Just finished Mass Effect 2 on PS3 for 1st time
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I had everybody loyal, had all the ship upgrades. Hence, everybody survived the Normandy crash.
However, during the Collector base attack, I lost, in order: Jacob, Thane, Zaeed and Legion.
Jacob, it was because I picked him as my tech specialist, and he got shot in the face when he was trying to shut the door between us and a bunch of collectors.
Thane, it was because I picked Miranda as my biotic specialist to maintain a shield around us, she couldn't take it anymore at the very end, and everybody got through the doors except Thane, who got smothered by all the flying parasite things.
Zaeed, I don't even remember, he just kind of died sometime.
Legion, it was after I wiped the Collector base to give it to the Illusive Man, during the final cutscene I found Legion dead. He was on my team during the final battle, but otherwise I have no idea why he died. Can anybody help me out there?
However, during the Collector base attack, I lost, in order: Jacob, Thane, Zaeed and Legion.
Jacob, it was because I picked him as my tech specialist, and he got shot in the face when he was trying to shut the door between us and a bunch of collectors.
Thane, it was because I picked Miranda as my biotic specialist to maintain a shield around us, she couldn't take it anymore at the very end, and everybody got through the doors except Thane, who got smothered by all the flying parasite things.
Zaeed, I don't even remember, he just kind of died sometime.
Legion, it was after I wiped the Collector base to give it to the Illusive Man, during the final cutscene I found Legion dead. He was on my team during the final battle, but otherwise I have no idea why he died. Can anybody help me out there?
First playthrough:
Ship fully upgraded.
Garrus went through the vents (I thought he was better at tech than that).
Samara led fireteam (I figured she was diciplined...Miranda agreed with me...).
Garrus died.
Jack held the shield.
Mordin defended (just so that he would say "hold the line"...and he did. Woot.).
Mordin and Miranda (not loyal) died.
Destroyed the base.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second playthrough:
Ship fully upgraded.
Garrus went through the vents (for plot purposes)
Jacob led the fireteam.
Garrus died (as expected).
Samara held the shield.
Jacob defended.
Miranda (not loyal) died.
Destroyed the base.
Ship fully upgraded.
Garrus went through the vents (I thought he was better at tech than that).
Samara led fireteam (I figured she was diciplined...Miranda agreed with me...).
Garrus died.
Jack held the shield.
Mordin defended (just so that he would say "hold the line"...and he did. Woot.).
Mordin and Miranda (not loyal) died.
Destroyed the base.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second playthrough:
Ship fully upgraded.
Garrus went through the vents (for plot purposes)
Jacob led the fireteam.
Garrus died (as expected).
Samara held the shield.
Jacob defended.
Miranda (not loyal) died.
Destroyed the base.
{This was written as a response to the first post on this thread, but mutated a bit as I built up momentum. If brevity is the soul of wit, then call me Mr. Dull-Pants}
[SPOILERS ALL OVER]
I was initially disappointed by the apparent lack of depth in the leveling system, but soon grew to appreciate the streamlining of certain elements of the game. I'll gladly sacrifice hours of micromanaging armor, armor upgrades, weapons, weapon upgrades, special ammunition, comparing/shopping for slightly improved omni-tools and amps, forgetting to sell off superfluous gear until my inventory is maxed out, checking and double checking levels of grenades to make sure I'm not selling something I'll need later, and falling asleep in the midst of yet another seemingly endless transaction with the Normandy's Requisition Officer. Jacob can handle that shit. A good leader must delegate. I also had some issues with the lack of exploration and a de-emphasis on the importance of Shepard's role as Human Specter #1, but got over them as the story unfolded.
I don't mean to get off on a rant here, but ME1 and ME2 are less games (in a traditional sense) than the first two acts of a space opera starring you. As such, they riff on the traditional three-act story structure beautifully. ME1 throws you into the world of interstellar politics and intrigue, and your role is primarily that of the investigator. Ignoring side-questing, the bulk of the game is spent figuring out just what the hell Saren is up to. I know that's a gross oversimplification, but it effectively serves the purpose of establishing that the Reapers are a force to be reckoned with, and that in a complicated galaxy, the role of "hero" is equally complicated. End Act 1. Curtain down. Nerd-boner at full attention.
