| Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition | 
| From: Electronic Arts
Category: Video Games
Buy New: $114.99
as of 3/11/2010 07:47 EST details
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New (34) Used (11) Collectible (4) from $55.99
Seller: press_start
Rating:  35 reviews
Sales Rank: 704
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: role_playing_games
ESRB: Mature
Media: Video Game
Edition: Collector
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: No
Age: 17 - 20 years
Operating System: Xbox 360
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.5 x 1.2
Model: 16880
UPC: 014633168808
EAN: 0014633168808
ASIN: B002VL2HA2
Publication Date: December 31, 2009
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | New location based damage system allows for targeting of key weak points, blasting off limbs, igniting enemies, or cripple and disable enemy troops. | | • | Collector's Edition items including: Mass Effect 2, art book, Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book, exclusive in-game weapon and armor, behind-the-scenes and making-of DVD and Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content. | | • | Improved NPC conversation system where Commander Shepard can take matters into your own hands by interrupting or using force to get the answer required. | | • | Integration with the original Mass Effect game allows players to import saved files and continue play with those files in Mass Effect 2. | | • | Choose from 19 different weapons, including devastating heavy weapons that can end a battle in seconds. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
Mass Effect 2 is the sequel to BioWare's hit space-based role-playing game (RPG), Mass Effect. A single player adventure, Mass Effect 2 allows players to continue the adventures of the fully customizable series hero, Commander Shepard, as you take on a whole new adventure and cast of supporting characters. Features new to this latest release in the franchise include the ability to import game save files from the original Mass Effect game to continue the adventure in an unbroken fashion, a new damage system, a more flexible dialogue game mechanic and more. Extending players play experience even further, the Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition contain additional digital and physical content including art and comic books, in-game items and more. See the full list of included content below.  | 
The return of Commander Shepard.
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A new cast of characters.
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Along with familiar faces from the past.
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New damage and dialogue systems.
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Collector's Edition bonus items.
View larger. | Story
Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new danger has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced. To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy’s most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, doubters say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong. Gameplay
An space-based action RPG like its predecessor, gameplay in Mass Effect 2 revolves around the player's particular version of Commander Shepard and continuing development of this character as the game proceeds. As the game opens a variety of character classes are made available to the player, with talents, both exclusive and general, associated with each. With experience these talents are leveled up, resulting in the unlocking of related abilities and/or entirely new talents. The player has the ability to customize their Commander Shepard in a number of ways including physical appearance, gender, and certain aspects of their personal history, with the rub being that these choices can influence things like available missions, dialogue choices with non-player characters (NPCs), and character background. Accompanying this main character are a number of preset supporting characters that the player can direct and develop relationships with, which again, will alter the outcome of the story. All the characters from the original game make an appearance in Mass Effect 2, but the immediate characters surrounding Commander Shepard are new. Additional new features that players can expect to experience include new alien races; a more realistic damage system; a new heavy weapons system allowing for maximum damage; a regenerative health system; a dramatic increase in the number of character animations available to Shepard; and updates to the dialogue mechanic used when conversing with NPCs. Integration with the Original Mass Effect
Mass Effect 2 allows players of the original Mass Effect game to import save games to continue the story of their own Commander Shepard. In doing this, the decisions that were made in the first game will affect the events of the second game. In addition, characters from the first game will return, as long as they were not killed off by the player in the first game. On the other hand, new players coming to the series for the first time in Mass Effect 2 will start a brand-new character, discover the events of the previous games as they progress and embark on a thrilling stand-alone adventure that does not require the previous game for play. Key Features - Futuristic Weapons - Choose from 19 different weapons, including devastating heavy weapons that can end a battle in seconds.
- Elite Specialists - Recruit up to a dozen of the galaxy's most dangerous operatives to help you in your mission. Train and equip your team to survive insurmountable odds.
- Explore the Galaxy - Scan planets to uncover unique secret missions in the Mass Effect universe.
