Mass Effect (1)

[Reverend]

I guess Wrex doesn't play much more than a minor role in the future games, then. That's a shame because I really like him. I'd like to be able to find a way to cure the genophage. (No spoilers, please. I'm sure it's possible that there is such a mission and I just don't know about it.)

I won't spoil anything, but I will say that you most certainly haven't seen the last of Wrex.

When I was going through my squad screens I noticed there seemed to be slots for about 10 characters in ME2. That seems like a lot. At the risk of going a little off-topic here, I'm going to say that I prefer games where you either have a small team that stays consistent throughout the game (i.e. FF X-2), or multiple characters but you are forced to take certain parties for the majority of the game (FF IV, FF XIII). I never liked having the option to have tons of characters (like Chrono Chross) because it seems like you get into a groove with a certain party and then you never want to switch it up. Agree/disagree?

Without going into specifics, ME2's cast is very diverse and it's the kind of line up that has something for everyone. You'll very rarely hear anyone complain that that didn't like *any* of the squadmates.

Honestly I can appreciate both approaches. A larger pool of characters means you can change things up more often, but I think most people tend to pick their favourites early on and stick with them.

What I don't like is when they make some characters indispensable. For example, in DA2, unless you were a healer yourself you pretty much *had* to drag Anders around with you and likewise, unless you were a tank, you pretty much had to pick Avaline.
of course your own class is always going to dictate your choice to a certain extent, but it's nice to have at least two different options to choose from, especially when it comes to a vital role like healer or tank.

Of course the drawback of too much choice is that there's always at least one character that is such a "jack of all, master of none" you *never* use them past the first few missions. *cough* Jacob *cough*

 

[TheGodBen]

Anyone else find the font size in ME2 way too small? I'm playing on a 27" tv and it's tough to make out some of the text. The subtitles are hard to read too.

There was a bit of controversy over that at the time. I never had a problem with my 37" screen, but it was apparently illegible on SDTVs.

I guess Wrex doesn't play much more than a minor role in the future games, then. That's a shame because I really like him.

Wrex still plays a big part of the story if he survives Virmire, just wait.

When I was going through my squad screens I noticed there seemed to be slots for about 10 characters in ME2. That seems like a lot.

There's 10 on the disc, 2 more in DLC. Did you get any of the DLC?

I never liked having the option to have tons of characters (like Chrono Chross) because it seems like you get into a groove with a certain party and then you never want to switch it up. Agree/disagree?

ME2 has a different narrative structure than ME1 and there's a greater focus on the characters. You're encouraged, sometimes required, to bring different squad members on missions. Ideally, by the end of the game you should have an emotional attachment to most of the characters, although there will probably be a few that you'll only use once or twice.

 

[Evil Twin]

I really like that you have a big pool of squadmates to choose from in ME2. The combat is easy enough that squadmate selection for me generally comes down to who will have the most entertaining dialogue on a mission. And there's none of that "I need to have someone with tech skills so I can open all the containers!" this time around.

 

[ATimson]

Without going into specifics, ME2's cast is very diverse and it's the kind of line up that has something for everyone. You'll very rarely hear anyone complain that that didn't like *any* of the squadmates.

Any, no, but when I only like two, and one of them isn't available for most of the game, I still think Bioware did it wrong.

(Fortunately the second DLC character finally gave me a second character I liked for most of the game. )

 

[Ood Sigma]

I entered the code that came with the game and there appears to be several free dlcs.

Honestly I don't know when to download and play them. Now? Halfway through? Near the end? Also of concern to me is the fact I have the 4 gb model of XBox 360. I probably have room for all of it but it will take a significant percent of my space. I know I can uninstall stuff but will it mess up my main save?

 

[Reverend]

I think it'd only be a problem if you try to load a save that you have been playing DLC on *after* it's been uninstalled. Installing DLC should be fine for a game in progress.

As for which to install/when. I think all the free ones are fine whenever. The only ones that work *best* as post-ending content--though both are playable after the planet called Ilium appears on the galaxy map--are 'Arrival' and 'Lair of the [something I shan't mention]'. All the others are either extra squadmates, armour/weapons, a sidestory and a vehicle add-on.

