wow, ME2 really sucks

[Nomanor]

After just finishing ME1 and loving every part of it, i install ME2 and so disappointed...

The game just feels broken.

No skill trees, no inventory, no armor/weapon mods. Menus suck. Moving around is akward, HUD/combat display is horrible.

WTF happened? It feels like a lame arcade now.

[fitsch]

http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq46/bloodhammer84/troll.jpg

[Ramzy]

It's more of a shooter with RPG elements this time around, which i enjoy.

Judging by the glowing reviews and the general positive reaction from the Steam and Bioware community, i would say you're in the minority, Nomanor. Sorry mate.

[Kailieann]

ME2 is spectacular, but some of the changes they made along the way could have been handled better.

The result is a much better game, but also much more straightforward and streamlined, which is not necessarily the best thing they could have done.

[Eminence]

I’m a little tiny bit disappointed with ME2, it goes down like this.



I started it up, was shown a small recap. Then they show the Normandy. By the time they show the Mass Effect 2 logo I was thinking “This games gonna kick so much a** :D”

And then when the actual gameplay starts, I was like “WTF? this is just another third person shooter now :(”




To be honest the only beef I have is ME2’s cover system. It’s broken as can be and yet they make you rely on it the whole game.


- Its slow and unresponsive.

- Sometimes the thing you’re hiding behind won’t shield you from enemy fire.

- No crouch button, when you want to transition from one piece of cover to the next, you completely stand up.



If you’re gonna copy something (Gears of War) atleast do it right. lol

[arizonachris]

I loved both games, altho both had their flaws. In ME1, the AI was stupid, in ME2 you get stuck on top of some objects and have to quit the game to fix it. But, I thought the graphics in ME2 were far better than ME1 and the gameplay far superior. And I don't miss the inventory system. Scanning planets gets a little tedious as well, but, it's part of the ME Universe, so you have to go with it.

I couldn't stand Gears of War. Just wasn't my type of game.

[Xenofreak]

- No crouch button, when you want to transition from one piece of cover to the next, you completely stand up.


Wait, really?

[Jeryko]

A crouch feature is in game, it just needs to be edited in via Coalesced.ini

[Caiobrz]

I played ME1, several times, and then proceeded to ME2.

My initial thoughts where similar, I was disapointed. But after completing the game I just cant stop playing.

It's different, not worse.

Some changes were welcome, some not, but in the whole balanced.

ME1 skill tree was weird to begin with ... train each individual weapon? remove that weirdness and you have ME2 skill tree: just the real skill/powers.

But I think it's really unfair to judge the game just because one or two minor things ... indeed a troll's judgement.

[Gear853]

A crouch feature is in game, it just needs to be edited in via Coalesced.ini

how do you do that?

[Freyar]

It's just not an RPG anymore. It's Gears of War with a such a light RPG coating that it looks like a glazed donut.

[ImBack87]

I don't consider ME2 a RPG but boy is it fun, I have logged in over 90 hours
Yes, you can crouch but you have to edit Coalesced.ini first


All credit goes to the original poster,

Description
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\mass effect 2\BioGame\Config\PC\Cooked


F10 = HD Screenshot
F11 = Toggle HUD
F12 = Flycam
Numberpad 1 = Personalization screen anywhere + asari dancer outfit ( Note: You'll need to press Numpad 1 and refresh your outfit every time you change areas if you're wearing the asari outfit )
G = Crouch

Download link (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OFEOHHED)

[dosbox]

After just finishing ME1 and loving every part of it, i install ME2 and so disappointed...


Just about every review of ME2 noted that the traditional "RPG" elements were removed. It might be a good idea to read some reviews before buying ME3.

[Nomanor]

Just about every review of ME2 noted that the traditional "RPG" elements were removed. It might be a good idea to read some reviews before buying ME3.

i think the console kids are to blame

bioware / EA caved in to children

[Anathem]

C'mon, the RPG elements in ME1 were clunky at best and a chore at worst. All they did in ME2 was lessen the number of skills and kill the annoying inventory, for the most part.

What made ME1 great was the story, characters and environments. All three of those improved greatly in ME2.

Also, before you blame the "console kids" for the "dumbing down" of Mass Effect, remember that Mass Effect 1 was already primarily an Xbox game. I'm pretty sure the PC version was an afterthought. It wasn't even done in-house. At least Bioware did the PC version themselves this time around, though I admit the interface could have been PC-afied a bit more.

