Mass Effect 2 Preview

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Scheduled release date:

January 18, 2011

Publisher:

Developer:

BioWare

Number Of Players:

Genre:

RPG

Screenshots

Almost exactly one year after releasing for the Xbox 360 and PC, Mass Effect 2 will finally arrive for the PlayStation 3. But Sony fans shouldn’t be too annoyed at the delay; after all, there was a time when nobody expected the award-winning role-playing franchise to ever hit a PlayStation console. But after EA’s acquisition of BioWare, things have changed; the world’s biggest game publishers simply aren’t interested in exclusivity as it seriously cuts down on the number of potential consumers. We’ve already seen Dragon Age: Origins on the PS3 (and the sequel is due out next year), and Mass Effect 3 has also been confirmed for Sony’s machine; it’ll receive a normal simultaneous multiplatform launch. So now it’s time to take a look at ME2 for two reasons: firstly, it deserves your attention, especially if you’re a sci-fi/RPG fan, and secondly, because it’s less than four weeks away.

Jumping into a heavily story-oriented series like this may be a daunting task for some. But as you may have seen in the news, PS3 owners needn’t worry about being lost when playing this sequel. Sure, you didn’t get the original but BioWare will let you play catch-up with a cool motion comic, which is about 15 minutes in length and tries to initiate new Mass Effect players and introduce them to the in-depth world of drama and intrigue. Of course, 360/PC players had a chance to import a game save from the original title when setting out to play ME2, and PS3 fans won’t have that option. But the comic, produced by Dark Horse and featuring a script penned by ME2 writer Mac Walters, ought to help a great deal in regards to orientation. Basically, it’s a first-person account of the original title; protagonist Shepard talks about where things stand, and what transpired in the franchise’s inaugural adventure. It might prove very, very critical.

Video Games | Mass Effect 2 | GC 10: PS3 Debut Teaser

Xbox 360 | PlayStation 3 | Nintendo Wii | PC Games

Here’s another interesting tidbit about that comic: it has been dubbed a “save game creator” by project director Casey Hudson, because the player will make choices during the telling of the comic that will have a direct impact on the ensuing experience. This tries to mimic the aforementioned save importing 360/PC owners can utilize so in this way, you really shouldn’t feel lost in the dark. As for technical differences between the versions, most will tell you the upcoming PS3 version looks just as good, if not a little better: improved textures thanks to the added storage capacity of Blu-Ray, and the benefit of using the same graphical engine the team is using for ME3. Plus, let’s not forget about the free inclusion of the extra downloadable packs, which immediately expand upon the vast ME2 landscape. We’ll get Lair of the Shadow Broker, Project Overlord, Kasumi: Stolen Memory, the Aegis and Recon Operations packs, and the Blood Dragon Armor. And if you hit up the demo on the PSN, you can get a better idea of what to expect.

So, we get a ton of bonus content, an advanced graphical engine, the pluses afforded by Blu-Ray, and of course, the same awesome title that wowed gamers back in early 2010. The controls have been changed up a little to accommodate Dual Shock 3 users: the shooting/aim-down-sight buttons are R1/L1, and you’ll sort through your skill/weapon wheels with R2/L2. We wouldn’t dare give away anything plot-related and although we’ve said in the past that ME often feels more like a third-person shooter with role-playing elements tacked on, the end result is undeniably appealing for millions. Even though it’s a year later, this sequel still holds a ton of clout and given the lack of RPGs on store shelves this generation, a purchase might be inevitable. You could always wait for our review, though…

12/27/2010 Ben Dutka

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Comments (136 posts)

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Geobaldi
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 9:52:37 PM
Reply

One of the best games this gen. PS3 players that dive into it are in for a treat.

5 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:48:10 AM

I agree man, I love these games. They took me by surprise. I knew they were good, but I didn't expect to like them as much as I do.

3 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:00:47 PM
Reply

Feels like a broken third person shooter and I'm no hardcore RPG fans.
Guess I shouldn't have gotten my hopes too high.

Last edited by Snaaaake on 12/27/2010 10:00:56 PM

2 up, 9 down

NoSmokingBandit
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:07:56 PM

ME2 is a mediocre shooter with a good story. Nothing to get too excited about, imo.
When it comes to RPGs i'm a bit of an old-school fan, so maybe if you like modern RPGs you'll like it. I didnt.

Last edited by NoSmokingBandit on 12/27/2010 10:08:30 PM

3 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:12:36 PM

Really, if people want the best version of this game, PC is the way to go. I was really surprised at how poor the PS3 demo was in comparison to the PC one. I won't be getting it on either platform as sci-fi fantasy really isn't my thing. District 9 is about as close as I get to liking anything sci-fi related.

0 up, 3 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:30:02 AM

ME gameplay always sucked, without the awesome plot and rpg elements the game pretty much mediocre.

0 up, 3 down

Lawless SXE
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:18:59 PM
Reply

I thought the comic would have been a LOT longer than 15 minutes... Seriously, is that all it takes to recap the entirety of the first game in a supposedly epic trilogy? Colour me less than impressed.

On the other hand, the game itself does sound interesting, and I can get into sci-fi, sorry spec-fi. Unfortunately, there are other, more interesting titles on my want list, and I've still got too many to play through from this year, so I think I'll pass.
Peace.

0 up, 7 down

FM23
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:11:15 PM

Seriously, it's a comic...not a movie. Comics can easily deliver a longer story faster and smoother than a shortened rushed cutscene.

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:24:52 PM

If it has the same content, then how? I understand what you're saying, but the story is touted as one of the strongest elements of the game, and 15 minutes isn't enough to do justice to most any story. I haven't the slightest idea of just how epic ME is, but I;m likening it to LotR, which, were you to try to present each of the three parts in only fifteen minutes, you'd miss pretty much all of the detail.
Peace.

0 up, 1 down

FM23
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:32:50 PM

You know what you make good sense. I'm not familiar with that game, but if I wanted to play MGS4 with no prior MGS experience...a 15 minute video wouldn't do a good job presenting MGS's emotional/deep/complex story. Now that I look at it this way, it does seem kind of trashy. But thank god it's only one game being told instead of the MGS's example I used.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:09:52 AM

It isn't meant to capture all the epicness of the first game, just the important decision points so that you can effectively enjoy the epicness of ME2 and ME3. I think it's a decent compromise considering they can't lawfully bring ME1 to PS3.

4 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:07:19 AM

Fair enough World, but the devil is in the detail, and I don't think that this comic will have the detail required to get across all of the subtler nuances, and included plot points, of the game.

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:20:07 PM

I agree on that point, it won't have that for sure.

0 up, 0 down

jimdude99
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:20:35 PM
Reply

After playing the demo im not sure why its so acclaimed, but I'm willing to find out on Jan 18th.

