The Brilliance of Mass Effect 2

[@ArTorrPresents]

Hello everyone! Thank you all for the amazing support and views this video has received over the last month. It's a big blessing. That being said, nobody is perfect-- there were a few lore inaccuracies many of you pointed out during the video, and I just wanted to make note of them here for future viewers: 1) Aresh is not an ex-Cerberus scientist, but indeed one of the children Cerberus experimented on at the Pragia facility (and actually had it worse than Jack). The trauma that haunts Aresh and the dilemma of "repeating the past" is still relevant, as is the lesson Jack must learn by confronting her trauma. 2) Thane was an assassin for the Drell government, and not necessarily the multitude of elites that I implied he worked for during the video. Nonetheless, his hands are still stained with the blood of countless lives (especially his wife's murderers), and he still feels the need to atone for that. 3) Morinth is not Samara's last living daughter, as made apparent by Mass Effect 3. She does mention having other daughters in 2, this just went very over my head for some reason.

[@alhampton6783]

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[@alhampton6783]

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[@JAYDOG1337A]

Jacob: Sounds like a suicide mission, I volunteer. Miranda: You're not trained for that, Shepard if Jacob goes in the vent he will die! Shepard: Jacob you're going in the vent.

[@sirfrancisgaming9438]

Jacob: *dies* Shepard: suprise pikachu face

[@TheKueiJin]

@@sirfrancisgaming9438 More like: Oh thank God. Now let's not even let the rats die.

[@leroyrussell8766]

I liked Jacob. I just wish he was more useful as a squadmate, but he wasn't. I wish there were more Bro moments between him and John Shepard. Two Alliance Officers, talking shop, life, etc... In fact, this highlights that IMHO, the most underused part of the ship and stations were the places where some of the crew and Shepard could sit and talk. They did do this a little bit, but it would have been awesome to have a DLC that expanded on that. Allowed more sit down conversations at bars, restaurants, lounge areas, hospital waiting areas, crew's lounge on the Normandy, etc... Would have been great to add a short walk through a small part of the Admiral's ship, to sit and talk with him in his quarters, or officer's mess. Same for Anderson in ME2. If he's Counselor, you sit in that office, and have one conversation. If he's not the Counselor, you sit in his other office, and have a different conversation.

[@JAYDOG1337A]

@@leroyrussell8766 He cheats on Femshep, anything else is secondary to that

[@leroyrussell8766]

@@JAYDOG1337A Who is this FemShep you speak of? Must be an imposter. I will let Commander John Shepard look into it.

[@IMajst3RI]

Martin Sheen, Lance Henriksen, and Keith David could have given standard "holywood star in a video game" performance yet they gave some of the best performance in their lifes and it says a lot

[@SuperHipsterGamer]

Martin certainly gives a performance that is far higher in quality compared to the average celebrity role in a video game. But to suggest it is one of his best is frankly insulting to the numerous stellar performances he has made. West Wing alone has multiple hours of awe inspiring acting. There is not enough emotional nuance in the Illusive man to come close to that, even if the role is thematically interesting. It is akin to saying Alfred Molinas greatest performance was his performance as the Children's theater critic in the Funny or Die youtube video.

[@IMajst3RI]

@@SuperHipsterGamer stop pushing your opinions as facts

[@SuperHipsterGamer]

​@@IMajst3RI My oppinion is as much an oppinion as claiming the London National theatre makes better productions than the 4th grade in the local elementary school, that Mass Effect 2 is a better game than Goat Simulator or that Mcdonalds does not cook the best meat. Ultimately it is subjective, but everyone with any actual knowledge about the craft will find anyone disagreeing with that oppinion utterly ignorant of the craft in question.

[@warden-gg7263]

Yvonne too i loved her in the new amazon movie

[@ZrodyApo]

In the case of Martin Sheen, the Illusive Man is his sole role as voice actor in a video game and it's just perfect. Every bit of dialogue and emotion is done very well

[@michaelkaduck1915]

"It's so much easier to see the world in Black and White. Gray...I don't know what to do with gray."-Garrus Vakarian. Another excellent video, covering my favorite game of all time!

[@ArTorrPresents]

I'm very pleased to know you enjoyed it!!

[@michaelkaduck1915]

Yeah these videos on the Mass Effect Games have made me appreciate them even more. I can't wait for you to cover Mass Effect 3!

[@Polyvalent]

Classic quote from the OG himself

[@michaelkaduck1915]

He's kickin' ass and doing calibrations, and he's all out of ass!

[@formes2388]

Things are a whole lot easier if you can keep seeing the world black and white. When you start seeing the endless nuance - it becomes nearly impossible; There are very few outright good choices to make in the grand scheme of things - only things we hope are the best option, given circumstances.

[@Eph_Wilson]

“One of the most beloved games of all time TO THIS DAY.” You’re damn right.

