Overall, Mass Effect 2 ironed out many of the original’s flaws and delivered a much smoother experience, complete with a longer campaign and more engaging side quests. The game had twice as many companions as the original, and the quantity definitely didn’t come at a cost of quality, as all of the companions felt very unique and had interesting backstories. While not everyone liked the simplified combat system that leaned more towards a regular TPS rather than an RPG, there’s no denying that Mass Effect 2 was a clear notch above the original when it came to level design, the story delivery, and characterization. The sequel to Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, came in 2010, and it is regarded by many as the definite pinnacle of the franchise, for a number of reasons. Overall, Mass Effect was a well-rounded experience, and while it delivered a very effective and well-executed story, the second game would ultimately overshadow it in several ways, mainly in the narrative department.

It was also the first game to introduce the “dialog wheel” that later on proved to be a bit of a controversial feature in other RPGs, as many felt that it streamlined the experience too much and took away from the variety of dialog options commonly seen in older RPG games. It also set the foundation for the combat system that the later entries would modify further down the line: third-person shooter with a cover system and a selection of several classes that either specialize in or balance between combat, tech, and biotic abilities, complemented by up to two AI-controlled companions. The first game introduces the trilogy’s protagonist, Commander Shepard, whose name, gender, appearance, and background can all be customized. Originally released as an Xbox 360 exclusive, the first Mass Effect game was the inception of one of BioWare’s best franchises and was yet another entry in the streak of excellent games that the studio had released throughout the 2000s, along with the likes of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, Dragon Age: Origins, and Jade Empire.

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

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