1 up, 0 down

HighOnFire
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:43:02 PM

The demo wasnt much, but once the story gets going and the galaxy opens up it gets good. Some of the best writing this gen.

6 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:37:18 PM
Reply

I'm gonna get it, but on the cheap, you can't screw PS3 owners and hope to get full price for it later. I like sci fi and RPGs, and I dug the demo (Made my Shepherd look like Angelina Jolie) so off it goes to the "Buy it later" shelf in my mind.

Don't screw people, you make more money.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 12/27/2010 10:37:57 PM

6 up, 4 down

Gimmedat
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:52:24 PM

This is not bioware screwing PS3 fans,you all know they cant legally bring ME 1 to our console.So why bi*** and moan about the comic,you get all the dlc content included and its good content to have.This is bi***ing cause it was a xbox exsclusive and not for the PS3 to start with.ME is a great franchise not for everyone but the writing and the character interactions are top notch.

2 up, 0 down

Milonakis
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 10:54:53 PM
Reply

I didn't like mass effect 1. I got it for 5 dollars on steam. I really hated how slow paced it was. I mainly just wanted to check out the alien sex scene but that turned out to be a complete joke. Not a fan of the mass effect series. I'll save my money for lbp2.

2 up, 8 down

Jawknee
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:16:53 PM

"I'll save my money for lbp2."

Same. Money better spent IMO.

3 up, 7 down

FM23
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:24:31 PM
Reply

Why are so many people posting how uninterested they are in this game. We get it, you all have been saying this forever now. I feel like I'm the only person who wants this game on this site...lol. Even Ben was knocking it until recently. It's old now, but I do agree with some of the bashing like mediocre third person shooting.

The demo's gameplay left a confusing taste in my mouth and the story seems very cliche/corny. I do love sci-fi to a certain extent and unlike many on this website, I didn't grow up playing RPG's at all so something like this does appeal to me as it is story oriented. My first RPG was Fallout 3, so I don't know what a 'true' RPG is, but I do like Western RPG's. Mass Effect 2 looks great and it pulled down great reviews for a reason, but all that my change in my eye once I sit down and play it. I thought GT5 looked like crap until I sat down and actually played it for hours and walked away amazed. Mass Effect 2 looks great, but it might end up being crap.

I understand if people aren't interested, but I don't want to keep reading about how uninterested everybody is in this game everytime a PSX article featuring Mass Effect 2 is written/posted. Give the game a chance because it might turn out to be the best thing in 2010 or 2011 for PS3 owners. I'm excited. Come on guys...let's be positive.

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:30:37 PM

"but I don't want to keep reading about how uninterested everybody is"

Then don't. No one is forcing you to read anything. If you start to read a comment you don't like, then skip it and move on. It's great that you like the game but don't get but hurt because some of us are vocal about our disinterest.

2 up, 5 down

Snaaaake
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:34:09 PM

If I wasn't interested in it I wouldn't play the demo, but the RPG element alone won't suck me in if the main gameplay mechanic is bad.

I'd take Gears of War over Mass Effect any day.

0 up, 5 down

DIsmael85
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:37:17 PM

Hey for one OP I agree with you. I played both ME1 and 2 on the XBox 360. (Ooh low and behold I mention that). It's a great game and I think you should totally give it a shot. I own the xbox version and will own the PS3 version as well. Only because now it's on my console of choice. Just ignore most of the fanboy trite you will encounter. It'll save you some stress and wont bait the trolls.

4 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:39:00 PM

"fanboy trite you will encounter."

oooh. what a surprise. The name calling begins because we don't agree with you.

1 up, 4 down

FM23
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:41:27 PM

Yeah Jawknee I got hurt because someone said they didn't like a game. Anyway, think about it...every Mass Effect 2 article on this website has people posting how unintersted they are. That is annoying. I like to read the comments on this website as they are all insightful (positive or negative), but the repetition of familiar negative comments for this game is old. I don't mean to call you out and I might be wrong, but I think I see you say the samething about this game on every related article. And if it's not the same, it is quite familiar.

Trust me when I say these comments annoy me, I don't me it bugs me because people aren't interested...it's annoys because people in general find it easier to alienate themselves from things they aren't interested thus this results in them bashing the unfamiliar/non-preference. I'm guilty of the same thing. I kept bashing this new Twisted Metal remake...remember...and I bet you were annoyed. Not because I wasn't interested, but because I kept bashing it. And I still don't care for that game...lol

Oh yeah, why don't you like sci-fi?

2 up, 0 down

FM23
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:45:35 PM

@dismail85

Trust me...nobody here who frequently posts on this website are fanboys. I'm not a fanboy though I highly prefere PS3 over expensive in the longrun Xbox 360.

@Snaaake

Yes I want to play Gears. That and Mass Effect were the only reasons I thought about getting an Xbox, but now that ME2 is PS3 bound...the interest has faded. Gears looks mighty good though.

0 up, 0 down

DIsmael85
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:46:29 PM

@Jawknee

If you would like to take a trip around the internet, particularly gametrailers.com, you would know what I am talking about. Wasn't pointing the finger in particular, but you know you never have to read anything you don't like right? Sorry if you felt that was directed at you. I was commenting to the OP.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, December 27, 2010 @ 11:57:56 PM

I couldn't care less what most people think about the things I am interested in. If they like it cool, if not, no biggy, different people have different tastes. It's not a big deal. I didn't attack anyone or make fun of anyone because they like this game(unlike someone we know). And yes, I have expressed disinterest in the past but so what? Why does it both you so much. I'm just some guy on the internet. I rarely agree or find anything you say interesting but it's no skin off my back, nor should my opinions be any off yours. Like I said, if you don't like it, skip it and move on. Much easier to do than letting some random guy on the internet stress you out.

Why don't I like sci-fi? Not sure. I've never really liked it. The Alien Trilogy and District 9 are the only sci-fi adventures I have ever liked and this is coming from some one who grew up in the 80's with a dad who was all about sci-fi movies. I just don't dig it. I wanted to give this game a chance since we are supposedly getting the "definitive" version. I downloaded the PC demo and while its a pretty game on PC, the cheesy kick backs to mediocre sci-fi flicks, the half ass RPG elements and the clunky gameplay ultimately turned me off. This game is massively over hyped as most Xbox exclusives tend to be. Playing the crappy, buggy and poorly made PS3 demo was the final nail in the coffin for me. With LittleBigPlanet 2 releasing the same month, I have little to no reason to spend $60 on another poorly made Unreal shooter.

Last edited by Jawknee on 12/27/2010 11:58:09 PM

0 up, 4 down

Victor321
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:30:03 AM

@Jawknee

Unlike the first ME, ME2 is using its own game engine, so to speak; Bioware re-modified the entire engine (UE3) during ME2's development to the point where it doesn't even resemble anything like UE3 that was used for the first ME1.

