Game reception and rating:Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 was released to universal critical acclaim. On its initial release, the game received perfect review scores from gaming publications such as Eurogamer,[77] Official Xbox Magazine UK,[84] TeamXbox,[85] and Hardcore Gamer Magazine.[86] As of April 14, 2011, the review aggregator website Metacritic ranks the Xbox 360 version as the 4th highest reviewed game of all time, with an average score of 96/100.[12] The PC and PS3 versions hold average scores of 94/100.[13][14] Reviews have praised multiple aspects of the game, particularly its improvement over the first Mass Effect. GamingExcellence reviewer Daniel Acaba wrote that Mass Effect 2 “improved from its predecessor in almost every aspect”[87] and Worth Playing called it “an improvement over the original in every way”.[88]

Gameplay in Mass Effect 2 was praised for its accessibility despite being a complex RPG. Eurogamer, in a review that gave the game a perfect score, proclaimed that BioWare had succeeded in “making it effortless to understand, play and enjoy on a constant basis, because it has done this in a manner that should prove utterly essential to veterans and newcomers alike”.[89] Other websites echoed these sentiments; for example, Games Radar (in-house) said Mass Effect 2 “strikes a perfect balance between intense shooter action and gut-wrenching drama”[90] and MEGamers called the combat “brilliant”.[90] However, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the gameplay, calling it “stripped-down” with a “dumbed-down feeling”.[91]

Graphics in Mass Effect 2 were lauded for their improvement over the first game. Level7.nu, which gave the game a perfect score, called Mass Effect 2 a milestone in game design.[92] They paid special attention to the lack of technical issues, and an improved graphics engine. GamePro was also impressed by the game's graphics, calling them "stunning" and praising their detail.[93]

IGN gave Mass Effect 2 a perfect score for sound, calling both its voice acting and music outstanding. Martin Sheen's performance was singled out for “steal[ing] the show”.[83] Gamespot was also complimentary of the dialogue and voice acting, calling the voice cast “tremendous”.[81]