gives us insight on how they become to be, giving them rather realistic personalities.
As you can see, the first Mass Effect has a great story. This one is no exception, except even better, in my opinion. As I said in above paragraph, your crew (Garrus, Jacob, Miranda, etc.) has their own stories to be told and own side mission to complete. I would dare say that by doing their side missions, the story felt more complete when you are finishing the game.
However, there is one problem. With the freedom of choosing outcomes to affect the story, it is hard to guess which path that you take is canon to the Mass Effect universe. However, I can only say that there is only one ending is not canon, and other endings will lead to Mass Effect 3, eventually.
Regardless, the story is well told, epic, awesome, and can be shaped by your own choices. Although different choices affect certain outcomes, the core of the story will remain unchanged, and this includes the ending. So, it is up to you to shape the game's story, and it is rather satisfying to do that.
As you all may know, there is no Mass Effect for PS3 as it is copyrighted by Microsoft. This applies to the Xbox 360 version, but not the PC version as it is owned by EA. In other words, PS3 players will not be able to enjoy Mass Effect experience as the game is not available for PS3.
However, fear not, as BioWare did a smart move by releasing an interactive comic called Mass Effect: Genesis, that covers 90% of the events happened in the first game. The length of the comic is around 15 minutes, and you can sit back and enjoy the story narration by Shepard (male or female) as he/she explains the events in Mass Effect one by one.
However, there are several key decisions that you need to choose in order it to be carried out while playing Mass Effect 2. Although it sounds simple, one decision can greatly alters the storyline in the game.
This is a smart move to allow the PS3 players to have general yet rich details of the events of the first Mass Effect. It proves to be a great alternative than playing Mass Effect on another console.
Gameplay
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If you transferred the save file from the first Mass Effect game to this game, you will get various bonuses, like bonus credits, extra Paragon and Renegade points, etc. It is highly recommended that you transfer the save file, as it is to keep in continuity from the first game. However, one thing should be noted. If a certain member in the first game is already dead, he or she will stay dead in Mass Effect 2, and vice versa. If you feel that your Mass Effect save file is good enough, transfer it to the second game for a great gaming experience. You can also start a new game instead of transferring the first Mass Effect game if you wish to do that.
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Like the first game, this is an Action RPG, with some modifications from the first game. You don't have to wait for your weapons to cool down after firing. However, you must 'reload' with thermal clips. Thermal clips is used to cool down your weapons, and it can be considered as your 'ammo'. Most enemies drop it when they are killed, or certain places have it in the battlefield.
Instead of using grenades, Shepard can use Heavy Weapons. Heavy weapons are devastating, and it is useful to take down a group of enemies or bosses. However, ammo for heavy weapons are scarce, so it would be best if you conserve it until you fight bosses or other difficult enemies.
Another change is that you have self health regeneration. If you are damaged critically, you can sit in cover and wait for your health to recover itself. This also applies to your teammates. In the first game, medi-gel is used to heal yourself and your party. However, it is only needed to revive your party members if they are in KO status.
The cover system is much simpler than the first game, just go to a wall, or a small one, press a button, then Shepard will be in cover, protecting him from most damage. Like any other games, covers are important for offense and defense, so use it wisely.
You can also target enemy's body parts with varying damage. Shooting in the head can do major damage, shooting in the leg may cripple them, yet alive.
There is no customization for your weapons unlike the first one. This is much better, as the first game's weapon system are rather confusing and messed up. However, you can change equipments for Shepard and other members, as well as their appearances.
You can use powers like Unity as in the first game. However, powers in this game recharges faster than normal, making it more useful than the first game. You can also combine your power with your two squad members for maximum effect.
Also, you do not need to use the Mako (a space tank car) to explore. Instead, you will be sent directly to any cities or dungeons in each planet. This actually saves a lot of frustration, unlike the first game.
I like the new changes from the first game. This gives better gaming experience, in my opinion. The changes make this much more action paced, with better pacing.
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Like the first game, conversations play a major role in telling the game's story. Decisions will effectively affect most outcomes, and will decide whether you are a Paragon or Renegade. By choosing a positive choice/response, you can get Paragon points, and will also make you become more popular. If you make a negative choice/response, you will get Renegade points, and you will get more notoriety than usual.