- Integration with Original Mass Effect - Players of the first Mass Effect can import save games to continue the story of their own Commander Shepard. New players will find a thrilling stand-alone adventure awaits them, a polished and action packed journey that surpasses the first game in nearly every possible way.
- Intense Third-Person Combat - Increased intensity with precision shooter controls to let you control the action and overcome insurmountable odds.
- New Damage System - New location based damage system allows for targeting of key weak points, blasting off limbs, igniting enemies, or crippling and disabling enemy troops.
- Character Customization - Choose a player class, customize your appearance, and tailor your own abilities and strengths. As you progress, so do Shepard’s abilities.
- Improved Dialogue Mechanic - Improved NPC conversation system where Commander Shepard can take matters into your own hands – interrupting or using force to get the answer required.
| | Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition for Xbox 360 Includes: - Mass Effect 2 software for Xbox 360
- 48-page hardcover art book
- Limited edition Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book
- Exclusive in-game Collectors’ Edition weapon and armor
- Bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos
- Limited edition Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content
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Product Description
Two years after Commander Shepard repelled invading Reapers bent on the destruction of organic life, a mysterious new enemy has emerged. On the fringes of known space, something is silently abducting entire human colonies. Now Shepard must work with Cerberus, a ruthless organization devoted to human survival at any cost, to stop the most terrifying threat mankind has ever faced. To even attempt this perilous mission, Shepard must assemble the galaxy’s most elite team and command the most powerful ship ever built. Even then, they say it would be suicide. Commander Shepard intends to prove them wrong. The Collector’s Edition includes: • The full version of Mass Effect 2 • 48-page hardcover art book • Limited edition Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book • Exclusive in-game Collectors’ Edition weapon and armor • Bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos • Limited edition Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 35
 ME2 is better than I ever thought it was possible. February 1, 2010
Brandon Lee (Cleveland, OH United States)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I did play the first mass effect when it came out few years ago. In many ways, first mass effect was a flawed game. Its frame rate was a mess. Its inventory system as well as loading time was a nightmare. But I really liked mass effect despite all that. I liked it enough that I actually preordered collector's edition on Amazon.
After finishing the game and well into finishing second play through, I think it is safe to say this is the best game I ever played in this console cycle.
The improvement over the fist mass effect is so great that I think it might rival that of Uncharted 2. First, the game looks good. I mean really good. The look of Mass effect 1 was frankly rather bland. It is not the case in Mass effect2. There are so much detail and sci-fi themed atmosphere in this game that every area that I visited over the course of the game featured very distinct and beautiful look. Many times it felt like I was looking at really cool looking science fiction art work and I played enough games to know it is hard to make it so.
Also, shooting mechanic of this game improved dramatically over the last. I am a fan of gears of war series. So I am very sensitive when shooting control doesn't feel right when it comes to third person shooters. (this is the reason I couldn't play Dark void recently. Its control felt so wrong that I was practically torturing myself) ME2 control is almost as good as Gears of war 2. Its cover system is not as natural as Gears of war 2 but it came really close. However, I am having way more fun shooting in this game more than GOW 2 because cool biotic powers and all the customization that I can do with the characters. I can not stress this enough!! Combat is so much fun that this is the best third person shooter for me over gears of war 2 and Uncharted 2.
Lastly, I like to mention the story. I do not wish to spoil anything so I will try to avoid specific detail as much as possible. If you have played any bioware games, you know how story is presented. Basically, the story is told by all the conversation between characters. So those conversation between characters have to feel as natural as possible. otherwise it would just distract the players from the story even if it is the best story ever written. Thankfully, bioware also delivers in this aspect. Every dialogue is voiced over and delivered with such a mastery that it almost feel like I am watching a actual person speaking in front of me. The main story itself wasn't really unique yet all the detail that carries over from the first game was impressive. Let's just say that Story is good and told well. I don't expect much from video games but Mass effect 2 more than exceeded my expectation.