[JKflipflop]

i think the console kids are to blame

bioware / EA caved in to children

Don't be an idiot. Go play the game. If you actually did enjoy ME1, then you'll enjoy this one. If you're just here to troll, have at it.

[Nomanor]

Don't be an idiot. Go play the game. If you actually did enjoy ME1, then you'll enjoy this one. If you're just here to troll, have at it.

i played a bit of the first mission (escape from med station) a few days ago.

strangely, i'm reluctant to go back to it

[Jito463]

I have to admit, while I did enjoy ME 2, I see it to ME 1, as Invisible War was to Deus Ex (for the record, I also enjoyed Invisible War). Both sequels were good in their own way, but they didn't really match the quality of the games they were based on. In each, too much was sacrificed for "simpler" game play.

I only hope that in both DX3 and ME3, they manage to bring them back to the roots of what made it fun (but with improvements, of course).

[Kailieann]

I have to admit, while I did enjoy ME 2, I see it to ME 1, as Invisible War was to Deus Ex (for the record, I also enjoyed Invisible War).

You're in the very slim minority on that one. Most people thought Invisible War was trash, regardless of its status as a sequel, whereas ME2 is, for all its faults, almost universally regarded as a far better game than the original.

[Xpheyel]

i think the console kids are to blame

bioware / EA caved in to children

I'm getting pretty tired of that with respect to ME's RPG elements. Mass Effect is not a complex or balanced RPG. You can use the Pistol 100% of the time because it is just the highest DPS weapon with enough cooldown modifiers you can perpetually chain Master Marksman. Making it an accurate recoilless gun with infinite ammo that is nearly impossible to overheat with basically no real downside. There are similar builds for spammed immunity. Anything with those powers can be turned into an unstoppable tank that never needs to stop shooting and nearly never takes significant damage.

And, if you don't want to do that, Lift and Singularity are all you need to turn the game into 'shoot the floating enemies'.

Similarly, there is no real depth to most of the equipment. Some manufacturers are just better. If you blindly equip the highest damage weapon you can find, you aren't really hurting yourself at all. Eventually you'll have enough to buy Spectre Master weapons. If the lootomatic ever generates it, you can run around in just about any Colossus armor and not gimp yourself (I finished a level 51 soldier in Colossus Medium VII because I never randomly found any decent manufacturer's heavy armor).

Take Shotguns. Do they ever change or matter in Mass Effect? Is there actually a major difference between them? Even though there are dozens of them, they are almost all flat out worse than the top tier/best manufacturer and then the ones at the top are nearly indistinguishable. In Mass Effect 2, a Vanguard can at least use the Eviscerator, Claymore, and Scimitar effectively (maybe even the Katana) and it's purely based on the player which one they're most comfortable with. All are actually different in gameplay with different strengths and trade-offs. Is Mass Effect somehow deeper because it's 3-4 statistically best shotguns are virtually impossible for the player to tell apart or play differently with?

...Somehow, realizing this, and therefore not minding so much when the systems are cut, makes you some kind of console kiddy that can't handle stat point allocation. Mass Effect has no failure build in the first place and the really effective builds turn you into a game breaking demigod.

I can understand liking the story and immersion more but for crying out loud stop it with the derogatory bleating about the hilariously broken statistical systems.

[DPW]

Agreed, Anathem. I'm not a kid and while I loved ME1, I think ME2 managed to improve already strong areas-- storyline, cinematics, action, graphics, characters. I know some people think RPG means inventory management and trying to figure out max DPS, but to me it's about immersing myself in my character's story.

YMMV, as they say, but there's a lot of us who like the changes in ME2. If they keep the same system for ME3, I'll be happy. Except for the planet scanning, of course :)

[The_One]

You're in the very slim minority on that one. Most people thought Invisible War was trash, regardless of its status as a sequel, whereas ME2 is, for all its faults, almost universally regarded as a far better game than the original.

I would not say that Mass Effect 2 is better than the original, because; the sequel had somewhat confusing story (terminator in the end was lame, could not they create something more original?) half of the game was "wasted" picking up team members, lack of planet exploration, suddenly all weapons in the whole universe had ammo:confused: (overheating weapons was much better), some characters were unnecessary like grunt, graphics were not improved much over the original and lack of AA/DX10/11 features is just stupid and critical bugs were not fixed..yet.

I think I am speaking on behalf of majority here, ME2 wasnt failure but it is not a 9/10 game.

[Avalon]

C'mon, the RPG elements in ME1 were clunky at best and a chore at worst. All they did in ME2 was lessen the number of skills and kill the annoying inventory, for the most part.