 

[TheGodBen]

Kasumi's Stolen Memory should be played during the main story, and it contains an additional squad member and her loyalty mission. It's not essential, but it's nice having the extra crew member.

Overlord should be played during the main story, but it's completely unconnected to it. It's a sizeable piece of content, has multiple areas and a mix of foot and vehicle sections, it has a great atmosphere, an emotional climax, and it explores some of Cerberus' more questionable activities. But at the end of the day, it's non-essential and can be skipped, it's up to you if you want to play it.

Lair of the Shadow Broker contains a vital part of the story, especially if you want to see more of Liara. It can be played before or after you finish the main story, it works either way. You don't want to miss this one.

Arrival is reasonably important, the events that take place in that DLC are referenced several times in ME3, so it's a good idea to play it. This is definitely intended to be post-game content, if you decide to get it then don't buy it until after you've completed the game, otherwise it will pop up mid-story where it doesn't fit.

 

[throwback]

Based on in game references and Cerberus Daily News, which can be read at the Mass Effect wiki, the settings for Overlord and Arrival are November 2285 and the Spring of 2286, respectively.

Many, including myself, feel that LotSB is the best DLC, and ,in some ways, outshines the storyline of Mass Effect 2.

The issue with Arrival that some have is the lack of a connection between this DLC and Mass Effect 3. Bioware initially intended to connect these two with a trial sequence, but this sequence was dropped during development.

 

[Reverend]

^How about we NOT discuss anything to do with ME3 here, yes?

 

[Ood Sigma]

Ok. So my characters' level and skills don't really factor into when the content should be played? Right now I'm still on Omega. I recruited the salarian doctor (I like him) and I'm in the middle of the Archangel mission. I figure maybe after I've got a few more team members I can do some of the content.

 

[ATimson]

Ok. So my characters' level and skills don't really factor into when the content should be played?

IIRC, that's not really a factor in Mass Effect - enemies are pretty much always scaled to your current level, unlike in Dragon Age.

 

[Camren]

I envy you, playing ME for the first time. Wait until you get to ME2, I think you'll find it more enjoyable than the original (although story-wise maybe not quite as interesting).

 

[Jax]

I envy you, playing ME for the first time. Wait until you get to ME2, I think you'll find it more enjoyable than the original (although story-wise maybe not quite as interesting).

I agree, gameplay ME2 slaps ME1 around though I do think they overdid the tone down of the RPG elements in 2 (and I say that as a very casual RPG fan). However ME1 story is a little stronger due to a few better OMG twist moments IMO.

 

[Thestral]

I find the cast in ME2 to be better overall, though that's probably more to do with the numbers and variety.

In some ways the story

Spoiler: ME2 entirety spoilers

wasn't as "epic" (except the Collector Ship, Derelict Reaper, and Collector Base of course)

, but the more personal nature of several missions was great. And how can you not love Aria's introduction?

 

[Ood Sigma]

Played a lot of ME2 this weekend. Not sure how far through the story I am... guessing around 50% or so. Although I think I'm only at level 14 (started at 3) so maybe there's a lot more. Enough to give my impressions. Overall I love it... much superior game to Mass Effect 1.

Positives:
- I really like the characters. I also like feeling like it doesn't matter who I take on a mission. I know they have different abilities but it doesn't seem to matter as much as in 1.
- I like the weapon system. Instead of collecting a zillion different weapons, I can just get an upgrade every now and then. I also like the ability to research and upgrade. Although I do worry that I have missed stuff.
- I like having multiple city/hubs. In addition to the Citadel, Omega and Illium are fully realized ports with a lot going on. (There may be more, but those are the ones I've encountered so far.)
- I like the missions to get characters, as well as the idea of doing the loyalty missions to improve their abilities. Also a good way to force me to play all the characters relatively equally.
- The cover/regenerate health system is pretty good for combat. In 1 I felt like I was just blasting enemies until I died or they did. Now I can unload some fire, take cover, regenerate health, and go again.
- AI of my team seems better. Also the weapon wheel/abilities wheel is easier to use.
- Fewer scenarios where I die over and over. I can usually find a way to survive anything. The only real bad one was in the Archangel/Garrus mission where you have to seal the shutter doors. On the second one I just could not make it to the control and survive long enough. Probably did it 20 times before I succeeded.
- Love the new surveying planets/gathering metals. It's more satisfying then pressing one button and finding one metal/gas.

