THE BORE

General => Video Game Bored => Topic started by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 06:31:46 PM

Title: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 06:31:46 PM
If you guys remember my old thread about the first game, you'll recall that I enjoyed it but absolutely despised the sidequests, thus I only really did a few ones and just completed the barebones main quest.  I borrowed a copy of the second game and while initially unsure with the almost mission-like structure of the game and the ammo system, I played the absolute fuck out of the game and LOVED it.  I started it on Monday night...and 100% beat it on Thursday night.  I didn't go to a few of my classes because of how much I was into it.

The game has much better characters and character interaction, something I thought the first game didn't really live up to.  The team must've hired a great scene director, because it feels much more cinematic this time around.  Better graphics, better mission design, better worlds to explore despite having fewer to actually land on.  I LOVED the cameos from other characters, especially Garrus and Tali.  All the party member quests were riveting.  The materials and elements system actually make sense this time, and gives you literally the ultimate reward for using the system: extended gameplay and upgrades.  Love how your usage of the elements affects the end game events.

And Miranda fucking Lawson, mah gawd.  dat ass/titties.

I'm so so so excited for ME3.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Positive Touch on September 03, 2011, 06:34:19 PM
gotg, easily
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 06:34:49 PM
fantastic game, but not gotg for me. top 5 tho
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 03, 2011, 06:39:58 PM
Second best at most. HL2: Episode 2 takes the cake so far.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: archie4208 on September 03, 2011, 06:40:21 PM
Please play more games.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Madrun Badrun on September 03, 2011, 06:41:09 PM
it was a sold 8.5 game.  I vastly preferred both dragon ages to it.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 03, 2011, 06:43:37 PM
it was a sold 8.5 game.  I vastly preferred both dragon ages to it.

(http://i.imgur.com/BGqKc.jpg)
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 06:46:17 PM
I prefer dragon age origins to it as well.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 03, 2011, 06:50:16 PM
weirdos
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 06:52:34 PM
As an rpg, DA:O rapes it. Sorry. Haven't played DA2, though.

Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Herr Mafflard on September 03, 2011, 06:56:20 PM
now go play DXHR and change your mind:

"[Deus Ex HR] is a game that the Mass Effect crowd should be buying. Because it’s better than Mass Effect in eleven ways." -- rockpapershotgun
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Great Rumbler on September 03, 2011, 07:04:10 PM
Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas take a narrow edge, as far as RPGs go. Might put another game or two above it, too, but I haven't really sat down and thought about GOTG too much yet.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:09:58 PM
My favorite games this gen:

1. Mario Galaxy
2. Portal 1 and 2
3. Saints Row 2
4. Dead Rising 1
5. Resident Evil 5
6. Dragon Age: Origins (pc)
7. Mass Effect 2
8. Uncharted 2
9. Dynasty Warriors 7
10. Super Street Fighter IV

Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:17:06 PM
I can see where they're coming from actually. I just don't agree with it.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 03, 2011, 07:20:56 PM
ME2 has a better setting, presentation, and location atmosphere than any other game this generation.

As a through and through RPG, yeah it's not the best in that genre.

As a total video game product, it's nearly at the top.

HL2: Episode 2 is head and shoulders the best game in this generation. There's no dispute to that.

I say The Witcher 2 and ME2 are neck and neck for second, and third.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: demi on September 03, 2011, 07:21:35 PM
Saints Row 2 > ME2
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 07:26:12 PM
Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas take a narrow edge, as far as RPGs go. Might put another game or two above it, too, but I haven't really sat down and thought about GOTG too much yet.

I'd play it if I had a capable PC.  I assume its for 360 as well?
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:26:45 PM
ME2 has a better setting, presentation, and location atmosphere than any other game this generation.

As a through and through RPG, yeah it's not the best in that genre.

As a total video game product, it's nearly at the top.

HL2: Episode 2 is head and shoulders the best game in this generation. There's no dispute to that.

I say The Witcher 2 and ME2 are neck and neck for second, and third.

HL2 Ep 2 is one of my favorite games but for some reason I never consider it on favorite games of the generation lists.

My list is funny because it's like, the total opposite of what my list last gen was like:

1. Persona 3 and 4
2. Resident Evil 4
3. Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3
4. Final Fantasy XII
5. GTA3
6. Suikoden 3 and 5
7. Killer 7
8. Ninja Gaiden Black
9. Virtua Fighter 4: EVO
10. Shadow of the Colossus

It's so overwhelmingly Japanese. My list for this gen...isn't.

