Mass Effect 2

This older version does not need the EA App / Origin (good!), but unfortunately forces you to manually download and install the DLC from the EA website (where the most important ones minus some smaller gimmicks are actually still available in 2024 - ok), while the @!#% Cerberus login won't work until you remove all special characters from your EA password (honestly? Is it still 1980?).
Resignated and installed the newer version "Mass Effect 2 (2010) Edition" instead. Which is clearly very well distinguishable from this version because it has the closing parentheses at another position. No simple clue by Steam to clarify the differences between the two versions - you have to consult the forums or google just to get this simple information. The same is true if you try to mitigate the other weaknesses mentioned above...

"The first Mass Effect introduced players to the sci-fi universe that Commander Shepard and the crew of the Normandy could explore. With Mass Effect 2, the series streamlined its combat mechanics to feel more like a shooter while maintaining the RPG-inspired mechanics (earning experience points to level up, choosing and training skills, coordinating tactics with teammates) that appealed to fans of the first game. The result is one of the best gaming experiences in recent memory." - Paste, 2014

This game is like Infinity War to ME3's Endgame, setting up the finale while being the best in the franchise. Seriously recommended for any sci-fi-RPG-head out there.

Back in 2010, as a huge fan of the original game, I dove straight into "Mass Effect 2," and I found myself completely absorbed by the universe. The sequel to BioWare’s ambitious sci-fi RPG, "Mass Effect," this game managed to exceed expectations in many ways, offering a more streamlined and action-packed experience.

From the start, Mass Effect 2 impresses with its dramatic opening, setting the stakes high and immediately hooking you into its narrative. The story is a significant draw, focusing on assembling a diverse team for a seemingly suicidal mission. This simple yet compelling plot framework provides a deep sense of urgency and drives the player forward.

Character development is one of the game’s strongest points. Each member of your squad has a unique backstory and personality, which are explored through well-crafted loyalty missions. These missions not only deepen the game's world but also affect the dynamics of the final mission, adding layers of emotional investment to the gameplay.

The graphics were a noticeable improvement over the original, with sharper textures and more detailed environments, making the exploration of different planets and space stations more visually rewarding. The user interface and combat system were also significantly refined. Combat felt smoother and more intuitive, with a better cover system and more strategic use of abilities and squad commands.

Mass Effect 2 streamlined many of the RPG elements of the first game, which was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it made the game less cumbersome by simplifying the inventory and upgrading systems, making it more accessible for casual gamers like myself. On the other hand, some fans of traditional RPGs might have missed the depth of customisation available in the first game.

The voice acting and musical score were top-notch, enhancing the cinematic feel of the game and elevating the emotional impact of key moments. The game’s pacing was excellent, with a good balance between main story missions and optional side quests, which were engaging without being overwhelming.

In retrospect, Mass Effect 2 was not just a game but an experience. It managed to blend action, storytelling, and character development in a way that was both accessible to casual gamers and satisfying to more dedicated fans. It’s a game that stayed with me long after I put down the controller, and looking back, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best games of its era. Whether you're in it for the story, the action, or the chance to explore a vast and detailed sci-fi universe, "Mass Effect 2" delivered an unforgettable adventure.

8.5 This is probably the best game I've played this year. It's tons of fun, better than the first but they play off each other so the first is still really good. Excited to try out the 3rd game then Andromeda! There was not a single mission that had me bored or uninterested. Definitely planning on playing again already.

Great story and game play. The graphics are good. The biggest issue with this game is that it requires EA's launcher.

As with the first game, let's start on how you can run it. Surprisingly, it came 3 years later, but it requires more effort to run in a satisfactory way.

Go to
and in the issues fixed check the list. You are not going to have all of them, but probably you are going to have some of them. I had the freeze at the end of Kazumi's loyalty and the Unable to authorize the listed DLC error. The fixes in all possible issues are simple enough though.

I also played the game with the following mods in order to improve the experience
1.Early recruitment:
2.Weapon stats on:
(because apparently Bioware thought it was a great idea for you not to know what each weapon does)
3.intuative controls:
(the default is one button for cover, storming and interacting)

Finally by editing the coalesed,ini file i messed with some settings like raw mouse sensitivity and diabling acceleration. Instructions on how to do that can be found the pcgaming wiki.

Now on to the game itself. I found it more engaging that the first but not without issues.

Plot-wise, this is a game of preperation. Like in any heist movie, you spend quite a lot of time gathering your team. Unfortunatelly, the endgame feels short compared to the buildup. While the game is more engaging than the first, it has worse pacing in my opinion.
There are also some issues with plot contrivances, but at the time of playing it, you might not notice them or they might not bother you that much.

The side characters are once again are the main focus of the game, and there twice as many of them as before. And like the first game, the general experience is great, but not without issues.
They range from boring af, to "i want to go out for drinks with them". I would argue that cutting some of them out, would allow more consistent writting for the rest (miranda suffers from that) and more well paced dialogue. Everybody follows the same relationship progression. First convo-usually reserved, second convo-basic chatacter trait, third convo-opening up with insecurities and issues, then the loyalty mission and then the romance for some of them. It feels predictable and really fast. Especially given the closed off personality some of them supposedly have.
Final note on the subject, their interactions between them in the game, occur in more instances compared to the first, but again in most of the game, your squadmated are not talking to each other. Some of them do not even share a single dialogue between them. It is jarring and makes it more difficult to bond with them as a team. When it happens though, it is genuinly fun.

I also have an issue with the romances. I don't really like that lack of freedom you have to explore hook ups and/or poly relationships. You can only hook up with one character, but this is treated like a bad choise (in game it makes sense though) and it locks the character's arc for the rest of the game. In the first one, you at least had the choice of suggesting a poly relationship. It failed because Ashley was a racist pos, but you had the option. Here everybody is adheres to a single type of relationship. It wouldn't matter as much if the game itself didnt place such emphasis on the romantic interactions and if they didnt treat Shepard like god's gift to women/men. If you are going to do that, then let me explore other options. Especially given that it takes into account the ME1 romance option. Like, you have a main squeeze, but due to various factors, you can't be together now. And since you are going on a suicide mission, some "no strings attached" interactions make sense.

Gameplay-wise, the game has been streamlined. It's an RPG action game, but it plays like an action one. You dont have as many options to spend your skill points, thus no variety in the classes. In the first one, two people from the same class could play their character differently. Here, every class playes the same.
This also applies to the weapon, armor and mod options. Basically you really have only a few of them to select from (especially without the dlc) and that's it. No looting. No buying and selling. No mods to further customize your gameplay.
The shooting feels better and more enjoyable that the first, but you dont have choices. Not RPG types of choices at least.

Final point, the game made sure to give you 12 mates, but you can still only bring 2 of them in the missions. The only exeption to that is the final mission. There everyone plays a part in some form and earlier choices you made, matter in their fate. The final mission is great. I wanted more of that.

In conclusion, despite it's issues, ME2 is a great time and it had me hooked and wanting to play it constantly till the finish. Highly recomended.