[@JOHNSMITH-vx5yz]

Is there any. ,,XXXXX 😍😍😍😍😍😍💝💘💗💖💕💚💛💜💓💙❤💋👄👄👄💋💙💓💘💗💜💟💞💕💖💗💘💝💓💜💛💚👄💋❤💙 rated. Parts in it. Y know what a mean. ,,,,,,,,grin grin nudge nudge wink wink say no MORRRREEEE. ,,,,,, i mean. ,,,,,,,S,,,😍 X parts. , 😀😀😀😀😀😍😍😍😍

[@wetteryan]

IMO the Mass Effect franchise has the best lore and world building for an original IP in all of gaming. It's such a massive epic space opera where the stakes affect entire galaxies... But at the same time makes you care so much about singular characters. It's a true unicorn of story telling.

[@LAGator-qu7tc]

Metal gear solid, Ratchet and Clank, cyberpunk, kingdom hearts I can name a lot of games like that

[@Sabamonster]

@@LAGator-qu7tc Cyberpunk isn't an original IP. The others I agree with. Had they not said "Space Opera" I would have gone on a rant and listed about 1800 games that share all the other characteristics. Lol. If we are going with the best world-building for an original IP (Without Space Opera) I think there are multiple games that could easily compete (And potentially win) that title. ME is an amazing trilogy and one of my favorite games/series of all time but there are other games that are on equal footing IMO.

[@cjvaye99]

thats what makes what ea did so messed up. they improved so much from 1 to 2 and 3 was gonna be an absolute masterpiece but they rushed it out and ea also put some important story elements as DLC. I dont think anyone would of minded if it took another year for the game to come out if we got what bioware truly envisioned as the end of the classic trilogy. what we got even today after playing ME:LE ME3 feels like a college paper you've been procrastinating on and try to finish in the library before class starts in 4 hours. dont get me wrong it's still a good game but I really think it could of been incredible and one of the greatest ever.

[@zerocool5395]

It rivals Star Wars as far as world building and lore.

[@-Coded]

This fact makes me incredibly sad with how they handled ME3 (not just the ending but the game itself as a sequel), and the franchise going forward. It still bewilders mw why they abandoned this franchise for Anthem, which also got abandoned. This franchise literally had and still probably has, Star Wars level potential and the original team behind the trilogy understood this. It's not among the greatest of RPGs, but I agree the storytelling and world they've built is phenomenal.

[@mrtan5641]

I'm from Malaysia, a country in which racial tensions will always be constant and when I was young, I was a complete racist. It wasn't until i played Mass Effect 2 that I changed my view on a lot of things. People has struggles and want to redeem themselves for their regrets that they had. An inheritance from one another no matter how much they try to break through and will remain. Mass effect taught me more about people are same but different. A different race or species, but have the trials like everyone. I learned empathy and compassion, hearing each of my squadmates stories helping people and understanding a cry for help. A great series and one that i revisit for time to time. I am glad to have met this game, if not how much would I be if this game never came to my life.

[@Assassino275]

That's beautiful man, games truly are an art

[@mrtan5641]

​@@Assassino275Yeah man. Seriously this game helped me more than a lot. Learn to be empathetic and compassionate towards people and giving a hand to people who needs help but giving them the push rather than doing everything for them.

[@noticiasinmundicias]

holy shit man, i'm glad you left that rabbithole. it's a path riddled with pain.

[@SWOTHDRA]

Malysia's biggest issue however is that imported religion you have over there.

[@mookiestewart3776]

People are the same but “different” in the real world not because of innate characteristics that belong to one race or another , I hope you got that message as well from this game because it’s one of the main themes. Black people aren’t born different from white people from an internal or mental perspective, same goes for Asians , Hispanics etc etc. one of the biggest points of this game series is that our differences stem from our environment and upbringing, it’s social not genetical. That’s the entire point of the Krogan genovage subplot that runs through the three games. And don’t even get me started on how crazy it is to refer to OTHER HUMANS as if they were a DIFFERENT species. That idea is fucking ridiculous on it’s own

[@maia_0613]

Even to this day, hearing the final mission theme music gives me goosebumps. What an impactful game.

[@Topsidemold19]

Fr bro like mass effect 1 was good but then Like I didn't like 2 at first but at the end I actually miss my old crew even though I can still play it but there's nothing to do in it plus I finished 3 and now I'm doing andromeda

[@yaro42]

Suicide mission is art at it's pure. And the felling when you get everyone alive is unmached.

[@MomentPhotographyG1]

Faxx

[@hoangsh12]

Suicide mission is the best ending mission, period.

