Mass Effect 2 (PS3) (From Daily Echo)

Mass Effect 2 (PS3)

in Game Reviews By Ian Crump

Genre: Role-Playing Game

Platform: PlayStation 3

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Classification: 15 (BBFC)

Mass Effect’s intergalactic sprawling vision of the future is a brutal, dingy, hellhole of a place, filled with pain, turmoil and the constant warring of alien races. The only thing that has the option to shine through in a place of such destructive wretchedness is morality – the very thing that gets tested every step of the way.

Although both the near and far reaches of space are a cesspool of unadulterated crime and corruption, the incredible detail in the graphics also make it beautiful. The dirt and grease that cling to the walls looks great, the freaky aliens that roam the lands look realistic and even the most hideous, heinous and completely depraved goings on are wondrous to see – simply all because of the attention to detail.

Dimples, pimples, wrinkles, freckles and scars all help to give the characters their own personal look, and superb dialogue and voice acting gives them character. Players take the role of Commander Shepherd in this third-person action role-playing game, and take the reins of the Normandy and her crew.

As anyone who played the original Mass Effect would know, storyline in pinnacle, and Mass Effect 2 doesn’t fail to deliver on that front. The plot twists, turns and constantly has the player asking questions whilst developing an itch to play through and get them answered. With a narrative far more addictive than a tube of your favourite flavoured Pringles, once you pop – you really can’t stop.

But how lifelike would this sci-fi stunner be without the essential complication of choices that each and every living creature faces each and every day? Not very – and that’s why it’s got tons of them.

Combat also plays a large part and that’s been hugely improved over the last game. Using a cover and shoot system, players get the opportunity to try out a wide array of weaponry as well as mental-powers and abilities. Squad based commands ensure that Shepherd’s team are always situated and always fight how the player desires.

Upgrades are constant as players get the opportunity to pimp-up their characters, their armour and choose their preferred weapons loadout.

With a comic book re-telling of the original Mass Effect story and over six hours of extra missions, the PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2 is the perfect place for newcomers and veterans alike.

Charm, intrigue, choices, story and action – Mass Effect 2 has it all. No PlayStation 3 owner in the galaxy should be without this.

SCORE: 9 / 10