Mass Effect 2 Review

In Mass Effect 2 BioWare has done a spectacular job moving the role playing genre forward, and blending disparate gameplay styles into genuinely exciting sci-fi epic. It shows an enormous amount of growth from the original game technically and emotionally, and stands head and shoulders above the vast majority of other RPGs.
          
The actual details of how that story plays out vary from person to person, and impressively so. I've had fun comparing notes with people who imported a Renegade character from the first game, because they experienced a host of different events in ME2 than my Paragon did. For instance, I chose to spare the Rachni race from genocide, so I saw an event in ME2 that someone who exterminated them would have missed. People I protected in the original game have sent me emails to thank me for my help or to rant at me for teaming up with Cerberus, the shadowy organization whose unethical work I was constantly undermining throughout the course of ME's periphery missions. Minor characters whom I didn't kill in cold, Renegade blood returned for new bit roles, and each of Shepard's former teammates had a part to play as well. Whether as text files, side quests, or asides in key plot scenes, ME2 has done a damn fine job of building on the decisions that Shepard -- my Shepard -- made on his last mission.

World-building -- or, more properly, galaxy-building -- is truly Mass Effect 2's forte. BioWare has constructed an interesting universe for the series; one largely populated by common sci-fi tropes, it's true, but it pulls off even the tritest clichés thanks to the impact of your actions. (The solid writing and exceptional voice acting certainly don't hurt.) ME2 is predominantly set outside the regions of space covered in the first game, and as such gives the impression of a more flavorful universe. Races which were scarce or absent in all but name the first time around play major roles here, and you spend far more time exploring the worlds and cultures of secondary species. Plus, it all builds toward a finale that takes into account the choices you make along the way while setting up another climactic decision that will no doubt shape the series' finale.

I don't want to say too much more and spoil the experience for you because with this game the experience is truly your own all together it's wonderful . For all you parents there is nothing in this game your Teenager has not seen in a R rated movie. 13 and up should be ok with it.

New Games out Feb. 9th 2010

BioShock 2 PC PS3 
Release Date: Feb 9, 2010
The undersea world of Rapture gets another go-round in this sequel to the multiplatinum, award-winning first-person action game.
Genre: First-Person Shooters

Dante's Inferno PS3 
Release Date: Feb 9, 2010
Based on the classic poem, Dante's Inferno takes you on a quest of vengeance and redemption through the Nine Circles of Hell.
Genre: Action

Star Ocean The Last Hope: International 
Release Date: Feb 8, 2010
Star Ocean: The Last Hope International is the latest incarnation of the popular RPG series.
Genre: Role-Playing

Stargate Resistance
Release Date: Feb 10, 2010
Stargate Resistance is a fast-paced and deadly 3rd person shooter for control of the entire galaxy!
Genre: Other Shooters

Shiren the Wanderer 
Release Date: Feb 9, 2010
An epic story that begins 1000 years prior takes you through villages and dungeons and places you as the wandering samurai Shiren alongside figures straight out of Japanese mythology.
Genre: Role-Playing

Samurai Rising
Release Date: Feb 9, 2010
Genre: Role-Playing

Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll 
Release Date: Feb 9, 2010
Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll adds a dynamic level of interactive gameplay with the use of the Wii Balance Board while still remaining true to the original franchise with zany level design.
Genre: Action

N.E.O. Online
Release Date: Feb 8, 2010
N.E.O. Online is an MMORPG available for download on the PC.
Genre: Massively Multiplayer

Darwinia+
Release Date: Feb 10, 2010
Darwinia+ is a new version of the strategy action title, coming to Xbox Live Arcade.
Genre: Real-Time Strategy

World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars 
Release Date: Feb 12, 2010
Start your career as a World of Outlaws rookie and make your way to the World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte
Genre: Racing

Family Party: 30 Great Games Winter Fun 
Release Date: Feb 8, 2010
Featuring 30 all-new winter-themed games for up to four players, Family Party: 30 Great Games Winter Fun boasts a wide variety of engaging and addictive winter activities.
Genre: Alternative Sports

Windchaser
Release Date: Feb 10, 2010
Take command of a mighty sailing ship and travel around the land, battling and seeking artifacts for your guild.
Genre: Action

Galcon Fusion MAC
Release Date: Feb 11, 2010
Galcon Fusion is a fast-paced multiplayer galactic arcade strategy game for Mac. Now with improved HD graphics, a full soundtrack, and a variety of exciting new multiplayer modes!
Genre: Other Strategy Games

Zorro: Quest for Justice
Release Date: Feb 12, 2010
Genre: Action

New Games out Feb. 2ed 2010

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat
Release Date: Feb 2, 2010
Call of Pripyat is the third stand-alone game in the survival first-person shooter series.
Genre: First-Person Shooters

White Knight Chronicles International Edition
Release Date: Feb 2, 2010
A fantasy role-playing game in which the main character can transform himself into a huge knight as he strives to rescue a princess.
Genre: Role-Playing

Star Trek Online 
Release Date: Feb 2, 2010
This massively multiplayer online game immerses you in the world of Star Trek. Now you can explore the galaxy, defend your bases and ships, and play as your favorite characters from the Star Trek TV show.
Genre: Massively Multiplayer

The Sims 3: High-End Loft Stuff
Release Date: Feb 2, 2010
The latest from the Sims franchise puts you up in a high-tech loft with a ton of expensive toys and gadgets.
Genre: Virtual Life Games

Global Agenda 
Release Date: Feb 1, 2010
Global Agenda is a MMORPG for the PC that features RPG-style character progression, solo or cooperative team missions, and competitive play.
Genre: Massively Multiplayer

Chime
Release Date: Feb 3, 2010
Chime is a unique block puzzle game fused with music creation elements and contributions from a number of famous musicians.
Genre: Rhythm Games

Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 5: Rise of the Pirate God
Release Date: Feb 1, 2010
The climactic finale of the series finds Guybrush navigating strange waters in order to defeat LeChuck and rescue Elaine.
Genre: Adventure Games

Legends of Exidia
Release Date: Feb 1, 2010
A true action RPG of epic proportions where you must use your sword and magic to fight off an army of demon invaders who have come to plague Exidia.
Genre: Role-Playing

Mystery 5 Collection
Release Date: Feb 2, 2010
Includes: Sherlock Holmes: The Silver Earring, Sherlock Holmes: Awakened, Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis, The Mystery of the Mummy and Dracula Origins.
Genre: Compilations

Dungeon Defense
Release Date: Feb 4, 2010
Genre: Action

Assassin's Creed II  iPhone
Release Date: Feb 1, 2010
Assassin's Creed makes its way to the iPhone with a new adventure set in the Italian Renaissance.
Genre: Action Adventure

Armored Core: Silent Line Portable
Release Date: Feb 4, 2010
Players resume the role of a Raven, a mercenary who pilots a giant flying mech known as Armored Core.
Genre: Futuristic Combat Sims