Little Himu grew up desu.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:26:59 PM
Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Fallout New Vegas take a narrow edge, as far as RPGs go. Might put another game or two above it, too, but I haven't really sat down and thought about GOTG too much yet.

I'd play it if I had a capable PC.  I assume its for 360 as well?

yes
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 07:31:51 PM
The story is not nearly as grandiose, sorry Wrath.  It actually feels a bit weak, to be honest, with regards to the overall scheme of things.  The fact that you had next to no contact at all with the Citadel Council officials (if you saved them in the first game) just seemed...odd.  You would think there would be more of a shock for them that Shepard was alive and you would also think they'd want him to go back to doing their will.

Other than that though, yeah, its better in every single way.

If I had to sit down and think of my favorite games this generation, I'd say at this point:

1) Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
2) Mass Effect 2
3) Batman Arkham Asylum
4) Fallout 3
5) Bioshock
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:33:11 PM
I can see where they're coming from actually. I just don't agree with it.

I was indifferent to the mako and all the shit they cried foul about, they literally got pissed over taking out boring roam around planet missions cause of "teh scope is lozt nooooooooez". Or "I wantz ze care du 2 difarent menz of traverzel!11!" and shit like that.

Better characters, better gameplay, better graphics, better story(yeah I said it), better art design, better sidequests, better boss fights,...... It was the better game bar none! The only thing ME1 has over 2 is the soundtrack.

My beef with ME2 is removing features that had promise in ME1 instead of improving upon them like the planet exploration, for instance, or the Mako, or the inventory. The result is a more lopsided game in terms of content. I prefer sequels to improve upon everything that was in the original. It results in a better game, but it loses what made ME feel special. In the end, it just feels like a third person shooter with rpg elements, which is fine, but not exactly the game I was expecting going in.

That said, I do think ME1 has a better story, 2's was just dumb, and the customization is extremely limited in 2 to the point where it feels like an RPG for Beginners. ME2 has a very skimpy plot, but the trade off are excellent characters who experience arcs.

Also, while ME1 had the Mako and planets, they weren't necessary to see a supposed best ending. In ME2, you have to do the most mundane shit (mining) to get the best ending. It's like they replaced shit with more shit.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:35:16 PM
The story is not nearly as grandiose, sorry Wrath.  It actually feels a bit weak, to be honest, with regards to the overall scheme of things.  The fact that you had next to no contact at all with the Citadel Council officials (if you saved them in the first game) just seemed...odd.  You would think there would be more of a shock for them that Shepard was alive and you would also think they'd want him to go back to doing their will.

Other than that though, yeah, its better in every single way.

If I had to sit down and think of my favorite games this generation, I'd say at this point:

1) Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
2) Mass Effect 2
3) Batman Arkham Asylum
4) Fallout 3
5) Bioshock

Yeah, the universe felt...smaller in ME2.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:42:00 PM
I actually think 1 has a slightly better cast. 2 has a lot of throwaway characters: Samara/Morinth kinda disappear altogether once you've settled you know what. miranda is fucking boring and i'm a huge yvonne strahovski fan. jacob is a huge weak link. grunt is a boring wrex. not to mention Zaeed. Legion is neat as a novelty but the game is soon over after you get him which disallows you almost any time to grow attached.

The stand outs are Garrus, Tali, Jack, Thane, and Mordin and two of those were from the first game.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: iconoclast on September 03, 2011, 07:42:41 PM
The worst thing about ME2 is that it's basically missing the entire middle section of the game.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
You assemble your team and then you're basically ready to go on the final mission. Where's everything in between? There are loyalty missions, but those are more like forced sidequests rather than part of the main plot.
[close]

ME1 had a much better story, better pacing, and it was actually an RPG/TPS hybrid. So ME1 was better.

Besides, the game of the generation is Mushihime-sama Futari.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 07:46:00 PM
I guess I just enjoyed the "cast of castouts" ME2 had going on.  Miranda is wonderful so you shut your whore mouth himu.  Jacob is bad, yeah, but the rest are pretty cool.  I think Garrus and Thane were my favorite.  ME1 had some even more boring members...Carth Onasi lite, Ashley boring Williams, Liara was meh as well.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: rodi on September 03, 2011, 07:46:50 PM
Mass Effect 2 was good until the end. Ya'll know what I'm talking about.  :-\
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:48:26 PM
Well I really like Ashley. I liked Liara's characterization a lot in ME2. Still haven't gone through the dlc.

