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Bioware should just rename themselves "Bio-WOW" at this point.

Fans of Knights Of The Old Republic, Baldur's Gate, and Dragon Age: Origins have been waiting with baited breath for Bioware's follow up to their successful Mass Effect title released a couple of years ago on the Xbox 360 and PC. With all the hype and anticipation surrounding the release of Mass Effect 2, tons of promotions, all Bioware can go from here is down right? You couldn't be more wrong, as not only does Mass Effect 2 live up to the expectations, it blows them into orbit with one of the most engrossing, addictive, gorgeous, well told, and wonderfully made RPG/Shooters of all time. There really is no way to put it into words, so the only thing to do is play it for yourself to realize that Mass Effect 2 isn't just a game, it's an experience that will make PS3-only owners green with envy on the exclusive rights held by the Xbox 360 and PC.

While you don't necessarily have to have played the first Mass Effect to enjoy the experience, it is true that the reward for doing so not only will provide a better familiarity for Shepard and cast of characters, but Bioware went the extra mile by allowing gamers to port their Shepard character over from the first to the second title so that the story and decisions made span over two games. This is a first of its kind feature, and I'm sure will be mimicked in the future as well. Don't fret however if you have not played the first game, as Mass Effect 2 provides enough info and background story that will clue in unfamiliar gamers as well. If anything, it may encourage you to buy the first if only to experience the game as Bioware intended it, as a continuation.

To say that Mass Effect 2 pushes the 360 would be an understatement. Without a doubt ME 2 is not only one of the best looking Xbox 360 titles to date, but possibly one of the most impressive and detailed games this reviewer has ever played. The game takes you across many different planets, each one immersive in size, lush with detail, and varying in atmosphere from one to the next. No two planets are alike, which makes this game feel so rich. The same holds true for the massive cast of characters you encounter which not only vary from the main plot driven actors, but even the enemies you come across and subtle insignificant creatures who are either just background fodder or simple guides also get more than just a pallet swap. This attention to diversity allows the world of ME 2 feel genuine and alive. Heck, even space itself is more beautiful than when I was a kid. Growing up, space was unveiled to me as a black cloth like backdrop with pinholes that allowed the light to come through which represented stars. Mass Effect 2's space is colorful, full of life and gases, and brimming with a splendor that makes me want to go back in time and become an astronaut. Most impressive is the game's textures are so detailed and sharp that you could easily mistake some cut scenes as CG instead of the real time engine. I for one am happy to be a part of gaming evolution when it comes to visuals. It seems like yesterday the family was gathered around the TV playing PONG, and now look where we are. It's not just the game's presentation that is awe-inspiring, but the sequel is much more user friendly when it comes to future objectives, upgrades, and simplicity of the layout that will make novices welcome and pros to the series thankful.

Mass Effect 2's visuals are just one of the true highlights of the game. The sound is just as impressive starting with the game's wonderfully orchestrated score that will put you through the emotional ringer as much as the story itself. The sound effects are also impressive and will put your surround sound system to work as it immerses you into the surroundings. I'd be a fool not to mention the fantastic voice work that help to tell the story, get you emotionally drawn into the characters, but provide that I'm playing a epic movie feeling as a the acting isn't forced and feels completely authentic. With both the visuals and sounds completely complimenting each other, I couldn't help myself to notice times when I was smiling, in shock, or saddened by the events that unfold throughout the game. The story and characters are indeed this rich and could easily have a film derived from this universe.

Mass Effect 2's point A to B objectivess could take gamers roughly 20 hours to complete, but anyone who knows this series or is appreciative of the vast array of characters won't be going the point of a straight line. The side quests aren't just filler, they will introduce you to new characters, places, and even shed light on what makes some of your crew members tick and what's more, expand their already historic backgrounds. Toss in future DLC that, like the first Mass Effect, isn't just skins and drop points, but also adds more to the storyline and universe. This all goes without mentioning that you could literally play this game a few times though and get completely different outcomes as the questions you answer, decisions you make, and the path you take towards being a renegade or a hero all play out completely differently. How far the game branches out is completely up to you. Make people happy and more is opened to you on their branching storyline, piss them off and that branch closes. You even have the problems of, like in real life, making choices which can make one group happy and the other upset leaving you to choose which branching storyline to take. Toss in the fact that the decisions you made if you carry over your old Shepard from the first Mass Effect come into play and you have a game that can be carried on for hundreds of hours if you so incline.

Now I'd be lying if I were to say this game is perfect, which it isn't. Some glitches come into play here and there, controls can be touchy or not precise enough at times, and the other blah, blah, blah that comes with most games. In defense, the game doesn't deserve someone to critique it over what it didn't accomplish or any small insignificant issues that pop up on that rare occasion. This is a game that deserves the merit upon its entire package. With that being said, Mass Effect 2 will not only go down as one of the best gaming experiences you could ever have, but may finally let some gamers let go of the past and instead of saying, "the developers of KOTOR" all the time, they may rejoice in the fact that they can proudly exclaim, "the developers of the Mass Effect saga." This is a series that deserves its own place in gaming history and while there will always be comparisons of where it originated from. It's nice to know that there can be a story told in space that is so epic, so intelligent, and so rewarding, that doesn't have to have the word "Star" in its title.