Mass Effect 2

[BlackLantern]

Wrex is not a squadmate in this game. Tali is, and Garrus is all but officially confirmed. They are the only two returning squadmates.

I did like Tali, I hope this game gives a bit more background on the Quarians. Garrus is kind of boring to me, but still cool

 

[imaperson2]

I am a little ticked hearing that Wrex may or may not be back, you can scrap all the other characters but Wrex was my homey

Wait, where was that said? I could have sworn they said that every character from the original would be back in some way or another.

 

[Upset Spideyfan]

Cameo

 

[El Bastardo]

I did like Tali, I hope this game gives a bit more background on the Quarians. Garrus is kind of boring to me, but still cool

There'll probably be some elaboration on the Quarians. One of the game's areas is the Migrant Fleet.

What makes you think Garrus is boring?

 

[Dark_Lord]

Are any of the Mass Effect achievements going to unlock any rewards for Mass Effect 2? I haven't seen anything mentioned, but I remember someone (not here) saying that you get something for unlocking the "Extreme Power Gamer" (level 60) achievement in Mass Effect. Does anyone know anything about this?

I started playing Mass Effect again, so I can be ready for ME2 and so I will only have one save where I know I've done everything the way I wanted to. I used my old character (level 42 Vanguard) and I am level 58 at the start of Ilos. I'm not going to make it to level 60.

 

[El Bastardo]

Are any of the Mass Effect achievements going to unlock any rewards for Mass Effect 2? I haven't seen anything mentioned, but I remember someone (not here) saying that you get something for unlocking the "Extreme Power Gamer" (level 60) achievement in Mass Effect. Does anyone know anything about this?

I started playing Mass Effect again, so I can be ready for ME2 and so I will only have one save where I know I've done everything the way I wanted to. I used my old character (level 42 Vanguard) and I am level 58 at the start of Ilos. I'm not going to make it to level 60.

I'm not sure if the bonus for being level 60 is related to the achievement, thereby affecting all imported playthroughs, or on a character-by-character basis.

The Rich achievement is known to give a bonus for imported saves.

So far, I think the only listed bonuses we've seen are:
Level 60
Rich achievement
Maxed Paragon/Renegade meter

 

[Dark_Lord]

Thanks. I just found out they posted something similar at the Mass Effect forums, yesterday.

Up until now we have only discussed the plot impacts of this feature, however, there are also certain gameplay perks as well. If you finished ME1 as a high level character you will receive greater bonuses than those who finished at lower levels. Ex, if you finished ME1 as a level 35 character, you will receive a bonus, but if you finished ME1 as a level 50 character, your bonus will be larger. That being said these bonuses will not put new playthrough characters at a severe disadvantage. For example, some of these bonuses include a monetary boost at the start of the game, or additional research resources for use at the Normandy’s Tech Lab. Another perk is if you finished the game as a Paragon or Renegade, part of your alignment will carry over making it easier to access certain dialogue options.

MEForums.BioWare.com

Seems like it doesn't have to do anything with the achievement, but with the level of the character you're importing. For anyone interested, the post has details on how the importing of your Mass Effect save file will work, including info on New Game+.

 

[Dark_Lord]

There are new videos at the official site. One for Grunt and one for Thane.

 

[DACMAN]

For those who still want the collector's edition...

http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-2..._1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1261873523&sr=8-1

 

[imaperson2]

There's supposed to be a cool piece of artwork on the main site tomorrow. Wonder what it is?

I also pre-ordered today, can't wait!

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah, just pre-ordered the collector's edition from Amazon. Got free shipping, too.

Making my way through my Jack Bauer...er, Renegade run.

 

[Erzengel]

Collector's Edition items including: Mass Effect 2, art book, Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book, exclusive in-game weapon and armor, behind-the-scenes and making-of DVD and Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content.

Anyone have idea what the exclusive in-game weapon and armor is?

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I know the armor the CE brings is the 'Guyver' looking one. The Pre-order one I've seen in most places is the Inferno Armor, which looks like an 'Iron Man' looking one to me.

I haven't seen any details on the weapons the CE brings, though.

 

[Erzengel]

Between the Dragon Armor from Dragon Age, the Terminus Armor from Gamestop, I hope I'm not missing out by not getting it through Amazon.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Nah, the Dragon Armor and Terminus Armor probably won't be all that great. I'm sure there will be in-game armors that are just as good and better.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

The only reason the CE armor and the Amazon ones interest me, are just because of how they look.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Yeah, the Amazon pre-order armor does look pretty cool

 

[Flash Facts]

Though the download-able/unlock-able armors probably wont be the best armors in the game I wouldn't be surprised if they were good enough that you could spend the majority of the game not having to upgrade from them. That was my experience with the Blood Dragon armor in Dragon age after all.

 

[Flash Facts]

New game+ FAQ:

What is "New Game Plus"?

"New Game Plus or NG+" is a feature that becomes available after you have beaten Mass Effect 2, allowing you to replay the game as the Commander Shepard from a previous play through.

Does Mass Effect 2 have "New Game Plus"?

Yes, originally we removed New Game Plus from Mass Effect 2 early in the development process. However, we decided later that it was a valuable addition to the game then looked at ways of implementing it back into the game. After thorough design and testing we felt that the feature was ready to be placed back into Mass Effect 2 and implemented it again.

