This makes the first Mass Effect look like KOTOR 2.
The first thing that I loved was how every decision you made in the first game, crossed over to this one. Which really helps make the story and experience YOURS. After starting the game, the opening cut-scene starts. And it is one of the few cut-scenes in a video game I have experienced that actually left me in awe. After seeing the Normandy blown to pieces and Shepard fall towards a distant planet I didn't know what to think, other then this is going to be one epic experience.
Story wise, this has to be up there with my favorites. The only hope in the universe lies in the hands on one man, Shepard. And boy is his hands full... Having to deal with the Reapers or the Collectors is an impossible task for any person, but Shepard has to deal with both. Shepard has the task of gathering a small group for a suicide mission - to stop the Collectors. Shepard has no qualms about going on a suicide mission, as long as he stops this threat.
The gameplay was quite a surprising improvement from the original, which was pretty much run and gun. But this one has you strategically attack your enemies. Though the missions can get a little dull after a while, having to collect partner after partner. But the small sense of dull quickly shifts to excitement when you enter a firefight, or are graced with the cutscene. And don't think your going to be collecting partners so they can just sit on the ship while you play your favorite characters, all your partners will need to be leveled up and in tip-top shape for the end of the game.
As far as everything else this game has to offer, there is little falter. The graphics are amazing, the final cut-scenes as you enter the Omega 4 relay were breathtaking and left me speechless. Few games have ever left me in such a state. The voice acting is top notch, the voice actor for male Shepard fits the role perfectly. And every other character is brought to life with the spot on voice acting. The soundtrack fits, having the perfect music for every situation. All in all, the game is polished down to the small details.
Mass Effect 2 didn't jump to the spot of my favorite 360 game because it's half-assed. It jumped to that spot because of the games massive universe, it's spectacular story, t's cast of unique characters and alien races and above all the hard work and attention to detail that you can see was put into this game. I thought Resident Evil 5 coming out on my birthday years ago was something to celebrate. Well move over Resident Evil, Mass Effect 3 coming out near my birthday is going to be an EVENT for me.