ArtisticallyChill

For those interested in playing Mass Effect 1 again, here are the choices (found via the Internets) that are taken into account when you import your character into Mass Effect 2.

• The decision to save either Kaidan or Ashley. (I saved Kaiden, Ashley was a racist.)
• Whether or not the player kills Wrex on Virmire. (I didn’t kill Wrex, he’s such a bad-ass in my party.)
• Whether or not the player decides to save the Citadel Council at the end of Mass Effect. (The council died for the greater good of the galaxy. The needs of the many…)
• The player’s choice of love interest. (I chose Liara.)
• Whether the player spares or destroys the Rachni Queen at Peak 15. (I spared the Rachni Queen.)
• The player’s treatment of Conrad Verner. (I convinced him to go home.)
• Whether or not the player completed the UNC: Asari Diplomacy sidequest. (Completed.)
• Whether the player chose to allow the Alliance to conduct experiments on Nirali Bhatia’s body. (Her body was given back to her husband.)

I haven’t been able to confirm if the above are the only choices taken into account or if there are any more. I’ll do a quick run just completing those tasks above with another character and see what happens when I import it to Mass Effect 2.

Also if you import in a Level 60 character you will receive the following bonuses:

• Start at Level 5
• 8 Squad points
• Paragon/Renegade filled 10%
• Credits: 150k
• Palladium: 10k
• Iridium: 10k
• Platinum: 10k
• Element Zero: 10k

Looks like before I pop the disc in for Mass Effect 2, I’ll have to grind through Mass Effect 1 to get my 100% Completed (all missions, side quests, and the above choices done) Paragon Infiltrator to level 60. I don’t mind though because it such an awesome game every time I play.

~ LoneWolf

Mass Effect 2 launches tonight at midnight. Be prepared and watch the following videos on the different class types you’ll be able to play. The classes have been tweaked and improved since Mass Effect 1 and each of them have unique features that will make deciding what class your John (or Jane) Shepard will be a bit difficult.

ADEPT

The Adept, outfitted with L5x implants, is a biotic specialist, capable of disabling and killing enemies with raw biotic power. With their unique talents, Adepts are the only class able to deploy the Singularity power, a lethal biotic trap capable of snaring multiple enemies. When enemies hide behind cover Adepts are able to Pull them, exposing them for a deadly follow-up attack. Additionally Adepts are able to throw the opposition with their Push ability, making cliffs and ledges lethal opportunities. While they lack advanced combat training, Adepts are the best class at defeating enemies without firing a shot.

ENGINEER

The Engineer is one of 6 classes available in Mass Effect 2. They are tech specialists, the only class able to employ combat drones on the battlefield. Summon combat drones to harass enemies, knocking them out of cover and drawing fire away from you. Additionally Engineers can hack mechanized opponents turning deadly enemies into powerful allies. With the ability to use tech powers to manipulate combat, they turn difficult battles into victories.. Upgrade your drones, giving them a powerful energy blast or turn them into a deadly bomb. Additionally Engineers have potent offensive capabilities including Incinerate and Overload.

INFILTRATOR

Infiltrators are tech and combat specialists and the only class able to cloak themselves from detection. They are deadly at any range, with a wide variety of weapons, equipment, and powers that can take down even the most fortified of defenses. With their training in Sniper Rifles, Infiltrators can eliminate foes from safety before moving in. Additionally, with a combination of ammo types at their disposal Infiltrators can handle both organic and synthetic enemies with ease.

When combat gets heated, Infiltrators are able to deploy a Tactical Cloak and evade enemies before rejoining the battle and disposing of any remaining opposition.

SENTINEL

Sentinels are unique, bringing both tech and biotic abilities to the battlefield. They are versatile and always equipped to deal with any situation. After overloading an enemy shield, Sentinels have no trouble throwing the opponent with their biotic powers. Additionally when battles become too heated, they can Cryo Freeze an enemy buying the Sentinel precious time eliminate foes or take cover.

Sentinels are also equipped with the most advanced Tech Armor to keeping them safe in hostile situations. If overloaded, the system discharge and stun all enemies within a short distance.

SOLDIER

Soldiers are outfitted with an ocular synaptic processor allowing them to fire with heightened focus at their targets. Whether they are picking off Geth at long range, or disposing of a pack of Vorcha up close with a shotgun, Soldiers can overcome any obstacle with sheer firepower. They are the only class capable of wielding assault rifles, and are masters of all other forms of weaponry and ammunition types. When Soldiers utilize their Adrenaline Rush ability, they seemingly slow down time around them giving them precious moments to eliminate foes with lethal accuracy. Additionally when battles get heated, Soldiers can deploy an explosive concussive shot to knock down multiple enemies.

VANGUARD

Vanguards are outfitted with a L5n implant giving them powerful biotic capabilities; coupled with their weapons training, they become lethal at close range. Vanguards are capable at closing the distance instantly on an enemy with their unique Charge ability. Gathering immense biotic power, Vanguards will Charge toward an enemy, passing over chasms and through obstacles where upon they collide with their target, sending them flying through the air. Additionally Vanguards are able to release an explosive Shockwave, tossing enemies and knocking them from cover. If Vanguards find themselves in trouble, they are also able to use their Charge ability for a quick escape to safety.

As you can see, with so many new features in each class, you’ll want to sample them all before deciding on what class to use for your first playthrough. The new gameplay mechanics will definitely add to the replay value of this game. I know I’ll be playing Mass Effect 2 a several times before Mass Effect 3. I’ve played the first game at least a dozen times since I bought it on launch day. I’ll definitely be playing the game at least one more time before the midnight release tonight.

As for me, I will most likely be starting my first playthrough with the Sentinel Class. I enjoyed playing as a Sentinel in the original Mass Effect. Despite only using a pistol and sniper rifle, the mix usage of both Biotic and Tech abilities gave my character a nice advantage and was, for me, a lot of fun to play. I usually balance the team out, taking on a member specializing in Tech with some weapons skills and the other member specializing in Biotics with some weapons skills as well. In Mass Effect 1, my teammates were Garrus and Wrex. With new characters being introduced in Mass Effect 2, it will be interesting to see which characters will get more field time than the others.

Thanks to japboix1 for the youTube videos and the official Mass Effect 2 site for all the class details.

Let see that launch trailer one more time:

~ LoneWolf

I know it’s too early to say that Mass Effect 2 is 2010′s Game of the Year, especially with titles like Splinter Cell: Conviction, Final Fantasy XIII, and God of War III still looming in the horizon, but to me, Mass Effect 2 doesn’t seem like it will be overshadowed by those titles as well as any other outstanding and highly anticipated title set to release this year. I’ve been playing the first one all over again just to re-experience its awesomeness. This will be my 6th playthrough of the original Mass Effect with a totally different character that I created.

With what looks like an even more engrossing story, some new characters and returning favorites, and some solid action RPG gameplay like in the first one but with some new features, what more could you want from a Game of the Year title?

~ LoneWolf