We checked out a playable demo of BioWare’s Mass Effect 2 at PAX when we promptly entered the showroom floor and it seems to be on the right track.
From the get-go the game seems to throw you into the story, offering some dialogue options to uncover hoopla in some instances, while others can let you be perceived as what you want to be. For as little time we had with the story, it really draws you in, and the script/voice acting really delivers.
The weapon count has been increased from four to around eighteen different weapons. In the demo we played, we were armed with a machine gun and some sort of shotgun rocket launcher thingy. BioWare pointed out that big weapons like a rocket launcher will be readily available and not just two rounds every two levels like some games.
As for the controls, expect the same as the original Mass Effect, but much tighter (not that the original’s weren’t tight enough). Covering yourself and grinding through enemy forces to the end of an area is just as fun and easy as it was beforehand. A few of the environments had us moving around in circles trying to find cover, but we can credit that to our own mistakes rather than that of the actual game.
Graphically, the game is crisp and smooth. The demo ran with a grainy video quality that was supposed to give the look and feel of a B-science fiction movie. While it may be detracting for some players (this writer included), BioWare assures us that this setting can be turned off in the options screen for a crisp sharp look like many other video games. The simple detail setting is a great fix though for those wanting a bit of a different finish.
Quite simply the game is fun to play. BioWare maintains that it’s a shooter/RPG hybrid and it still fits the description in the sequel.
Overall we walked away very impressed with the quick 20 minute demo of Mass Effect’s sequel. It plays extremely well for a game in development and we encountered no problems at all-be on the look out for this, it’s going to keep the series going strong.