I really wanted to like Miranda, but I can't remember a thing about her except her daddy issues. ME could actually be renamed Daddy Issues: The Series. :lol
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 07:48:50 PM
Mass Effect 2 was good until the end. Ya'll know what I'm talking about.  :-\

That was the most random, distinguished mentally-challenged final boss fight I fought since Final Fantasy IX.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 07:51:56 PM
Well I really like Ashley. I liked Liara's characterization a lot in ME2. Still haven't gone through the dlc.

I really wanted to like Miranda, but I can't remember a thing about her except her daddy issues. ME could actually be renamed Daddy Issues: The Series. :lol

Has Bioware confirmed any returning characters for ME3?  I want Miranda in my party again.  I always brought her along in my party.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: CajoleJuice on September 03, 2011, 07:54:36 PM
All this talk about games of this generation make me realize how few games I've actually played this generation. Obviously has something to do with only have a 360, and a barely capable PC, but still.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 07:58:43 PM
360 is all you need  8)
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 08:00:19 PM
Well I really like Ashley. I liked Liara's characterization a lot in ME2. Still haven't gone through the dlc.

I really wanted to like Miranda, but I can't remember a thing about her except her daddy issues. ME could actually be renamed Daddy Issues: The Series. :lol

Has Bioware confirmed any returning characters for ME3?  I want Miranda in my party again.  I always brought her along in my party.

Lemme check the SA thread:

http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3403293&pagenumber=1&perpage=40#post390226743

Quote
Characters
Confirmed squadmates:

    There won't be 12 squadmates this time (they're "focused on a smaller squad with deeper relationships and more interesting interplay"), but every squad member (including Zaeed and Thane) will be back in some capacity. Squadmates from ME2 will not be in your game if you let them die in the suicide mission; same with Wrex and Virmire.
    Liara
    Ashley/Kaidan, who became Spectres!
    Garrus (who has finished his calibrations) and Tali (who may be getting some kind of radical redesign, according to Hudson. They also haven't decided about showing her face). And Garrus has finally fixed his armor!
    James Sanders Vega (who is not the sniper in the trailer, but joins the party very early on, before the trial even begins). Aka Beefy McLargeHuge. This might be a picture of him.
    Apparently both Garrus and James Vega can use the Revenant machine gun.
    According to a dev, "James = Survivability and Ashley = Lethality. Both are Soldier types but play very different."

Appearing, not necessarily party members, or not confirmed as being party members yet:

    Every character who survived the suicide mission will be back, but we don't know exactly how or how big their roles will be.
    Wrex is pretty much confirmed as not being a party member. He'll fight along with you at times, just won't be a full squadmate.
    Jack, who has "matured" and isn't quite so naked anymore.
    Mordin, Legion, and Anderson, as long as they survived the first two games.
    Some characters may be a party member just for a mission or two before returning to wherever they were before.
    The Illusive Man and Udina also play prominent roles.
    Characters who survived the suicide mission who join your party might have personal quests for you to complete. If they died during the suicide mission, they're gone and aren't magically coming back. However, there's a focus on rewarding us for the choices we made and how we played, not punishing us if we let some party members die, so there will be different options (instead of either getting a bonus quest or not getting it).
    Conrad Verner will also be back.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 08:06:12 PM
(http://www.nanoaugur.net/masseffect3/ME3-Playstation3Magazine-June11-p07.jpg)
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: CajoleJuice on September 03, 2011, 08:07:36 PM
360 is all you need  8)

but you have two Wii games as your #1  :P
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 08:09:24 PM
Borrow a wii, buy mario galaxy for like 20 bucks, bask in all its glory, give wii back.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 08:12:09 PM
That.

Also I'm very happy Garrus is back.  I think he may be my favorite party member in the entire series.  I really do hope Miranda is a party member, I liked her way way more than Ashley.

And poor Thane :(
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 08:12:46 PM
Garrus is pretty much your official wingman at this point
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 08:17:16 PM
For real.  When you went to recruit the Archangel and you saw him, all I could think of was this:

(http://api.ning.com/files/9LpHwcmdnUvzcqk71TBfuznZL-LGmZ8gqcgz3SQxtw2yFcwC7qIuh7jxXx4oq8UEgck-icALfruhdE3O9rngYuQzsbb--yt8/Dillonyousonofabitch.gif)
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Shaka Khan on September 03, 2011, 08:24:40 PM
My favorite games this gen:

1. Mario Galaxy
2. Portal 1 and 2
3. Saints Row 2
4. Dead Rising 1
5. Resident Evil 5
6. Dragon Age: Origins (pc)
7. Mass Effect 2
8. Uncharted 2
9. Dynasty Warriors 7
10. Super Street Fighter IV



That list is missing Tactics Ogre. I can't even look at you right now.

