Fans of the epic saga Mass Effect had reason to cheer in January, as the second installment of the franchise was finally released for both the Xbox 360 and PC platforms. Developer Bioware (Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age: Origins) is famous for role-playing games with believable characters, engaging storylines and plot twists that require tough moral decisions from the player. Mass Effect 2 continues and expands upon that tradition, and intertwines breathtaking cinematic sequences with beautifully expansive worlds to explore. Players will reprise their role as Commander Shepard of the Normandy in a game where the storyline refuses to play second fiddle.

Boasting an immersive storyline and more than 50 hours of solid gameplay, Mass Effect 2 picks up where the first game left off, with players once again find themselves faced with the prospect of saving the known galaxy from imminent destruction from a technologically advanced alien species known as the Collectors. Along the way you'll encounter strange alien worlds, and even stranger alien friends and foes alike. The game retains the familiar third-person perspective of the original, with substantial improvements in both the artistic and computer A.I. that not only make this expansive world of science-fiction look better, but react far more realistically than before.

The sequel gives even greater control over the actions of the hero, expanding upon the original game's moral branching mechanism that allows you to choose whether to continue down the path of the paragon or renegade. Do you bribe the local street hoodlum, or do you rough him up a bit to get the information you want? Do you allow your crewmember to take revenge and kill a former associate, or do you convince him to reconsider his actions? Like so much in this game, these choices - and their consequences - are entirely up to you.

Mass Effect 2 looks fantastic, with substantial visual improvements that make this interactive space saga more attractive than ever before. This is especially apparent in the various character's facial animations, which are far more realistic and allow for a greater complexity of movement. While there is the predictable frame-rate dips and occasional stuttering, the production efforts to bring this galaxy of creativity to life is almost unparalled. Equally impressive is the exciting cinematic score and voice-acting, which features a stellar cast that includes Martin Sheen, Carrie-Anne Moss, Michael Dorn, and Michael Hogan, among others.

One of the few downsides to this game are the long load times between sequences and the disc-swapping required at certain points of the story. Also, the planet exploration found in the first installment that showcased the endless expanses and landscapes of dozens of beautiful alien planets is gone, replaced by a very boring scan-and-probe-launch sequence from space. Additionally, the upgrade system has been simplified, removing the need for an inventory and the need to sell excess equipment. Whether this is an improvement or not is subjective, but I still prefer the previous system.

A caveat for those looking to play the game on the Xbox 360 console, as some users have reported the game's voluminous text is difficult to read on standard-definition televisions. While Bioware has acknowledged this legibility issue, they've decided against offering a download fix.

Another treat for 'loyal' fans of the Mass Effect saga, the game allows players to import save game files from the original game into the sequel, with bonus credits, points, and increased levels available from the start. Importing a game will not only allow play of the same character, but all past decisions, heroic or villainous, will come back to play a role as well. The game also makes use of an in-game content delivery service called The Cerberus Network, which can be accessed via a special code that's included with new copies of the game. Players can download new missions, items, and even characters through this method, although each code is unique to the original purchase, meaning those who pick up the game used will have to purchase a new code from Bioware to access the network.

Mass Effect 2 is a compelling, if relatively linear experience that subtly pulls the player along without leading them by the nose. The game's smart dialog and conversation choices play as large a role in Shepard’s success as do his or her command of biotic and tech powers, and there's plenty of action to keep things interesting throughout. The great storyline, excellent graphics and ability to play different professions as either the hero or the anti-hero make this return to Bioware's expanding intergalactic universe a welcome one. Its an exciting middle-chapter to one of gaming's most thrilling science-fiction adventures, and a worthy investment for both the role-playing and third-person shooter fan.