As the first game, Shepard has Paragon points and Renegade points. Doing good deeds will net you Paragon points, and doing evil deeds will net you Renegade points. By getting high Paragon or Renegade points, you have access to exclusive choices for certain conversations, which can be very important. For example, by getting high Renegade points, you can persuade someone in a shop to give you a discount, which is a good deed. This also in turn, will net you bonus Paragon points. This also applies to Renegade points. Paragon and Renegade choices affect the outcome of the story heavily, so think wisely whether you should be in Paragon path or Renegade path. Before making any decisions/responses/choices, you can inquire from the person for further information which may relates to the game's story and universe.
You can also do Paragon and Renegade interrupts. By doing one of this interrupts, you can get extra Paragon and Renegade points as well. This also affect certain outcomes in a mission. For example, by saving a certain someone using a Paragon interrupt, you will save that person's life from the eventual outcome of an event where he is supposed to be dead. This also applies to Renegade interrupt, so plan accordingly.
Romance subplots are also available in this game. If you have romanced someone from the first game and you transferred the file to this game, the romance will remain. However, you can choose to romance another person to abandon the old one. In other words, being unfaithful, or cheating, as they say.
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You have character levels in this game as well. By gaining a level, you will receive points. The points are needed to learn new powers. As each characters have different sets of powers to learn, so it would be wise each character to learn a different one from another.
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In battle, there are many types of enemies. Organic, synthetic, different races play a part in this. For example, krogan enemies have self regeneration if they are still alive. Robots have high defense, and can only be brought down by hitting their critical points. You need different strategies to defeat each type of enemies. Your powers also useful on defeating them. For example, Incinerate works well on armored enemies. Some enemies have Barrier and Armor as their extra layer of health. You need to destroy either one of them (or both) to damage directly to their health. Using powers is essentially important to take down enemy Barriers and Armors. Bosses especially have both Armor and Barrier as their extra health, so use the right powers to defeat them.
In this game, you will be doing Missions as well. Different missions have different objectives. However, most of the missions are involving recruiting someone, yet the process to do it are varied in a number of ways. As I said before, Paragon and Renegade choices can affect some outcomes in each missions. There is a lot of variety to the missions, which makes the game feel more fresh and non repetitive.
However, traversing from a planet to another is cumbersome, and it is the same one like the first game. You can also get minerals from uninhabited planets to get upgrades for your squad, your ship, etc by scanning the planets. It is a rather tedious task to get the minerals for your upgrades, but it is still acceptable.
Shops now sell a variety of items. You can buy weapon upgrades, personal armor upgrades, etc for your squad. Some characters have their own exclusive upgrades, which they can use it for better advantage. It is recommended you get those to increase your winning chances.
The gameplay is a massive improvement than the first game. I love the new changes, and I loved how good it is. My only complaints are the tedious planet scannings, as well as some minor bugs and glitches. As in the first game, I always find myself addicted to this game's conversations as they are amazing, emotional, etc. Regardless, this is a great game.
The PS3 version has a number of DLCs included, such as extra missions like Lair of the Shadow Broker. Also, you have access to new weapons, armour, etc as bonuses. You can also recruit the two DLC characters, Zaaed Massini and Kasumi Goto.
Unfortunately, all of this bonus stuff is included in a DLC that you need to download from the PlayStation Store. Every copies for Mass Effect 2 for PS3 has a redemption code, which allows you to download the DLC pack, called Mass Effect 2 Cerberus Pack for free. Please take note that the DLC pack has 636 MB storage space, so it may takes a while to download it, depending on your Internet connection speed. Also, Mass Effect: Genesis is also included in Cerberus Pack. In other words, if you do not download the Cerberus Pack, you will be starting the Mass Effect 2 game using the default storyline, which is not desirable from most people.
I think BioWare made the wrong move. A single Blu-Ray disc can easily fit all of the DLC content as it is only 636 MB, yet they chose not to store it in the disc, and sells it on PS Store. If you do not use the redemption code, you need to purchase the DLC with a high cost, especially the separate DLC contents. If somehow you lost the redemption code, buy the Cerberus Pack as it can saves you some money instead of buying it one by one.
In conclusion, I am happy that to see that the PS3 version has all the current DLCs available. That way, PS3 users won't miss much in that game compared with Xbox 360 and PC players.
Graphics
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The graphics in this game are amazing. Perhaps one of the best looking games for this year, and one of the best looking Western games. With spectacular details on alien's facial and body structures, makes this game a great looking one, with extremely great visuals and beautifully made cities, dungeons, environments and last but not least, the universe.