[@willhornsby206]

TIMmy: Hey Shep I brought you back from the dead go on this suicide mission. Oh and make sure to give Cerberus the edge we need against the Reapers Shepard: *Sends Data to Alliance, Gets Miranda to quit, Makes Liara the Shadow Broker, Gets everyone out alive, tells TIMmy to piss off and takes the Normandy SR2 and turns self in* TIMmy: Well f$#k time to use the small bits of reaper tech and turn people into husks, Marauders, Banchees and Canables

[@shawnamiller191]

When you make all the right choices during the suicide mission it feels so good

[@CymruJedi]

I really hope that at some point in my life I get to relive an experience like what I had with mass effect 2. Nothing has ever topped the story for me. I live in hope

[@ronanwaters4]

can not wait for him to talk about the citadel dlc in however long it takes. I'm sure it'll be amazing

[@yanisbaker881]

That could have made that it’s own game and I would have been happy

[@Zeoran]

That DLC is the first & only true love letter to the fans I have ever seen. And while the story is a bit cheesy it's still plausible & the DLC is not about the story & everything about getting to know your companions even better & spending quality time with them.

[@segevkrespi8609]

​@@Zeoranthe story is cheesy and something I kinda wish I could skip straight to the arena and the party, lut it's still really fun

[@Spartanunit5]

Holy shit man. Mass Effect 2 is one of my favorite games of all time and I’ve played it dozens of times. But you’ve given me some insight on underlying themes in the the game that completely went over my head. Specifically the idea of redemption. I think you’ve changed how I’ll do play throughs in the future.

[@ArTorrPresents]

I do not take this lightly. Thank you for checking out the video!!

[@MomentPhotographyG1]

Fax bro

[@lukeimyafada2270]

@@ArTorrPresents just so you know, i think i can speak for most of us when i say hes right, its inspiring the way you word it and the way you put this together, well done would be an understatement, looking forward to see your future content

[@Darkmountaindweller]

The voice casting in Mass Effect 2,was incredible,I'm my little room on my laptop in Nigeria, seeing planets n galaxies having familiar names was surreal n crazy and wonderful to see, a perfect game in my opinion.

[@xenon8117]

44:30 Arresh was one of the children in the facility that as experimented not a Cerberus researcher.

[@es_three232]

Mass Effect 2 is the Empire Strikes Back of video games. Its utterly perfect.

[@steveng6721]

This game takes a fat shit on everything mass effect 1 laid into place and went from a sort of Eldritch space horror adjacent game to 24 in space. This game did so little for the plot that it's why mass effect 3 flopped, since it has to fit two games worth of plot into one

[@SWOTHDRA]

​@@steveng6721 truth, it was sidequest the game. Totally focussed on your squad mates instead of a real or good story. The collectors was a dumb concept.

[@ChangerofWays-Tzeentch]

@@SWOTHDRA the collectors were actually a amazing concept, and the choices within it should have had a far larger part in the games, have us gather bits and pieces for a solution against the reapers throughout collector encounters and if you save the base you have a head start and can possibly stall the invasion enough to save earth from the fate of faced in cannon, and if you destroy it have us on the same massive backfoot we had in 3 just without the Deus ex machina that is the mars archives giving the solution immediately, have it just being another small piece that only makes sense now that we have the other pieces of the data or whatever, then by the midpoint it would slowly lead to a stalling of the reapers due to this advantage, until eventually the citadel races can pull something off to defeat the reapers(idk I am not putting much if any effort into writing this)

[@brkbtjunkie]

The story writing and the voice acting, the art design with bold color palettes, the cutscene compositions having Scorsese quality, the choices affecting gameplay. It’s all so incredible and sublime.

[@namelessbeethoven3264]

I still love it when Tali calls me "Captian". She is such a great friend!

[@FormerGovernmentHuman]

What I appreciate about the “hollywood” cast is they took in people that took it seriously. That’s not something you typically get when a hollywood actor voices a character.

[@SCRaetz]

12:43 I can't be the only one who stared at that far-off city on Beckenstein on Kasumi's stolen memory mission. I set up a separate save file so I can revisit at will. I know you're attending the party of a criminal syndicate boss, but it allows the player a *brief measure* of _peace_ that's rarely experienced in high-octane action RPG's. And I'm absolutely in love with it.

[@TheRedAzuki]

Oh yeah, all those missions are awesome (Same with the mission in ME3 Citadel) just some fun low-energy party.

[@jkh574]

Yea and the music! Just chilling in the dude’s bedroom is pretty epic

[@MonFrereGaming]

I literally did this recently, looks amazing off in the distance. Makes me want to visit!

[@BingBangPoe]

I absolutely love how character-driven Mass Effect 2 is, more than any other game in the trilogy. Your breakdown of the Mass Effect series is probably one of the best I've ever seen.

[@KaitoGillscale]

ME2 will always be my favorite of the trilogy…and the lynchpin to why 1-3 are my favorite games of all time. Mass Effect has such a lovely, lived-in world. I doubt I’ll ever find a game that I care about so deeply…invest my thoughts in so thoroughly…

[@yaro42]

Try witcher, and red dead redemption

[@DarthCoyster]

ditto

[@KaitoGillscale]

@@yaro42 Oh trust me, I love Witcher 2 and 3...I love RD1 and 2...but Mass Effect will always be the trilogy that reminds me that games can invest me in a universe like no other.