Can I continue to play after I have beaten Mass Effect 2 without using "New Game Plus"?

Yes, after the conclusion of Mass Effect 2, you are able to continue to play in order to experience Downloadable Content and tie up any loose ends you may want to finish up.

Q: What is New Game +?

A: New Game + is a bonus for players that beat Mass Effect 2 and want to start a new adventure with their existing character. You must beat the game and survive to unlock New Game +.

Once you have unlocked New Game + an "Import ME2 character" option will be be added to the new game menu. This lets you start a new game with your commander Shepard, carrying over his weapons and level, but facing more powerful enemies.

New Game + works on all ME2 platforms.


Q: Do I need to use New Game + to continue playing ME2 after I beat the game?

A: You don't need to use New Game + to keep playing. You can continue to play your existing ME2 character to access missions you did not complete, and new DLC missions.


Q: Can I import my ME1 character if I haven't beaten ME2?

A: There are two separate import features
- "Import ME1 character" is available immediately, use this feature to import your ME1 character and continue his adventures
- "Import ME2 character" is available after you beat ME2 and survive, use this feature to start a New Game + game


Q: What carries over when I import my character and start a New Game +?

A: New Game + has been completely rebuilt from scratch for ME2. The following are carried over when you start a New Game + game
- Your class, level, appearance, name, gender
- Your weapons and heavy weapons
-Standard weapons for squad members, but no "unique" weapon
- Shepard's powers including his bonus power if he had one
- Advanced weapon training for Shepard if he had advanced weapon training


Q: What does not carry over

A: Everything else, but here are some specific things that do not carry over
- Paragon/Renegade standing
- Research and Upgrades (but you get to keep your weapons)
- Choices made in ME2
- Cash and resources (but you get some cash and resources as a bonus)
- Armor (but you will have access to any pre-order or DLC armor)


Q: Why doesn't all our cash / resources / upgrades / armor carry over?

A: Without spoiling ME2 I can't answer this, suffice it to say the way the economy in ME2 works this just wouldn't work.


Q: Are there any other bonuses for New Game +

A: You get some bonus cash and resources. You can use these to more quickly upgrade your character than in a regular playthrough.


Q: When you import a character from ME1 you get some bonuses including cash and experience. If you beat the game and then import that character do you receive import bonuses again?

A: No the bonuses for New Game + are separate.


Q: When can I access my weapons in a new game + playthrough

A: Access your weapons at any weapon locker. You do not have access to a weapon locker at the start of the game.


Q: How difficult is a new game + playthrough?

A: Enemies are much stronger in a New Game + playthrough. This makes New Game + a challenging experience at any difficulty level. New Game + is not the easy way to beat Insanity in ME2.


Q: Can New Game + characters be imported into ME3?

A: Yes but you must beat ME2 with your new game + character, and survive


Q: When exactly are the save games created that are used by New Game +?

A: Any save game made after you beat ME2 and survive can be used for New Game + import. Likewise any save created after you beat ME2 and survive can be used as your import save for ME3. Yes, this means weapons you get after you beat the game can be brought over into New Game +.


Q: Can I reach max level without starting a New Game + game?

A: New Game + is an easy way to reach level 30. It's difficult but not impossible to reach level 30 in a single playthrough of Mass Effect 2 without using New Game +, but you may need to do DLC missions and/or import an ME1 character for bonus experience.


Q: Can you change your appearance on a New Game + playthrough?

A: I don't remember

Source

Corrected character import information:

How does the Mass Effect 1 Import System work?

On PC – First you will use the Mass Effect Configuration Tool to locate your save games, from there it works much like the standard Load menus from within the game, choose your career and import your game. We will have a much more in depth guide relating to setting up the ME1 import feature on PC created closer to the launch of Mass Effect 2.
On Xbox 360 – When you use the Mass Effect 1 Import Utility on Xbox 360, you are prompted with a list of Careers and their accompanying saves attached to your Xbox Profile. You then will select which Save game to use and be brought directly into the start of your Mass Effect 2 experience. This can be repeated a many times as you wish on as many saves as you wish.

I had heard that you only support the first 11 saves is this true?

This is not the case. The easiest way to determine if your save will import into Mass Effect 2 is to open Mass Effect 1, go into the New Game Plus menu. If you see the save you want to be able to import into Mass Effect 2 in that list you are set.

It says the saved games must be on the hard drive and not an MU. If I transfer my saves from my MU to the hard drive, will they work?

Your saves must exist on the original device used to create the saves, the career and your gamer profile.


The above information is correct and has been verified by the Dev team. Please disregard the previous erroneous information released on December 24.

Source

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Hmmm.

I guess I'll find out if my first playthrough as a Paragon that got saved over will be able to import.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

The level cap being at 30 seems odd, too. I'm assuming we'll get some DLC that will raise the cap.

 

[BlackLantern]

so is it confirmed that you get to visit the Migrant Fleet?

 

[Soapy]

I'm pretty sure that was confirmed in Tali's trailer wasn't it?

 

[BlackLantern]

awesome...that's one of the places I really wanted to see....that and the Krogan homeworld

 

[Tron Bonne]

The level cap being at 30 seems odd, too. I'm assuming we'll get some DLC that will raise the cap.

The cap for DA was only 20