Awww....

I just finished Mass Effect 2.  No more new Bioware games until Christmas.

In short: While it doesn't do some things as well as the original, it does a number of other things better, and all in all measures up very well.  It takes a bit of adjusting, but if you loved Mass Effect you won't be disappointed.

On the DLC: There are a number of expansion modules out for the game.  Some come with it if you purchase it new (as opposed to renting it or buying it second-hand; there's a one-time download key included).  Others you have to buy; I don't think there's a "Game of the Year" bundle yet.

I'm not entirely sure what's in the included DLC, the Cerberus Network pack, but I think it includes Zaeed (one of the available team members) and the Firewalker mission.

Both of these suck.  If you bought the game new, avoid them; if you got it second hand, count yourself lucky.*

(Okay, I just checked.  It also includes a couple of weapons that I didn't really use, and the module I mentioned earlier that lets you hold a memorial service for the Mako.  That last is the only reason to get it, and much as I love the Mako it's not worth it.)

The second add-on is Kasumi - Stolen Memory.  I recommend this one; while the mission is relatively short, it's distinctive and fun, and Kasumi, who joins your team afterwards, is one of my favourite characters to have along on a mission.

My feelings about Overlord are mixed.  While the regular missions had some solid action and a couple of great scenes, they are interspersed with sections where you have to drive that godawful Hammerhead.  Personally, I don't think the rewards were worth the aggravation.

Lair of the Shadow Broker, on the other hand, is pure gold.  It's a lot of fun, expands the main story, and adds significantly to the core game.  It also has some of the most cinematic sequences in the entire game.  Highly recommended.

Arrival, the final add-on, isn't bad, but it doesn't have as much to offer as Stolen Memories or Shadow Broker.  While it's not horrible (i.e. doesn't involve the Hammerhead at any point) it doesn't greatly expand the game.  Still worth getting if you're a completist, or if you loved the game and want a little more.

So now I'm left waiting for six months or so until Mass Effect 3 lands.  Though I've still got the two new Fallout games to play.  And both Bioshocks.  And Civ V.  And I never did finish KoToR.  Or Jade Empire.  And I have a lot of work to do on Minx.  Guess I won't be bored.

* My Zaeed died late in the game.  I didn't mourn the SOB for even a minute.  I was more upset when my pet fish died.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at 12:55 AM | No Comments | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
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