When it comes to DLC, the Mass Effect series has been a mixed bag at best. You have your fantastic add ons (Brind Down the Sky, your mediocre (Kasumi's Lost Memory), and your terrible (Normandy Crash Site). Although it is nice to have regular additions to the amazing franchise that Bioware has created, it is disappointing that that fans are not given a more consistent level in quality to these (some times expensive) features. It is easy to say that the latest update, Overlord, although far from perfect is the best released for Mass Effect 2 so far.


Story
------------------------------------------------------

The story is the essential part of any Bioware game, and unfortunately almost every DLC has been lacking in this department so far. The concept for Overlord is a fairly simple one. Cerberus scientists in an attempt to gain influence over remaining Geth forces have interfaced a human mind with a highly intelligent and powerful virtual intelligence. When the VI goes highwire, machinery around the planet goes haywire and launches an all out assault against the science team. However, it does not stop there. The menacing computer plans to spread its influence across the entire galaxy creating a galaxy wide apocalypse. Already the scale of this DLC is far larger then any of those previously presented. For the first time since the main game it feels as if the mission we are undertaking is a worthy one for our now battle hardened team. Although the plot is a seemingly familiar one, Bioware manages to tell the story with a decidedly disturbing, human, and emotional tone. Despite the overarching plot, story only really matters at the onset and ending of the mission. However, the ending to Overlord is absolutely fantastic. The last twenty minutes of the campaign justifies several hours of relative mediocrity and is easily one of the best Mass Effect scenes ever rendered. The choice presented to the players is shocking and surprisingly poignant. There are also moments of refreshing comic relief scattered throughout the missions. However, perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Overlord is how little our main characters do throughout the campaign. Shepard (outside of the bookends of the mission) is surprisingly silent except for several snarky quips. Most upsetting is that your teammates will never utter a word. Although this is understandable due to budget and actor constraints, it is still sad to have your teamamtes stand there like relative puppets. (However, there is a rather nice scene involving Legion and the lead scientist.)

+Great Presentation
+Humor
+Fantastic Ending Sequence
+Epic Scale
-Slightly Cliched Main Plot
-Silent Teammates
-Story only relevant at the beginning and end of campaign.

Score: 32/40


Gameplay
--------------------------------------------------------
The base game of Mass Effect 2 remains in this DLC. The outstanding combat and dialogue system remains, with great opportunities presented for both. There are numerous fun action set pieces in this expansion including a rather disturbing series of bosses ranging from a corrupted Geth Prime and the insane VI itself. The dialogue is offered less time to shine, but the amazing interrupt system is once again a standout. There are also numerous puzzles introduced into the gameplay that add to the experience. Perhaps the best introduction gameplay wise into this DLC is the expanded use of the Hammerhead vehicle, first introduced in the Firewalker pack earlier this year. Unlike the original Mass Effect's Mako tank, the Hammerhead is easy to handle and is alot of fun to use. There are numerous creative uses of the vehicle, including some very fun platforming sequences. However, the same flaws present in the original Firewalker pack still remain. The Hammerhead still only has one form of attack, and it you are prohibited from saving within the vehicle. Luckily, there are numerous autosaves which prevents this flaw from totally ruining the experience. Unfortunately, the campaign is also annoyingly short only lasting about five to six hours in length.

+Great Combat Sequences
+Fun Puzzles
+/-Dialogue
+/-Hammerhead
-Short

Score: 35/40


Graphics
---------------------------------------------------------
Overlord is perhaps the most impressive looking Mass Effect content ever released. Exploring the planet the campaign takes place is a breathtaking experience. As the VI on your Hammerhead points out, the scenery is a beautiful sight. Whether its the flames of the volcanic station of the game, the haunting presence of the VI as it stalks you throughout your mission, or the Tron-esque finale Bioware has provided a striking visual experience. The amazing character animations remain, and only experience slight hiccups.

+Outstanding visual design and scenery
+ Outstanding character animations
-Some minor graphical hiccups


Score: 9.5/10

Sound
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mass Effect has always shined when it came to an exceptional sound experience, and Overlord is no different. Jack Wall's score returns, although more subtle then in previous iterations. The top notch voice acting is still present, although in smaller additions then in the main game. Shepard's actor gets better with each time he plays the character, and he is far from the wooden statue like soldier seen in the original. However, the real star are the brilliant sound effects. Whether its the pang of bullets shooting past your head, or the eerie insect liking shrieking of the villainous computer Overlord is an aural treat.

+Jack Wall's Score
+Voice Acting
+Sound Effects

Score: 10/10

Overall
---------------------------------------------------------
Overlord may not be perfect, but for Mass Effect fans it is easily the best expansion delivered since the award winning Bring Down the Sky for the series's original installment. Your money is well spent in this short but sweet gem of a DLC.

