Mass Effect 2 PS3 Review (9/10)

Last year Mass Effect 2 (10/10) made big waves in the world of gaming as it did the rounds on Xbox 360 and PC, garnering universal acclaim as it improved its plot, visuals and game-play after the promising start with the 360-only original (8.5/10). So why doesn't the PlayStation 3 version get the same excellent score? Ironically enough, the lack of the flawed original on Sony's console makes the revamped sequel a less appealing prospect, forcing players to sit through a tiresome fifteen minute animated comic depicting the events of the first game and asking for some deceptively simple decisions to be made. This is a big mistake on developer BioWare's part really, as it is those same choices that have a major impact on the storyline of the second instalment and will ultimately determine Shepherd's fate in the finale due out this Winter. Despite BioWare claiming that the PS3 version now runs on the Mass Effect 3 engine, there's still very little difference in how the game plays, and the sense still remains that there was too much in the way of shooting and not enough RPG elements in ME2. As 2010 opened and we knew not what the year had in store, before Red Dead Redemption; Super Mario Galaxy 2; Halo Reach and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood hit shelves, we forgave Mass Effect 2 all its sins since it was such a major step above its predecessor. Now, with all those chart-toppers readily available and with Marvel VS Capcom 3; Portal 2; L.A Noire; Batman Arkham City; Gears of War 3; Assassin's Creed III and of course Mass Effect 3 on their way in months to come, Mass Effect 2 for PS3 has lost a little of the bravado and swagger the first version had, and that Mass Effect 1 will never hit Sony's hardware (I can already hear 360 owners screaming in triumph) certainly does it no favours. Were it not for the impressive replay value, this wouldn't get a recommendation, but if you only have a PS3 and want to catch up then go out and buy Mass Effect 2!