What made ME1 great was the story, characters and environments. All three of those improved greatly in ME2.


I agree with most of this. The combat was just awful in the first game (especially at the higher difficulty levels). I'm glad that they changed everything related to it (though I do wish there was more in the way of weapon choices even if it is for purely aesthetic reasons). However, there was no reason why they had to remove all the exploration. We don't have worlds or location anymore... we have straight up TPS levels with mission complete screens. Nothing breaks immersion more then getting into the whole situation and having the mission complete screen pop up.

[Chibito]

Agreed, Anathem. I'm not a kid and while I loved ME1, I think ME2 managed to improve already strong areas-- storyline, cinematics, action, graphics, characters. I know some people think RPG means inventory management and trying to figure out max DPS, but to me it's about immersing myself in my character's story.
I agree completely, RPGs aren't about how many points you can stuff into different skill trees, though some seem to have forgotten that.

[david_grove]

My biggest gripe with the ME2 system is that the biotic cool downs are linked to the tech cool downs. I personally feel that's wrong as one is feeding off a battery power while the other is feeding from the human/alien power. If it separated the two then I'd be far more content. Other than that I thought ME2 was wonderful, especially now they have their hands deeper into the DLC element making the wait for ME3 more bearable.

[Kailieann]

My biggest gripe with the ME2 system is that the biotic cool downs are linked to the tech cool downs. I personally feel that's wrong as one is feeding off a battery power while the other is feeding from the human/alien power.

First of all, this is a necessary concession for gameplay. Having separate cooldowns for any powers, period, would just be broken in a game as fast-paced as ME2.

As for Tech/Biotic specifically, Sentinel is the only player class that actually has both. Putting them on type-separated cooldowns would completely unbalance the game in Sentinel's favor.

Additionally, Miranda is the only teammate with both Tech and Biotic powers, and she's overpowered enough as it is. If she had Warp and Overload on separate timers, there would be no point in even bringing anyone else.

If this is seriously the thing that bothers you the most about ME2, then as Legion said, we question your judgment.

[King Midol]

http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq46/bloodhammer84/troll.jpg
Idiots like you ruin threads. Saying everyone is a "troll" makes yourself a "troll".

Get a clue, brah.

[Blamus]

I liked how in the first one, every playthrough I could level up my crewmates in all sorts of ways, focusing on weapons, tech, tons of special abilities, armor. So each playthrough my teammate could be anything I wanted it to be. Rather, in the second one, for example Garrus has what, 4 skills? As opposed to the 15-20 he had in the first game. Theres hardly any real customization ability. Sucks hard, I was pretty disappointed in the second game.

[mccoins]

Combat system in me2 is incredible, but the game itself lacks the depth and feeling of reward that you get in me1. It feels like a rushjob, the conversations are so predictable and really never pan out like they did in the first game.
If they added more missions, exploration, an inventory system, perhaps even crafting/mineral refining into me3, I would be pleased.

[Choster]

Its a good game but I wish they had streamlined and improved certain aspects of ME1 rather than just cut them out.

[jacobignagni]

It's just not an RPG anymore. It's Gears of War with a such a light RPG coating that it looks like a glazed donut.

I'm currently downloading it right now and I can say the first one was very "RPG" but what made the first game for me was the cinematic cut scenes and such as well as conversations. I have been reading up on this agem for a while and it seems it will truly beat the first in my opinion and that is because I didn't like the clunky menus and all of the odd interface issues. Also This game just feels more like a shooter, and I definitely like that over the first.

[pox67]

ME2 really divides gamers.

I loved the first one but think the second one is a steaming pile of crap. Biggest waste of money I have made on a game so far. Everything from the clunky interface, cut down character options and inventory, silly story and planet scanning (WTF were they thinking?). This is just not a game for me. I understand others like it and that is fine, just wish I had known before I pre-ordered. I won't be pre-ordering ME3.

[a_new_error]

I personally still liked it. Still kept the same great story and the game play was fun to say the least.

[deadlybydesign]

Same old debate. I've come to the conclusion that, while the thicker RPG elements were nice at times in ME1, ME2 is where the series really belongs. (I say this as a fan of traditional PCRPGs, too) It's a stronger squad-based shooter with lighter RPG stats and heavy dialogue than it was when trying to act like a "full" RPG. It's just more cinematic and action-based than anything Bioware's done before, and I think the design move they made was the right one.