I loved this game. I normally don't buy collector's edition and often feel like I shouldn't have paid 60 dollars for a game since they tend to drop its price within two or three months. But this time is different. I don't care if mass effect drop its price to 30 dollars next month or whatever. I loved every minute I spend on this game. It was worth every penny. It was such an unique experience for me and games like this reminds me why I love video games. Thank you Bioware. I look forward to your next project.
Simply put, this is a great game February 8, 2010
Kevin D A Major (Barrington, NH United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The best way to describe Mass Effect 2 is as a refinement. Bioware took what worked with the original, enhanced it, and either streamlined or removed what didn't fit. The end result is a game which smartly improves on the original - both technically and in terms of plot - and turns what were weaknesses in the first game into strengths.
Graphically, this game is a tour de force. It retains the overall vibe of the first game and enhances it with better lighting and more varied locales. The sunset vistas of Illium are just as thrilling as the Blade Runner inspired Omega Station. The character models range from nearly lifelike (see: Miranda, who was modeled by real life actress Yvonne Strahovski) to intelligently subtle (Mordin, whose face and expressions showcase his age) to interesting (Thane, whose species, the Drell, are a new addition to the franchise).
The audio is much improved. The voice acting is even better than the original. Old favorites shine, and the new additions more than hold their own. Mark Meer, the voice of male Shepard, in particular, has improved. The weapons all sound different, and have a much more forceful sound than the generic dull thump they all shared in the original Mass Effect. The music is solid, even if most of it seems to hide just beyond notice.
The biggest changes are in the gameplay. Mass Effect 2 plays a lot more like a 3rd person shooter than the original game did. There's a reloading mechanism and limited ammo. While the in-game explanation for the move is tacked on, it makes battles a bit more tense as you will run out of ammo if you don't manage your resources correctly. Cover also matters more in the sequel. It's far easier for enemies to chew through your armor and health, so it pays to fight smart and use cover to your advantage. Above all else, combat finally has a semi-frantic, visceral feel to it. Geth are dangerous here. The weapons all pack a different kind, yet immensely satisfying, punch. Squad powers and abilities are almost all useful and fun to use. Combat is no longer a chore to slog through. Instead, its rewarding in its own right.
The maligned inventory of the original game is gone. The changes one can make to their Shepard and squad are much more granular here. It's an okay system, but I feel it goes a bit too far. A happy medium can exist between the clutter of the first game and the minimalistic approach this one took. YMMV, of course.
The uncharted world system of the first game has been completely revamped. There are far fewer planets with sidequests, but those that exist are far more rewarding and involved than the repetitious nature of the missions of the original. Even better, there are no Mako segments anywhere to be seen.
I'd speak about the plot, but it's hard to mention anything without spoiling it. I will just say that many things mentioned in the first game are explored in much more detail here. While not everything is answered, there's a lot of meat here for those that enjoyed the setting in the original to sink their teeth into. The galaxy feels even larger here, despite the narrow focus of the plot.
All in all, Mass Effect 2 improves on just about everything the first game had to offer. It's more than just a worthy sequel - it's an incredible game in its own right, and one of the best ever created for the genre. Despite its early in the year release, it should be considered a Game of the Year candidate. Maybe 'refinement' isn't the best word to describe Mass Effect 2. No, 'satisfying' is far more accurate. In just about all aspects, Mass Effect 2 satisfies. You can't ask for much more than that.
THIS is how you do a sequel! January 31, 2010
Arthur Gardner (Tucson, AZ USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If it came down to reviewing just the base line product quality of the game, face value, as I mean in its packaging, I'd say the only thing I was disappointed by was that it didn't come in an authenticated vinyl sleeve like most, MOST, XBOX360 games get... instead it comes in a kind of plastic-cardboard sleeve which I'm afraid to handle continuously in fear I might damage the poor thing. It's not delicately fragile, but considering paper has a tendency to tear? It worries me...
Either way, the contents of the package from this deal are great. Great DLC's, artbook, soundtrack, bonus features such as the making of ME2 and all-- it comes with what you'd expect out of a great Collector's Edition and then some.
