Watch it! It's great. And really it won't have the same effect if you watch it after you played the game. It certainly gets you hyped, such good trailer :)

Edge: 9 /10 (they gave ME1 a 7 i think)

Yeeeeeee. Just got info that the game was shipped to me today. Tommorow is THE DAY!!!!
2 days before the official date :)

Apparently you can't customise the DLC armour like you can the N7 one, nor can you remove the helmet or use visors etc. with them, that sucks.

I just read up on how importing your ME1 character works, and you can alter his/her appearance as well as - and here's the bit I'm pleased about - which class they are. I may still keep my character's class (Soldier) considering how much of an improvement the combat is supposed to be, but it's nice to know the option is at least there if I wish to chose otherwise.

So all I have to live with is the decisions my Shepherd made in ME1 - which doesn't spell good news for Wrex, but Ashley will be lovin' sexy time.

This game will simply blow my mind!!!


100
games(TM)

Despite all of the ways Mass Effect 2 is more engaging to play and explore, after 35 remarkable hours it was the characters that stayed with us… Game of the year in January? Oh, go on then. [Feb 2010, p.112]

100
X360 Magazine UK

Both an astonishing RPG and confident shooter, Mass Effect 2 is daring, shocking and often awe-inspiring in its use of choice. This is the future of storytelling in videogames. [Issue#, p.85]

100
Official Xbox Magazine UK

It's mature: not because of profanity or nudey bits, but because it tackles complicated themes without telling you what to think. Having already sunk a distressing number of hours into ME2, the second this sentence is finished we're firing it up and exploring the rest of the universe.

100
VideoGamer

Mass Effect 2 is the perfect fusion of the shooter and RPG genres. When you're not playing it, you wish you were. When you are playing it, you can't imagine doing anything else. Engrossing, captivating, stunning. Roll on DLC, and Mass Effect 3.

100
TeamXbox

Mass Effect 2 delivers the best experience of its kind in this generation-and considering I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished my initial 39-hour playthrough a few days ago, a lower score would feel disingenuous. From its mechanics to its writing to its presentation, Mass Effect 2 is the kind of game that justifies gushing clichés and superlatives. I can't recommend it highly enough.

100
Games Radar (in-house)

Mass Effect 2 strikes a perfect balance between intense shooter action and gut-wrenching drama, set in a richly textured world on the brink of destruction. It's a must-own for science fiction fans, who will love exploring the depths of the galaxy and fighting to save humanity.

100
Eurogamer Italy

We can't do anything but to celebrate another masterpiece from Bioware, a game that has never been so close to perfection. If you have not upgraded your PC yet, it's time to do it; if you you needed an excuse to buy an Xbox 360, now you have one. Not to play this game would be crazy.

100
Eurogamer

Perhaps BioWare's greatest success in Mass Effect 2 has been taking a complex RPG and making it effortless to understand, play and enjoy on a constant basis, because it has done this in a manner that should prove utterly essential to veterans and newcomers alike, and more than enough to suggest Mass Effect 3 will be the most important game in BioWare's history.

100
Planet Xbox 360

My journey with Commander Shepherd opened up a new view of what this form of entertainment can do, and allowed me to emotionally connect (and care) with the virtual characters on my television screen. The dialogue, story progression, graphics, soundtrack, controls, and presentation are all well above what so many other games of this genre are offering these days... PlanetXbox360.com has never given a perfect score, until now.

100
Destructoid

The fluid systems -- the navigation, the combat, and the quick-fire missions -- combine to make Mass Effect 2 an RPG that challenges the genre conventions. The superb emphasis on character development, the gripping plot elements and big-budget presentation aren't too bad either.

100
GameSpy

It's the way that Mass Effect 2 expands upon the narrative established in the first game that marks a true breakthrough for interactive storytelling.

100
Eurogamer Spain

Mass Effect not only is the best RPG of this generation, but also an excellent action game that will appeal a broader audience. It's one of those few titles that we'll still be talking about in many years to come.