Removal of inventory was a shock, but I was surprisingly pleased with the result. The items in ME1 were pretty lame, and mostly a chore to manage & sell. I like loot as much as the next RPG fan, but I literally <did not> buy any weapons or armor until the Spectre class unlocked. (all I bought were gel/grenade capacity upgrades and licenses) When the scraps you find are more than enough to play the game on Veteran (first time through), you know it's a fluff element.

So, they dropped it... and we're better off, IMO. No more selling the 10 Katana VIs I just found. (to earn credits I'll never spend...)

[JKflipflop]

I liked how in the first one, every playthrough I could level up my crewmates in all sorts of ways, focusing on weapons, tech, tons of special abilities, armor. So each playthrough my teammate could be anything I wanted it to be. Rather, in the second one, for example Garrus has what, 4 skills? As opposed to the 15-20 he had in the first game. Theres hardly any real customization ability. Sucks hard, I was pretty disappointed in the second game.

Yeah, I miss having to level up pistols. Then level up assault rifles, then level up shotguns, then level up sniper rifles. :rolleyes:

[Piez]

Personally i prefered ME1 over ME2 but ME2 is still an awesome game,it's just different.

[Jito463]

I doubt there's anyone who would disagree that the inventory system in ME 1 was horribly broken. But I don't agree that the remedy was to completely remove it from the game.

They should have focused on fixing the system, rather than just stripping it out completely. Same way with the Mako, it should have been fixed rather than replaced by the "planet scanning" mini-game.

[Freyar]

than replaced by the "planet scanning" mini-game.

AS if the scanning minigame is any better on the PC.. Slows down mouse sensitivity pretty bad.

[KrazyKain]

as far as i'm concerned the character development (story and person wise... not stat) is were the role playing is, and this has it perfectly.

[dosbox]

AS if the scanning minigame is any better on the PC.. Slows down mouse sensitivity pretty bad.

This is the first game where a mouse with on-the-fly adjustable sensitivity has proven useful for me.

And I still prefer planet scanning over endless bouncy bouncy mako.

[KrazyKain]

lol am i the only person who enjoyed scanning planets?

[Jito463]

This is the first game where a mouse with on-the-fly adjustable sensitivity has proven useful for me.

And I still prefer planet scanning over endless bouncy bouncy mako.

I use a trackball, myself, and I had no issues with scanning the planets. Still wasn't much fun, though. Got really tedious after a while (same with the mountain climbing in the Mako).

[Megaxtar]

Yeah, I miss having to level up pistols. Then level up assault rifles, then level up shotguns, then level up sniper rifles. :rolleyes:

Pray tell how you miss this since you still have to get level ups(upgrades)in ME2? Did you actually play the game?

You didn't even notice? Must have been rolling your eyes, or that thing that sits behind them.

[D4rk Sektor]

I'm playing Mass Effect 1 for the first time, and I actually think it's a step down from Mass Effect 2. I mean, not only are the friendly and enemy bots dumb as ♥♥♥♥, but also the interface is clunkier, the combat overall is just not fun, and the maximum resolution is 1280x1024. Worse, the enemy bots sometimes charge you and fire with UT-bot-like accuracy. Now, I know that it is an RPG first and a shooter second, but still. Why include shooter combat if you're not gonna make it good? At best, the combat is tolerable, at worst, it's conflicted and rage-inducing.

I'm glad that they put more effort into making the combat in ME2. Yeah there will always be the purists who insist that they made ME worse with the second game, but I completely disagree and hope that they keep the direction they went with in 2 for Mass Effect 3.

So there, that's my rant about ME1's combat.

[neuromancer]

and the maximum resolution is 1280x1024

I think you missed the little scroll arrows on the resolution selection. You can definitely go higher than 1280x1024.

[D4rk Sektor]

I think you missed the little scroll arrows on the resolution selection. You can definitely go higher than 1280x1024.

Are you sure? I distinctly remember being quite irritated by the lack of any higher resolutions.
lol am i the only person who enjoyed scanning planets?

No, I think it's pretty fun. Not for too long, but fun nonetheless.

[neuromancer]

Are you sure? I distinctly remember being quite irritated by the lack of any higher resolutions.


Positive. When you click on the dropdown for resolution there is a scroll bar on the right side of it that's quite easy to miss in the background clutter.

[Rhylin]

They took out all the nonsense that was in ME1 and revamped ME2 completely, what more could you ask for?

[JKflipflop]

Pray tell how you miss this since you still have to get level ups(upgrades)in ME2? Did you actually play the game?

You didn't even notice? Must have been rolling your eyes, or that thing that sits behind them.

Way to not catch the joke. Try again doofus.

[Megaxtar]

Way to not catch the joke. Try again doofus.

