Mass Effect 2: Xbox 360

Who said sequels were dodgy?

This combination between Bioware and EA is nothing short of incredible. The first game, as you will probably remember, was also nigh on perfect and quite rightly reaped the rewards.

There were glitches. Combat was a bit clunky and some areas felt as if they were trying to appear less linear than they actually were.

Minor quibbles, though, because it was a great game, a modern classic.

And now we have the next generation.

It's bigger, better and without the glitches. Ranked on Games Rankings website as the finest Xbox 360 game to date, this is a gargantuan way to start the New Year.

In much the same way as Assassin's Creed improved everything bad about the first title, this does the same. It evolves so greatly from the first it is a real credit to the developers.

Heroic

Once again gamers step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard after the events of Mass Effect.

I have a real issue with the hero. He reminds me of Rob Lee who used to play for Newcastle United, but with a shaven head.

Players of the first Mass Effect can import saved games to continue the story of their own Commander Shepard and thankfully you can 'de-Robert Lee' him.

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.

They are transported into a cinematic battle for survival in an action/rpg/epic that encapsulates everything good that gaming has achieved in recent years.

The gameplay is amazing, the story is just brilliant and the graphics are as perfect as any you will have ever seen.

I loved the way in which the game tries to eliminate some of the more mundane menu shuffling and annoyances commonly associated with RPG's.

It keeps things fresh and simple yet delivers the most complex of gaming experiences.

The opportunity to take the path of good or bad is determined by the choices you must make sure you choose carefully.
It throws you into the seedy word of space as well as the good old-fashioned combat between good and bad.

Your mission and purpose is to save humanity from an evil alien race. So much actually stands in the way of that goal though and so many experiences and emotions await you throughout.

Characters in the game are superb and great effort is made to make you believe in them. The different personalities within your team make for a truly riveting journey.

The size of the game is very impressive. You have a whole galaxy to explore and there are plenty of sub-missions to keep you occupied and flesh out the bones.

The key to the game is the quality. It is as much about the story and the delivery as it is about the brilliant gameplay. This is pure sci-fi adventure and old-fashioned good vs evil at its very best.

The best graphics ever? Yes.
The best storyline? Maybe

The best sound and effects? Yes.

Still, though, I can't agree it is the best 360 game ever - for me there are others on a par with this and Fallout 3, was better.

It is in that top bracket of superb games and it gets top marks.

Now Bioshock 2 - over to you!