[@Ca_Raxes]

Since your last video of ME1 I’ve gone through the whole ME Legendary Edition and oh my god was this adventure magnificent. Thank you for getting me into this 🙏🏻

[@ArTorrPresents]

I am honored! Glad to hear you had such a good time with them! :)

[@devilsadvocate22289]

Ah yes, the “Suicide Mission”, the single greatest final mission of any game ever. We have accepted that claim. Great work with both of your vids so far! It really captures what makes my fav game franchise of all time so damn beautiful, despite some of the minor… and major flaws. It was interesting that you did not mention the Arrival DLC in the vid (at least, I don’t remember you talking about it). I bet you are saving that for ME3’s vid. Looking forward to your vid on that!

[@smeegy1]

Suicide mission is great but the fact that many partners could die meant bioware seriously simplified the partners in me3. Most of the returning cast from 2 has basically no role to play, and that's terrible.

[@jmass4207]

Thank you! I’ll die on the hill that they shot their load on mass effect 2 (for the middling phase, plot hole ridden collector “threat”) and left themselves screwed for mass effect 3.

[@Zapiii69]

@@smeegy1 I've never even thought about this, but I think you're 100% right.

[@zanetaylor8020]

“Suicide Mission” is arguably the greatest *COMPLETE* final mission. The road to hell that is “Mission: Earth” is right there in my opinion right up until you make the run to the beam Edit: “Priority: Earth”

[@kratkartan1486]

@The Geekfather what should have happened is your choices lock in which one Shepard chooses. Like, Instead of us being able to choose the ending, Shepard makes the choice for us.

[@Norfstar98]

KZbin recommendations have finally graced me with an actually excellent suggestion. I have always loved Mass Effect 2 but this video has put into words half-baked thoughts that have been rattling around for some time. Amazing work and I can't wait for the Mass Effect 3 video, that's gonna be... one hell of a ride.

[@ibraheemayyad6875]

I finished my MA thesis in criticism and comparative literature couple of months ago. I read and went through tens of critical and literary books and studies. In brief, your analysis is very thorough and on par with many excellent books I've come cross. Can't thank you enough Parkes for this brilliantly written and done video. 👏👏👏👏

[@NTWoo95]

I spent last December playing the ME trilogy for the first time. ME2 is one of the best gaming experiences I've had. The story is so stupidly simple, "get your team together," its literally the story thats always reduced to montage in other mediums but its my favourite part of this whole series. Earning their trust, talking to each teammate after each mission just to see how the different characters feel about certain things, kicking myself in the final mission if someone died...what an adventure Mass Effect is

[@serijas737]

Speaking for Tali to her people as a Paragon was such a great experience.

[@JamesRoyceDawson]

Some corrections- Morinth is Samara's oldest daughter but not her last living one and Aresh isn't a former Cerberus researcher. He was one of the test subjects alongside Jack in the biotics program

[@ridesq]

The alien companions in this series are more than just more interesting and “more human than human.” It’s like they’re real life entities. I can’t not think there’s a Garrus, Tali, or Wrex somewhere out there.

[@ArkenTheAmerikan]

"The Legend of Mass Effect" "The Brilliance of Mass Effect 2" Ooooh I see what you're up to, ya sneaky bastard.

[@ArTorrPresents]

*maniacally laughs in clone wars*

[@noahprange8128]

This was a truly exceptional video essay. You have done justice to the brilliance of this game.

[@shriramvenu]

really great in depth analysis. Mass Effect 2'w weakness is its' apparent lack of focus on the grander story, yet what really carries it through is the individual character stories and the well thought out combat. To this day it remains one of my favorite games of all time

[@kronozord8346]

The game feels more like a filler story than anything else and very few companions are really relevant to it.

[@dorottyapapp]

​​@@kronozord8346 This is some of the reasons why ME2 is my least favourite of all the 4 ME games. It has it's moments but it's disjointed. Overall it just feels like a job to do and not a journey. They butchered Mass Effect with their reinvention.

[@yairwayyikkana8542]

​@@dorottyapapp I played through the Legendary Edition trilogy recently and there's always a point early in ME2, where I check out on the story side because it's not going anywhere in terms of the overall story. Then, the lack of interaction between squadmates and the mission complete screens doesn't help add to the experience.

[@dorottyapapp]

@@yairwayyikkana8542 Omg, those mission complete screens with TIM and a bunch of data are so immersion braking, than they just teleport Shep back, another box is checked, I hate it. And yes, there are too many squadmates in ME2, less is more. In my 1st playthrough by the time I setup ME3 I forgot about half of them.