Negatives:
- I don't like when the Illusive Man forces me to go on a mission. There have been times I wanted to tackle some extra content or buy some upgrades and I was forced to go on a mission.
- I don't like the fact that I only get experience from completing missions. I guess this was done to allow a steady stream of enemies in some missions instead of a fixed number. Still I'd rather feel like I can power up by defeating enemies.
- There seem to be fewer side missions. I stumbled on a chain by accident when I was surveying a planet. Maybe once I explore more I'll get them.

Characters:
Favorites are Garrus, Moridin, Thane.
Indifferent to Miranda, Jacob, Jack, Grunt.
Just got the asari monk (spacing on her name) so I haven't made up my mind.
I haven't gotten Tali yet nor anyone from the DLC.

 

[Deks]

I envy you, playing ME for the first time. Wait until you get to ME2, I think you'll find it more enjoyable than the original (although story-wise maybe not quite as interesting).

I agree, gameplay ME2 slaps ME1 around though I do think they overdid the tone down of the RPG elements in 2 (and I say that as a very casual RPG fan). However ME1 story is a little stronger due to a few better OMG twist moments IMO.

Certain aspects of ME2 are indeed superior to ME1 (such as combat and more focus on the characters)... however, the game WAS reduced a lot more to an action shooter with removal of plenty of RPG elements.

Bioware overdid it honestly - I think they should have simply polished the inventory (such as reduce its capacity or have it display items picked up by ALL members of your party), the upgrading of weapons along with tinkering with some parts and then proceed with incorporating the more polished combat (though I think they over-emphasized it).

 

[Evil Twin]

I really like the characters. I also like feeling like it doesn't matter who I take on a mission. I know they have different abilities but it doesn't seem to matter as much as in 1.

Indeed, every time I replay the game I try to take someone on a mission that I haven't in the past, just to hear different comments. (For example, take Garrus and Grunt to recruit Mordin and they both complain about starting to feel sick from the plague. Brilliant idea, Shep. )

The cover/regenerate health system is pretty good for combat. In 1 I felt like I was just blasting enemies until I died or they did. Now I can unload some fire, take cover, regenerate health, and go again.

Yep, I started doing yet another ME1 playthrough over the weekend with a sentinel (the only remaining class I haven't play yet) and gave him assault rifles as a bonus talent, and most of the time I'm simply blasting everything away with that rather than using his biotic and tech powers.

Fewer scenarios where I die over and over. I can usually find a way to survive anything. The only real bad one was in the Archangel/Garrus mission where you have to seal the shutter doors. On the second one I just could not make it to the control and survive long enough. Probably did it 20 times before I succeeded.

I often die multiple times in the left hallway. Tight quarters, and you turn that one corner and BAM, you're face to face with a Vorcha flamethrower.

Love the new surveying planets/gathering metals. It's more satisfying then pressing one button and finding one metal/gas.

Most people despise ME2's planet scanning. I used to, and would use a save editor to give myself practically unlimited resources, but believe it or not I've come to actually somewhat enjoy doing it now. I get kind of obsessive trying to find all the scanner spikes on a planet to get it to depleted status, even if they're resources I don't need. The big issue is trying to find enough element zero, but that's no longer an issue for me since once you beat the game once, you start out with 60000 of each resource in all future playthroughs, and that's more than enough eezo to cover all your research (with plenty left over to cover the cost of retraiting your powers.)

I don't like when the Illusive Man forces me to go on a mission. There have been times I wanted to tackle some extra content or buy some upgrades and I was forced to go on a mission.