If that was a joke, you need to try again. Flip a little more before you flop.

[D4rk Sektor]

Positive. When you click on the dropdown for resolution there is a scroll bar on the right side of it that's quite easy to miss in the background clutter.
Oh hey. Look at that. Hooray for semi-hidden arrows. I feel like a dumbass now :|
Anyway, thanks for the heads up, although it still doesn't let me run a 16:10 resolution >.<

[Megaxtar]

Oh hey. Look at that. Hooray for semi-hidden arrows. I feel like a dumbass now :|
Anyway, thanks for the heads up, although it still doesn't let me run a 16:10 resolution >.<

You may have to scroll down further, not real sure but I think 1920
x1200 16:9 is the max.

[Jito463]

Actually, 1920x1200 would be 16:10, 1920x1080 is 16:9, which is the highest resolution it shows (at least for me).

[archurban]

After just finishing ME1 and loving every part of it, i install ME2 and so disappointed...

The game just feels broken.

No skill trees, no inventory, no armor/weapon mods. Menus suck. Moving around is akward, HUD/combat display is horrible.

WTF happened? It feels like a lame arcade now.

what is your problem? I really hate ME1 because weapon, combat system are way way dull, complicated. graphic is very dark, and rough. I don't really like automatic gun without clips. it doesn't seem to be real. ME2 is awesome game. don't be screw it up.

[pox67]

what is your problem? I really hate ME1 because weapon, combat system are way way dull, complicated. graphic is very dark, and rough. I don't really like automatic gun without clips. it doesn't seem to be real. ME2 is awesome game. don't be screw it up.

He described completely what his problem is. A lot of us share that view.

[D4rk Sektor]

You may have to scroll down further, not real sure but I think 1920
x1200 16:9 is the max.
1900x1200 is 16:10 and 1920x1080 is 16:9. My primary monitor is 1680x1050, which is 16:10.

[neuromancer]

although it still doesn't let me run a 16:10 resolution >.<

Yeah, you're right about that one. All widescreen resolutions are displayed 16:9, no work around that I've seen.

[Kailieann]

I don't know what you guys are doing wrong, but Mass Effect definitely supports 1680x1050, and it's definitely on the list.

[Megaxtar]

I don't know what you guys are doing wrong, but Mass Effect definitely supports 1680x1050, and it's definitely on the list.

Talking about screen size. Only 16:9 available for all w/s resolutions. Not really a mater of right or wrong, a matter of being able to choose.

[Ph3NiX]

I have to admit, while I did enjoy ME 2, I see it to ME 1, as Invisible War was to Deus Ex (for the record, I also enjoyed Invisible War). Both sequels were good in their own way, but they didn't really match the quality of the games they were based on. In each, too much was sacrificed for "simpler" game play.

I only hope that in both DX3 and ME3, they manage to bring them back to the roots of what made it fun (but with improvements, of course).

Quote on this one!

[Ph3NiX]

lol am i the only person who enjoyed scanning planets?

lol al I the only one who liked driving the Mako around? :p

[jmdfla2004]

Talking about screen size. Only 16:9 available for all w/s resolutions. Not really a mater of right or wrong, a matter of being able to choose.

Let me interject:
Oddly the Mass Effect Screen Options shows an incorrect aspect ratio for 1920 x 1200

1920(w) x 1200(h) Screen res is actually 16-10 aspect ratio,
1920 pixels side to side and 1200 pixels top to bottom of your screen.

1920 x 1080 is a 16-9 aspect ratio

1920 pixels side to side but 1080 pixels top to bottom.

Aspect ratio refers to the ratio of the width of your screen in relation to its height.

So a 1900 X 1200 & a 1900 x 1080 would be the same width but the 1920 x 1200 has a taller screen area.

HD TV are 1080 / 16-9 ratio which is the aspect of wide screen movies. That’s why when watching a wide screen movie on a 1920 x 1200 monitor you will normally get the black bars along the top and bottom. It not a bad thing just means more screen space than image.

Also in closing: Your flat screen monitor has what is referred to as a native resolution. This is the resolution the monitor was manufactured too and the resolution in which it shows its best picture. Why? Because the res is matching the pixel layout one to one. Choosing an in game resolution other than your native resolution will result in a slightly inferior image.

Best

JMD

[Sjogre]

lol al I the only one who liked driving the Mako around? :p

I liked the Mako, I just wished that there were environments other than sheer cliffs to drive on.