100
Gaming Nexus

If you liked Mass Effect 1 to any degree whatsoever, you’ll definitely love Mass Effect 2 with its improved combat and AI, and cinematics and storyline – sans the glitches we all know and hate from ME1.

100
GameDaily

Mass Effect 2 far exceeded our expectations and is without question one of the best games we've played. Use whatever positive description you'd like. System seller, potential game of the year, landmark achievement; just make sure you buy it immediately.

100
ZTGameDomain

If you even remotely enjoy a good narrative, this game is a must buy. Fans of the original are in for a treat as everything that was wrong with the last game has been fixed. Mass Effect 2 truly is the definitive entry in the series, and quite possibly the best BioWare game to be released thus far.

98
Game Informer

The loss of RPG elements may hit some people hard, and the repetition in minigames may lead to yawns and tired eyes, but none of these faults hold Mass Effect 2 back from being a work of bold ambition, and one of gaming’s most exciting sequels.

98
Cheat Code Central

I commend the development team at BioWare for all the hard work that went into making this title not only shine but feel both familiar and completely fresh at the same time.

98
Gamervision

Mass Effect 2 is easily one of the best games of the generation, blowing away its predecessor in just about every way, and removing the "flawed" attachment to the "masterpiece" title.

97
GameTrailers

There's just so much here to experience, and it's all uniformly excellent in execution. BioWare has delivered on its promise to let us affect this massive world through our actions, and you can bet that we'll be playing this one through several times in anticipation of how it all pans out.

96
IGN

It's incredibly personal while still retaining a sense of epic sweeping scale. The combat and mission design are outstanding. The visuals, voice acting, soundtrack, and direction are miles ahead of the competition. Perhaps most impressively, Mass Effect 2 manages to fulfill its incredible ambition while only suffering from very few technical hiccups.

96
Vandal Online

Quotation forthcoming.

95
Totally360

Overall, Mass Effect 2 is a title that everyone has to experience. As fun as the first title was it did have its own share of issues. It’s refreshing to see a development team take in all of the criticism from their previous title and use it to improve upon their concept for the sequel.

95
GameZone

Mass Effect 2 is much more than a game. It’s an ominous sci-fi-mystery-action-epic that continues to provide thrilling moments around every bend.

95
SpazioGames

Mass Effect 2 is a must buy. Deep RPG mechanics and good shooting fill an exciting universe, full of great characters, marvelous worlds and dangers. A great graphics and an incredible dubbing make this second chapter one of the greatest experience to date.

95
Official Xbox Magazine

Mass Effect 2 overcomes its few gameplay weaknesses with a fantastic weave of dynamic combat, lavish presentation, and engaging character and weapon customization. But for all the myriad improvements that make Mass Effect 2's visuals so appealing and its combat so exhilarating, it's ultimately the way it moves us that makes it so memorable. [Feb 2010, p.56]

95
Gamer Limit

Right now I’m even salivating at the prospect of finishing up all of the extra content.

95
Multiplayer.it

Modern, fascinating and truly innovative, Mass Effect 2 is a brand new take for the western rpg, Bioware reached a perfect mix between action and storytelling, graced by stunning visuals and a long and challenging gameplay.

95
GamerNode

Mass Effect 2 is a captivating experience that begs to be played and replayed. Phenomenal presentation is augmented by enjoyable combat, deep characters, and epic narrative; only minor quibbles exist in these areas.

93
3DJuegos

Mass Effect 2 is an amazing RPG with an unbeatable cinematic feeling and a history and characters simply astonishing. This is a game that demands to be played by every Xbox 360 user because it’s the very definition of what Next-Gen wants to be.

93
Computer and Video Games

Mass Effect 2 has quality oozing from every facet of its makeup. If you're patient enough to hop from tactical combat to immersive role-playing without a blink, then you'll discover that Mass Effect 2 is a wonderfully engrossing quest that's deep yet suitably streamlined and incredibly cinematic.

