Re: RPG vs FPS
Your disappointment seems to stem mainly from the skill system and the main character's ability to shape the world with the decisions he/she makes. I agree with on that matter.
However, this entire trilogy was always meant to incorporate elements of both FPS's and RPG's. It was never BioWare's intention to fully incorporate every element that either genre offers. The closest feasible category for this game, citing public opinion, is RPG. Call it what you will - and interactive story is sufficient - but don't let the technicalities detract from what is otherwise a good game.
Now, as far as the writing and narrative are concerned... I have serious issues regarding ME2's design.
Re: Writing, Character Integration, Plot Progression
First of all, there are fewer plot-related elements in ME2 than there are in ME1. When I say "plot", I refer to the main goal of defending against the Reapers and perhaps destroying them. In ME2 you get a grocery list of characters where 4 out of 11 have anything whatsoever to contribute to gaining an advantage of the Reapers. More characters does not mean a better story. Yes, there is a theme of loyalty and personal improvement connecting all of them, but if there was any major plot line, it was very thin, even by gaming standards.
In ME2, regardless of how game mechanics were improved and how well some of the missions were designed, character immersion meant little to nothing. We were encouraged to go through a boatload of pointless loyalty quests that didn't do anything to get us to prepare for the Reaper invasion. In fact, much of it was to prepare for a Suicide Mission -- the very concept of which means that there is a great potential for casualties, whereby the characters we had to babysit mean little to the ME universe.
ME2 is a bridge to ME3, nothing more. Its narratives were 80% dedicated to characters, who, loyal or not, were insignificant cannon fodder. We could have saved a lot of time just hiring a Merc army. It would have made little difference to the outcome, and if most of them died, no one would care.
Only Tali, Mordin, Legion, and Miranda have something significant to contribute to the major elements outlying potential events in ME3. Tali's research and involvement in the Geth-Quarian war, Legion's reprogamming or destruction of the Heretics, Mordin's possible continuation of Maelon's genophage cure, and Miranda's potential aid in taking down Cerberus - these all have great ramifications. Everyone else was just a time-sink.
In ME1, disregarding that stupid Mako, nearly every mission-related world and character addition propelled the main character forward in the quest to take down Saren and Sovereign. Even if they had personal vendettas, their roles were comprised of more than just a specialty role with a high casualty rate. The very fact that BioWare took out 4 of them (Liara, Ashley, Kaidan, Wrex) speaks volumes for their importance, not just fan favor.
At any rate, the writers failed to implement any sense of progression in ME2, whereas M1, however linear, compelled the player and placed them in a role that meant something to the ME universe. If ME2 appears to be an improvement over that aspect, it's an illusion. In the scope of the ME game world, diverting our attentions with 8 (counting Miranda's) irrelevant personal *assignments* (that's the category they really should have been placed in) spread over the galaxy is not a good substitute for a game that actually maintains its pursuit of the primary objective for the majority of the missions.
Now, as far as the player's "role" in these objectives is concerned, be it in the main plot or otherwise, there is certainly a lot of participation - and varying opinions on whether or not it is worthy of being a sequel. Regardless, it allows for at least a measure of influence by the player, the greater of which is in ME2 despite it being very thinly interwoven.
Although it excels in what it has to offer, ME2 in no way excels in its narrative, and is certainly not superior to ME1. ME2 is a very short narrative bridge, little else. Was it worth crossing? We'll find out in a year or so.
ps. I just cut and paste this from a post that the forum server seems to have sent into limbo. I apologize in advance if it becomes a double post. I also responded to the topic of plot elements, but it seems those may have been in your similar but separate thread.
Modifié par Forest03, 17 février 2010 - 12:12 .
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