Mass Effect 2 might be my favorite game this generation

[Raban]

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.

[Great Rumbler]

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.

[Raban]

Damn.

[cool breeze]

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.

[Himu]

there will never be a goty edition because bioware is distinguished mentally-challenged

[Great Rumbler]

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.

[Himu]

I really hope ME3 has a middle and it's just not winning over allegiances like the past two games.

[Great Rumbler]

Doesn't seem likely they'd do that again, but who know?

[TakingBackSunday]

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.

[fistfulofmetal]

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

[TakingBackSunday]

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.

[cool breeze]

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.

[Human Snorenado]

One thing ME1 did better was the soundtrack.  SO GOOD.

[Himu]

One thing ME1 did better was the soundtrack.  SO GOOD.

my nicca

[Himu]

because they wanted to make it epic and hollywood

[cool breeze]

ME3 soundtrack will be hot

[youtube=560,345]ihF_aXi-Huk[/youtube]
[youtube=560,345]_lAfMT5FIZE[/youtube]

[Great Rumbler]

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".

[Cerveza mas fina]

One thing ME1 did better was the soundtrack.  SO GOOD.

[CajoleJuice]

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.

[Phoenix Dark]

I probably ask this shit once a year, but is ME PC any good? Guess I'll get it

[Great Rumbler]

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.

[cool breeze]

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. 

[Bildi]

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

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.

[tiesto]

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