Also after ME2's release, hardcore ME fans like myself voiced out on the forums about the more light, streamlined RPG elements in ME2 versus #1. Bioware, although unofficially, has stated that in ME3, there will be a bigger presence of RPG elements. So no need to worry about that ;)

The reason of the more streamlined RPG elements in #2 is because they spent so much time re-working the technology (hence the big gap of visuals and technical performance between the two ME titles) that they didn't "deepen" the RPG elements, if you catch my drift.

2 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:35:20 AM

No scifi luv? come on Jawk's are U gonna miss the glory of Deadspace 2?

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:40:05 AM

"Bioware re-modified the entire engine (UE3) during ME2's development to the point where it doesn't even resemble anything like UE3 that was used for the first ME1."

The screen tearing, texture pop in, choppy frame rate and choppy FMV's say otherwise.

@Oxvail, No I won't skip Dead Space 2. Yea it's sci-fi but the games main focus is survival horror so I will be partaking in that for that reason alone. Though after playing the demo I can wait a bit. Didn't seem like a new game to me. Unlike the LittleBigPlanet 2 demo. Ooozed freshness.

Last edited by Jawknee on 12/28/2010 12:42:00 AM

2 up, 3 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:48:01 AM

Well yeah I'm also gonna wait til drops to 29.99 , not having too much money lately =/ also I'm thinking about hit the gym next year so I'm not gonna get all the games I want day one (except some Ps3 exclusives).

Well yes the Demo didn't scream too much progress but I'm okay with it, I know I'm gonna enjoy it a lot.

0 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:54:10 AM

It's no surprise that people around here aren't interested in ME2.

There's nothing anybody can do to stop that, so if you like it, fine. Please don't complain that everyone else isn't constantly lauding the game.

2 up, 4 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 8:11:33 AM

I understand FM23 - when you're excited about an upcoming release it's not fun getting "bad vibes" from those who do not share the enthusiasm. Now I am not indicating that I think people should not post their opinion, I just gotta say that I understand what he's talking about.

Anyhow, I can't understand how one can *not* be excited by that demo! Not that I have played all rpg's that's out there, far from it, but judging from the demo I think me2 is the best looking *RPG* I've ever seen! If the story and rpg elements holds the same level then this *gotta* be a killer?

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:18:41 PM

Best looking RPG? dunno bro beauty at the eyes of the beholder for me it's more about scenarios and character design in which ME is VERY generic also it still look like almost any unreal engine games to me....hell for me demon's Crest has better graphics .

http://nintendoforever.free.fr/SNes/DemonsCrest/DemonsCrest_index.php

0 up, 1 down

FM23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:56:37 PM

@Jawkneee...please stop exaggerating my irritation level. My point is, people who have nothing, but negative ish to say need to stop 'repeating' that nonsense because where I'm from either you get your a** handed to you or people find it disrespectful. That isn't a threat, it's just me expressing my opinion. Of course you can say whatever you want especially on the internet, point is if you don't have anything positive to say...well you know the rest.

@Ben...Seriously, the only reason why you don't care about the bashing because it is about a game you don't care about. If somemone came on here bashing GT5 or Heavy Rain, I bet you would have words. Just saying.

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:58:56 PM

Your digging yourself deeper in the hole.

Get.Over.It!!!!

0 up, 3 down

FM23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:03:16 PM

@Ben...and seriously I don't care if noone is 'lauding' the game, but people don't need to keep repeating negative comments. Even you should understand that. Not sure where you got the impression I want people to praise the game because I never said anything like that...that's you putting words in my mouth. You know I enjoy this website, but everytime I get a comment from you...it's about how I'm being negative. I'm hardly being negative.

4 up, 0 down

FM23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:06:41 PM

@Jawknee...your always saying this. I'm digging a whole...why? Because I'm telling you about your negative ways. Hilarious. Dude I'm over it. Understand I don't care for negativity and thats all I have been reading in this column.

Like I said I understand you don't care for the game...great, but you don't need to keep telling the world. You comment enough on this website for people to understand where you stand.

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:23:53 PM

FM23: I don't ever recall directing any comment in your direction before, firstly. Secondly, I've seen plenty of people who don't like Heavy Rain or God of War III or any other game I might like - hundreds such comments, in fact - and I don't believe I've responded to them all. In fact, I doubt I responded to more than a few.

You wanted to defend ME2. And you want to call people out for not doing the same. If you didn't care about everyone else, and simply posted about why you liked the game, and why you wanted to play it, I can guarantee it wouldn't be a problem.

Maybe stop worrying about what other people say. Maybe just be satisfied with your own opinion.

1 up, 1 down

FM23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:42:28 PM

@Ben...well said. Yeah, I needed to check myself on that one. I pretty much started this dumb agreement. Anyway, I am excited for Mass Effect 2 even if that demo kind of left me wanting more. All I can say is from what I have seen so far, PS3 hands down offers better exclusives then 'lets fight aliens' mostly Microsoft exclusives...right?...right. Anyway, I just keep stupid personal things like this to myself as they aren't important and actually have nothing to do with the article.
]
Anyway, I meant no disrespect and the same to you Jawknee.

@Jawknee
I read somewhere you actually played some of the actual game...well would someone who likes stories and sci-fi be satisfied with a $60 purchase? Just want to know because I want this and Dead Space 2, but school loans and etc. are preventing me from freely spending money on both.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 6:01:03 PM

If you enjoy sci-fi opera and if you don't mind games with tearing and frame rate problems, you will no doubt enjoy this.

0 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 6:27:31 PM

Just want to add though, from a technical standpoint, I think Dead Space 2 is a better buy. Visceral at least makes sure their games are running as best as they can. Dead Space 2 won't have any screen tearing or any major frame rate issues. But from what I do know ME2 will probably have a deeper story.

0 up, 3 down

FM23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 8:49:37 PM

Well I'm definitely more familiar with Dead Space in all regards. Mass Effect "2" is a sequel thats really a year to late. Dead Space was polished to a tee and I know Dead Space 2 will be no different. But it seems Mass Effect will last longer, but based on the demo and the cheesy writing, I'm not sure I want to sit through this affair as I made more jokes about it with my girlfriend than actually praising it. Dead Space 2 at the moment looks more satisfying and I am up to date on that game. I'm not sure if space operas are my thing at all. Like I said, I like sci-fi to a certain extent...but aliens fighting humans is pretty familiar. I here the game is deep, so I am hoping that is true. I hear nothing, but good things about this game so I will probably pick it up as ME2 will definitely last longer than Dead Space 2. I spent $20 on Dead Space after the price came down, but I experienced it prior through a rental. I would definitely buy DS2, but money isn't staying in my pocket easy these days so beginning next year I'm trying to buy must haves and necessary games. Those include Killzone 3, Infamous 2, Batman Arkylm City, Uncharted 3, Oblivion 5, and ME2/3. Maybes include Resistance 3, Dead Space 2, and Red Faction.

