11 years ago, Mass Effect 2 came out. We already have threads fondly remembering its widely-loved launch trailer, but it's so important to remember just how much that game delivered on all that hype and expectations, becoming one of the highest-rated games of all time, one of the most beloved titles of its generation, and still being fondly remembered as the pinnacle of Bioware's output.
While it's not a flawless game (hello "planet scanning") and you can levy legitimate arguments against its overarching story (the Collector storyline is admittedly weak) and it did a lot to streamline the RPG mechanics of the original and removed a lot of the exploration and gear customization... it just did so much more, with some of the most exciting character missions in video game history, with vastly improved and responsive combat, with better production values, an incredible voice cast, a massive scope, and some truly stunning DLC support.
11 years ago today, I was powering through the game, jaw legit dropping as the game took the template of the original game and deftly evolved it, while showing the fruits of its "decisions-carry-over" save system. Fans of the original had dramatic twists and turns that kept us on our toes. And most excitingly we were all doing this in real-time - comparing notes and seeing which choices from the original game were altering the story compared to someone else, while enjoying the new perspective and worlds introduced in the sequel with fresh eyes. From the seedy underbelly of Afterlife to the post-apocalyptic ruins of Tuchanka, we were in for a significantly darker, grittier, and more morally complicated story, one where the right decisions felt more difficult.
But none of that compares to the blitz we all had with the legendary Suicide Run.
What a RUSH. I doubt a moment in history like that can ever properly be replicated. I was glued to the Bioware Social Network as people took a deep breath and dived into the final mission. Nobody knew the exact behind-the-curtain system that was running the Suicide Mission. People who didn't take their time to prepare were met with catastrophic failure. Anyone and everyone could die, and we began to see that pan out on the message boards. "Oh god, I lost Mordin!". "No! NO! Samara! DAMMIT!" "Guys... I can't believe it. Grunt didn't make it".
There was so much anger and despair... but then so much triumph on the other end. "My heart stopped. I thought I'd lost Tali in the vents!". "Oh hell! Garrus was shot! Garrus was... oh, thank goodness!" "YOU SHOW 'EM JACK! YOU MY GIRL!", etc.
The weight of every decision felt like it truly mattered, and the knowledge that if a character died then they wouldn't appear in Mass Effect 3 lingered hard over the entire mission. Who do you choose as your 2nd unit squad leader? Who do you send through the vents? Who is your Biotic shield? Make your choices wisely, and hope you got all your characters loyal.
And... that was over a decade ago. Two console generations ago now. A whole new generation of gamers have come that have never experienced Mass Effect 2, and I'm absolutely giddy that the trilogy will be released soon on modern systems for a new wave of players to experience.
With a re-release imminent, this is a special anniversary as we reflect on what was once there before. From the art to the music to the characters, Mass Effect 2 still is firmly entrenched as one of my favorite games of all time.
For the veterans who went through the trenches back in 2010 and afterward, what were your thoughts? What were your favorite memories?
For the newcomers, are you going to jump in this year? What are your expectations?
Either way, it's going to be a great year for Mass Effect, and this is a very special birthday to a very special game, one that changed the way I view gaming as a whole.
While it's not a flawless game (hello "planet scanning") and you can levy legitimate arguments against its overarching story (the Collector storyline is admittedly weak) and it did a lot to streamline the RPG mechanics of the original and removed a lot of the exploration and gear customization... it just did so much more, with some of the most exciting character missions in video game history, with vastly improved and responsive combat, with better production values, an incredible voice cast, a massive scope, and some truly stunning DLC support.
11 years ago today, I was powering through the game, jaw legit dropping as the game took the template of the original game and deftly evolved it, while showing the fruits of its "decisions-carry-over" save system. Fans of the original had dramatic twists and turns that kept us on our toes. And most excitingly we were all doing this in real-time - comparing notes and seeing which choices from the original game were altering the story compared to someone else, while enjoying the new perspective and worlds introduced in the sequel with fresh eyes. From the seedy underbelly of Afterlife to the post-apocalyptic ruins of Tuchanka, we were in for a significantly darker, grittier, and more morally complicated story, one where the right decisions felt more difficult.
But none of that compares to the blitz we all had with the legendary Suicide Run.
What a RUSH. I doubt a moment in history like that can ever properly be replicated. I was glued to the Bioware Social Network as people took a deep breath and dived into the final mission. Nobody knew the exact behind-the-curtain system that was running the Suicide Mission. People who didn't take their time to prepare were met with catastrophic failure. Anyone and everyone could die, and we began to see that pan out on the message boards. "Oh god, I lost Mordin!". "No! NO! Samara! DAMMIT!" "Guys... I can't believe it. Grunt didn't make it".
There was so much anger and despair... but then so much triumph on the other end. "My heart stopped. I thought I'd lost Tali in the vents!". "Oh hell! Garrus was shot! Garrus was... oh, thank goodness!" "YOU SHOW 'EM JACK! YOU MY GIRL!", etc.
The weight of every decision felt like it truly mattered, and the knowledge that if a character died then they wouldn't appear in Mass Effect 3 lingered hard over the entire mission. Who do you choose as your 2nd unit squad leader? Who do you send through the vents? Who is your Biotic shield? Make your choices wisely, and hope you got all your characters loyal.
And... that was over a decade ago. Two console generations ago now. A whole new generation of gamers have come that have never experienced Mass Effect 2, and I'm absolutely giddy that the trilogy will be released soon on modern systems for a new wave of players to experience.
With a re-release imminent, this is a special anniversary as we reflect on what was once there before. From the art to the music to the characters, Mass Effect 2 still is firmly entrenched as one of my favorite games of all time.
For the veterans who went through the trenches back in 2010 and afterward, what were your thoughts? What were your favorite memories?
For the newcomers, are you going to jump in this year? What are your expectations?
Either way, it's going to be a great year for Mass Effect, and this is a very special birthday to a very special game, one that changed the way I view gaming as a whole.
