Even shortly after its release in January 2010, Mass Effect 2 was already being called one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The game brought in RPG and shooter fans alike into a work that expanded the Mass Effect universe and focused on telling smaller stories to a greater effect. Mass Effect was no longer a space opera, at least for the time. The stakes were still there, but Mass Effect 2 used its opportunity as a middle chapter to dig deep into characters while also polishing the gameplay to the point of extreme mainstream viability. The result is a game that today represents the high-point of big budget sci-fi storytelling in video games and the pinnacle of Bioware's popularity and influence as a studio.

Mass Effect 2 is a classic RPG and is widely considered Bioware's greatest game and one of the best games of the 2010s. The sequel to 2007's epic sci-fi RPG took the combat in a more action-focused direction and introduced gamers to some of the most complex and memorable characters of all time.

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With Mass Effect 2, Bioware created a game that felt like a season of Star Trek. A diverse crew aboard an iconic ship, an incredible opening, and a genuinely engaging cover-shooter take on the original Mass Effect's combat all coalesced into creating an unforgettable experience. 10 years later, the game is still a high watermark for storytelling and world-building in video games. Here's why Mass Effect 2 is a modern classic a decade out from its release.

The Combat

The first Mass Effect attempted a take on the third person shooter genre, but very much still felt like an RPG where every shot was a dice roll and stats still played a big role in accuracy. Mass Effect 2 pivoted the series to being shooter first, light RPG second. The combat is much improved from its predecessor and gives more weight to the gunplay and the powers and gives more direct control over squad mates. Mass Effect 3 went on to make the combat feel even better and, but Mass Effect 2 still strikes that perfect balance between shooter and role playing game.

Paragon and Renegade Interrupts

Mass Effect 2 Paragon Renegade Shepard

In terms of adding systems to the series, Mass Effect 2's minor tweak to the Paragon/Renegade morality system, a system later removed by Mass Effect: Andromeda, ended up being a crucial aspect of the game. This refers to the interrupts players could perform at certain moments during dialogue if they had high enough Paragon or Renegade points. The interrupts created a greater feeling of engagement during these conversations. Combined with a more dynamic camera that visually engaged players more during conversation, the game felt vastly more cinematic than its predecessor.

The interrupts could pop up at any time and players had to rely on instinct to pull them off, giving little time for the contemplation that is typical of the franchises big choices. This contributed to the faster, action-game pace of Mass Effect 2 that further solidified its place between genres.  It also gave goodie two shoes players an additional incentive to play a little spicier just to see those awesome Renegade interrupts.

The Crew

When people who've played Mass Effect talk about Mass Effect, they talk about the characters. The crew in Mass Effect 2 is incredible. The musical genius of Mordin Solus, the tragic life of Thane, reuniting with Garus, these character moments all stand out even after a decade has passed. The way the game uses the characters to not just represent the politics and values of respective races, but give them unique perspectives makes these aliens feel more human than most people in games.

The eccentric Mordin is defined by how he bucks the Salarian trend, personality-wise. Grunt is defined by how much of a different character he ends up being from Mass Effect 1's Krogan representative Wrex. Through its characters, Mass Effect 2 fleshes out its universe and highlights the greater conflicts at play in a way that feels natural.

This exploration of characters is deftly woven into the game's structure thanks to the loyalty missions. Each of these, totally optional, missions had Shepard solving a personal problem for one squad mate at a time. Each squad member had one and almost all of them are among the strongest missions in the Mass Effect 2 and feature difficult story choices that reverberate throughout the rest of the game and into Mass Effect 3.

The Normandy

Mass Effect: 7 Most Memorable Moments in Series History - Normandy SR1

The Normandy goes hand in hand with the idea that Mass Effect 2 is specifically a game about building a family out of a team of soilders. The Normandy is a space where Shepard can interact with her/his favorite squad mates in Mass Effect 2 and build up those relationships outside of the main missions. It, in conjunction with the loyalty missions, allows the game to naturally give the player face time with all the characters they want to make time for. But more than this, the Normandy feels like a real ship. It gives players that Star Trek vibe that is exemplified by the game being essentially a series of episodic conflicts all tied together by a loose main narrative. The space is made all the more precious following the incredible opening hour of this game.

The Opening (Shepard Dies)

In the shocking, yet pitch perfect, opening moments of Mass Effect 2 the Normandy is being attacked. The ship is on fire and everyone must evacuate, but commander Shepard doesn't make it. In the first 15 minutes of the game, Shepard dies. This gives players an opportunity to redesign their character, but also allows some time to pass and gives the game an early momentum.

Now, Shepard works for the mysterious Cerberus and must gather and train a new crew to take on a mission that will surely end in death. It is a game about dread and characters doing their best to overcoming the overwhelming odds against them. The reapers are coming. They are strong and the chips are down. Now, find the most accomplished and capable team of fighters in the galaxy and take them down.

The Suicide Mission

Mass Effect: 7 Most Difficult Choices in the Series - Mass Effect 2 squad

Mass Effect 2 culminates in the ultimate test: the suicide mission. An absolute pinnacle of game design to this very day, the suicide mission tests the players commitment and knowledge of their crew. Shepard is faced with choices of who to assign to each aspect of the mission. Choose a character not fit for their task or throw someone in whose loyalty quest was never complete and there's a chance that character will die. For good. Unless players were truly prepared for the suicide mission and deeply connected to their crew, there would be casualties and consequences. The suicide mission is a brilliant character-focused climax to plays to Mass Effect 2's greatest strengths.

Mass Effect 2 is available now.

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