1 up, 0 down

DIsmael85
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:02:30 AM
Reply

*shakes head* Everyone is entitled to their opinion, have no reason to say otherwise. The constant push on how horrible the game is is probably what he was mentioning. I'm not trying to dis you, as it seems that it's mostly what you think. I feel if you'd play more than a demo or a PC downloaded demo, you'd understand why the game is good. Not all sci-fi is the same, and if this is the case, then Aliens is a cliche right along with any other one that will get mentioned.

(if my comment, which isn't bad, wasn't awaiting mod approval you'd see that I was mentioning I wasn't attacking you. Just pointing out the general views I've seen across the internet.)

Last edited by DIsmael85 on 12/28/2010 12:04:06 AM

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:52:44 AM

No worries, I misunderstood your comment. I take back what I said about you calling those of us who aren't excited about this release names as I posted it before your comment was approved. Sorry dude. :)

4 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:09:42 AM
Reply

I've got my plan down-pat, so I'll be getting both console versions.

I'll get the 360 version so when I finally start ME1, I can use my game saves on ME2.And if the 360 ME2 version does the same game-saves for ME3, then I'll also do the same there too.

I'll also be picking up ME2 on the PS3, just for the comic & all the extra DLC included in our version.
But I'll play all of my decisions on my PS3 completely opposite of how I did them on the 360 version, to give it a whole different storyline. And I'll do the same for ME3 too.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/28/2010 12:12:03 AM

0 up, 0 down

DIsmael85
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:14:55 AM

Totally sounds like an awesome idea. I can't wait to check out the DLC since I wasn't planning to pay for it on the box. I've never run through as evil Shephard so this will be my chance to see how that goes. Cannot wait.

2 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:47:39 AM

DIsmael85,
Well as a collector I need both versions anyway for my PS3 & 360 collections anyway, so I figured this way I'll at least be able to keep it fresh by playing them both completely differently. Plus I won't have to keep re=playing the same version twice just to see the different outcomes.

But other than that I hate multi=plat games just because I know I'll need at least doubles or triples of the same exact game if it's on the PS3, PSP & the 360.
And make that quadruples of the same game if it's also on the Wii too(which I'll be adding to my console collection soon after the new year.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/28/2010 12:48:31 AM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:14:54 AM
Reply

They said ME2 for PS3 was running on the ME3 updated engine, so that might be a reason for owners of the 360 version to play it again.

As far as people dissing this game, on here I think it's safe to say they just aren't interested in it, as opposed to being upset that it was 360 exclusive. Same with Bioshock. So relax.

2 up, 1 down

Temjin001
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:10:53 AM

The color values are definitely wider on the PS3 version. The imagery generally looks vibrant and rich. Though, the demo presented a handful of it's own caveats. Nothing really bad, and the demo, in general, is on par with the 360 version, in most ways. A big difference is that the PS3 version doesn't appear to be v-synced at all. Sometimes the tearing can crop up, but other than that the game engine assets of the conversion are handled quite well and PS3 users shouldn't feel that they're getting the shaft on this deal. The only real bummer is the choppy FMV streaming. This has GOT to be fixed before release or it will harm the overall experience.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:24:02 AM

I don't know Temji, when you're asking $60 for your game, it would be in the companies and the consumers best interest not to release the game in the state that it is. There was way too many problems with the demo to justify spending that much money on a game. Especially one that's over a year old.

0 up, 3 down

Fane1024
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:57:18 PM

I'm looking forward to ME2, but I have to agree with Sensei T. Bioware need to fix the screen tearing ASAP...it's the worst I've ever seen.

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:25:43 AM
Reply

Ben, does PSXe have a review copy already? I ask because the ME2 demo from PSN had some alarmingly bad FMV playback. The FMV sequences were extremely choppy. I fully expect this to be fixed in the final release, but it'd be nice to read confirmation from those who've tried the review copy.

1 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:33:23 AM

Wasn't Dragon Age the same way?

0 up, 1 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:38:13 AM

Yes the FMV's on the demo was like going back to da 90's

Also this is Bioware, their games always have tech problems.

Last edited by Oxvial on 12/28/2010 12:39:19 AM

0 up, 1 down

Temjin001
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:41:45 AM

I can't remember if Dragon Age had a bad problem like this one. Because judging from the ME2 demo, the FMV playback is horrendously bad. Really, I was expecting all of the FMV stuff to be running at a higher bit-rate than the 360 version and every bit as smooth. Strange, but hopefully it gets fixed by the final game's release.

1 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:52:09 AM

No, not yet.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:28:13 AM

@Oxvial, Final Fantasy VII has better FMV playback. Haha

0 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:39:02 AM

Dragon Age had the bad frame rate too, something we have had to deal with often with multiplats so I can forgive it.

0 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:56:05 AM

Yea but they usually aren't as bad as the FMV's in the ME2 demo. They are really bad. Unwatchable in my opinion. I'm sure even Dragon Age's aren't that bad.

1 up, 1 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:57:04 AM

@Jawk I know! when I watched the first FMV on the Ps3 I was amazed on how bad it looked.

Kinda RE2 on N64 FMV's.

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:21:59 PM

Yes the FMVs are very Dreamcasty, but hopefully that will straighten out.

1 up, 1 down

___________
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:47:31 AM
Reply

seriously disappointed in the piss poor frame rate!
besides that i really enjoyed the demo, as with dead space 2 and LBP2.
shame there all coming out so close.
ill pick up both, and leave LBP2 for later especially since it wont have full move support on release that was really the only reason i got it.
seriously starting to regret buying that POS!
been out over 4 months now and i cant name 1 game worth getting it for!

did not like the LBP2 demo at all, hated how the levels are the same as they start.
in the original you will start off doing one thing, than changing to another.
but in the LBP2 demo what you start off doing is what you do during the whole level so it gets seriously repetitive and boring!
for example the pet level, you start off dragging across a rabbit, than switch to a dog, than switch to a cat if i remember right.
why did they have to change it like that?
the original, or even the PSP versions were great, why o why did they have to turn it into this repetitive POS!?

0 up, 6 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:50:15 AM

"i cant name 1 game worth getting it for!"

Heavy Rain. There's your 1.

6 up, 1 down

PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:05:04 AM

Yeah, the Move is a pretty worthless piece of hardware, blank guy. As long as there is a Wii, there is no reason for the Move to exist.
It's the PSPGo all over again. Sony had years to prepare and still came out with subpar crap. Ridiculous.

