A perfect epilogue after finishing Mass Effect 2 -- an epic chase filled with jaw-dropping moments.

User Rating: 9 | Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker PC
As much as I enjoyed Overlord for its creepy atmosphere and smart storytelling, Lair of the Shadow Broker makes a bigger impact overall to the Mass Effect universe. Whereas most of ME2's missions have a decidedly TV feel -- discover a problem, resolve the problem, get out of town -- something about Shadow Broker feels more epic, like a classic film instead of a TV episode. This is probably largely due to the history you may (or may not) have with the game's two main characters, Liara and the Shadow Broker, and the ramifications this DLC has on the world's overall fiction.

If you had a romance with Liara in the first game, I'm sure you noticed how cold she was to your character in ME2. In that case, playing through this DLC will give you exactly what you may have been hoping for in the base game. Liara barely acknowledges you in ME2, and here you find out why. At the risk of sounding a little dramatic, it's actually an emotional story that might tug the heartstrings depending on how much you care for her character. Liara feels more developed as a person and the relationship between her and Shepard feels way more authentic this time around. Bioware even includes a touching epilogue with Liara after your main mission is done that can play out multiple ways depending on your character's actions over the past two games.

Shadow Broker is a fast-paced adventure. There's some brilliant combat design here in gorgeous environments, but you'll be storming the gates of the Shadow Broker's HQ before you know it. It's a little unfortunate Bioware didn't spin this particular tale a bit more slowly, but then again, when the storytelling is this good, it's going to feel like a fast page-turner no matter what the intended pacing is. All in all, this is an essential DLC pack that gives a sweet send-off to ME2 while perfectly setting the stage to get you pumped for Mass Effect 3.