Print this page
With the recent release of The Arrival, the last piece of DLC for the popular title, this argument shows little signs of fading anytime soon. The new content is designed to bridge the gap between Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, which is supposed to hit later this year. Is BioWare able to deliver on this DLC the same way they have in the past for Mass Effect 2, or does the last DLC for this title whimper out like the last DLC (Witch Hunt) for Dragon Age: Origins did?
The Arrival kicks off with a message from an old Alliance friend, Admiral Hackett. He requests that Shepard break into a Batarian prison to rescue his friend, Dr. Amanda Kenson. He also mentions that Kenson has proof of an imminent Reaper attack, and since we've been told about the Reapers since the first installment, it is definitely worth the outing. As I said earlier though, Kenson is in a prison and you have to rescue her, with no help from your loyal squad. This created a sense of stealth action, something the series isn't known for, and showed just how well the good commander would do on a solo rescue mission.
Without giving too much away, the linear nature of this DLC can feel overpowering at moments. However, it only feels this way in a few spots, generally right after combat. Even then, it doesn't feel too different from previous DLC for the title, except this one creates a sense of urgency that can cause the player to instinctively rush through the playthrough and miss a couple of things. Yes, the rumors are true; the DLC will only take you roughly an hour to an hour-and-a-half on the most difficult setting. Even if you take control and search everywhere as you progress, the time increases at such a nonsensical rate that full exploration doesn't really warrant a feeling of long gameplay, more like expected gameplay.
Exploring the environment does grant you more credits, various elements used in upgrades, and a few random data pads. There are also voice recordings, which all relate to the story of this DLC. Overall, it doesn't have a lot to offer those who want to explore more of the world of Mass Effect 2, and this really sucks. It feels more like a chapter in Gears of War with the fleeting moments of discussion and then waves of enemies to tide you over while getting from point A to point B.
More: http://cheatcc.com/pc/rev/masseffect2arrivalreview.html#.UU4REDcpqFU
Saturday, 23 March 2013 20:49
Mass Effect 2: Arrival Review
Either Mass Effect is a series that you love or you don't get the importance behind it. While most fans of the series have found this completely mind blowing, I can see the point. On one hand, you have a deep and involving storyline that plays off the RPG elements infused with the game. On the other hand, you have a shooter-based title with more linearity than what RPG fans tend to stomach.
With the recent release of The Arrival, the last piece of DLC for the popular title, this argument shows little signs of fading anytime soon. The new content is designed to bridge the gap between Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, which is supposed to hit later this year. Is BioWare able to deliver on this DLC the same way they have in the past for Mass Effect 2, or does the last DLC for this title whimper out like the last DLC (Witch Hunt) for Dragon Age: Origins did?
The Arrival kicks off with a message from an old Alliance friend, Admiral Hackett. He requests that Shepard break into a Batarian prison to rescue his friend, Dr. Amanda Kenson. He also mentions that Kenson has proof of an imminent Reaper attack, and since we've been told about the Reapers since the first installment, it is definitely worth the outing. As I said earlier though, Kenson is in a prison and you have to rescue her, with no help from your loyal squad. This created a sense of stealth action, something the series isn't known for, and showed just how well the good commander would do on a solo rescue mission.
Without giving too much away, the linear nature of this DLC can feel overpowering at moments. However, it only feels this way in a few spots, generally right after combat. Even then, it doesn't feel too different from previous DLC for the title, except this one creates a sense of urgency that can cause the player to instinctively rush through the playthrough and miss a couple of things. Yes, the rumors are true; the DLC will only take you roughly an hour to an hour-and-a-half on the most difficult setting. Even if you take control and search everywhere as you progress, the time increases at such a nonsensical rate that full exploration doesn't really warrant a feeling of long gameplay, more like expected gameplay.
Exploring the environment does grant you more credits, various elements used in upgrades, and a few random data pads. There are also voice recordings, which all relate to the story of this DLC. Overall, it doesn't have a lot to offer those who want to explore more of the world of Mass Effect 2, and this really sucks. It feels more like a chapter in Gears of War with the fleeting moments of discussion and then waves of enemies to tide you over while getting from point A to point B.
More: http://cheatcc.com/pc/rev/masseffect2arrivalreview.html#.UU4REDcpqFU
Published in
Games
Tagged under
Related items
-
Get The Most Out Of Your PS3 With Wireless Headphones
If you aren't using headphones when playing on your PS3, it's likely that you're missing out. Even if you're just listening to music on your PS3, it's great to be able to walk around your home without having to stop. While most gamers dwell upon the graphics, developers spend just as much money on the game's audio. With most of your favourite games being designed for surround sound audio, one of the best ways to enjoy this is with wireless headphones. Bargain Basement -
Choosing The Right PS3 Bluetooth Gaming Headset
Your PS3 will accept any Bluetooth headset so with the range of products available, choosing one can be quite tricky. The advantage of a non-wired headset is obvious; you gain freedom of movement and convenience. There are a wide range of features on different wireless headsets and you have to be realistic about the quality you can expect for the price tag. Let's look at ways you can pick the right headset for your needs. On A Budget? You can buy Bluetooth headsets -
MySims
About a year ago I wrote a review for MySims on the DS. It was a cute game, but compared to what I’d read about the version available on the Wii, as well as the complexity of Animal Crossing Wild World, MySims on the DS was just way too light. I’m pleased to say I’ve been given the chance to make amends for the above review, with the new release of MySims for PC gamers. And as I hoped, it is a much, much better game. -
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam Review
Calling Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam a simple map pack would be doing this add-on an injustice. On the surface, it would seem like a typical piece of downloadable content: four maps (a fifth is to come later), new weapons, and new vehicles all designed around Vietnam-era combat.
-
FIFA Soccer 13 Review
Let's get this out of the way first: FIFA Soccer 13 on the Wii U is not a straight port of the game found on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. There's no improved first-touch system, FIFA Street-inspired dribbling, or any of the tweaks made to the physics engine. And most disappointingly, there's no sign of the wonderfully addictive FIFA Ultimate Team.