But then it comes down to the actual game...
In the 33rd hour of the 32nd minute... maybe give or take a couple seconds-- I just finished Mass Effect 2, and let me tell you: WHAT A RIDE!
Everything you expect about Mass Effect is left intact give or take the skewed, redone, rehashed bits noted here and there which you can read from the other people's reviews about them. I for one won't bore any of you with the details that can easily be read here, I'd only be repeating what others said and this is based on my own experience with the game, however, I will note a few key features that Mass Effect 2 offers.
CONTINUING WHERE YOU LEFT OFF-- while Bioware promises a unique, original experience out of this sequel of a propose trilogy, if no one has ever played the first game, it honestly to me is a shame because ME1 offered one of the most ambitious, largest in scope, unique as well as lovingly developed world any game designing structure has ever known. Am I saying you'll be left out of the dark? No, but you WILL have missed out on alot of things that make the Mass Effect experience a whole lot more deepening. When the first ME came out, I was captivated, enthralled and stuck to my couch easily for over 10 days doing, playing and ultimately memorizing nearly every bit and scope of the ME game and the universe of it itself. So much, in great detail that even after having bought the ME strat. guide out of curious necessity, and after having gone through its pages, I'd found out I had actually done everything as noted in its pages, to the word.
Yet again, will you be left out? I honestly cannot tell you because I have anticipated this game since the edgy cliffhanger that has kept me on my toes for this sequel for so long, and now here it is. I will say though that in moments where I have played the game, I imagined myself as someone new to the experience "What if I've never played Mass Effect 1?" And Bioware has taken careful consideration to fill people in on loose ends that might confuse newcomers. Much like soap operas, it leaves no error out to quickly patch you in, given you pay attention and actually care (which this game does very VERY well at bringing you in). The story is deep, the characters have a very distinct quality to them which often took me by surprise that I'd believe these fictitious entities felt closer than some of the people I've ever run to in real life (makes me wonder sometimes...).
The combat system feels a whole lot different than from the original Mass Effect... for those who haven't played it, allow me to allude it to Gears of War's. There's a very distinct cover system where you stick to walls, obstacles and such which prove beneficial to your survival and overall performance in the game. Compared to the original though? This sequel's revamped combat system, along with improved AI proved challenging. Expecting this to be easy is an overstatement. If you aren't careful, things can get dicey very quickly if you aren't paying attention. It's fast, it's visceral, but not so much "I'll kick your ass into tomorrow and make you feel it for a week" kinda a way. More like a "This action kicks ass as long as you're maintaining your situation, maggot!" It's not hard... and others might argue it's not even challenging while others will comment on the revamped combat system's shortcomings. Personally? Every fight felt exactly the way it should have been. Each fight went down exactly as I imagined they should, and I'd replay every outcome similar, if not the same to them every time which I'm sure I will in many future replays to come.
Speaking of replayability-- this game will deliver. With so many ways to handle a situation, so many outcomes to expect, you'll never know or imagine what your next game might end up like. Take into consideration that you can pair this experience up by going out of your way to actually the original Mass Effect? I promise you, if you want to get the full on experience about Mass Effect, play from 1 to its sequel now and you will see just how big of a game this really is, I guarantee it. I even imagine had I not ever played the original and after playing Mass Effect 2, it would have developed a curiosity so massive, there would have been no way to ignore that kind of experience. Combine Mass Effect 1 with Mass Effect 2, you have got one BIG game ahead of you that you will not regret. Even my fiance, a woman who's not into shooters of this sort, plays this game and even suffers through the pains, what she finds irritable, because of the rewarding satisfaction this game delivers elsewhere, storyline.
Seriously, I could go on and on and on about this but trust me, if you're reading this, you're probably just bored or need a reason to buy this game. Either one of them could be easily remedied at once-- just buy the game.