From what I observe, the PS3 version has slightly better graphics, and reportedly, the game looks much better than the demo version, as it uses an old build for the game. Other than that, there is nothing noticeable differences between the PS3 version and the Xbox 360 version, as both versions look spectacular.
UPDATE: I have played the Xbox 360 version again, and here are some differences in terms of graphics that I noticed between the PS3 version and the Xbox 360 version.
For starters, the PS3 version has slightly better lighting, making the graphics looks nicer than the Xbox 360 version. Also, the facial features on character models on the PS3 version is also slightly more detailed compared with the Xbox 360 version. The PS3 version also have smoother transition between cutscenes and roaming, making it less frustrating and makes the game more seamless.
However, the PS3 version has it's own shares of bugs and glitches, but that does not detract the experience of playing Mass Effect 2, nor it is gamebreaking. There are only some bugs and glitches, so rest assured.
Sound
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With excellent cast of voice actors like Mark Meer, Jennifer Hale, Martin Sheen, D.C. Douglas, Steven Blum, Seth Green, Carrie-Anne Moss, and other great voice actors did spectacular jobs on voicing each characters to their fullest, with emotion and authenticity. You won't be finding many games that have this kind of quality of voice acting. They really did a great job.
The soundtrack is space inspired, making it rather futuristic and epic. The soundtrack is great to hear, especially with the game's main theme.
Replay Value
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The replay value of this game is quite high. You can do side missions to get extra levels, credits, etc. You can also load your completed Mass Effect 2 save file to take a different path. For example, if the Shepard in your first playthrough is a Paragon, try to make the Shepard in the second playthorugh as a Renegade. This will gives you a new experience, and you can check any missed conversations and stuff.
It is also interesting if you choose a Shepard in a different gender. Different genders of Shepard allows different romance subplots, which are tend to be emotionally touching, and great. So far, I think the romance subplot with Jack is the most emotional one that I have encountered so far.
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As what I have said before, the PS3 version has numerous DLC inclusion as free. With extra new missions, new armours, new squadmates, etc, adds more replay value to the game. By the way, remember to download it from the PS Store using the redemption code in a card in your game's box.
UPDATE: Here are the contents of the Mass Effect 2 - Cerberus Pack:
1. Mass Effect: Genesis (interactive comic)
2. Zaeed - The Price of Revenge (squadmate + Loyalty mission)
3. Firewalker side mission
4. Normandy Crash Site side mission
5. New heavy weapons and a shotgun.
6. New armour set.
The DLCs that are included in the PS3 version of Mass Effect 2 are:
1. Lair of the Shadow Broker
2. Overlord
3. Kasumi's Stolen Memory
4. Blood Dragon Armor
Not all DLCs that are available for the Xbox 360 and PC are included in the PS3 version. You can purchase the rest of the DLCs from the PlayStation Store, but they can be quite expensive, for buying armour and weapon sets.
Please take note that the redemption code is a one time use. If you have somehow deleted the game data of the Cerberus Pack from your PS3's Game Data Utility, you need to purchase it from the PS Store, or get a new copy of Mass Effect 2.
Conclusion
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An absolute purchase. If you have played Dragon Age: origins, then perhaps you will like this game. Any RPG fans should give this game a try, as this is one of the best made games ever.
The vast improvements from the first game makes this sequel a winner. With great story, great characters, gameplay, voice acting, I highly recommend this game to anyone. Give it a try, and you may like the game.
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Even without downloading the DLC pack, this game stills remain as an excellent stand alone game. However, I highly advise against that, and download the Cerberus Pack in order to get full benefits of the game. The pack has all the DLC contents plus Mass Effect: Genesis, so it is a good idea to download it. Please remember it has 636 MB to download it completely.
Some people are wondering which version is better. PS3 or Xbox 360 version. To me, both have their own pros and cons, yet both are still an awesome games in their own rights. Here is my own personal comparison:
PS3
1. Has only 1 disc, so no disc changing like the Xbox 360 version.
2. Has all DLCs included for free.
3. May be cheaper than the Xbox 360 version.
4. Better graphics.
5. Does not have transferable Mass Effect save file. Mass Effect: Genesis covers that problem.
Xbox 360
1. Has two discs, so disc changing is required.
2. DLCs must be purchased online using Xbox Live.
3. May be more expensive than the PS3 version.
4. Can transfer Mass Effect save file to import changes from the first game.
So, it is up to you which one is better. Both versions are winners, and BioWare did a great job of porting the game to the PS3, unlike many other lazy developers who do not do proper porting for multi-platform games.