1 up, 7 down

Lawless SXE
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:15:40 AM

I think it makes sense for the individual levels of LBP2 to be more focussed on a single thing, as it is now a game creator, rather than a level creator. Let each level focus on a different aspect. And apparently the PSMove implementation into LBP2 isn't all that great, so...

Also, you really should have looked at the line-up for the device before picking up the Move. It never was impressive, but SOCOM4, Sorcery and KZ3 might make it worth your while.
Peace.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:17:21 AM

"As long as there is a Wii, there is no reason for the Move to exist."

only, you're 100% wrong as there are a few good games right now and many more to come. Move is what the Wii should have been.

6 up, 3 down

PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:44:05 AM

I'm 100% right on this one. The Wii is exactly what it should have been for 5 year old tech. That's like saying the PS3 is what the PS2 should have been. lol. The Wii has so many great games and ALL the Move games are just plain terrible. The only ones that are decent are games with Move control added. But I like how you added 'many more'. Completely baseless, but if you say it to justify its existence, good on you, friend.

Last edited by PorkChopGamer on 12/28/2010 1:44:34 AM

4 up, 4 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:59:22 AM

Drrr...Move has been out a few months and the Wii 5 years so of course it's going to have a lot more games. And it's not saying the same thing as Wii is limited and if Nintendo wanted to go all out with motion tech they should have gone with Move technology. I'm not bad mouthing the Wii. I love the Wii, but this idea the Move "isn't needed" or "is useless" is asinine. The tech is there and Sony is quickly coming up with great games to prove its justify its existence. I don't have to say anything. The proof is there for those who are willing to see it.

Last edited by Jawknee on 12/28/2010 2:00:32 AM

5 up, 1 down

PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:25:58 AM

Which is why I said that Sony had a bit to do some great games and it was ridiculous that they haven't The Fight for all its boasting and Kevin Butler, is trash. Punch Out, while not boasting superior tech, is most assuredly the better game. Tech is nothing without games and the Move has not justified its existence. Maybe in the future, some impressive things will come out and I'll take it off the shelf. But for this point in time, its all but forgotten

Last edited by PorkChopGamer on 12/28/2010 2:26:46 AM

2 up, 4 down

maxpontiac
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 8:30:47 AM

PorkChopGamer-

Opinions are not facts.

Just saying..

6 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:36:17 AM

All way off topic.

PorkChop, you seem to exist only to piss people off lately. Cut the sh**. And if you're honestly going to say that hardware and tech is nothing without software, and then cite the effing Wii - the king of shovelware and crap, which basically releases one AAA game once a millenium - than EVERYONE is going to laugh at you.

Including me. Now enough of this.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 12/28/2010 9:37:09 AM

7 up, 1 down

Shams
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 11:21:02 AM

Sony, with some of their product releases, maybe guilty of slow-to-start, or undermarketing, but never for releasing "crap".

Regarding the PSPgo, it is well known according to internal statements that Sony was testing the waters for disc less media. It didn't pan out, so perhaps we should even thank them.

Regarding the accusation of undersupported hardware, Ben said it best that is the very same accusation often used against the Wii...5 years in. Yet this year, we are still seeing some of the best the system has had to offer, ever.

3 up, 0 down

PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:41:48 PM

I said, as of this point the Wii is using it's motion tech better. And it has fantastic games. More than just a few. But I guess since I'm not expressing the ridiculous notion that Mass Effect is a bad game, I get jumped on.

1 up, 4 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:26:50 PM

PorkChop, you seem to want to pick a fight with everyone and proclaim yourself "teh unbiased king."

I'll say it again: cut the sh**. In fact, I don't even want to see some posts from you for a while; you've been annoying me with your confrontational crap for a while. The Wii has extremely few "fantastic" games and 99% of them don't "use" the motion tech in any sort of new or interesting way. It sold on the gimmick and that's that. Now that the gimmick and fad has died down and better motion technology exists, it's sliding. And it will continue to slide, because it sure as sh** doesn't have a lot of good software to back it up.

But you didn't even need to make it a subject of debate, and that's the point.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 12/28/2010 3:27:37 PM

2 up, 1 down

PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:50:46 PM

40+ Wii games make my comments backed up with experience. 2010's been the Wii's strongest year with only Monster Hunter Tri being the game not benefitting from the Wii Motion Plus, I own both versions on Tiger (Wii and PS3) and the Wiimote performs BETTER than the Move. How many Wii games do you own? Anyway, it was a debate I was having and you decided to jump in. I'm not disrespecting people. I'm just giving my honest opinion. But if that's too much for you to handle and you feel the need to posture and ban me, do what you have to. I think I'll survive. I really do.

2 up, 3 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:26:57 PM

Right. Of course your own experience is the be-all and end-all. All of your posts scream that very arrogance. I could cite the fact that the majority of Wii games score about a freakin' 6 or below, or that even Nintendo themselves admitted it needed much better software, but all that matters is you. Of course.

I'm not going to ban you. I'm going to ask you to shut up for a while. If you can't manage that, and you still have to impose your will and lecture people about how biased they are, then yeah. Your ego is clearly too big for us to deal with.

4 up, 1 down

Temjin001
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 1:20:03 AM

but, but, but IGN rated the Wii the best console of the year =p
.. or something like that.

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 7:49:19 AM

Sometimes I wish I was a MOD here. Some people are way to serious..

Anyways.

Pork, you need to compare the Move and the Wii at the same point in their respective lifespans.

Plus, the one thing the Wii will never do is look good on my HDTV.

Yeah, that's important to me since I invested a lot of money in it.

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:55:42 AM
Reply

I'm still trying to finish FFXIII. I can't be getting into ME2 until I'm done.

It's all eidolon this and gestalt that. It's crazy! I also don't understand how chapter 11 is any better than the first 10 chapters. I'm STILL running through tunnels.

And where's the white women at?

Never mind, I found that last one.

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:24:12 PM

Pulse opens up, but by then it doesn't matter and you just get shafted with annoying missions.

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:56:54 AM
Reply

I'm on the fence with the PS3 version right now. While ME1 and ME2 have self contained stories, events from the first game are referenced so often that I can't imagine the experience being the same for those who haven't had access to the first game. I'd still really recommend it anyway, and besides, I think Bioware hinted years ago that the ME franchise is set to be an ongoing saga for many years to come.

But anyway, as I play through ME2 I'm already feeling the desire, once I finish it, to go back and restart the ME series from the beginning and make entirely different choices and see how things turn out. I'm quite curious.

