5th

By way of a logistics error, communications break down or just a mistake, I’ve received a copy of Mass Effect 2. I’ll be honest, I’m not the right guy to review this game. I’ve got many reasons but if I had to pick two – I don’t like RPGs and I never played the original. Plus Daniel already wrote a flattering review of the game earlier in the week.

So I had a dilemma on my hands and despite being less than a meter away from an untouched copy of Mass Effect 1, I jumped straight into the sequel. Why? Well all the praise and hype surrounding Mass Effect 2 was about how much better it was as a game over the original and more importantly, how much less of an RPG it was.

I’ve got to be honest, I’m nearly 3 hours in and I’m still just wondering around Omega. It’s not a particularly huge space but the vibe reminds me of The Nomad Soul and Blade Runner – two pieces of entertainment that gave a great sense of atmosphere and that I’d list among favourite past times (And I’m talking about the Blade Runner game here). That’s why I’m probably enjoying the visuals, vibe and general appearance of Mass Effect’s world rather than the game itself.

I know it’s early days yet but I’m not actually enjoying the combat as much as I thought I would. When compared to other third person shooters it doesn’t really come close. Nevertheless the atmosphere and eye candy will keep me playing but seeing as I’m not reviewing it, I’ll be able to take it slow. Something I haven’t done with a game for… probably three years; which coincidentally is how long I’ve been writing about games.