[@rallen1336]

One of the most complete and insightful reviews I have ever watched Very professionally executed with rare professionalism and impartiality that is extremely rare on KZbin I want to see the same done to Mass Effect 3 Well done

[@austinmitchell2652]

Please never stop making videos. Getting a long, high quality video like this every so often is a great surprise

[@villaniousmustache4898]

This was just, if not more than, incredible than your last me video. You really did open my eyes to a new perspective on our crew I didn't have before! The greatest part about 2 is definitely how you got a bunch of basically screwed in the head teammates all with their own problems and Shepard basically helping them out, whether it be virtuous or with cruelty, still found time to care for his team and in reverse, they care about Shepard. They make you care, and they most definitely make you out to be the baddest mofo in the universe with the paragon/renegade dial. But you are also right about them not exploring the universe as much as before. It was my favorite thing about me1 and consider it better than me2 in that regard by a long shot but my love for me2 is the gritty truth to how awful things can get in a universe without anyone with good virtues running the show and blatant terrible politicians in power. Just like reality, it's no different out there than on earth. And I think it's a beautiful thing Shepard's crew all prove us wrong that an individual can change so much in others, and in doing so. Those others, can touch the hearts of those in a form of salvation m creating a much better universe. Shepard truly did put in that work. HE GOT THAT DAWG IN HIM!

[@jaywenzel3528]

Such a fantastic game, i played ME 2 right after the first and the opening scene had me stunned.

[@rafaelferreira5819]

Me too. I was shocked and sad at the same time

[@mitchellman32]

Mass Effect has always been my absolute favorite franchise and this video essay PERFECTLY encapsulated it. No story has made me cry like it, cheer and shout, and despair as this franchise does. Best story in gaming imo. Full stop. Incredible video.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Total agreement. Thanks for checking it out!

[@inspectorbutters166]

Mass Effect 2 is my favorite installment of the series. Your essay truly does it justice. You showed the game's beauty, it's flaws and told me details even I never knew about. Keep up the good work.

[@JasonDraughon-e9e]

If I wasn’t already as big a fan of this game and series already this breakdown was UTTERLY AMAZING. Thank you for this love letter to a game that is a classic but imo doesn’t get the true love it deserves.

[@jacksonconstantine5740]

I find it interesting how the middle third of this essay is centred around Shepard’s impact on the world if you are a paragon. The fact that you could create a completely different essay just discussing the narrative of this game if you play renegade says so much about how beautifully written this game is.

[@bbad00]

Legendary Edition really revives the galactic hype of Mass Effect.

[@Aschwartz14]

Wow. A throwaway line in the games, delivered by one of the most stoic, unemotional (outside of his own scenes) characters hit me harder than almost anything in the whole video. “You are Urdnot Grunt. Welcome”

[@leroyrussell8766]

So many content creators seem to act as if BroShep doesn't exist. I commend you for splitting time between the two. It shows that you don't have an agenda, and don't deny the greater part of your fan base. You earned a subscription from me. Keep up the great work. This is literally the best analysis of ME2 I have ever seen.

[@beccawilkinson9037]

There's nothing wrong with him but femshep just has a better voice actress. Lol

[@leroyrussell8766]

@@beccawilkinson9037 We will have to disagree. After 20 years in the Navy, I found BroShep to be very convincing...very realistic.

[@Tea_Mist]

As someone who has played well over 300 hours in Mass Effect 2 alone, this video essay was so wonderful to watch. Thank you. and thank you for giving each squad member some light. Not everyone loved every one, but each one had their moments to shine. You're right, they're not perfect, but I always loved that. I loved that they were not perfect, made them feel more human. and fucking finally we got to romance Garrus. xD I worked hard for that headbutt. +1 Subscriber and like.

[@Roseforthethorns]

I’m currently in a full trilogy play- and I was reminded of why I’ve played ME2 more times than any other entry in the series. I love it so freaking much. I love all the characters. I’m obsessed with the team.

[@archangelgabriel5316]

I thought it was a crime Wrex wasn't playable. Other than that, I agree.

[@Palmieres]

When you started talking about the small actions that make small but meaningful differences I recalled one of the most disappointing things I've ever read from a player and self-proclaimed fan: that they didn't care about consequences that you can't see. This was in respect to the infamous "three-coloured endings", and it hurt me on a deeper level because it's clear these stories don't mean as much to some people as they do to me. I don't care that I help someone - or an entire race, for that matter - and that I don't get to see the aftermath. I did something, I chose something, and that decision will ripple through the ages. When I play Mass Effect my choices matter, even when I don't see those NPCs ever again, even if I die, even if the game ends, my decisions _always_ mattered. And I think about them, I think about how what I chose dictated the future for the galaxy. Same thing as in real life: you build something so it can last well beyond your own life. Its value goes beyond your own existence. Other people are here too, and if your presence changed something, that something can redefine everything that comes after. Otherwise, why play? Why do anything that's not just self-serving during your lifetime? Empathy rewards us with other people's happiness, and punishes us with other people's sorrows. It's what being human is all about.

[@jeremywatters2295]

Amen to that!

[@WickedPrince3D]

I second this emotion. :)

[@archangelgabriel5316]

The Flower of Life and all its connected intricacies.