FYI: XBOX LIVE has a ton of the ME2 download content priced ultra low for a very limited time. All of the expansion missions are just 200 points a piece. I snagged them all. WOO HOO =)

1 up, 0 down

jdt1981
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:19:03 AM
Reply

After playing the DEMO I'm pretty disappointed with the technical issues I noticed. Screen tearing, choppy frame-rate and worst of all really bad sound effect issues where sound effects were either completely dropped or they weren't synced properly to the action on screen. If the demo is any indication ME2 PS3 is just another bad 360 port...

1 up, 1 down

Shams
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:45:41 AM

The sound issues you describe were in the 360 version as well...to what extent comparatively speaking i don't know as i haven't played the psn demo, yet.

0 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:38:15 AM

360 has also a bunch of problems, just saying this it's Dragon Age over again..in some things Ps3>360 version in others 360>Ps3 version.

And of course PC>Ps360.

Last edited by Oxvial on 12/28/2010 4:38:46 AM

1 up, 1 down

DeathOfChaos
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:44:19 AM
Reply

I tried the demo and I hated it. How can that be considered 'RPG'? Walking around with a gun in a forced aiming position isn't an RPG, it's a 3rd person shooter. Also, upon playing the demo, cutscenes (when not screen tearing badly) looked like low quality youtube video. I can't really appreciate it when what it's praised for is done terribly or not at all. Ok, there's lots of choice and there's supposed to be story but it feels like any other 3rd person shooter...

1 up, 1 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:36:38 AM

It can it's a Action/RPG game, of course you barely gonna notice the rpg elements but they are still there,btw ME is overrated has hell so if you expected a very polished game you are gonna be disappointed, but the story and replay value is top notch!

Last edited by Oxvial on 12/28/2010 4:41:45 AM

0 up, 3 down

DeathOfChaos
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:51:29 AM

Actually I had low expectations for it but a friend of mine kept telling me it was great. Since the demo was there, I decided to try it. My expectations were lowered even more. I don't even see how it's an Action RPG. Just because you have choices and get stt points or whatever doesn't give a third person shooter that title. Now for a shooter RPG, Resonance of Fate is an RPG. The characters, the action, the story, all of that equals a real RPG feel. The Star Ocean games and especially the Tales games are action RPG feel. Mass Effect?... no, nothing really gives that feel of an action RPG, it's just another lame third person shooter. For Western action RPG's, Dragon Age and Demon Souls fit the mold MUCH better...

1 up, 1 down

SmokeyPSD
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:25:16 AM

Disappointed that your passing that pretty harsh judgement from just a demo...

I can understand just saying doesn't seem for me, but going all out and saying, it's not an RPG is not cool.

I've played 1 and 2 on PC, I will also pick this up, it freaking deserves to be called an RPG. This isn't Halo or Army of 2.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:36:50 PM

It's not final fantasy or suikoden either. Just because it let's you decided what certain characters will say doesn't make it an all out RPG. its a third person shooter with RPG elements attached to it.

1 up, 1 down

aaronisbla
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:30:25 PM

Then again Jawknee, Final Fantasy XIII isn't much of an rpg either lol, sorry couldnt resist

0 up, 0 down

PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 2:34:10 PM

So because you can decide who your character is, what they say, what there abilities and strengths are, and shape the ENTIRE story, it's only 'kind of an RPG'? Do you know what the acronym even stands for? Seriously, the RPG is not wholly limited to fantasy settings...

Last edited by PorkChopGamer on 12/28/2010 2:37:47 PM

2 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:30:04 PM

Although it might help in deciding, I wouldn't base everything just on a demo itself.

Take inFamous for example, plenty of people didn't like the demo very much( yes, myself included), but once the game itself came out...WOW, it was truly great.

Just saying...

Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/28/2010 3:31:19 PM

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 6:04:26 PM

Aaron, indeed. Haha

0 up, 0 down

DeathOfChaos
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 8:54:48 PM

On of the biggest part of an RPG is the experience you get playing the game. The environment, the atmosphere, the musical score, the style of battle, the dialogue, the direction of the story, the character styles, and I could go on about those things. Mass Effect 1 and 2 have some RPG elements that run in the background, completely covered by a 100% 3rd person genre feel... so what's the point of calling it an RPG? I'm sorry, but when 80-90% of the time my character is forced in an aiming position, that alone puts a heavy damper on what an RPG is supposed to bring to the table. Also, no demo has been that terrible in terms of quality, I don't care what anyone says. There isn't one single demo out there that gives out video with pixels the size of my thumb. With it coming out in January, I doubt they're gonna fix that. No other demo has had to downgrade cinematic scenes to the quality of between 240p and 360p to make a smaller file size. There is nothing in that demo to amount to over 2GBs and still have to cope with such quality loss. I've watched videos on my PS3 downloaded from youtube in 360p that looked better than that...

0 up, 1 down

Geobaldi
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:19:27 PM

"I'm sorry, but when 80-90% of the time my character is forced in an aiming position, that alone puts a heavy damper on what an RPG is supposed to bring to the table."

And yet you could play Elder Scrolls Oblivion, Fallout 3, and Fallout New Vegas completely in 3rd person if you want to and it works well for those. And you are also aiming most of the time through those games. But people have no problem calling those RPG's. This series is no different. Seems like people just don't want to give it a chance.

4 up, 0 down

Qubex
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:00:34 AM
Reply

I actually think ME2 on the PS3 should be good. I too played the demo, and whilst there is choppy frame rate and some screen tearing issues, I didn't mind so much. Reason for that is I understand that there are limitations to what this generation of consoles can do, and the ME2 engine is not exclusive to the PS3.

GOW III, Uncharted 2, Killzone 2 engines are all exclusively optimised for the platform, so frame dropping and the like is either so minimal it is not noticeable, or there isn't any at all if v-synced. ME2 on the other hand, when considering the fantastic intro to the demo, is pushing quite a lot of polygons on screen... so its understandable that a non-exclusive engine would not perform to the expected levels of an exclusive title.

I think it will be a good game contrary to what many state here...

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

1 up, 0 down

DeathOfChaos
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:58:42 AM

I really doubt that would cause cinematics to have pixels the size of my thumb on my small 1080p 24" TV... the screen tearing maybe, but to the super bad quality, no. No other demo on the PS3, or better yet, no game ever on the PS3 (ported or not) have I ever seen that big of pixels. It's unacceptable to pay for a product that looks like parts were ripped off of youtube in between the resolutions of 240p and 360p; I better be getting that crap brand new for free...

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:07:11 PM

"some screen tearing issues"

Understatement of the year.

0 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:25:47 AM
Reply

I've still not got over that cop out of a comic book, i know , iknow they could not get the rights, but that fact still remains. If the second games requires data from the first game to enhance the experience of the sequel, we should have it. So i refuse to buy this.