In conclusion, this game is a game that PS3 players should try to experience. With great storytelling, addictive gameplay, compelling characters, great voice acting, superb graphics, and high replay value, this game is one of the best games ever. Plus, with better graphics and a large amount of free DLC, the PS3 version is definitely a worthy game to play.
Score
Story - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Graphics - 9/10
Sound - 9/10
Final Score: 38/40 or 9.5/10.0.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Epic storyline.
- Great characters.
- Improved and awesome awesome gameplay.
- Great space exploring experience.
- Superb voice acting by veteran actors.
- Superb and improved graphics, especially the alien characters and level designs.
- Non repetitive mission objectives make this game feels fresh.
- Excellent conversations with other characters.
- The freedom of choice makes this game very entertaining.
- High replay value.
- No Mako.
- Mass Effect: Genesis is a great substitute for Mass Effect to cover the important details of the first game.
Cons
- Some glitches and bugs
- Scanning planets is a tedious task.
- You need to download the DLC pack in order to fully experience the game, and it will take a long time to download it as it has 636 MB storage space.
- Some players may be dissatisfied that there is no transferable save file from the first Mass Effect, as it is not available on PS3.
As the first game, you will be controlling Commander Shepard in a quest of eliminating the Reapers.
The game starts few weeks after Mass Effect. During a patrol, Shepard's ship, the Normandy is under attack by an unknown spaceship. The unknown spaceship totally obliterated the ship, while Shepard orders anyone who survives to evacuate. Unfortunately, before he is able to evacuate himself, the ship has been destroyed, creating an explosion and a debris damaged Shepard's armour. This in effect, killed Shepard in the space vacuum.
Each main characters have their own side missions which has something to do to affect their own personalities (except one or two) and their own histories. Each of it are beautifully told with emotional storytelling. This, in turn, gives us insight on how they become to be, giving them rather realistic personalities.
As you can see, the first Mass Effect has a great story. This one is no exception, except even better, in my opinion. As I said in above paragraph, your crew (Garrus, Jacob, Miranda, etc.) has their own stories to be told and own side mission to complete. I would dare say that by doing their side missions, the story felt more complete when you are finishing the game.
However, there is one problem. With the freedom of choosing outcomes to affect the story, it is hard to guess which path that you take is canon to the Mass Effect universe. However, I can only say that there is only one ending is not canon, and other endings will lead to Mass Effect 3, eventually.
Regardless, the story is well told, epic, awesome, and can be shaped by your own choices. Although different choices affect certain outcomes, the core of the story will remain unchanged, and this includes the ending. So, it is up to you to shape the game's story, and it is rather satisfying to do that.
PS3 players does not need to fret about not playing the first Mass Effect in order to get the whole idea of how the story carries out. The interactive comic, Mass Effect: Genesis, covers 90% of the contents from the first Mass Effect game.
However, fear not, as BioWare did a smart move by releasing an interactive comic called Mass Effect: Genesis, that covers 90% of the events happened in the first game. The length of the comic is around 15 minutes, and you can sit back and enjoy the story narration by Shepard (male or female) as he/she explains the events in Mass Effect one by one.
However, there are several key decisions that you need to choose in order it to be carried out while playing Mass Effect 2. Although it sounds simple, one decision can greatly alters the storyline in the game.
This is a smart move to allow the PS3 players to have general yet rich details of the events of the first Mass Effect. It proves to be a great alternative than playing Mass Effect on another console.
Gameplay
Your decisions will still affect each outcomes in this game. If you transfer the Mass Effect save file to this game, the choices that you made in the first game will be included in the second one as well.
If you transferred the save file from the first Mass Effect game to this game, you will get various bonuses, like bonus credits, extra Paragon and Renegade points, etc. It is highly recommended that you transfer the save file, as it is to keep in continuity from the first game. However, one thing should be noted. If a certain member in the first game is already dead, he or she will stay dead in Mass Effect 2, and vice versa. If you feel that your Mass Effect save file is good enough, transfer it to the second game for a great gaming experience. You can also start a new game instead of transferring the first Mass Effect game if you wish to do that.
