Mass Effect 2 is an action role-playing video game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. It is the second installment in the Mass Effect series and the sequel to the original Mass Effect game. The game was released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2010, and for Microsoft Windows in 2011.
The game's story takes place in the year 2185, and follows Commander Shepard, as they work to stop a new alien threat known as the Collectors from abducting entire human colonies. The game features an open world environment and offers players the ability to customize their character's abilities and weapons, as well as the ability to interact with and recruit a diverse cast of alien characters.
The game received critical acclaim upon release, with many praising the game's improved graphics, tighter gameplay, and more compelling story. Many considered it to be one of the best role-playing games of all time, and it won numerous awards, including several "Game of the Year" awards.
One of the main features of Mass Effect 2 is the ability to recruit and command a squad of characters, known as "companions". Each companion has their own unique abilities, personalities, and story arcs, and the player can choose to bring two of them along on each mission. The player can also build relationships with these companions, both romantically and platonically, which can affect how they react to the player's choices and decisions.
Another key aspect of the game is the player's ability to make choices that affect the outcome of the story. These choices can range from small dialogue options to major decisions that can change the entire course of the game. This adds a level of replayability to the game, as players can make different choices on subsequent playthroughs to see how the story changes.
The game's combat mechanics have also been significantly improved, with a greater emphasis on cover-based shooting and squad commands. The player can also upgrade their character's abilities and weapons, and use a variety of biotic powers and tech abilities to gain an advantage in combat.
The game's visuals were also praised at the time of release, the game's character and alien designs, as well as the detailed worlds and environments players can explore.
In summary, Mass Effect 2 builds on the strengths of the original game and adds new features, such as an improved combat system and more detailed character interactions, to create an even more immersive and engaging experience for players.