0 up, 1 down

aaronisbla
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 5:02:01 AM

that comic book lets you make decisions, the same ones that affected your ME2 experience that you made if you played ME1

2 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 5:11:41 AM

So i gathered, but it's not a game. If i were to get it and go through that stupid difital comic, it's hardly a comparison to playing ME1 is it. It's just so typical of the whole modern phase of comics, that they have done this.

0 up, 1 down

SmokeyPSD
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:26:46 AM

Buy on a pc then, I for one as a repeat viewer of ME am looking forward to the comic to make it easier playing around with different permutations of storyline.

3 up, 0 down

Actaeon
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:54:34 AM
Reply

I was really looking forward to this game, but after the demo I'm not so sure anymore. The guys from Bioware said that this would be the definitive version of the game.... Well, if the demo is an indication of the quality of the final product, then what Bioware said was just pure marketing BS. The demo is full of screen tearing, bad framerate and broken audio. And WTF, why haven't they come up with a solution for implementing AA?? The jagged edges hurt my eyes! It shouldn't come as a surprise though, when you consider the fact that Bioware shafted PS3 users big time with their horrendously bad PS3 version of Dragon Age.

0 up, 2 down

aaronisbla
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 5:04:21 AM
Reply

Looking forward to this game

3 up, 0 down

Proxy
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 7:48:54 AM
Reply

Wait, Mass Effect 2 has RPG elements?

1 up, 2 down

maxpontiac
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 8:34:23 AM
Reply

I was hyped over this game until I played the demo. It felt like a linear shooter, which is something I am not a huge fan of.

Won't completely write this off though.

1 up, 2 down

Highlander
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:49:34 AM

Oh no! the 'L' word again!

Any story heavy RPG is going to feel linear, oh hell, any story heavy third person action game is going to feel linear. Uncharted 2 is really quite linear when you look at it, chapter after chapter. Now, to be fair, it's presented almost like a movie serial with chapters. They could easily have played this up, if they'd added a little "What happens to Drake next on Uncharted 2 Among Thieves?" at end of each chapter along with a short lead-in along the lines of "Last time on Uncharted 2 Among Thieves, our hero faced impossible odds..." and a trailer of the previous chapter's ending. The point being that Uncharted 2 is extremely linear, but makes a virtue of it by adopting the style of a movie serial or even a radio play, being told chapter by chapter.

I haven't played ME or ME2 on 360, so I don't know how they handle the linear nature of their story. That said, if a game is aspiring to be an RPG, a purely linear story and game map doesn't really encourage the belief that it's an RPG. Sounds more like a third person, story heavy, action game with some character customization. Which isn't bad in and of itself, but it's not an RPG either.

2 up, 1 down

Shams
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 10:54:22 AM

ME2 is about as nonlinear as Heavy Rain. There's a main thread to the story that will take on different paths depending on your decisions.

There are separate side missions (some optional, some obligatory) in the game, in which you will decide on whom to recruit (you can bring everyone aboard though). Then you can chose to develop these relationships by completing the associated missions for those recruited characters, and/or selecting certain dialog options during cut scenes. Apart from this, other choices you make will affect outcomes of the main thread of the story. For example, even exploration and how you upgrade your ship will affect the ending scenes. And besides that, based on your decisions, your Shepard character will take on appearance shifts as Cole had done in inFamous, but these in turn will affect what conversation options, for example, that you have available to you.

Basically when all was said and done, ME2's script contained about 700 pages of plot hooks and branches IIRC.

Now we've only talked about the how "customizable" the story is, but we haven't even discussed how customizable the gameplay is depending on what character class you've selected, how you've upgraded your powers, and which weapons you've found/purchased and upgraded, which characters you've chosen to recruit and select for your squad, and how you've upgraded their powers and weapons.

In many ways, the game is more RPG in the literal sense than what most games which are conventionally labeled as RPG's are. What do I mean by that? There is actual "role playing" in the game, and is a fully customizable experience, yet it has main story that it manages not to drift away from.

Last edited by Shams on 12/28/2010 10:56:50 AM

4 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:12:37 PM

Ben,
Please implement a mechanism that will allow me to give Shams 1000 thumbs-ups.
; D

Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/28/2010 4:13:19 PM

2 up, 1 down

Shams
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 1:53:40 AM

Fane1024, right back at you, bro! Though i'd value a couple good words from you just as much :)

0 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 7:59:41 AM

As I stated, I won't be giving up on ME2 and will most likely purchase it down the road.

Highlander -

Uncharted 2 was linear, and I understand that, however, it delivered a fast paced experience that hooked me in from the opening. I seriously doubt ME2 will be fast, at all.

Heavy Rain was a slow game, but the story hooked me quickly. The controls had a lot to do with it as well, but with ME2, it'll all come down to what the story does for me.

Shams -

I appreciate the detailed write up on it, but as I said, the demo didn't do much for me. I don't mind the technical issues at all, and didn't feel they would take anything away from the experience.

I love Fallout for it's shooter/rpg hybrid thing going. I also love it for it's open world exploration all the same. It seems as Highlander pointed out, that ME2 is a more 3rd person shooter with (as you explained) some story branches. I'll most likely wait to see what the review is scored off this website before I make my purchase.

0 up, 0 down

Shams
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:04:48 PM

MaxPontiac -

As open/hub-world games don't demo well, I'm glad you won't right the game off until the review. What keeps the game from being merely TPS/Squad-based Shooter with RPG elements tacked-on, as Highlander and yourself surmised, is how much content and detail has been added to other aspects of the game, and how cohesively it comes together, and this is something you can never get from a demo. Definitely, the squad-based combat with upgradeable powers and weapons keeps the flow of the game and story well-paced and humming along, but, it is by no means the central focus of the game, which, again, someone could easily mistake it for by playing a demo.

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:38:26 PM

I never write anything off until I have done my research first hand. I try not to take base my decisions on a 3rd party, and I'll most likely rent ME2 prior to buying it.

Plus, after reading your most recent post, I am a little more excited over the game now. I am glad the demo doesn't do the game justice.

Thanks.

1 up, 0 down

SmokeyPSD
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:30:07 AM
Reply

Does anyone else actually think it's stupid complaining about technical issues with a demo? At least wait to the full game. I for one have faith, it's running on ME3 and so they are desiring to make this work. I don't even intend on looking at the demo as demos rarely give the proper idea. If come game launch they're still there then we have something to worry about but come on

5 up, 3 down

Highlander
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:43:09 AM

Yes, I do think that complaining about technical issues with a demo is a tad bit redundant, on the other hand, when this is the first release of a highly anticipated title that is considered a classic on another platform, releasing a technically very inferior demo is asking for complaints.

That said, I never played on the 360, so I don't know how it compares. Making a comparison against the PC version of a game is always fraught with difficulty since PC versions of games can frequently be superior because of the near limitless GPU resources thrown at them.