[pox67]

Quote on this one!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jito463 http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/v4_images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14336569#post14336569)
I have to admit, while I did enjoy ME 2, I see it to ME 1, as Invisible War was to Deus Ex (for the record, I also enjoyed Invisible War). Both sequels were good in their own way, but they didn't really match the quality of the games they were based on. In each, too much was sacrificed for "simpler" game play.

I only hope that in both DX3 and ME3, they manage to bring them back to the roots of what made it fun (but with improvements, of course).


Yeah not sure how I missed this post but Jito463 summed it up perfectly.

Unfortunately I am too old to believe the DX3 and ME3 will be better than the originals. I do however still have hope and age can't take that away!

[Wireless56]

How the heck is Mass Effect 2 like an arcade? I used to play LOTS of arcades when I was younger. Old to new. Worst analogy ever.

[DPW]

I liked the Mako, too! But I'm a huge fan of Velociraptor Safari :) Seriously, though, when zoomed in and looking through the gun sights, it really looked like footage from tank warfare.

[Calibretto]

Successful troll is successful

[EvaUnit02]

Mass Effect 1 did support 16:10 resolutions, just not from the in-game options. You had to use the external launcher program to configure them.

[Nibwoddle]

I have no idea what any of you people are on about. ME2 is by far and away the single greatest game I have ever played. Nothing comes close, besides the original Ratchet and Clank.

[chapman.s87]

Mass Effect 2 is a little dumb down for the console. But then again we all knew this and Bioware gave you Dragon Age if you honestly need a real RPG.

Honestly though ... can I please get some upgrades in the graphics for the PC version. I mean seriously this thing barely uses my Radeon 5870. I have almost thought about forcing a few enhancements in the CCC.

[RavN]

I think ME2 had great action. Its fun but a little less tactical than it could be. However, relic really dropped the ball with the rpg elements. ME2 is mostly an action shooter that has pretend rpg elements over it that have no real impact on the game itself. There is little to no choice in character development. This is a bad thing IMO. At least the dialog and characters are fantastic. ME3 needs to add back in the character customization and overarching story elements to be a truly great game!

[noman_ex]

Don't bet on it. For all we ME3 might become virtually identical to Gears of War.

[SirRichard]

lol al I the only one who liked driving the Mako around? :p

Well I liked it partly..

There've been levels and surroundings that made it quite fun, like on Feros and Noveria.

But it was soooooo annoying to climb up those insane cliffs!

Same is true with planet scanning in ME2. After the third planet I just couldn't see any sense in this mini-game.

[BDK]

I agree. I was quite surprised to find no armors, no inventory etc. but it doesn't mean the game just plain sucks because it doesn't. It's actually pretty damn awesome. It's an rpg made for shooter fans, that is clear as daylight. Hopefully ME3 won't be lacking any of these basic rpg elements.

[surreal]

ME2 is mostly an action shooter that has pretend rpg elements over it that have no real impact on the game itself. There is little to no choice in character development. This is a bad thing IMO. At least the dialog and characters are fantastic.

Come'on, the only thing the leveling system did in ME1 was to break any challenge in the game completely, even on hardest difficulty. Insanely overpowered class like an infiltrator wasn't even fun after some point. Just gun down everything in your way with the pistol, and if enemies bite at you then also spam some immunity. The cover system was totally redundant, you didn't need it. Just stand in the middle and shoot. Money was useless, squad mates were useless, different weapons were useless. I do miss the grenades, but hey, that's what the heavy weapons are for. ME1 on insanity is just tedious, while ME2 really challenges you at some points.
Also in ME2, besides the points you get when you complete the mission there is also the aspect of money which is fairly limited, and you have to think what upgrades to purchase. You can look at it as another leveling system with different name.
Besides, ME isn't an RPG in a classical sense, because Shepard is a predefined character. That's how the series was designed, there's no point in arguing against it.

[Man Who Stares]

i remember bioware saying that me1 was more rpg because it was the game of discovering the archenemy of the trilogy,and that me2 was more combat based because its now the game of shoot first,shoot fastest to try and beat the now known archenemy.
i worry that me3 may have ship vs ship combat seeing as your main antagonist is a fleet of 3km long squid robots

[Fiszy]

They look more like squid-lobster-spider hybrids.

[Jito463]

Besides, ME isn't an RPG in a classical sense, because Shepard is a predefined character. That's how the series was designed, there's no point in arguing against it.

Not completely predefined. You can choose male or female, you can choose backstory and customize your characters class/specs and you can even customize the facial features. In fact, the only part that *is* predefined is the name, and of that, only the last name. So, how can you claim that Shepherd is a predefined character?