The important changes from the first game makes the second one much better with improved gameplay.
Like the first game, this is an Action RPG, with some modifications from the first game. You don't have to wait for your weapons to cool down after firing. However, you must 'reload' with thermal clips. Thermal clips is used to cool down your weapons, and it can be considered as your 'ammo'. Most enemies drop it when they are killed, or certain places have it in the battlefield.
Instead of using grenades, Shepard can use Heavy Weapons. Heavy weapons are devastating, and it is useful to take down a group of enemies or bosses. However, ammo for heavy weapons are scarce, so it would be best if you conserve it until you fight bosses or other difficult enemies.
Another change is that you have self health regeneration. If you are damaged critically, you can sit in cover and wait for your health to recover itself. This also applies to your teammates. In the first game, medi-gel is used to heal yourself and your party. However, it is only needed to revive your party members if they are in KO status.
The cover system is much simpler than the first game, just go to a wall, or a small one, press a button, then Shepard will be in cover, protecting him from most damage. Like any other games, covers are important for offense and defense, so use it wisely.
You can also target enemy's body parts with varying damage. Shooting in the head can do major damage, shooting in the leg may cripple them, yet alive.
There is no customization for your weapons unlike the first one. This is much better, as the first game's weapon system are rather confusing and messed up. However, you can change equipments for Shepard and other members, as well as their appearances.
You can use powers like Unity as in the first game. However, powers in this game recharges faster than normal, making it more useful than the first game. You can also combine your power with your two squad members for maximum effect.
Also, you do not need to use the Mako (a space tank car) to explore. Instead, you will be sent directly to any cities or dungeons in each planet. This actually saves a lot of frustration, unlike the first game.
I like the new changes from the first game. This gives better gaming experience, in my opinion. The changes make this much more action paced, with better pacing.
You have two choices. One, convince him nicely using a Paragon option. Two, beat him up using a Renegade option. The choice is yours.
Like the first game, conversations play a major role in telling the game's story. Decisions will effectively affect most outcomes, and will decide whether you are a Paragon or Renegade. By choosing a positive choice/response, you can get Paragon points, and will also make you become more popular. If you make a negative choice/response, you will get Renegade points, and you will get more notoriety than usual.
As the first game, Shepard has Paragon points and Renegade points. Doing good deeds will net you Paragon points, and doing evil deeds will net you Renegade points. By getting high Paragon or Renegade points, you have access to exclusive choices for certain conversations, which can be very important. For example, by getting high Renegade points, you can persuade someone in a shop to give you a discount, which is a good deed. This also in turn, will net you bonus Paragon points. This also applies to Renegade points. Paragon and Renegade choices affect the outcome of the story heavily, so think wisely whether you should be in Paragon path or Renegade path. Before making any decisions/responses/choices, you can inquire from the person for further information which may relates to the game's story and universe.
You can also do Paragon and Renegade interrupts. By doing one of this interrupts, you can get extra Paragon and Renegade points as well. This also affect certain outcomes in a mission. For example, by saving a certain someone using a Paragon interrupt, you will save that person's life from the eventual outcome of an event where he is supposed to be dead. This also applies to Renegade interrupt, so plan accordingly.
Romance subplots are also available in this game. If you have romanced someone from the first game and you transferred the file to this game, the romance will remain. However, you can choose to romance another person to abandon the old one. In other words, being unfaithful, or cheating, as they say.
Plan accordingly on which new ability a character should learn.
You have character levels in this game as well. By gaining a level, you will receive points. The points are needed to learn new powers. As each characters have different sets of powers to learn, so it would be wise each character to learn a different one from another.
Experiment on each powers that your squad member have on your enemies to determine their effects.
In battle, there are many types of enemies. Organic, synthetic, different races play a part in this. For example, krogan enemies have self regeneration if they are still alive. Robots have high defense, and can only be brought down by hitting their critical points. You need different strategies to defeat each type of enemies. Your powers also useful on defeating them. For example, Incinerate works well on armored enemies. Some enemies have Barrier and Armor as their extra layer of health. You need to destroy either one of them (or both) to damage directly to their health. Using powers is essentially important to take down enemy Barriers and Armors. Bosses especially have both Armor and Barrier as their extra health, so use the right powers to defeat them.