Eventually you'll be getting a main storyline mission called "Reaper IFF" where you aren't forced into it like the others and can tackle it whenever you wish. Word of advice, do EVERYTHING else you can (with possible exception of the Shadow Broker and Arrival DLC's) before doing this mission. Just sayin'...

There seem to be fewer side missions. I stumbled on a chain by accident when I was surveying a planet. Maybe once I explore more I'll get them.

Oh, they're out there, and they're miles better than ME1's, since they all take place in unique settings and not those god-awful recycled prefab buildings.

Characters:
Favorites are Garrus, Moridin, Thane.
Indifferent to Miranda, Jacob, Jack, Grunt.
Just got the asari monk (spacing on her name) so I haven't made up my mind.
I haven't gotten Tali yet nor anyone from the DLC.

I used to be indifferent about Garrus, but took the effort to get to know him better in my last playthrough with an infiltrator FemShep who decided to dump Kaidan and romance him. Y'know, since we both loved sniper rifles and all... Mordin's great, everybody loves him, Thane and all his emo-ness slightly grates on me. Don't hate the guy, but don't love him either. Miranda's a stuck-up bitch (her ridiculous catsuit doesn't do her any favors either.) Jacob easily wins the award for most boring Mass Effect squadmate ever. Jack's a little off-putting at first but becomes sort of endearing once you get to know her better. I love all her Miranda-bashing. And Grunt's grown on me. He's like your cute little pet Krogan.

 

[Ood Sigma]

Hmmm, well I've already got the IFF mission. Does that mean I'm close to the end? I declined to go on it immediately since I wanted to do some other stuff first, and I was, in fact planning to do a lot before going on it, just because I wanted to clear up my backlog of missions.

Do most of the other assignments come from exploring planets? In ME1, lots of them came over the transmitter from Admiral Hackett or from listening to the news in the elevators. I think I've done like 3 of the "N7" missions with one left on my list. And I feel like I've explored only about 10% of the galaxy maps.

It's funny that I started this thread complaining about the shooter aspects and now I kind of dig it.

Now that I'm familiar with the Mass Effect universe, I feel like the story's just getting even better since I don't have to have dozens of new races explained to me. I feel like I know how krogans, asari, salarians, etc. should act so now I'm really enjoying it instead of being blasted with info dump.

After I finish ME3 (still need to get it) I may just go back and start a new career with a female Shepard and maybe take more of a renegade route. I've heard that the voice acting for the female Shepard is better than the male one.

 

[Evil Twin]

Yeah, Reaper IFF is sort of the "beginning of the end" so you want to make sure everything else is taken care of beforehand, and there's no negative consequences for putting it off for as long as possible. A lot of the side missions come from just going out and exploring. Just go into orbit of every planet and EDI will tell you if there's something worth checking out. What's helpful in ME2 is that the game actually tells you what percentage of each system you've explored, so it's easy to tell if you've done everything there or not.

The Mass Effect universe didn't really "click" for me until ME2. The bad gameplay of ME1 distracted me from the lore and story so much that I didn't really come to fully appreciate the first game until after I played the second one. It's very much like Babylon 5's first season in that respect.

Nearly all of my playthroughs are with FemSheps. My current playthrough is the first time I'll have done a paragon MaleShep. All my previous male playthroughs have been renegades, and I only really do renegade playthroughs for shits n' giggles, because Mark Meer's monotone makes the renegade lines so much funnier/cheesier. Do a search for "Commander Shepard is a jerk" on youtube sometime.
"Because it's a BIG STUPID JELLYFISH!"

But I never put as much thoroughness/care into my renegade playthroughs because boy, some of the stuff you can do makes you feel downright rotten.

 

[eastman23]

Do most of the other assignments come from exploring planets?

Pretty much. The N7 missions will come up when you're scanning a planet and EDI will say "Anomaly detected." Then you just have to follow the white indicator on the scanning circle until you find the mission location and send down a probe. After that, you can complete the mission any time.