[NilsJ]

I thought the Mako should have stayed in as I liked the break from running around all the time. Still a LOT of the planets were boring and uninspired looking.

I also would have liked a bit more cutomization options for armor AND actually have some for weapons.

Still these are the only 2 gripes I have with ME2. In every other respect its a superior game to the original. The way I see it ALL other aspects were improved and ME2 is hands down the best gaming experience ive ever had. So far ive logged 121 hours and still coming back for more.

In case any of you think the reason I was so blown away is because of a small game collection, think again. I got 85 games on my steam account alone :-)

[surreal]

Not completely predefined. You can choose male or female, you can choose backstory and customize your characters class/specs and you can even customize the facial features. In fact, the only part that *is* predefined is the name, and of that, only the last name. So, how can you claim that Shepherd is a predefined character?

Shepard is a veteran soldier, commander actually.
Shepard is already a candidate to the Specters at the beginning of ME1.
Shepard already has a crew (and even one of them survives, at least until Virmire).

If it was an RPG then maybe I wouldn't like to be a Specter. I'd just hunt Saren down because he attacked a human colony. But you really don't get the choice in the matter.
If it was an RPG then maybe Shepard would've seen the logic (no matter how flawed) of Saren and Sovereign, and joined them instead of fighting against them. Saren offers it himself on Virmire, but there is no option to join.
Also, I don't know if you've noticed it, but there is only one way to be 100% sure that your savegame from ME1 carries onto ME2 without any LI. That is by letting your LI to die on Virmire. In all other cases your savegame will default into some LI (depends with who you talked the most, I think). Oh, and why did BW cut out same-sex relationships from ME1? The dialogues are there, you can even cheat your way through to those relationships (and they will be acknowledged in ME2, an easter egg :p).
I could go on and on, but really, be honest now. What defines a RPG? A role play, something which is only partially present in ME games. Many of the RP aspects are non-existent in ME.
It's not bad! It's just how this franchise is made.

[noman_ex]

Complete freedom RPGs are rare. Most RPG games give you the illusion of choice, but the only thing you are changing is the path, not the ending. (Fable is one of the exceptions.)

If ME3 has ship to ship combat, I will be a very happy man.

[ZcriptureZ]

If ME3 has ship to ship combat, I will be a very happy man.

You and me both. I'm kinda disappointed that there wasn't any drivable vehicles in ME2.

[surreal]

^
Well, there is the firewalker pack...

Complete freedom RPGs are rare. Most RPG games give you the illusion of choice, but the only thing you are changing is the path, not the ending. (Fable is one of the exceptions.)


If you take DA:O for instance (not the best example, but still), you can choose almost anything you want within reason.
Yes, you can't join the archdemon, but this is simply because it was never offered. Yes, you can't avoid becoming a GW, but you become one simply because the alternative is death. Besides acquiring Morigan and Alistair into your party you're given a free reign (you can even tell Morigan to leave, and make Alistair leave later).
In fact there is only one NPC who will stand by your side no matter what you do, that is Arl Eamon.

[Marauder1024]

^
Yes, you can't join the archdemon, but this is simply because it was never offered.
I've been playing on the archdemon's side the past couple days...
http://dragonage.bioware.com/dschronicles/
:-)

[Megaxtar]

The last two post would be really great discussions IF this were the place to do that. It seems this thread has gone completely off topic.

No ME2 does not suck! now lets move on before I push the red flashing Icon.

[Thb0b0r]

both ME are console games, the controls are verys imple for a reason. Now while the weapon mods in ME1 did different things to the damage, accuracy, overheat etc. etc. all weapons were essentially the same except for their stats and skins. In ME2 theres fewer weapons but they at least behave like different designs of weapons should. The assault rifles, pistols and shotguns all behave like different weapons although they fall in the same category.

[Moragami]

We're all forgetting the true innovation in ME2, that would be Miranda Lawson's skin tight space suit. I'd buy the game for that booty alone. ME2 FTW!

[xnar9]

I don't consider ME2 a RPG but boy is it fun, I have logged in over 90 hours
Yes, you can crouch but you have to edit Coalesced.ini first


All credit goes to the original poster,

Description
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\mass effect 2\BioGame\Config\PC\Cooked


F10 = HD Screenshot
F11 = Toggle HUD
F12 = Flycam
Numberpad 1 = Personalization screen anywhere + asari dancer outfit ( Note: You'll need to press Numpad 1 and refresh your outfit every time you change areas if you're wearing the asari outfit )
G = Crouch

Download link (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OFEOHHED)


Asari dancer outfit..?

