Mass Effect 2

While its predecessor was awash in media controversy (violence! sex!), as Mass Effect 2 comes out this month, everyone seems to have gotten over the whole thing. The developers are so confident you bought the original that they let you import your old character, and the key choices they made in the last game, into this one. Or you can start afresh with a new face.

John Shepard is back, of the gender and appearance of your choice, and you can customise your hero in one of six classes, encouraging the Soldier class for the run-and-gun FPS fans, or the Adept and Engineer for those who like combat a bit more tactical. You have your choice of dialogue options, weapon and armour arsenals, and a large roster of potential teammates.

The game is set 2 years after the first, when your protagonist may or may not have died. He (or she) falls under the employ of the shadowy group Cerberus, who are trying to piece together why humans are being kidnapped across the galaxy. An unknown alien race has arrived, and it’s up to Shepard and his tiny band of assassins and mercenaries to take them on and save the universe.

The aiming system is still a bit dodgy, but many of the skills and powers have been simplified for the better, and the huge array of character animations make this a much smoother, more visually engaging game than its predecessor. The voice acting is star-studded and often impressive, and you’re free to save the world as surly jackass or noble hero, depending on your mood.

ME:2 is a stylish, fun shooter with no shortage of depth or pathos. While it isn’t multiplayer and asks a lot of players who want to try out different branching storylines, it’s nevertheless a great example of what an action RPG can and should be. [Alex Cole]