In this game, you will be doing Missions as well. Different missions have different objectives. However, most of the missions are involving recruiting someone, yet the process to do it are varied in a number of ways. As I said before, Paragon and Renegade choices can affect some outcomes in each missions. There is a lot of variety to the missions, which makes the game feel more fresh and non repetitive.
However, traversing from a planet to another is cumbersome, and it is the same one like the first game. You can also get minerals from uninhabited planets to get upgrades for your squad, your ship, etc by scanning the planets. It is a rather tedious task to get the minerals for your upgrades, but it is still acceptable.
Shops now sell a variety of items. You can buy weapon upgrades, personal armor upgrades, etc for your squad. Some characters have their own exclusive upgrades, which they can use it for better advantage. It is recommended you get those to increase your winning chances.
The gameplay is a massive improvement than the first game. I love the new changes, and I loved how good it is. My only complaints are the tedious planet scannings, as well as some minor bugs and glitches. As in the first game, I always find myself addicted to this game's conversations as they are amazing, emotional, etc. Regardless, this is a great game.
The PS3 version has all of the previous DLCs included for free, including Lair of the Shadow Broker, Overlord, and other great stuffs.
The PS3 version has a number of DLCs included, such as extra missions like Lair of the Shadow Broker. Also, you have access to new weapons, armour, etc as bonuses. You can also recruit the two DLC characters, Zaaed Massini and Kasumi Goto.
Unfortunately, all of this bonus stuff is included in a DLC that you need to download from the PlayStation Store. Every copies for Mass Effect 2 for PS3 has a redemption code, which allows you to download the DLC pack, called Mass Effect 2 Cerberus Pack for free. Please take note that the DLC pack has 636 MB storage space, so it may takes a while to download it, depending on your Internet connection speed. Also, Mass Effect: Genesis is also included in Cerberus Pack. In other words, if you do not download the Cerberus Pack, you will be starting the Mass Effect 2 game using the default storyline, which is not desirable from most people.
I think BioWare made the wrong move. A single Blu-Ray disc can easily fit all of the DLC content as it is only 636 MB, yet they chose not to store it in the disc, and sells it on PS Store. If you do not use the redemption code, you need to purchase the DLC with a high cost, especially the separate DLC contents. If somehow you lost the redemption code, buy the Cerberus Pack as it can saves you some money instead of buying it one by one.
In conclusion, I am happy that to see that the PS3 version has all the current DLCs available. That way, PS3 users won't miss much in that game compared with Xbox 360 and PC players.
Graphics
Spectacular graphics. No argument on that.
The graphics in this game are amazing. Perhaps one of the best looking games for this year, and one of the best looking Western games. With spectacular details on alien's facial and body structures, makes this game a great looking one, with extremely great visuals and beautifully made cities, dungeons, environments and last but not least, the universe.
Perhaps much better graphics compared with the Xbox 360 version.
From what I observe, the PS3 version has slightly better graphics, and reportedly, the game looks much better than the demo version, as it uses an old build for the game. Other than that, there is nothing noticeable differences between the PS3 version and the Xbox 360 version, as both versions look spectacular.
UPDATE: I have played the Xbox 360 version again, and here are some differences in terms of graphics that I noticed between the PS3 version and the Xbox 360 version.
For starters, the PS3 version has slightly better lighting, making the graphics looks nicer than the Xbox 360 version. Also, the facial features on character models on the PS3 version is also slightly more detailed compared with the Xbox 360 version. The PS3 version also have smoother transition between cutscenes and roaming, making it less frustrating and makes the game more seamless.
However, the PS3 version has it's own shares of bugs and glitches, but that does not detract the experience of playing Mass Effect 2, nor it is gamebreaking. There are only some bugs and glitches, so rest assured.
Sound
As in the first game, excellent voice acting, if not, better than the first one.
With excellent cast of voice actors like Mark Meer, Jennifer Hale, Martin Sheen, D.C. Douglas, Steven Blum, Seth Green, Carrie-Anne Moss, and other great voice actors did spectacular jobs on voicing each characters to their fullest, with emotion and authenticity. You won't be finding many games that have this kind of quality of voice acting. They really did a great job.
The soundtrack is space inspired, making it rather futuristic and epic. The soundtrack is great to hear, especially with the game's main theme.
Replay Value
Extremely high replay value.
The replay value of this game is quite high. You can do side missions to get extra levels, credits, etc. You can also load your completed Mass Effect 2 save file to take a different path. For example, if the Shepard in your first playthrough is a Paragon, try to make the Shepard in the second playthorugh as a Renegade. This will gives you a new experience, and you can check any missed conversations and stuff.