[Animositisomina]

Asari dancer outfit..?

I'm guessing it's the outfit the strippers wear in the Afterlife nightclub on Omega.

[Sami69]

Not completely predefined. You can choose male or female, you can choose backstory and customize your characters class/specs and you can even customize the facial features. In fact, the only part that *is* predefined is the name, and of that, only the last name. So, how can you claim that Shepherd is a predefined character?

For me there is no other looking Shepard than default one. Because: In the game cover is default one, i played ME twice before making custom face so making different looking char would look just wrong and i never could make as fitting looking Shepard as default. I think ME 1&2 are just so undefined as linear rpg can be so i partly agree with you.

[papa75]

:)I only have one thing to say "I love'm both" and have 320 hours logged on the both of them together.-Papa75

[aCynic2]

I didn't mind the game itself, but I think BW really missed an opportunity to give Shep some depth to his character.

[mardo63]

I have well over 200 hours in me1,kinda dissapointed with 2, but am going to give it a chance.couple of questions though,,using the hammerhead is there any way to zoom the misle luancher? geting my ♥♥♥ handed to me useing the hammer,also how do you import sheperd from 1 to 2??

[Taikis]

I have well over 200 hours in me1,kinda dissapointed with 2, but am going to give it a chance.couple of questions though,,using the hammerhead is there any way to zoom the misle luancher? geting my ♥♥♥ handed to me useing the hammer,also how do you import sheperd from 1 to 2??

You don't zoom, the rocket launcher is also pretty horrible.

Copy your ME1 save from My Documents/Bioware/Mass Effect/Save to My Documents/Bioware/Mass Effect 2/Save/ME1

[p90]

Well, I also prefer ME2 over ME1 besides all the negatives ME2 introduced. But it also smoothed some from ME1 out.
But there is one thing that really annoys me with ME2.
And that show they ♥♥♥♥ed up the Paragon/Renegate System.
In ME1 it was more like this:
Renegatepoints for not following your command
Paragonpoints for being a good person.
In ME2 it was more like this:
Renegatepoints = bad person
Paragonpoints = good person
And this pissed me of to no end.
Also many choices gave you points even it it had nothing to do with any of this.

Remember the scene with Grun? There this one guy is insulting him and you have the renegate option to hit his forhead?
Why is this a renegate option? Isn't this normal behaviour for this alien species? The other guy even praises you for doing it.
Why getting renegate points for killing someone in a quick time event if you would have to shoot them anyways?

So for the moral system I hope they can fix this somehow, everything else was really good.

[Tarron_UK]

Well, I also prefer ME2 over ME1 besides all the negatives ME2 introduced. But it also smoothed some from ME1 out.
But there is one thing that really annoys me with ME2.
And that show they ♥♥♥♥ed up the Paragon/Renegate System.
In ME1 it was more like this:
Renegatepoints for not following your command
Paragonpoints for being a good person.
In ME2 it was more like this:
Renegatepoints = bad person
Paragonpoints = good person
And this jarateed me of to no end.
Also many choices gave you points even it it had nothing to do with any of this.

Remember the scene with Grun? There this one guy is insulting him and you have the renegate option to hit his forhead?
Why is this a renegate option? Isn't this normal behaviour for this alien species? The other guy even praises you for doing it.
Why getting renegate points for killing someone in a quick time event if you would have to shoot them anyways?

So for the moral system I hope they can fix this somehow, everything else was really good.


I think with the quicktime events, it was about honourable combat, leaving the scene alone would give you an honourable fight scene face to face, where as using the renegade option would be dishonourable, but more effective

[p90]

I think with the quicktime events, it was about honourable combat, leaving the scene alone would give you an honourable fight scene face to face, where as using the renegade option would be dishonourable, but more effective

This might have been there intention but there are still many non combat related that do the same thing.
Examples:
Grunds teenager ceremony
Shooting Elona (someone pulls a gun to your face and you do just stand there? Hello anybody here?)
The scared guy in the tower. Knocking him out gives you renegate points. Why? He has clearly lost it and points a gun at you. He may hurt you and others. Knocking him out does not permanently harm him or any other person in any way.

Just watch this:
Renegate Mass Effect 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy-eRfupYbA

Renegate Mass Effect 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PjTuSQNLI4

Do you see that I mean?
The normal choices are okay, but this stupid quick time events are feel wrong!

And the scene at the bar. Are you kidding me? I get renegate points because I am acting as like a jerk to act as bait and I still get renegate points?