Mass Effect 2 teaser

[TinCow]

I've started my second playthrough and will make a few comments to modify what I said earlier about ME. First, while the combat is simplistic, it is kind of fun. The relatively few abilities are made up for by the use of cover and other tactical considerations of ranged combat. I also give two-thumbs up to the combat ability interface; an excellent method of managing an entire party quickly and easily.

Which only makes the inventory system even more horrendous. How can they have done the combat interface so well, but created what is truly the worst inventory system I have ever seen? Seriously... this is even worse than Fallout 1/2. In most RPGs, the post-quest loot distribution and shopping runs are fun. In ME, it's so much of a pain in the butt that I actively try to put it off as long as possible.

So far, I stand by my comments regarding the plot: the game is extremely linear and there aren't many substantial choices to be made. I totally forgot about one aspect of the game that makes no sense to me: Paragon/Renegade points. Why can you get both at once? That makes no sense, surely gaining points in 'Alien-Loving Nice Guy' should take away points from 'Isolationist Egomaniac'?

In summary, with about 5-6 hours into my second playthrough I will temper my criticism of ME a bit. It's a fun game and provides decent entertainment, but far from a classic of the genre. A very middle of the road effort that seems on par with NWN2.