The Many Failures of Mass Effect 2

 jdevore No Comments »
 Features, News, Opinion, Reviews

One of our writers posted a critique of the latest wildly-popular BioWare RPG, Mass Effect 2, on our sister site, InfoAddict, and it’s seriously stirred up the emotions of quite a few fanboys so we thought we’d reprint it here for you to enjoy (or hate) too. (If you’d like to read some of the encouraging comments and fiery criticisms left on the original post, you can find it here.)

http://loyalkng.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/mass-effect-643.jpg

With an average score of 96 on Metacritic, one would be justified in believing Mass Effect 2 has little room for improvement. An overwhelming majority of so-called game critics have weighed-in, predictably showering Bioware’s latest RPG with roses and garlands.

Bioware is one of a select number of game companies that receives a +3 modifier in review scores. So take an average game that would normally receive a 7, add Bioware’s name to the box, and oila! Instant 10. While this may be great for Bioware’s bottom-line, it’s actually a grave disservice to the company and gamers, not to mention a glowing example of everything that is wrong in game journalism; criticism specifically.

Having played and finished Mass Effect 2, I can safely say, without reservation or hesitation, that Bioware’s latest RPG is a complete mess, from top-to-bottom and not a product worthy of Bioware’s heritage.

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1 Bolt2 Bolts3 Bolts4 Bolts5 Bolts (Ratings Average: 3.00 out of 5)
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Uncharted 2: Critics Blinded by Beauty?

 cjensen 8 Comments »
 Features, Opinion, Reviews

uncharted-2 map

Uncharted 2 is enjoying stellar reviews, riding high with a 96 average on Metacritic and standing tall as the critical darling of 2009. In fact, the lowest score a critic could muster was an impressive 9, meaning Uncharted 2 must be damn-near perfect in every way. Unfortunately, my experience with Uncharted 2, which I played to completion, was not that of a 9-10 rated game. Quite the contrary.

Before I launch an attack on Uncharted 2, allow me to proclaim some praise where it is due.

Lush, Detailed Graphics

Uncharted 2 is one of the most beautiful-looking games you’ve ever seen. The attention to detail, set design, and tons of little touches all conspire to push the PS3 to its maximum capability. The artists and level designers truly delivered something fantastic.

Great Voice-Acting

Can I see if they're real?

99% of videogames have horrendous voice-acting by 5th-rate talent that would be better served by abandoning the acting and relying solely on subtitles. Not so with Uncharted 2. Here the acting is solid and lines are delivered with something akin to emotion, which is nice to hear.

That’s pretty much it for my positives. Now on with the show.


Great Graphics Do Not Make a Great Game
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1 Bolt2 Bolts3 Bolts4 Bolts5 Bolts (Ratings Average: 1.82 out of 5)
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