[@Blox117]

put the controller down and touch grass young boy

[@pleasegoawaydude]

@@Blox117 You're one of the types of people that try to dampen the things that make being alive beautiful. You see nothing in art. Die

[@juantanamo77]

What a fantastic video. Your punchline of introducing how important the paragon/renegade interrupt was so well done. I reflexively went for my interrupt key when it popped up. Subbed!

[@Ellimist000]

My god the reveal of Harbinger at the very end still gives me chills to this very day

[@jeffgayzos937]

I just played ME2 for the first time and was absolutely blown away. I love the companions and their stories. I’m rarely someone who cries over games, but I was moved to tears many times (particularly when Tali and I discovered her father’s body). I’m so excited to play ME3 so then I can go back and start over again and experience everything from this game that I missed or messed up. I absolutely love a good story, and mass effect absolutely delivered.

[@AdromedaJoel]

Mass Effect 2 lived up to its hype and beyond. ME 2 is one of the best seguel to a game ever

[@The_Nightsong]

I will never forget the first time I had the convos with Thane. I have depersonalization disorder and a few other things, so when he said the things about being dead, and seeing your body as a vessel, I felt I had found a kindred spirit in that character. He's my favorite among all of the characters.

[@TheSonicPuppy]

1:00:45 broke me. That theme and the mission are, to this day, possibly the greatest moments I've ever experienced in any form of entertainment. What a triumph. Phenomenal video as usual :)

[@ArTorrPresents]

Highlight of the entire series for sure. Thank you for watching!!

[@sage_thunderleaf487]

I just found your channel out of sheer luck and I'm loving everything you've been making so far. I'm looking forward to your Mass Effect 3 video and to watching more of your wonderful content!

[@ArTorrPresents]

Welcome to the channel!!

[@PS5Chan360]

This is a beautiful video of mass effect 2. Thank you

[@wazkangz955]

41:25 I love how Reflections plays here once the “cry for help” pops up even though the song starts at 41:10. Jack Wall outdid himself on Reflections but the OST as a whole.

[@sopranophantomista]

This was so damn good. So good. The editing in this essay is some of the best I've seen on this site. This was a beautiful retrospective, and allowed me to relive all that I loved about the game when I played it almost 10 years ago. With the legendary edition now out, I can play it again with all your critique in mind. Thank you for all your hard work and effort you placed into this.

[@Alex.Jensen]

What made this game special was the deep space operative theme along with the harrowingly beautiful loyalty quests. This,combined with good graphics, a good story, and a good soundtrack made this title something special.

[@ideasinthegord3915]

This is the perfect summary of everything that I love, that moves me, about Mass Effect 2. This is a stand out essay, and it's definitely something I'll show people that are interested in the series. Good job, man.

[@moonblaze2713]

I have never heard of you before this popped up in my feed. And what a video. I teared up at multiple points. It went from something I had on in the background to something I was giving my full attention to very quickly. Beautifully done.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you for taking the time to check it out!!

[@Predatornc1]

WOAH! This video blew my mind with its editing and theme. It's an amazing piece and I will defiantly be checking your mass effect 1 video.

[@CrazyMattLine]

A fantastic, well written, fantastically edited video as always, an absolute pleasure to watch, probably more than once. But... Aresh was not a cerberus scientist, he's one of the other kids they experimented on.

[@ArTorrPresents]

I just looked this up in disbelief and you are 100% correct. I am dumbfounded at how I missed that all the way to now. Thank you for pointing that out. And thank you for watching the video!

[@Renji9031]

@@ArTorrPresents Also, his last name, revealed in 3, is a reference to Admiral Shala'Raan vas Tonbay through her voice actress, Shohreh Aghdashloo.

[@basilisk..]

1 hour and 15 minutes of non stop discussion of the entire game....and that's the part you got caught up in😂

[@daddyjesuschrist]

@@basilisk.. I couldn’t ignore it either, tbh

[@Sierraone1]

the triology is a piece of art.

[@brianwhite9339]

My only regret is that Lirara wasn't on the mission to infltrate the Collector ship.

[@vladimirchernikov4249]

I never got the sense of a futility of choice during my playthroughs, but rather a challenge to overcome. I didn't expect to fix my companions in a single conversation or even a single act. It was always going to take time. And it was time well spent.

[@codyduncan6801]

This was fantastic. Truly. I've played this trilogy at least 15 times, and you've given it a deeper perspective for me. This somehow made one of my most beloved video games even more personal. Thank you for this.

