#12: Mass Effect 2

Here's another great example of how to properly reboot the gameplay of a franchise.

Just about everything changed between the gameplay of Mass Effect 1 and 2.  1 was shooter heavy, very little need to take cover.  You were lambasted with weapons and loot at every turn and it slowed the pace of the game after each fight.  Bioware realized that the only thing that they got truly well was the relationships and the universe.  So they kept those and scrapped everything else for ME2.

The new shooting mechanics from Mass Effect 2 worked great.  They were a lot more accessible, creating a system where split second reactions were much less important than strategy.  ME2 was move forward methodically and intelligently, while providing cover to your teammates and picking off lonely enemies.  It felt more realistic than its predecessor.  Its action was fast paced and mistakes killed you.  Abilities were no longer one-use obliterating forces.  It was now about frequent tactical abilities.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the changes to Mass Effect 2's combat made it more realistic than quite a few of the modern "realistic" shooters on the market now.

ME2 makes virtual relationships just as well as in ME1.  There are people that you will be sympathetic towards, romantic with, angry at, humored with, and fascinated with.  It forges some of the most realistic relationships that you'll see in gaming.  It actually creates some emotional situations which isn't always easy to do with such a large cast.

Last thing on Mass Effect's greatness is its cinematics.  There is breathtaking scenery in every location.  The conversations flow, the fights are gorgeous, and the cutscenes are beautiful.  It may very well be the most cinematic game on my list.  About 5 minutes into the game, I stopped what I was doing and panned my camera around.  The sound, visuals, and plot combined to form a moment where I couldn't play.  I had to stop and survey.  Not many games do that to me.  Mass Effect 2 does.

I'm really intrigued to see what Tych thinks of the game switching from ME1 to ME2 in a matter of weeks.

I'm assuming that he'll be as impressed as I was.