ME2 is more streamlined, with a clear goal (stop the Collectors/pay them back for killing you) presented almost immediately. It is, in many ways, simpler. I feel that this benefits both the game and the series. The accelerated pace of the storyline and the increased emphasis on shit getting blowed up more efficiently are perfect for the evolution of Shepard's role of investigator in a new location. Working for the Systems Alliance in Citadel Space was an endless barrage of red tape and politics. Part of the fun was experiencing the emergence of a big space adventure in a part of the galaxy that (on the surface, at least) provided a normal, boring life for the average citizen. The Terminus Systems, on the other hand, are more analogous to a galactic Wild West. More often than not, your gun/omni-tool/biotics do the talking for you, but with sufficient shrewdness, your interpersonal relationships and influence over galactic events do not suffer in the process. (Okay, except for Kaiden/Ashley, but given the choice between sexing up either of them or the super-biotic asari maiden research scientist, I'd always rather have the blue chick. Te adoro, Liara.) ME2 raises the stakes, shows you the consequences of decisions you made in ME1, while simultaneously revealing a more chaotic and potentially morally compromising part of the galaxy. Mining mini-game aside, the tension builds to a truly epic confrontation with the manifestation (in the Human Reaper Larvae) of the fears shared by many non-humans: a godlike human entity hell-bent on eliminating all "alien" life. Then you blow it up. Stellar (if you'll forgive the pun) Act 2.
To actually get to the question, no. You're certainly not the only one who thinks that ME2 is crap compared to ME1. But I think it's the wrong question to ask. Instead, it's far more constructive to analyze specific gameplay elements that were present or absent in each game, rather than dismissing an entire chapter of the story outright. It's easy to romanticize certain elements of a beloved game (as I often do w/ regard to ME2) and decry any changes as "fixing what ain't broke", and it's just as easy for such romanticism to close one's mind to any number improvements in a saga/series simply because they are different. If you really like game franchises that fail to takes risks, that merely cash in on fan loyalty without committing to innovation, that churn out the same game over and over into infinity . . . . just play Dynasty Warriors. Each one is a little better than the last one, no more, no less. There is a kind of comforting predictability to such gradual progress, and the games are a lot of fun, especially when you co-op with a good friend in the same room, but for my money, I'd rather have Mass Effect. And gun to my head, I'd rather have Mass Effect 2 than Mass Effect 1.
But, of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
[SPOILERS ALL OVER]
I was initially disappointed by the apparent lack of depth in the leveling system, but soon grew to appreciate the streamlining of certain elements of the game. I'll gladly sacrifice hours of micromanaging armor, armor upgrades, weapons, weapon upgrades, special ammunition, comparing/shopping for slightly improved omni-tools and amps, forgetting to sell off superfluous gear until my inventory is maxed out, checking and double checking levels of grenades to make sure I'm not selling something I'll need later, and falling asleep in the midst of yet another seemingly endless transaction with the Normandy's Requisition Officer. Jacob can handle that shit. A good leader must delegate. I also had some issues with the lack of exploration and a de-emphasis on the importance of Shepard's role as Human Specter #1, but got over them as the story unfolded.
I don't mean to get off on a rant here, but ME1 and ME2 are less games (in a traditional sense) than the first two acts of a space opera starring you. As such, they riff on the traditional three-act story structure beautifully. ME1 throws you into the world of interstellar politics and intrigue, and your role is primarily that of the investigator. Ignoring side-questing, the bulk of the game is spent figuring out just what the hell Saren is up to. I know that's a gross oversimplification, but it effectively serves the purpose of establishing that the Reapers are a force to be reckoned with, and that in a complicated galaxy, the role of "hero" is equally complicated. End Act 1. Curtain down. Nerd-boner at full attention.
