Mass Effect 2.

[Tawmis]

Well, ME2 is an M-rated game in which the character is in the military. While that doesn't necessitate the use of any expletive, it's not surprising that SOME foul language would be used at some point.

I'm with you. Like I said, some words, I wouldn't mind (the ones I mentioned above). I almost expect them with how games are moving. Gears of War had the word "Shit!" in there so many times, and it never offended me - because it seemed to fit (the situation, and half the time, I was saying it too - so I was almost channeling the character! )

However, that one specific line just seemed... forced... out of place... or there for shock value. Regardless, it put a big negative in the game for me.

Another thing, with Dragon Age, you had the characters talking with one another as you walked around; made the world feel more alive, because things were going on between your party members (as in relationships/friendship type things) - where they would agree/disagree with one another (I couldn't stop laughing with half the dialogue exchanged between Alistair and Morigan)... Mass Effect 2, surprisingly, lacks that. That's a very real shame. Because it really does enhance the game (for me) when it feels like your actions can be felt by other characters (I don't know how many times, Wynne was like, "You know, this relationship with Morigan is not a good idea... she will use you until she doesn't need you anymore..." talks I got!)

Another negative for Mass Effect 2, because of the flying around to planets (and if you want the most out of it, scanning planets) - it's not as "easy" as Dragon Age in the regard that you can pick it up and do a quick quest or two. Mass Effect 2 takes some time every time you're jumping into the next mission. There's little "down time" between the missions of mindless walking around. For some that's good, but when it's 10pm and you want to go to bed by 11pm - doing a few quick things in Mass Effect 2 is difficult, unlike Dragon Age.

Now despite my ranting - Mass Effect 2 is so far proving to be a good game. (Except for that one line by Jack). I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has enjoyed previous Bioware games.

[DeadPoolX]

Okay, I went to the ME Wiki and read about how ME2 starts. I didn't read too far, but from what I did read, I was a little disappointed.

In case anyone else is playing ME2 (or will be at some point, like Maia) I shall use spoiler tags:

Was it just me or was killed Shepard and then resurrecting him seem really cheap? Not that I want Shepard to die, but it simply seems like a convenient gimmick to make the player start at LVL1 all over again. I realize BioWare felt they had to do something in order to make ME2 playable by newcomers, but really... if they're playing the sequel to a game as well known as ME, they've probably played the first one. Even if they haven't, they know what happens or at the very least, have a pretty good idea.

I think it would've been better to simply start Shepard at a relatively high level if first creating him in ME2. If you're importing your character from ME1, then there shouldn't be a problem.

If I'm wrong about all of this -- and I might very well be wrong since I haven't played ME2 -- then please tell me. If I'm right, well... I think BioWare could've done better.

[Tawmis]

To answer...
The killing and resurrecting of Sheppard doesn't have to do with resetting him to level 1. It has more to do with the company who resurrects him - and Sheppard working for them.

[DeadPoolX]

Okay, but... does Shepard get reset to LVL1 or is he artificially leveled up to some degree IF you are starting a new character? I imagine that Shepard retains his current level and abilities if you import him from ME1.

[Tawmis]

He starts all over at level 1. Which I don't mind. The only benefit of levels is to learn skills and such. And when you start the game - Sheppard seems to be pretty healthy in that he can take quite a few hits. So his health seems to start above everyone else's. So while he's Level 1 again, he seems to be tougher at the start than most of what you encounter. As the game goes forward, that begins to balance itself out.

I think it's just easier this way, because the entire game is different than Mass Effect 1 in the way it handles skills, upgrades, and all of that. So you'd end up spending hours trying to put down skill points because it would logically have to give you all your skill points back since ME2 works differently than ME1. So it's just much easier to start you fresh at level 1 and build up again.

[Tawmis]

Surprised not to see this thread taking off like the Dragon Age one did...

I have been playing more of it. There's a considerable amount of cussing in the game that grates my nerves. But other than that - so far, seems pretty solid.

[Collector]

Perhaps not as many are playing it, yet.

[Maiandra]

I still have to finish Dragon Age.

[Tawmis]

Perhaps not as many are playing it, yet.

I know of two people that beat the game in two days. I don't think they're as thorough or anal as I am. I explore every corner. Do everything. But I figured there were some Bioware fans here who would have started it by now.

I still have to finish Dragon Age.

Doh! I thought you were at the Lands Meet part? There's not much beyond that.

[DeadPoolX]

I know of two people that beat the game in two days. I don't think they're as thorough or anal as I am. I explore every corner. Do everything. But I figured there were some Bioware fans here who would have started it by now.

Sounds like a "speed run" to me. Why anyone would do that is beyond me (especially in an RPG), but some gamers like it. Maybe they do it to complete some sort of achievement.

Anyway... one of the reasons Maia and I haven't bought ME2 yet is the price. It's selling at around $60, which is simply too much. We got ME1 for $20, so we'll probably wait for the price to go down.

[AndreaDraco]

For me it's both because I'm still playing ME1 (I just landed on Feros, after spending at least six hours doing side-assignments) and because I'm currently in the midst of my third playthrough with Dragon Age (Human Noble Warrior). After I'm done - and probably after Awakening, which should also mean after the price drops a bit - I'll play ME2, that is if the end of ME1 leaves me so beguiled that I really have to play the second one right away.

[Maiandra]

I still have to finish Dragon Age.

Doh! I thought you were at the Lands Meet part? There's not much beyond that.

Nope. I'm almost there, but I bought the two add-ons and I'm going to complete them before going to that part. Which reminds me... *runs off to the Dragon Age thread to ask her question*

[Tawmis]

Beat ME2 today - after doing all the personal missions, all the anomaly missions, and even upgrading EVERYTHING I possible could...

That said...

Every choice I made near the end was to save everyone's life and ensure everyone lives through the end... but in the end... one companion did fall in battle... but not because of a choice of mine that I am aware of... I can't figure out why he didn't make it... but Mordin Solus is seen dead, as Collectors step over him near the end, when we're making our escape to the ship... and I can't figure out why he did not make it.

[Tawmis]

DO NOT READ THE LINK TO THE THREAD IF YOU HAVE NOT BEAT MASS EFFECT 2!!!!!

I even started a thread about my above spoiler over here:

http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic ... /1#1371839

DO NOT READ THE LINK TO THE THREAD IF YOU HAVE NOT BEAT MASS EFFECT 2!!!!!

[AndreaDraco]

It's here...