Aggregate Score: 86.5/100
Overall Score: 88/100

Last weekend, infamous Modern Warfare 2 developer Infinity Ward released a new game update, supposedly in correspondence with the latest Resurgence map pack*. As minor as it sounds, this update (for most people) is going to be a pretty big deal: while Commando is still in the game, two new playlists have been added named "Barebones Pro" and "Objective Barebones Pro." Before any of you hardcore gamers jump out of your pants thinking they are true barebones, allow me to inform you that Infinity Ward's definition of barebones is simply no killstreak rewards. Barebones Pro is a mix of 8-person TDM and FFA, and the Objective Barebones is a mix of all objective game types (Domination, CTF, Demolition, and HQ Pro). These playlists both allow Xbox Live Party chat. In addition, Capture the Flag and Mosh Pit playlists have been removed to fit this update.


No killstreak rewards will definitely be a nice change of pace, but be sure to expect more hardcore (therefore more formidable) opponents on the battlefield.


*Because the Resurgence map pack hasn't released on the PS3 yet, PS3 users have yet to see this update.

Well ladies and gents, the time has come. After about two and half weeks the mighty Mass Effect 2 has fallen to my gaming abilities. Has Bioware's latest epic lived up to the/(my own) hype? Does it deliver its promises? Read on!

Story
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The essential part of any Bioware game is its story. Bioware is a master at its craft creating beautiful in depth worlds with complex and captivating characters. Mass Effect 2 begins with a bang and continues throughout the entire game. The story follows Commander Shepard, returning from a brief hiatus to assemble a team of heroes, assassins, prisoners, and mercenaries to take on what appears to be a suicide mission. Although the main story itself lapses into the occasional cliche (the ending boss is familiar to say the least), the real strength of this story rely in the side moments inside. Since Mass Effect 2 relies on your save game from the previous installment, you'll find yourself interacting with some incredibly personal moments. Discussing fallen teammates with the ships doctor, getting a hug from your former teammates, or even meeting up with that annoying fan from the Citadel all resonate deeply because they actually feel like something you accomplished. Shepard himself is improved as a character as well. No longer a dry and lifeless hero, your Shepard actually gains personality according to your actions. This adds to the level of immersion. Mass Effect 2 delivers possibly Bioware's best cast to date. Every character is enthralling and beautifully rendered. They make you laugh, yell at your screen, and maybe cry. (Hey I said maybe.) When things come down to the final mission and the big choices really begin to culminate it is heartbreaking to lose them. ( I lost one of my favorite teammates on the end run.) In fact this may be where one of the games major story flaws is. Some of the decisions are to hard to live with. This adds a level of tension, but also heightens the frustration. A decision that activates at a certain point in the story will hurt you no matter what happens.

+Good Writing/Dialogue
+Shepard has personality
+/-Hard Choices
+Amazing Charcters
+Memorable Moments Throughout
-Slightly cliched main plot

Score: 39/40

Gameplay
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps the biggest fallback to the original Mass Effect was its gameplay. Although combat was fun it was often hampered by dumb AI, lackluster coversystem, and lack of weapons. When looking that the combat between the two games, it really could be compared to night and day. Mass Effect 2's encounters are intense, action packed, and exciting. The game delivers a caliber of action that can only be compared to the Call of Duty series in intensity. The new heavy weapon system also allows for fun kills, and really do make you feel like a badass. The dialogue system from the new game remains intact, but this time sports an interrupt system that allows for your character to become even more of a hero or villain. The terrible Mako system is gone, replaced with an easy dropdown shuttle system. The sidequests have also been fleshed out and have much more originality then the previous installment. However, the gameplay does suffer from a few hitches. The first being the mining. Although harvesting resources does grow on you as the game progresses, it is just incredibly slow paced and monotonous compared to the rest of the game. There are also numerous points where the game will crash or you will float up into the sky. In other words its slightly buggy. However, the most blatant problem with the game design wise is the odd mission completed screen that appears after every quest. This drags you out of the experience and feels out of place in an rpg. There is also a lack of general RPG elements, but in the end this allows for a much more streamlined shooter experience.

+Fantastic Combat
+Amazing dialogue system
+Fun Quests
-Mining
-Design flaws

Score: 38/40

Graphics
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mass Effect 2's graphics standout primarily due to their art design. Although not on the level of such powerhouses as the Call of Duty franchise or Uncharted, the graphics of Mass Effect 2 carry the necessary emotion and grittiness needed for the sci-fi world it depicts. The environments are detailed, expansive, and incredibly atmospheric. The character animations especially in combat are fluid and natural, and add to the intensity. However, perhaps Mass Effet's greatest strength is the facial movements in its interactive cutscenes. The emotion and weight carried by the face alone is astounding.