ME2 is more streamlined, with a clear goal (stop the Collectors/pay them back for killing you) presented almost immediately. It is, in many ways, simpler. I feel that this benefits both the game and the series. The accelerated pace of the storyline and the increased emphasis on shit getting blowed up more efficiently are perfect for the evolution of Shepard's role of investigator in a new location. Working for the Systems Alliance in Citadel Space was an endless barrage of red tape and politics. Part of the fun was experiencing the emergence of a big space adventure in a part of the galaxy that (on the surface, at least) provided a normal, boring life for the average citizen. The Terminus Systems, on the other hand, are more analogous to a galactic Wild West. More often than not, your gun/omni-tool/biotics do the talking for you, but with sufficient shrewdness, your interpersonal relationships and influence over galactic events do not suffer in the process. (Okay, except for Kaiden/Ashley, but given the choice between sexing up either of them or the super-biotic asari maiden research scientist, I'd always rather have the blue chick. Te adoro, Liara.) ME2 raises the stakes, shows you the consequences of decisions you made in ME1, while simultaneously revealing a more chaotic and potentially morally compromising part of the galaxy. Mining mini-game aside, the tension builds to a truly epic confrontation with the manifestation (in the Human Reaper Larvae) of the fears shared by many non-humans: a godlike human entity hell-bent on eliminating all "alien" life. Then you blow it up. Stellar (if you'll forgive the pun) Act 2.
To actually get to the question, no. You're certainly not the only one who thinks that ME2 is crap compared to ME1. But I think it's the wrong question to ask. Instead, it's far more constructive to analyze specific gameplay elements that were present or absent in each game, rather than dismissing an entire chapter of the story outright. It's easy to romanticize certain elements of a beloved game (as I often do w/ regard to ME2) and decry any changes as "fixing what ain't broke", and it's just as easy for such romanticism to close one's mind to any number improvements in a saga/series simply because they are different. If you really like game franchises that fail to takes risks, that merely cash in on fan loyalty without committing to innovation, that churn out the same game over and over into infinity . . . . just play Dynasty Warriors. Each one is a little better than the last one, no more, no less. There is a kind of comforting predictability to such gradual progress, and the games are a lot of fun, especially when you co-op with a good friend in the same room, but for my money, I'd rather have Mass Effect. And gun to my head, I'd rather have Mass Effect 2 than Mass Effect 1.
But, of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
On my first playthrough, I had Miranda hold the bubble 'cause she was so confident and all that I thought nothing would go wrong (everyone was loyal). Unfortunately, she got Garrus killed, which sucks 'cause he was my paramour.
Now I'm working on a second playthrough to try get Miranda killed and no one else.
Now I'm working on a second playthrough to try get Miranda killed and no one else.
I lost, grunt, due to having him lead a team, I lost miranda because I chose jack over her, and I lost mordin while he defended.
None of my favorites luckily, but mordin will be sorely missed.
Second playthrough went perfect. Everyone lived and everything was hunkey dorey.
None of my favorites luckily, but mordin will be sorely missed.
Second playthrough went perfect. Everyone lived and everything was hunkey dorey.
I was more than happy to say f*** you to the illusive man, some people think its right to keep it, but seriously you cant trust him...plus the whole renegade/paragon thing takes all the thourght out of desicionsJosh12345 said:
I let jacob die on purpose first time, since I was paranoid about losing tali, then mordin died, second time everyone survived no problem
Let's see if I can remember this.
I was a lvl. 30 Soldier (ME1 import), mostly Paragon, but I saved the base.
Legion died when the Collector security drones zapped the Normandy.
Jack died similarly.
Zaeed and Miranda were in my squad the whole time.
Tali was my techie, Garrus my bravo squad leader.
Samara was my biotic; she died.
OH GOD; REPRESSED MEMORY: Grunt got fucking kidnapped by a seeker swarm. HOW COULD THEY CARRY HIM?
I was a lvl. 30 Soldier (ME1 import), mostly Paragon, but I saved the base.
Legion died when the Collector security drones zapped the Normandy.
Jack died similarly.
Zaeed and Miranda were in my squad the whole time.
Tali was my techie, Garrus my bravo squad leader.
Samara was my biotic; she died.
OH GOD; REPRESSED MEMORY: Grunt got fucking kidnapped by a seeker swarm. HOW COULD THEY CARRY HIM?