It is also interesting if you choose a Shepard in a different gender. Different genders of Shepard allows different romance subplots, which are tend to be emotionally touching, and great. So far, I think the romance subplot with Jack is the most emotional one that I have encountered so far.
The free DLC inclusion for the PS3 version adds more replay value.
As what I have said before, the PS3 version has numerous DLC inclusion as free. With extra new missions, new armours, new squadmates, etc, adds more replay value to the game. By the way, remember to download it from the PS Store using the redemption code in a card in your game's box.
UPDATE: Here are the contents of the Mass Effect 2 - Cerberus Pack:
1. Mass Effect: Genesis (interactive comic)
2. Zaeed - The Price of Revenge (squadmate + Loyalty mission)
3. Firewalker side mission
4. Normandy Crash Site side mission
5. New heavy weapons and a shotgun.
6. New armour set.
The DLCs that are included in the PS3 version of Mass Effect 2 are:
1. Lair of the Shadow Broker
2. Overlord
3. Kasumi's Stolen Memory
4. Blood Dragon Armor
Not all DLCs that are available for the Xbox 360 and PC are included in the PS3 version. You can purchase the rest of the DLCs from the PlayStation Store, but they can be quite expensive, for buying armour and weapon sets.
Please take note that the redemption code is a one time use. If you have somehow deleted the game data of the Cerberus Pack from your PS3's Game Data Utility, you need to purchase it from the PS Store, or get a new copy of Mass Effect 2.
Conclusion
It is a must play game for everyone. You won't find this kind of game around a lot. Bioware sure knows how to make a great game.
An absolute purchase. If you have played Dragon Age: origins, then perhaps you will like this game. Any RPG fans should give this game a try, as this is one of the best made games ever.
The vast improvements from the first game makes this sequel a winner. With great story, great characters, gameplay, voice acting, I highly recommend this game to anyone. Give it a try, and you may like the game.
This game is a great PS3 game that PS3 players should try and play.
Even without downloading the DLC pack, this game stills remain as an excellent stand alone game. However, I highly advise against that, and download the Cerberus Pack in order to get full benefits of the game. The pack has all the DLC contents plus Mass Effect: Genesis, so it is a good idea to download it. Please remember it has 636 MB to download it completely.
Some people are wondering which version is better. PS3 or Xbox 360 version. To me, both have their own pros and cons, yet both are still an awesome games in their own rights. Here is my own personal comparison:
PS3
1. Has only 1 disc, so no disc changing like the Xbox 360 version.
2. Has all DLCs included for free.
3. May be cheaper than the Xbox 360 version.
4. Better graphics.
5. Does not have transferable Mass Effect save file. Mass Effect: Genesis covers that problem.
Xbox 360
1. Has two discs, so disc changing is required.
2. DLCs must be purchased online using Xbox Live.
3. May be more expensive than the PS3 version.
4. Can transfer Mass Effect save file to import changes from the first game.
So, it is up to you which one is better. Both versions are winners, and BioWare did a great job of porting the game to the PS3, unlike many other lazy developers who do not do proper porting for multi-platform games.
In conclusion, this game is a game that PS3 players should try to experience. With great storytelling, addictive gameplay, compelling characters, great voice acting, superb graphics, and high replay value, this game is one of the best games ever. Plus, with better graphics and a large amount of free DLC, the PS3 version is definitely a worthy game to play.
Score
Story - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Graphics - 9/10
Sound - 9/10
Final Score: 38/40 or 9.5/10.0.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Epic storyline.
- Great characters.
- Improved and awesome awesome gameplay.
- Great space exploring experience.
- Superb voice acting by veteran actors.
- Superb and improved graphics, especially the alien characters and level designs.
- Non repetitive mission objectives make this game feels fresh.
- Excellent conversations with other characters.
- The freedom of choice makes this game very entertaining.
- High replay value.
- No Mako.
- Mass Effect: Genesis is a great substitute for Mass Effect to cover the important details of the first game.
Cons
- Some glitches and bugs
- Scanning planets is a tedious task.
- You need to download the DLC pack in order to fully experience the game, and it will take a long time to download it as it has 636 MB storage space.
- Some players may be dissatisfied that there is no transferable save file from the first Mass Effect, as it is not available on PS3.
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