(dun care if it's a port/remake. Gud game is gud)
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 03, 2011, 08:25:10 PM
Garrus + Tali + Shepard = Amazing threesome
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 08:26:30 PM
My favorite games this gen:

1. Mario Galaxy
2. Portal 1 and 2
3. Saints Row 2
4. Dead Rising 1
5. Resident Evil 5
6. Dragon Age: Origins (pc)
7. Mass Effect 2
8. Uncharted 2
9. Dynasty Warriors 7
10. Super Street Fighter IV



That list is missing Tactics Ogre. I can't even look at you right now.

(dun care if it's a port/remake. Gud game is gud)

well, I'm only including the hd systems in this list. otherwise, you'd see a lot more portable games.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Shaka Khan on September 03, 2011, 08:28:56 PM
> HD systems
> Mario Galaxy
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 08:31:23 PM
Oops, I mean this generation's consoles.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 08:38:50 PM
I will say that the load times in ME2 were unbearable.  I would've rather had the elevator hidden loads.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: CajoleJuice on September 03, 2011, 08:48:49 PM
Borrow a wii, buy mario galaxy for like 20 bucks, bask in all its glory, give wii back.

I'm not friends with anyone who owns a Wii.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 03, 2011, 08:49:52 PM
you have a good choice of friends

but surely some granny or something you know has a wii
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 03, 2011, 08:52:47 PM
i own a wii and mario galaxy. never finished it.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 03, 2011, 08:55:01 PM
i own a wii and mario galaxy. never finished it.

this makes me a sad panda.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 03, 2011, 08:59:18 PM
in fact i think i opted to play Silent Hill: Shattered Memories instead of finishing it.

Shattered Memories is probably the best Wii game i've played.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Trent Dole on September 03, 2011, 09:23:24 PM
I will say that the load times in ME2 were unbearable.  I would've rather had the elevator hidden loads.
Installed it wasn't that bad...
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: cool breeze on September 03, 2011, 09:23:39 PM
ME2 is one of those games that has this backlash on forums and I understand most of the criticism but don't really care because it's still really good.  Planet scanning and hacking suck big time.  Bioware's proprietary biodurrr point bullocks means I'm in limbo waiting for the goddamn DLC before I can play it and I want to because it is supposed to be good. 

Not excited for Mass Effect 3 right now because it's so far away.  Will probably get really excited leading up to it.  Wasn't excited for ME2 either but ME1 wasn't...that...good so ME3 can go either way for me.  First thing that seems kinda dumb about ME3 is the melee attack thing because: you'd think there would be a dynamic where getting close means you'll make some punk's five dollar ass into change, but Shepard kinda STABS THEM WITH HIS HOLOSHIV and they stumble back and keep fighting.  I don't get it.  My gat or techwizardry or brainpower are fine as murdering tool.  but a lot of the marketing is Shepard posturing like "I'm actually a captain of a ship. Where my crip at?"  You'd think the inclusion of melee would be some badass takedown if you managed to get at close range.  I guess the RPG heritage interferes with that stuff.  Like loose skin on a previously fat guy.

Also, I'd like Vanguards' usefulness to match how fun they are to play as.

Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Great Rumbler on September 03, 2011, 09:49:00 PM
My hype for ME3 has actually kind of dropped off a bit in the time since I ME2 came out and I finished it. It's basically a culmination of things: Bioware's handling of DA2, showing little of ME3 beyond war-torn Earth and combat, other genre fusion titles coming out that I've been falling in love with [New Vegas, Human Revolution], and ME3 moving to 2011. Even though I know I'll love it when it comes out, I'm just not feeling the excitement anymore. We'll see how things shake out after this year's heavy-hitters come and go.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: CajoleJuice on September 03, 2011, 09:50:08 PM
you have a good choice of friends

but surely some granny or something you know has a wii

A couple of former co-workers owned Wiis. Two middle-aged women.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Human Snorenado on September 04, 2011, 01:49:35 AM
It's probably either ME2 or Fallout 3 for me.  I played the fuck out of some Fallout 3, probably close to 200 hours or some shit.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: magus on September 04, 2011, 08:35:29 AM
Monster Hunter 3 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mehss Effect 2

and i say this without having even played it :smug
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Stoney Mason on September 04, 2011, 08:57:15 AM
Easily one of favorites from this gen. It's hard not to over-hype myself for ME 3 but I'm trying.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: CajoleJuice on September 04, 2011, 11:07:33 AM
Bioshock feels like so long ago.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Stoney Mason on September 04, 2011, 11:10:25 AM
A top 5 my favorite of gen big budget would go something like

1. Mass Effect 2
2. Cod 4
3. Red Dead Redemption
4. Fallout 3
5. The Witcher
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Joe Molotov on September 04, 2011, 11:41:20 AM
Bioshock feels like so long ago.