[@lionzod6943]

One of my absolute favorite games of all time. The trilogy is my favorite trilogy just slightly over Halo. To me Mass effect 2 is a perfect game

[@Jarsia]

Thank you for perfectly summing up why Mass Effect 2 is my all time favourite game. The graphics are dated, the level design often claustrophobic, and the character, gear, and ability customization far more restrictive than ME3 and especially ME:A. But, the emotional roller coaster ride can't be topped, from having the bitter taste of defeat thrown in your face right at the start with not only losing the Normandy but also your life, to the newfound hope of Shepard's resurrection like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, to taking all that pain and anger and uncertainty and regret and distrust of your teammates' past and forging that into unity, to that final triumphant victory over the collecters. Nothing can top it. Also apologies if I missed it, I was playing this in the background, but I'd also like to talk about Shepard. In the first game You start as a nobody, perhaps not to humanity but to the larger galaxy, and it's achieving spectre status that in large part defines you. It gives you tools, it gives you training, it gives you a ship, and it gives you authority. It makes you feel like a superhero. As you said, ME2 deemphasizes spectre status. You can choose to keep the title, but it has little consequence. With Shepard rebirth, it's no longer needed. Shepard makes the SR2 his/her own, inspires a team to join up, overcomes even greater odds and ultimately finds a way, and none of it was because of some title. Shepard has grown beyond spectre status, and the fight with Tela Vasir perfectly captures that. What Shepard accomplishes in ME2 and 3 has nothing to do with being a spectre or an alliance commander, and everything to do with who Shepard is. Great breakdown of a legendary game.

[@deniskalev5805]

I feel like me2 had just enough gear and options. I never find myself missing the grenades, or the weapon attachments, or the combat rolling, or the omni blade. ME2 was honestly as close to a perfect game as I've ever played, it had just enough of everything and didn't overstay its welcome in any way, my only nitpick with the entire game is the awkward "shuttle mission" that's used to trigger the Collector assault on the Normandy. They should've just said TIM wants a debrief with the whole squad while Joker and EDI test the IFF, so he called them to the base you go to after you escape the medical facility at the beginning of the game.

[@thomasc7322]

I had just so happened to return to the series with the Legendary Edition for the first time since the time of ME3's release. I've been a big fan of your other works, so your timing couldn't have been more perfect. I'd forgotten how much heart this series had until replaying it the last few weeks.

[@markadams8011]

Absolutely! Jack's quests broke my heart. I know people say he's dull, but Jacob's loyalty mission with his awful father, Bill Cosby, was next level writing. ME2 was a true gift.

[@Prophet6000]

I love Mass Effect 2 so much. I hope the future games could come close.

[@thelastcrow5660]

The ending gives me chills to this day, everything about it is perfect.

[@ephiscus224]

Man, the production value of these videos is top notch. Got hooked by the introduction of the last one and here I am now waiting on the third. Your insights are what really carry these videos, though. I never really considered most of this stuff in the same way you have (especially with the interrupt mechanic) and you somehow described my experience with the game in a way I wasn't able to myself but was still right on the money. I sincerely hope you get more recognition.

[@CyberSonic-V3.0]

My favorite in the trilogy. I love how the characters are portrayed in this game.

[@dragonsgreedgaming13]

Thank you for such an amazing video. And thank you for reminding me how much I loved this series.

[@jon-umber]

The Suicide Mission is the greatest video game scenario ever designed. Change my mind.

[@UsernameGeri]

If you're genuinely willing to let your stance be challenged, watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWqlhYCinLxrldk

[@claytonweaver7335]

Watched the intro. That was enough for me not to care about that opinion

[@UsernameGeri]

@@claytonweaver7335 Don't let anyone burst your bubble.

[@UsernameGeri]

@@claytonweaver7335 Not sure what happened to your other reply, but I just disagree. You said: _Ive watched other 'ME1 is the best' videos. I'm okay with that opinion but I generally consider the 'me2 is just an action game' or 'me2 is a side quest' to be in the bad game opinion._ I think saying that ME2 is a masterpiece in every way, which most would say, is just the most pedestrian braindead take someone can possibly make. ME1 and ME3 does way more important things like story and gameplay much better, and even the characters aren't just a bunch of emotional basket cases. ME2 is insufferable from all the drama on repeat playthroughs. I would take James or Kaidan over Miranda or Jack any day. The only redeeming quality of ME2 is the continuation of the geth/quarian and genophage stories from ME1, nothing else. And yes, ME2 is just an action game, and the story is as irrelevant as the new characters it introduces, aside from of course those associated with the stories I mentioned (Legion and Mordin, basically).

[@claytonweaver7335]

@@UsernameGeri I deleted the comment because I figured it wouldn't lead anywhere productive. ME1 and ME2 are two different styles of games. I actually dont think any game to this date has done ME1's style better than ME1 and I dont think any game has done ME2's style better than ME2. There has been a trend on youtube to re-evalute 7th gen games that were overrated at launch and they've given them fair critiques. I wouldn't put the Mass Effect trilogy in with those other games. 'ME2 is just an action game' is not even worth debating.

[@rossbach451]

Wow. The power of the game, so many years after its creation, is well reflected in this video. Awesome job!

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you!