I've recommended the first ME to so many people who weren't even mildly interested in what it could offer, with the expected "Wellll, I dunno..." till they actually played the game and came back "I cannot believe I hadn't played this earlier!" You wanna be surprised? Dig into some Mass Effect, even by its sequel right here, right now. It's a big universe out there, go and getcha some with Mass Effect!
I've only played through this game once, but I'm seriously considering booting up the old Mass Effect 1 games, playing through the other characters I planned on playing up to bring them into ME2 just to see how it would all play out. This'll be a game which will never see the dust looking to collect on itself, it's just that good.
Mass Effect 2 improves everything Massively February 1, 2010
Jacob J. Harder (Cleveland, Ohio)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Over the course of 3 days I manged to play this game for 40 hours and complete it. Phenominal experience, I enjoyed every minute of it. Everything about Mass Effect 2 is greatly improved, while I know some take issues with a set # of weapons & armor options I found Mass Effect 1's inventory a cluttered mess that needed constant micromanagement & cleaning. That's all gone.
And the combat now is intense & awesome, again some RPG "LEET" folks see this as a bad thing, saying that bioware is trying to cater to the shooter crowd. People, having a great combat system while bringing all the RPG elements that make bioware games great is a plus. (and i'm a huge RPG nerd)
Mass Effect 1's combat "passed" in 2007, Bioware didn't have a problem making it look silly this time. The only downside to this game is resource scanning of planets, it's lame. Best way to do it is to not bother with moderate & below planets, only scan "good" to "rich" ones. This can speeed things up, and you absolutely must play Mass Effect 1 and port over your save, you're well rewarded with tons of quests involving your past choices.
Mass Effect 2 just like Uncharted 2 before it really ups the ante of how a story should be told with realistic character interactions that just makes everything seem so real.
Simply put, buy this game now. It's better than Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz
Yep, it's that good.
Improved in most aspects January 29, 2010
Dustin R. Pavlenko
Mass Effect by far is one of the most engaging games i had ever played in the way of story telling. Mass effect's greatest achievement had to have been its story and the way it made the experience feel like it was being controlled by you. The only fault i had found was its technical hiccups and AI. In considering those hiccups it had not slowed down the experience of burning through levels and side missions and paving the way for mass effect 2.
Mass Effect 2 also holds it's own in the story department. While nothing extremely special it is deeply interesting and well fleshed out making it a must have if you've played the first one or have been following the books. On that note it is where I must mention if you have not played the first one this game will be nothing special and you'll be missing out on a deep story filled with everything there is to love in any media. The fact is importing a character brings with them all the choices you made as well as some bonuses for those that hit some high levels with that character. While the choices do not have as much of an impact as some would have hoped they still give the game a sense of personalization. Be warned decisions in this ME@ are much more than just word options. Choosing not to do/obtain something can affect the game.
Another improvement making the game better and more appealing to shooter fans is the new combat system. The gunplay while not top notch is still a much better improvement compared to ME1 and will make shooters feel welcome.
A weird design change thats beneficial and disappointing is the customization. In ME1 you had large amounts of weapons to choose from that only get better as you would level up in true RPG fashion but in this game you get only a fewer weapons to choose from and only one armor suit to customize (unless you got pre-order armor). This while disappointing at first is actually beneficial and easier to live with without the horrendous amount of time spent in menu screens. The one suit of armor also allows different colorization options as well making it more personal.
On the downside there are still a few technical hiccups but are very small. Ive only had the game crash once while playing. The extra discs are annoying but only require switching out two times. "WARNING" the collectors case can be hard to get discs in and out and id suggest just leaving them in or having an extra case set aside for the current disc.
PROS:
1. Story deeply engaging (if prior ME1 experience)
2. Characters are easier to get attached to (Joker for the win)
3. New combat system huge improvement
4. New inventory easier to manage
5. CE edition worth it but not on amazon for current price
CONS:
1. extra discs/ tough case
2. Small hiccups
3. Cant customize imported characters faces unless you wanna start from scratch
Showing reviews 1-5 of 35
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