
If you didn't play the original Mass Effect you won't be at a disadvantage, but if you did, all you need to know is that this is better. BioWare has achieved the rather improbable feat of preserving the story- and character-driven heart of the original while making the tactical and shooter elements work much better. What's more, the background texture "popping" that was a flaw in the first game has completely gone. Mass Effect 2 is a pure visual treat, even in its more frenetic moments. And fans of the first game will be delighted to know that the Mako all-terrain vehicle has gone too, so no more aimless trundling across barren moons.