This generation has drug on. Just the other day I saw someone at GAF praising Naughty Dog for being able to get such great graphics out of the PS3's "ancient hardware" and I was like "really?" But then I remembered that it has been 5 years.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Cerveza mas fina on September 04, 2011, 11:53:20 AM
Top 10.

1. COD 4
2. Mirrors Edge
3. Fallout 3
4. Gears of War 1
5. Uncharted 1
6. Mass Effect 1
7. Mass Effect 2
8. Dragon Age 1
9. Dead Rising 1
10. Left 4 Dead 1

spoiler (click to show/hide)
Fifa 11 is the best game, but it doesn't count  :'(
[close]
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Raban on September 04, 2011, 11:57:33 AM
The worst thing about ME2 is that it's basically missing the entire middle section of the game.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
You assemble your team and then you're basically ready to go on the final mission. Where's everything in between? There are loyalty missions, but those are more like forced sidequests rather than part of the main plot.
[close]

ME1 had a much better story, better pacing, and it was actually an RPG/TPS hybrid. So ME1 was better.

iawtp

Hey, for all of you saying Deus Ex 3 is so dope: can I explore the world of that game? Are there janitor closets with nothing game-relative in them? Can I just sink into the retro-future and get lost in myriad yellow-tinted alleyways or is it more focused than that?

It's going to sound silly, but what I liked so much about ME1 is how complete the world felt. It wasn't just what was needed for the game. The fact that I could explore, that there are parts of ME1 that took me until the third playthrough to find (where in ME2 I managed to see literally everything the first time 'round) went incredibly far in illustrating a cohesive, fictional world.

I will admit, ME1 is a shittier "game" than ME2, but I enjoyed ME1 a lot more. I actually felt like I was affecting the game world with my presence and the dialog options were less Pussy/Asshole and more Picard/Kirk.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Great Rumbler on September 04, 2011, 01:01:31 PM
Hey, for all of you saying Deus Ex 3 is so dope: can I explore the world of that game? Are there janitor closets with nothing game-relative in them? Can I just sink into the retro-future and get lost in myriad yellow-tinted alleyways or is it more focused than that?

There are two hub areas that represent about 3-4 blocks of two different cities. There's Detroit with it's broad roads and narrow alleys and Hengsha with it's vertical sprawl and perilous catwalks. The "dungeons" also have lots of rooms, of various sizes, that you can dig through for items or just look at people's personal emails. So, yeah, lots of exploring to be done.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Raban on September 04, 2011, 01:05:02 PM
Damn.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: cool breeze on September 04, 2011, 01:49:53 PM
The worst thing about ME2 is that it's basically missing the entire middle section of the game.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
You assemble your team and then you're basically ready to go on the final mission. Where's everything in between? There are loyalty missions, but those are more like forced sidequests rather than part of the main plot.
[close]

ME1 had a much better story, better pacing, and it was actually an RPG/TPS hybrid. So ME1 was better.


What separates them for me is that ME1 wasn't a satisfying RPG or shooter.  There is a lot I like about ME1, and a lot over ME2.  It is more than the sum of its parts, or whatever.  But whenever I have the urge to replay it, I remember the core action and wave it off.  When I'm out of action, the game is amazing.  Then I get to shooting people and it feels like work so I can get back to the good part.

Other things I like more in ME1 are the music and the transitions from common locations to combat locations.  ME2 had clearly defined combat spaces.  Still, ME2 is incredible.  I'm still waiting for a bioware points bullshit sale or goty edition to do a third playthrough with DLC.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 04, 2011, 01:52:24 PM
there will never be a goty edition because bioware is distinguished mentally-challenged
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Great Rumbler on September 04, 2011, 02:40:39 PM
I'd put ME2 over ME1 because the core mechanics were vastly improved [and because of Illium], but ME1 did feel more "fresh" overall and has a more focused main plotline. The bite-sized adventures in ME2 were good though.