I was a Vanguard. Sent Legion through the vent because he's an expendable robot (but he lived). Jacob led the fireteam because Miranda and Jack need to shut up. Samara provided the shield while Garrus led the other team, sent Jack back with the Doc. I worked with Tali and Thane the whole time.
Everyone lived (except for the rest of the crew that I didn't arrive in time to save) and I destroyed the base. Awesome first time, if I do say so myself.
Everyone lived (except for the rest of the crew that I didn't arrive in time to save) and I destroyed the base. Awesome first time, if I do say so myself.
Romanced Tali, did 4-5 loyalty missions not knowing the consequences, everybody but Thane, Samara, Tali, and Garrus died, and saved the base not knowing it was evil, and had about 75% paragon.
you honestly think it was a good idea to put all that power in the hands of cerberus? the illusive man is a manipulative bastard of coarse everyhting he says sounds so resonableG1eet said:
plus like I said there's really no thourght to it, (the only thing that bothers me about the game) regardless of what you truly belive "Paragon" will alyways be right and turn out for the best and "renegade" will always turn out a little worse (well kinda), you dont need to think because unfortunatley thry turned it into a way to get "points"
I imported my ME character over with 100% paragon and 20 or so % renegade. Romanced Ashley in the first one, blew up the base, didn't kill Wrex, and saved the council, oh, and didn't kill the...creature things...the ones that sing, can't recall the name atm.
In the second one, my whole team lived, ship was fully upgraded, won everyone's loyalty and such. Romanced Miranda, had Legion go through the vents (it makes sense, he's a robot after all). Had Miranda lead the fire team then had Jacob lead the fire team, had Miranda and Grunt with me when I blew up the place.
I played an Infiltrator with full paragon and a touch of renegade.
In the second one, my whole team lived, ship was fully upgraded, won everyone's loyalty and such. Romanced Miranda, had Legion go through the vents (it makes sense, he's a robot after all). Had Miranda lead the fire team then had Jacob lead the fire team, had Miranda and Grunt with me when I blew up the place.
I played an Infiltrator with full paragon and a touch of renegade.
I'm guessing you only have a ps3 (not a 360 and a ps3 HA jk) so did you really enjoy the game?Josh12345 said:
OT: I had Grunt, Legion, and mordidon die for me. Kept the base and left Cerberus. And the Reapers were planning on using Sovereign (reaper from the first one)to open a portal at the citadel to let them in. When his plan failed they had to come from dark space ( where ever that is) and thats why they are coming from the milky way. In fact watch this vid it answers some questions, and its a great scene from the first.
1st: Lost... can't remember. Samara, Jack and Thane, I think.
2nd: Saved everyone
3rd: Saved everyone
Destroyed the base each time, never let Kelly die. Never did any romances either (BioWare's fault). The game can be pretty dickish about killing Mordin for no reason though.
2nd: Saved everyone
3rd: Saved everyone
Destroyed the base each time, never let Kelly die. Never did any romances either (BioWare's fault). The game can be pretty dickish about killing Mordin for no reason though.
I finished almost 2 weeks ago with my first ever play through on Normal. Had all loyal but Thane.. had issues with his stupid quest and his son killed that dude. Think I did all quests and DLC available too.. had all chicks romance ready but game kinda told me to pick Jack so she jumped my ass right before suicide mission.
Sent Tali in vents, Zaeed led team 2, Miranda made the bubble. Jack, Zaeed and someone else died.. as well as all the ships crew (I just wanted them to follow me, not run off to their deaths - was a poorly worded selection choice)
I reloaded the game which left Tali in the vent to die again.. but only lost Zaeed again on my second attempt.
Started a NG+ on insanity to see if I can get the trophy.
Sent Tali in vents, Zaeed led team 2, Miranda made the bubble. Jack, Zaeed and someone else died.. as well as all the ships crew (I just wanted them to follow me, not run off to their deaths - was a poorly worded selection choice)
I reloaded the game which left Tali in the vent to die again.. but only lost Zaeed again on my second attempt.
Started a NG+ on insanity to see if I can get the trophy.