I'm still in the wait and see stage on this one. First of all it uses the Mass Effect 3 engine, which should mean that the game will be using a relatively mature game engine. Secondly, it's a highly anticipated title transitioning to the PS3, an obviously inferior version of ME2 could spike the potential success of ME3 on the PS3. That would not be a smart move, so I have trouble believing that ME2 on the PS3 will be bad in that way.

As for the game itself, this is one of those where I will await the reviews.

4 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:20:41 PM

The FMV's look like they are running at 10 or 15fps. It's pretty bad. Not something people who are about to spend $60 on a game should have to put up with.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:15:32 PM

Good point, Smokey, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/28/2010 4:16:34 PM

1 up, 0 down

DeathOfChaos
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:08:28 PM

Yeah, dumb to complain about a demo of a game that's already been finished. What could be so hard to make the demo at LEAST on par with a normal demo? Is it because that's what the final product is going to be? Most likely... overrated games are overrated, that's that.

0 up, 1 down

Highlander
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:27:07 PM
Reply

Is this where we get back to what is and what is not an RPG?

I've been thinking about that, and I have come to a conclusion that a lot of gamers will nod their head to, and a lot of gamers will rail against.

Back in the pre-video game console days, the RPG was a role playing game. You had live action role playing games which only ren-fair victims played; and you had RPGs where you rolled dice, wrote up character sheets and went on an adventure moderated by a game master. There were a few board games that claimed to be role playing games, but any RPGer worth their D20 knew that was crap. RPGs were D&D, AD&D, GURPS, Traveller and the like.

When the transition to video games happened, RPGs retained some of the same characteristics. a part of player characters who journey together, and who's skills develop. They fight battles in a turn based fashion, gain XPs and money and occasional item drops by the enemies defeated. There are traditionally NPCs and the players are free to go wherever they want, although the game will only progress when they attend to the story elements. Unlike real RPGs where the game master has not got infinite patience, the RPG video game allowed for limitless numbers of random encounters and numerous side quests allowing the player to essentially level grind.

To me, that is how you define what a traditional RPG or JRPG is. The JRPGs have a specific aesthetic that is unique to them, and typically can include other elements such as a dating sim element. But either way, the broader definition of RPG as a role playing game where you play a role just doesn't fit. RPGs stem from the paper and dice games of the pre-video game era.

Which leads me to my question, is Mass Effect really an RPG or is it a third person action game that is story heavy?

2 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:23:35 PM

I vote RPG, for the reasons given by Shams.

The fact that it plays like a sci-fi shooter rather than a fantasy adventure game doesn't change the fact that the player gets to shape the development of the story and character(s).

Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/28/2010 4:24:11 PM

3 up, 0 down

DeathOfChaos
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 9:04:28 PM

I say Shooter

Your expirence while playing it is what makes the RPG what it really is. A sci-fi 3rd person shooter does NOT give that same feel, so it's just a 3rd person shooter with some RPG elements thrown into the background. The look and feel of the game is more like Star Wars, there are aliens, guns, and space stations. Those elements together just don't fulfill what an RPG is. Fallout 3 is worse, though. Same with Borderlands...

0 up, 1 down

SmokeyPSD
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 10:07:30 PM

Chaos, you can say that how again?

It's an RPG, you inhabit a role and develop, as a person, emotionally and through ability. You explore, interact, learn about the universe and shape a character in a immersive world. More can be said about ME as an RPG than XIII honestly.

2 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 12:39:20 PM
Reply

Enough of Mass Effect, when we are going to get a sequel of Bloodlines? that was a more awesome RPG, a ps3 remake would destroy this game.

1 up, 3 down

CH1N00K
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:05:14 PM
Reply

Good for those people that are fans of this series and are waiting for it to come to the PS3..but for me..I never played ME1, and Probably won't unless an ME collection of 1-3 comes along.

Not that I'm hating on the game, I'm sure it's a great series...but not worth it for me to learn how to play it on the PC (I'm not a PC gamer) or go buy a 360 to play the first one.... And I don't like playing games that I haven't seen how they start..That would be like reading the Lord of the Rings but only the last two books...

Nice to see it coming to the PS3 finally, but count me out..

1 up, 3 down

Radiohead
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 1:27:40 PM
Reply

I will be getting LBP2 and Dead Space 2 collectors edition instead because they are better games.

1 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 3:25:42 PM
Reply

Guys, guys, settle down. Mass Effect 2 got great scores simply because it WAS 360 exclusive. Don't expect to get the sweetest game of all time, just a good game. Like all overrated 360 games.

2 up, 3 down

FM23
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:45:15 PM

I feel the same way. That demo didn't scream 10. I know the game is longer than this brief demo, but the way critics praised the action...I would have expected more. They also praised the voice acting, etc. The voice acting for Sheperd (male) is horrible and the writing isn't clever by any means. I'm still excited, but I feel the sameway you do. It pulled down high scores because UC2 pulled down high ratings the year before.

0 up, 3 down

SmokeyPSD
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 10:00:46 PM

Why does everyone forget it's on PC...

That is just a silly statement, it's a well respected series because it's of a high quality and greatly immersive. For once PSX is letting me down, lots of you are just sounding like negative nanny's because this is so identifiable to the 360.

2 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 7:50:05 AM

Indeed World.. and that unfortunately is the truth.

0 up, 2 down

DemonNeno
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 4:58:49 PM
Reply

Holy cow! You dudes have a fire lit under your ass??

I've done ME2 on pc, so I'll wait on this release until the price of a replay is justified. This is a good game! Slow and tender, but it's definitely not horrible! Definitely very little RPG to out, though.

I'm going to duck before poo is flung in my direction!

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @ 7:23:05 PM

"Very little rpg" - what's missing from it to be a "full" rpg? Omg if this ends up being just another action shooter then I shall never again smile. Nor shall I ever defend multi-platform games again.

0 up, 1 down

Kevin555
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:19:55 AM
Reply

This is one of my all time fave games. I loved everything about Mass Effect 2. Good to see PS3 fans getting the chance to experience it. I wouldn't worry about the frame rate issues until initial release as with every multiplatform game you will get tech heads comparing screenshots & lighting like the whole world gives a sh!t. The difference will be minor & each version will have its pros & cons.

I'll be grabbing ME3 on 360 though due to owning the full series available on 360.

2 up, 1 down

Sky_Genesis
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 2:53:00 AM
Reply

you know what I dont get why the hell do we always get sequels to X box games but never the original??? Where the hell is Me 1..Or hell Even Saints row One, its kind of annoying to play a sequel to a game when we dont even know what the hell happened in the first one!!! Am I missing something here?

0 up, 0 down

ahgtoy
Sunday, January 02, 2011 @ 8:09:56 PM
Reply

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0 up, 0 down

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