Oh, and I tried to work up a Top Ten for this generation and I just couldn't do it. It's been going on for too many years and there's way too many great games, meaning that a lot of games would have to get left off for me to make that list.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 04, 2011, 03:07:37 PM
I really hope ME3 has a middle and it's just not winning over allegiances like the past two games.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Great Rumbler on September 04, 2011, 03:11:32 PM
Doesn't seem likely they'd do that again, but who know?
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 04, 2011, 04:34:45 PM
I will say that I missed exploring a large hub world like the Citadel in the second game.  Perhaps ME3 will give us a big place to explore, perhaps on Earth.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: fistfulofmetal on September 04, 2011, 04:54:35 PM
ME3 is actually about winning loyalty again. But loyalty over species instead of people. And they haven't said what that means exactly.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: TakingBackSunday on September 04, 2011, 05:04:48 PM
Did I mention that they absolutely wasted a great chance to explore the character of the Illusive Man?  They kept playing him and his intentions up all game just to absolutely bitch out at the end.  He was a non factor.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: cool breeze on September 04, 2011, 05:19:30 PM
legion was the biggest waste to me.  it was supposed to be shepard's stalker.  in the final game it's just there and you can kill it or not.

ME3 is actually about winning loyalty again. But loyalty over species instead of people. And they haven't said what that means exactly.

like the hanar? because the turians are the only important space monsters who haven't cozied up to Shepard.

Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Human Snorenado on September 04, 2011, 11:21:46 PM
One thing ME1 did better was the soundtrack.  SO GOOD.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 04, 2011, 11:42:58 PM
One thing ME1 did better was the soundtrack.  SO GOOD.

my nicca
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Himu on September 05, 2011, 12:20:36 AM
because they wanted to make it epic and hollywood
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: cool breeze on September 05, 2011, 12:40:08 AM
ME3 soundtrack will be hot

[youtube=560,345]ihF_aXi-Huk[/youtube]
[youtube=560,345]_lAfMT5FIZE[/youtube]
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Great Rumbler on September 05, 2011, 01:19:44 AM
I like Clint Mansell, I just don't like changing you're already pretty great music staff for the sake of making it more hollywood.

I don't know that I'd label Clint Mansell's style as "Hollywood".
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Cerveza mas fina on September 05, 2011, 07:30:31 AM
One thing ME1 did better was the soundtrack.  SO GOOD.

:bow :bow2
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: CajoleJuice on September 05, 2011, 12:23:27 PM
My main problem with ME3 is giving it to Clint Mansell. They should have stayed with John Wall and Sam Hulick.

Oh god, I forgot about this. It will be fucking awesome. You are wrong.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Phoenix Dark on September 05, 2011, 01:05:05 PM
I probably ask this shit once a year, but is ME PC any good? Guess I'll get it
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Great Rumbler on September 05, 2011, 01:08:12 PM
I probably ask this shit once a year, but is ME PC any good? Guess I'll get it

I played both MEs on the PC, they're fine.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: cool breeze on September 05, 2011, 02:18:15 PM
I probably ask this shit once a year, but is ME PC any good? Guess I'll get it

Both PC versions are great.  First game can be more taxing on PC, but the second game can be maxed out on modest hardware.  No gamepad support for ME2 if you wanted to play that way. 
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: Bildi on September 05, 2011, 06:47:28 PM
If I had to sit down and think of my favorite games this generation, I'd say at this point:

1) Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
2) Mass Effect 2
3) Batman Arkham Asylum
4) Fallout 3
5) Bioshock

:bow

That's a bitchin' list.  I'd add Dead Space & Ass Creed and change the order a bit and that'd be my list.  Until SSX comes out next year and blows them all out of the water that is.
Title: Re: Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation
Post by: tiesto on September 05, 2011, 09:02:28 PM
My favorite games this gen:

1. Mario Galaxy
2. Portal 1 and 2
3. Saints Row 2
4. Dead Rising 1
5. Resident Evil 5
6. Dragon Age: Origins (pc)
7. Mass Effect 2
8. Uncharted 2
9. Dynasty Warriors 7
10. Super Street Fighter IV



Kinda hard to say, probably something like this (not exact #s, just counting "full" console releases and not portables)

1. Resonance of Fate
2. Sin and Punishment 2
3. Child of Eden
4. Valkyria Chronicles
5. Wipeout HD
6. Mushihime-sama Futari
7. Blue Dragon
8. Mirror's Edge
9. Tales of Vesperia
10. Super Street Fighter 4
runners up: NSMB Wii, Lost Odyssey, Deathsmiles