93
IGN AU

Mass Effect 2's greatest strength once again falls upon the beauty of its universe and the carefully interwoven character dramas underpinning the action. It's a fascinating and hugely enjoyable experience that serves not only as a reminder of how wide the valley between a 'great and an 'excellent' game actually is, but why BioWare is still one of the most vital and important developers out there today.

93
ActionTrip

Everything BioWare did to improve the game has lead to satisfying results. Such efforts actually redefine how sequels should be made. This was one of the most memorable gaming experiences we've had in recent history.

92
IGN UK

On most levels it’s hard to fault Mass Effect 2; this is a sequel that polishes many of the original’s faults, tightening the combat and turning the screw on Shepard in the fight to save humanity with an impressive flair. Those already in thrall to BioWare’s magic will fall in love all over again with a game that’s got the sweep and stagger of the very best sci-fi epics.

91
Game Revolution

You won’t give much attention to the unintuitive HUD, and the low level cap won’t stop most from playing the game again with added difficulty or for multiple story options. You'll get frustrated, you'll ask yourself why, but you'll still love it. Facing the dark reality of Mass Effect 2 has its stumbles and slips, but it’s a trip worth taking, no matter the destination.

91
1UP

When Mass Effect 3 rolls around to bring this tale to its finale, I'd really like to see BioWare strike some sort of happy medium between the clumsily executed RPG mechanics of the first game and the stripped-down shooter feel of this sequel. But even with its simplified mechanics, ME2's story makes for a compelling odyssey.

90
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

Mass Effect 2 may not have quite the depth and consequences of Dragon Age - although it's impossible to tell, as both games contain so many variables - but it's the more polished and confident of the two. It is arguably the best RPG of recent years, and as a standalone game, a sequel, and a lead-in to the final part of the trilogy, it's an unqualified success.

90
GameSpot

Once this intense and action-packed role-playing game pulls you into its orbit, you won't want to escape.

90
GamePro

An improvement on just about every aspect of the original game, with the exception of one tiny aspect; the very final battle. Mass Effect 2 sees BioWare's approach to the role playing genre evolve beyond anything they've worked on previously, and gives us a glimpse of how both RPGs and shooters will begin to merge in the years ahead.

90
Edge Magazine

With the first instalment, BioWare built a universe of words – a deeply convincing multicultural sprawl you could read about without ever quite getting to touch. Here, you’re inside it from the start – and the view is often dazzling

Jesus, didn't expect the scores for it to be that good. This was totally unexpected:

Unexpected? I think a lot of people expected this game to be amazing. Uncharted 2 level scores? OK maybe that is a surprise but I think most knew it was a sure fire AAA game.

I have only played a little bit of the game so far, but I would say that it has been a VERY impressive experience. The graphcis are great and the gameplay is a wonderful mix of genres. More than anything though, it has the best character designs and voice acting I have ever seen in a video game, and by a pretty wide margin.

Never have I played a game that felt more like an actual epic sci-fi movie experience. Bioware, once again, has outdone themselves.

I mean beating the (imo) best rpg ever made, a lot of gamers would agree. ME was one of the best RPGs I've played, but the characters never quite stuck with me. When reviews are speaking about "a very personal experience" it is a surprise to me. This could be my new best rpg. :)

I thought the characters in ME1 were brilliant, some had lots of depth to them too each with unique well rounded backgrounds.

Also, they weren't ridiculously over-the-top. The game took itself seriously, and as a result, I could take the characters seriously and actually want to listen to what they had to say. Subject Zero looks like she might be pushing it...but I'm hoping Bioware was careful not to fill her with obnoxious clichés.

This game is reviewing so incredibly. I can't wait to get my hands on this thing!!! HURRY THE HELL UP 360!!!!

I'll probably get my copy thursday, possibly friday, and I'll have no 360 to play it on since I'm waiting on my repair to come back.

I disliked the coarse language at the end of that article, very vulgar really.

