The Best Xbox Game Every Year 2001 - 2024
15. 2010 - Mass Effect 2
At the time, Mass Effect 2 was seen as a huge improvement over its original (already impressive) sibling. In the years that followed, it's been largely deemed as the best entry in the franchise. Unlike Mass Effect 3, it had a satisfying climax where your decisions as Commander Shepherd had a long term effect. Unlike Mass Effect 1, players didn’t have to suffer through the horrible driving sections.
In all seriousness, BioWare’s space-faring sequel made the most of being the middle part of the adventure. With the overarching story already set-up, Mass Effect 2 could instead shift its focus to building character interactions and then fold these back into the game’s universe. Players connected with Mass Effect 2 on both macro and micro levels all at once, as each NPC side story explored who they were whilst also fleshing out their species, and the alliances and struggles therein.
It also didn't hurt that the combat felt so much better and the UI was so smooth. The game received universal acclaim on release, being nominated for (and winning) a slew of awards including Best Xbox 360 Game, Best RPG and Game of the Year.
Mass Effect 2 remains a beautiful experience, both aesthetically speaking and on a more touching, human level as you and the relationships you’ve forged march into the great unknown together.