[@fairplayer916]

Man I never even thought of two is dark. I just always kind of took it on the chin. I mean you're supposed to be shepherd, the singular Galactic badass. Roll with the punches. These people are funding me, and they haven't made me do anything that I'd lose sleep over, so roll with it until something changes.

[@jasondelarosa5457]

Replaying legendary edition and just refalling in love with the universe, story and depth. This game feels like a well told interactive book with action. This video captures the essence of its appeal.

[@MetallBossTeR]

Can't wait for the next part about Mass Effect. Excellent writing.

[@powerofanime1]

Your videos are some of the most unique and special on the internet. Thank you for always putting so much effort and honesty into your work.

[@grantlarsson9173]

The first time I did the suicide mission I was aware of who to send in the vent and who to place to hold the line, but I was surprised by the deaths I got for not upgrading my ship!! What a trip

[@amw5288]

Got recomended this. Ended binging all your content. Gonna be one among a few million in a while.

[@ghstgvts]

Amazing video, as always! I’m blown away how consistently high quality your videos are.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you so much for checking it out!!

[@neurathal0n534]

I'm only 20 minutes in and I can tell I will love all of your videos. Your writing has captured me!

[@Buggy00Gaming]

Glad I got recommended this video! The way that it was edited and the information was presnted made me feel nostalgic in the reason why I fell in love with ME2. Keen to see what you come up with next!

[@Jackt750]

You perfectly encapsulated how much I love the ending of the suicide mission. Thank you.

[@michaelmcclelland9876]

I was always annoyed ME2 stripped away so many "RPG aspects" from ME1... As a 3rd person cover shooter, it was great (for it's time), but it always lacked the layers of depth and decision making of ME1 (many quests having 5 or 6 different ways to resolve them, etc). That said, the entire CONCEPT of ME2 was brilliant. Building a team of badasses while you work for a shady organization, all to attempt a "suicide mission" where you can ACTUALLY DIE if you do it incorrectly, that's insane! Retcon or not, Cerberus made a compelling main bad guy. ME2 is also the most "cyberpunky" of the trilogy by far (both visually and thematically). Truly one of the smartest premises in VG history.

[@Thrallbra]

I’ve felt like even though you have less ways to resolve something they meant something more than in ME1. I always felt the choices would only impact there momentarily.

[@michaelmcclelland9876]

@@Thrallbra That's true. Presentation matters.

[@mariannacross2538]

boy this makes me feel something

[@agroed]

You have such an intimate writing style and give a moving performance every time. I found you through your Clone Wars videos and seeing you cover something else so close to my heart has been wonderful. Thanks so much for everything you do ArTorr.

[@ArTorrPresents]

You're welcome, and thank you for being a part of the journey :)

[@pharopolis]

This video may be an hour long, but that won’t stop me from rewatching it every few months. World Class, man

[@onni4681]

This was a fantastic video! Mass Effect 2 is truly a masterpiece.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Agreed!

[@AlyxMSC]

Randomly came across this video. The video itself is good but the EDITING really stands out. The music, the footage selection, the cuts, they are BRILLIANT!

[@LiliaArmoury]

mass effect 2 was my introduction to the franchise and despite my ps3 controller being broken by the end i loved the game immensely

[@nyesomboonsup9448]

Amazing Storytelling

[@TevyaSmolka]

I love mass effect 2 such a badass and awesome game

[@6ddr]

I don’t like videos usually unless they do a fantastic job. I literally cried and I think you did such a good job and I am inspired by your thoughts and your heart towards the video. Great job and keep up the solid work.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you 🤟

[@vexxingfox]

I love this video. This guy gets it. Also super relatable when he's talking about companions being a check on a list. When I first played me2 a lot of the characters were exactly that to me until I got to know them better. Now i love every single one of them for their own reasons. Even javik... Lol. And me2 will always be my favorite out of all games.

[@dorottyapapp]

The whole ME2 is just checking boxes. And it just got worse for me from the second playthrough because it didn't even had the element of surprise anymore.

[@recht_voor_zijn_raap5506]

Wow Just stumbled on your video thanks to KZbin recommended. After watching instantly subscribed. I absolutely love the entire Mass Effect trilogy and I replayed it more times than I like to admit and even after playing the entire trilogy again last year with the Legendary Edition I still feel the urge to replay it yet again. Keep up the great work.

[@YamixYuugi]

This was wonderful - looking forward to your thoughts on ME3. You have such a knack for stepping back and pulling the threads of the theme of a work together, balancing critique and your obvious love of the source material. Your channel really is a breath of fresh air.

[@ArTorrPresents]

I try my best. Thank you for watching the video!!

[@ChadYu]

I am incredibly late to this video and otherwise wouldn't have left a comment, but wow this video has been an absolute treat to watch. One of the best pieces of Mass Effect content on the platform.

[@golas468]

I just finished my 1st playthrough of mass effect 2, great game and great video dude, so much work!

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you!!

[@wyattxhim]

long time ME fan and ME2 is my all time favorite video game fantastic job on this