10 Sci-Fi Video Game Sequels Better Than The Original
1. Mass Effect 2
The first Mass Effect game is incredibly flawed. While the characters, writing and worldbuilding were utterly tremendous, the gameplay was clunky, with inconsistent shooting, difficult controls and frustrating enemies making for a messy gaming experience even for die-hard fans. There was clearly a lot of untapped potential for greatness in this universe.
Mass Effect 2 is the greatest sequel in video game history, not just in science-fiction. It keeps everything brilliant about the first game while expanding further upon it, creating new characters, new emotional romances, more morally complex situations and creating stakes unlike anything else in blockbuster gaming. The structure around crew loyalty and the Suicide Mission is masterful and can lead to total tragedy if the player isn't careful.
However, Mass Effect 2's most impressive feat is its improvements to combat. It is one of the smoothest systems in any video game, with the perfect balance of shooting and powers leading to a masterful combat experience. It feels immaculate to play and it manages to make every class feel dramatically different.
Mass Effect 2 is the moment that the series catapulted into the stratosphere and it remains one of the best video games of all time.