Anyways, I can't freaking wait! This game is sounding so awesome. I can't play it till maybe next week, but everything points to the fact that this game will be THE game of the generation.

After playing for a couple more hours, I can already say I'm close to saying this is the best game so far this generation for me. It does so many things and so fucking right I just can't get over how much the game has grown since ME1. I can't even imagine how good ME3 is gonna be. Jesus christ this game just keeps getting better and better. Looks like I'm gonna have to phone in my test tomr lol...

Damn you Damn you all to Hell!!

Only 2 more days!!

So how long did it take you to complete the game (main quest), an estimate would be nice. I was a bit disappointed with the length of Mass Effect 1

First, I'm not finished with ME2 yet so this is just a partial impression.

I don't know if it's just because I game in a home theater, but the opening sequences when you first start playing will blow your mind and have you saying "Holy Shit!" or as some of you across the pond might say "Bloody Hell! ME2 really looks, plays and feels like a huge summer blockbuster with you in the center of it all as the star carrying the movie. Everything from the environments, to the music, to the very tone of the voice actors makes ME2 feel larger than anything you've ever played before. Seriously, Bioware has raised the standard and cut a new notch when it comes to epic scale and presentation in a video game. It may even be safe to say that for the time being, Bioware owns the standard.

Believe me I'm not trying to hype anybody up here but every cut scene and player interaction that I've had so far has been deliciously enjoyable. Bioware has done the story and dialogue so well that I even forgot about some of my gripes which I'll come to in a moment. Actually I really can't do this. Not even to place any text within blackened spoiler blocks. I really wish I could just explain in detail how ME2 opens up but there's no way any of you would ever forgive me for that. It would be nothing short of pure EVIL if I spoiled this for any of you, but trust me when I tell you that your jaw might become unhinged! LOL! You guys are just going to have to watch and play this thing for yourselves. I'm only a fraction of a way through this game and it feels like the Game of the Year already. Like you could just shut the GOTY category down right now in January with all other titles only allowed to place honorable mention.

But I might as well get this point out of the way. Mass Effect is no longer a fully fledged RPG If it can even be called an RPG at all.

You might as well start wrapping your heads around that idea right now, it'll save you some of the disappointment I was feeling when I started. Everything we heard was TRUE, the role playing elements have been seriously gutted, tweaked, tacked on, watered down, whatever you choose to call it. I don't care how you dice it, slice it or serve it up, the deep RPG many of us fell in love with does not exist in THIS game. And I don't think Bioware is going to bring it back if ME2 sells better than ME1.

Considering how much was gutted (and it's quite significant), I can only come to the conclusion that ME2 was developed with for a much broader audience in mind, specifically an audience without deep role playing tastes. To the gamer who doesn't care about deep role playing elements, ME's menus, interface and combat has been improved, streamlined and simplified to appeal directly to you.

And this is no exaggeration either, ME2 is radically different from ME1 in terms of role playing elements. Right from the top, we earn ZERO XP for taking down enemies. I don't even know how you can all an RPG an RPG without XP from fights. Instead we get our XP the same way we earned renown in Fable2, by completing missions. We get 1000XP per story mission, 750 for our party member missions and 125 for everything else. If there's another way to earn XP I haven't discovered it yet. Of the handful of armors I have I was only able to customize one, the N7. The others (the pre-orders) are fixed. And we can only take one suit of armor off the Normandy. Not all of my pre-order armors are present in the game anyway. Hopefully that will be worked out soon.

Now I mentioned Fable2 for a reason because just like Peter wanted us to act like real parents and landlords (lol!), Bioware wants our Shepards to behave like real starship commanders. The New Normandy requires that we go on farming and shopping expeditions for minerals, probes and fuel for it's upkeep and maintenance. This isn't as tedious as it sounds but I'm not crazy about it either. I can't believe they killed the Mako for this. The devs at Bioware have made this function necessary for the Normandy so planet exploration is vital enough not to be ignored as in ME1. I still haven't found a planet with Element Zero on it yet, I have a feeling that's just a very rare mineral in the game. Just keep in mind without the Mako you will need to purchase probes for this task. I don't know how the rest of you are going to feel about it but fueling up the Normandy just feels stupid to me.

