Mass Effect 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Mass Effect 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"If the player trusts you enough, they are not going to savescum": Why the makers of some of the best RPGs on PC want you to get used to failing
Several RPG developers discuss the concept of player failure in digital versus tabletop role-playing games. They explore how game design can encourage players to embrace failure as a narrative tool rather than something to be avoided through savescumming, emphasizing trust and agency.
Exodus lets you do polyamory, but the Mass Effect-like RPG's companions won't all be happy about it
The upcoming RPG Exodus will feature a complex romance system where players can pursue multiple companions, but not without consequences. Narrative director Drew Karpyshyn explains that not all companions will be comfortable with polyamory, and these choices will impact affinity and story progression, aiming for a more realistic approach to relationships than typically seen in games.
BioWare crunched "21 days on, one day off" making Mass Effect, says former dev: "That was really, really…
Former BioWare cinematic designer Armando Troisi revealed that the development of the original Mass Effect involved extreme crunch, with teams working "21 days on, one day off" to meet impossible goals set by director Casey Hudson. Despite the grueling conditions and technical challenges of using a new engine, IP, and console, Troisi expressed pride in the final product, calling it a profound interactive film.
Exodus is a great modernization of Mass Effect, with only awkward dialogue letting it down
Exodus, a new RPG, shows promise as a modernization of the Mass Effect formula with engaging third-person combat and a compelling world. While the core gameplay mechanics and character abilities are strong, the dialogue is noted as awkward and cheesy, potentially hindering the narrative's impact.
Dragon Age Origins is a broken mess. Thankfully, six devs are trying to change that
Dragon Age: Origins, a beloved fantasy RPG, suffers from significant performance issues on PC, making it difficult for new players to enjoy. A dedicated team of six developers is working to decompile its source code for modernization and improved modding support, aiming for a community-managed release without direct profit motive.
GTA 4 Was the Xbox 360’s ‘We Mean Business’ Moment Against the PS3
The article argues that Grand Theft Auto IV's release and subsequent exclusive downloadable content on the Xbox 360 marked a cultural peak for the console in its competition against the PlayStation 3. This period, from Fall 2007 through April 2008, is highlighted as one of the best six-month runs for any console, featuring a strong lineup of titles including Halo 3 and Mass Effect.
Exodus’ Relationships Can Be Affected by Player Choices in Optional Content, Says Narrative Director
Narrative director Drew Karpyshyn of Archetype Entertainment discussed the relationship system in the upcoming RPG Exodus, drawing comparisons to Mass Effect. He confirmed that player choices, even in optional content, will significantly impact character relationships and can lead to companions leaving the player's party by the end of the game. Exodus is set for release on April 7th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn swings for the Mass Effect crown, but struggles to match my enthusiasm for the TV show
Despite Owlcat Games' pedigree, an hour with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn failed to impress, struggling to showcase its RPG elements and instead focusing on combat and TV show ties. The demo highlighted solid cover shooting mechanics but lacked depth in role-playing choices and character interaction, leaving the reviewer unenthusiastic about its potential.
Mass Effect Team Can Make a Great Game if Left Alone, Says Former Cinematic Designer
Former Mass Effect cinematic designer Armando Troisi believes the current BioWare team can create a great new Mass Effect game if left to their own devices, citing the presence of original developers. He contrasts this with the challenges of the live-service era and corporate interference, expressing optimism for BioWare's ability to excel at narrative-driven RPGs. However, concerns are raised about Electronic Arts' financial situation and potential focus on live-service titles.
A hobby dev built a free, 3D galaxy map for Warhammer 40K that loads like lightning in your browser
A hobby developer has created a free, 3D interactive galaxy map for Warhammer 40,000, accessible via a web browser. The tool, named Cartographia Imperialis, allows users to explore planets and regions, offering lore entries and loading quickly without ads. The creator, Sami Gashi, is considering making similar maps for other fictional universes.
2026 is the best year ever for video games and GTA 6 isn’t even out yet - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2026 will be the best year for video games, despite industry challenges, citing a packed release schedule including titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered. The author highlights numerous anticipated games across various genres and platforms, suggesting a peak in gaming quality.
Ex-BioWare designer says doom and gloom about the next Mass Effect is overstated: 'I think that they can do…
Former BioWare designer Armando Troisi believes skepticism surrounding the next Mass Effect game is overstated, asserting that the studio excels at single-player, narrative-driven RPGs when left to their own devices. He suggests that the studio needs to return to its core formula, free from the pressures of live-service development and external stakeholders, to recapture its former glory.
BioWare doesn't need advice for Mass Effect 4, says veteran designer, as long as "people get out of the way"
Veteran designer Armando Troisi believes BioWare's current team, which includes many original developers, doesn't need outside advice for the next Mass Effect game. He emphasizes that allowing the creators to work without interference is key to producing the magic they are known for, particularly in single-player, narrative-driven RPGs.
Mass Effect successor Exodus won’t let you bang the octopus party member
Archetype Entertainment's upcoming RPG Exodus, developed by former BioWare staff, will feature romance options similar to Mass Effect but will not allow players to romance an intelligent octopus character. The game's director stated that romance scenes will be tasteful and fade to black, unlike the more explicit scenes in Baldur's Gate 3. Meanwhile, updates on the next Mass Effect game remain scarce, with concerns about Electronic Arts' potential interference and monetization strategies impacting BioWare's development.
Playing Mass Effect-inspired RPG Exodus was an uncomfortably familiar space trip, despite some brilliant zero-G fights
The preview of Exodus, an RPG inspired by Mass Effect, highlights brilliant zero-G combat sequences but criticizes familiar corridor battles and bland characters. Despite some promising mechanics, the game risks feeling uninspired if it doesn't develop its unique ideas further.
Playing Mass Effect spiritual successor Exodus was the best kind of surprise
Exodus, a spiritual successor to Mass Effect developed by Archetype Entertainment, offers a compelling blend of action combat and deep player agency. The preview highlights a mission focused on infiltrating a space station, showcasing the game's striking visuals, flexible combat system with diverse companion abilities, and a narrative that emphasizes meaningful choices with long-term consequences, including a unique time dilation mechanic.
Exodus Narrative Director Explains Romance, Relationships, and Mass Effect Comparisons in New Sci-fi RPG
The narrative director for the upcoming sci-fi RPG Exodus, who previously worked on Mass Effect, discussed how the game will handle romance and relationships. He aims to differentiate Exodus from its inspirations while still offering compelling narrative choices.
How Explicit Are the Sex Scenes in Exodus? It Sounds Like Mass Effect Fans Will Find Them Familiar
The developers of the upcoming game Exodus have been asked about the explicitness of its sex scenes, with comparisons drawn to the Mass Effect series. The article aims to clarify how familiar Mass Effect fans will find these elements.
Don’t Write Off Exodus As Some Mass Effect Rip-Off | Preview Impressions
This preview of Exodus aims to dispel comparisons to Mass Effect, highlighting the game's unique qualities. It suggests that while there are superficial similarities, Exodus offers its own distinct experience that players should not dismiss.
Exodus steps out of Mass Effect's shadow with combat that builds on BioWare's RPG and a galaxy that I'm…
Exodus, a new RPG from Archetype Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast, shows promise as a spiritual successor to Mass Effect. A 60-minute combat-focused demo highlighted engaging gameplay mechanics, a compelling cast of companions, and a deep universe with unique 'Awakened' species. While the full impact of its choice and consequence system remains to be seen, the game is shaping up to be a highly anticipated RPG.