+Detailed Environments
+Smooth animation
+Charcter design
+Art design
-Lacks the polish of other games
Score 9/10

Sound
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bioware games are known for their amazing voice acting, and Mass Effect 2 doesn't disappoint. With such actors as Martin Sheen, Yvonne Strahovski, Tricial Helfer, and Seth Green in the supporting cast it is little wonder that the sound in this game is phenomenal. The game triumphs outside of the acting to. The battle sound effects are superb and frenzied. The zip of bullets flying past your head, and the screech of laser fire adds to the intensity. Yet, the real star is Jack Hall's superb and heroic soundtrack.

+Outstanding voice acting
+Polished sound effects
+Amazing Score

Score: 10/10

Overall
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mass Effect 2 is a phenomenal game, and has probably taken the place of my favorite game of all time. Yes I said it, shut up haters. With a personal and emotional story, and intense gameplay this sci-fi epic is one to remember.

Aggregate Score: 96/100
Overall Score: 97/100
(Yes they're basically the same, shut up.)
Letter grade: A+

I would start this off giving you some introductory information about Modern Warfare 2, but hopefully you already know the basics: developed by Infinity Ward (Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare), Modern Warfare 2 is the first person shooter, direct sequel to Call of Duty 4, which was an unexpectedly, ultra-popular release. All aspects of Modern Warfare 2 are above-average, at least mirroring its predecessor in quality. The single player campaign and the multiplayer game modes carry over from the last game, while the new Spec Ops mode offers a variety of challenging, individual missions which can optionally be completed with a friend.

-<>-{ THE GOOD }-<>-

In General:
--The gameplay, which happens to be an important aspect of MW2, is as smooth and welcoming as ever, and the new weapon selection will excite any FPS fan.
--There is plenty to do after the single player campaign is over, even if you don't have online gaming.
--The weapons feel good to shoot. Simple as that.
--The sound is great. If you turn it up loud enough so that your neighbors can hear it, they will think it is a movie (the voice acting is once again very realistically done).
--Glass actually breaks now. Have fun out there.

Single Player:
--Infinity Ward fixed the infinite enemy spawning that endlessly frustrated gamers in Call of Duty 4.
--The story is engaging; you will never fall asleep.
--Some exciting plot twists have a powerful effect on emotions
--Creative missions are always both fun and cinematic, making you feel like a movie star

Multiplayer:
--More unlockables than ever before make for one of the biggest motivators to play "just one more game".
--Leveling up has become easier (in an encouraging way) by adding various bonuses for kills and millions of new challenges.
--New maps are well constructed and planned out, and there are plenty of game modes.
--It is so addicting, you may end up playing this for at least the next year, skipping work and/or school in the process.
--Host migration keeps 90% of games (from which the original host left) going.

-<>-{ THE BAD }-<>-

In General:
--Graphics are good, but haven't improved too much.
--More embarrassing than bad, you can use equipment (grenades, tactical insertions, etc.) while on ladders. This might be helpful in some cases, however.

Single Player:
--Enemies' guns are still automatically pointed at you, and your teammates do little to nothing to help you. You are on your own, which can make Veteran painfully difficult.
--The campaign is very short. While this may be partially excused because of MW2's movie-like structure, I took 5 hours to beat it on Regular difficulty and 10 hours on Veteran.
--Some aspects of the story you may only understand if you played the first Modern Warfare. If you never played Call of Duty 4, take advantage of this and play it.

Multiplayer:
--A problem in the last game, the fact that your character moves slower in the eyes of other players than from your own first person perspective causes the occasional unfair kill.*
--The abundance of challenges is overwhelming and hard to keep track of.
--Some popular game modes, such as Hardcore Headquarters, have been left out.

-<>-{ SUMMARY }-<>-

Modern Warfare 2 is a very well made game that rises above most, if not all, of the other shooters, both first and third-person. Despite the initial appearance of my review, don't think that "THE BAD" are major flaws that make this a bad game. Rather, they are minor flaws, some of which might be exclusive to a small percentage of gamers (a.k.a. me). Take my word for it and give it a try, even if you think you were done with video games after Call of Duty 4. Because you're not.


-<>-{ SCORE }-<>-

Story: 17/20
Gameplay: 35/40
Graphics: 16/20
Sound: 15/15
Re-playability: 5/5

Aggregate Score: 88/100
Independent Score: 95/100

*For instance, if you hold the crouch button to go prone, you will see yourself go down slightly quicker on your screen than you are actually going down through the eyes of a teammate or enemy, which can be frustrating.