Now the combat IS certainly improved, it truly pops with an overall visceral feel and pace that ME1 lacked. Nothing revolutionary mind you, you'll find the gunplay fun but also quite familiar if you've ever played Gears or any other major TPS. Just as well because ME2 functions mostly as a TPS anyway. ME2's RPG elements are so watered down that they will often feel like token elements. Weapons and leveling up in ME2 compared to ME1 has your options slashed. Even your persuasion points for your intimidation and charm factors are gone, all are fixed to your Paragon/Renegade alignments.

Despite Mass Effect leaving it's roots and going the way of a shooter, it's still a blast to play. You just have to readjust your expectations from RPG to 3rd Person Shooter now. The epically fantastic stage and story of ME2 and it's replay factor are still worth the purchase to me, I just wished that Bioware didn't feel like they had to abandon the RPG elements just to give us better combat. But as I said before, it really does appear that ME2 was made with a broader audience in mind. The sucks but what can you do?

We can discuss characters and plots after Friday I guess. By then I should be finished anyway.

This. I have to wait till Saturday evening after a statistics exam, and then I don't really have the time to play it because I have to learn for the 3 next ones. But chances are I'm going to go on a gaming marathon on Sunday and forget about learning.

Same here. Kinda, since i got my exam tomorrow :P But got two more to go after this one, one next week, then the other. But so much overkill, the hype for ME2, beta of BC2 :(

Looks like the game will unlock for me at midnight tomorrow. (STEAM) So yeah if all goes smooth will probably spend all night playing!

If i buy the game from Steam, can i still use the codes i got from my DragonAge to get some of the downloadebles? Im still kinda new to steam so duno if games are same as disc or diff...

I think so, since the codes are registered in the Bioware social network. Steam just supplies the codes, when we buy the games there.

http://social.bioware.com/login.php

If you already registered the Dragon Age codes, on their site, you might have there already the Blood Dragon armor (the item DA gave us for ME2) there.

Log in > Profile > Your registered game promotions - And the Blood Dragon armor is there available to download.

Now we just need ME2 finally released!

I'm only in a few hours but here's all I have to say right now

(+/-)

(+) Graphics- more games should evolve as much as this did from 1 to 2 (*cough* Halo *cough*)
-Models are improved as are facial animations making things look more realistic
-This is one of the best looking games I have played to date

(+) Combat- the cover system is improved by simply hitting A to move in and out
-You can also give commands to individual teammates instead of commanding both at the same time

(+) Environments- everything is a lot more atmospheric and unique. Even in the opening sequence they seem to pay tribute to Dead Space (you'll see what I mean)

(+) The hacking and decryption interface/gameplay is SOOOOO much better. I cannot express this enough really.

(+) The entire game feels like a complete evolution from 1


(-) Combat- I don't like that this is going a shooter route it seems (so far). I loved using all those abilities from the first and going more shooter oriented concerns me greatly. I really hope they don't really go too far in 3.
-I agree with Grim that they seem to be going for the broader audience.
-Also I'm undecided about the new ammo system. Trading overheating for heat clips/ammo is kinda unnecessary seeming.

(-) Upgrading- I'm still early in the game so this negative point is tentative. I have to say I'd rather be upgrading several new abilities than upgrading my guns and ship. I don't know exactly if this is how it is, but I'm hoping it's balanced...
- I also hope there are more armors than what Grim is describing.

I don't have the game yet, but at least I can now say this now that people have the game.

With regards to upgrading, look at that customization menu where you can alter shepherd's combat and casual look. In there, when you get new items that are researched, they will show up in there. It's basically, from what I've seen, the armor creation system. You get entirely new chest pieces, leggings, shoulders, and they usually have some really cool stat bonus of some kind.