Mass Effect 2 Collectors' Edition: Prima Official Game Guide
by Catherine Browne
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Book Summary Information
Author: Catherine BrowneEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2010-01-26
ISBN: 0307467082
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Prima Games
Book Reviews of Mass Effect 2 Collectors' Edition: Prima Official Game Guide
Book Review: Do not roam the Galaxy without it
Summary: 5 Stars
This 320-page, 8-1/4"x11" strategy guide is packed with information on glossy pages, so much so that the player is in danger of information overload. Therefore, the most sensible way to use this book is to read up the most salient sections (as well as the entire game manual, from top to bottom), just enough to start on the game. As the game progresses and questions arise, the player can then refer to the book for answers.
The content of this strategy guide is divided into eight sections, namely, How to use this guide, Introduction, Training, Upgrades and Research Projects, Walkthrough, Special Assignments, Planetary Database, and Appendix. The following are the sections that I would read before starting on the game:
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE, page 4-5
This section gives a brief overview of the content of this strategy guide. It describes all the eight major sections listed above, plus the main quests in the walk-through.
TRAINING--Character Classes, page 11-13
This section describes the strength and weakness of the six different character classes available to the player, namely, Soldier, Infiltrator, Vanguard, Sentinel, Adept, and Engineer. No decision has a more far-reaching effect than to choose the class of the player character. A soldier class player character relies on the heavy arsenal of weapons he lugs around the battlefield, while an adept class player character can win a battle solely on biotics alone, without firing a shot. The battlefield strategy and tactics are necessarily different, and hence the player experience of the game is different as well.
COMBAT, page 20-23
This section describes the ten teammates available for recruitment by Shepard. Commander Shepard goes to missions with two squadmates. Each has his/her own strength and weakness. The player is advised to balance the strength and weakness of Shepard with those of his squadmates for each specific mission. For example, a soldier class Shepard may want to take along a biotic and an engineer to battles which involve both organic and mechanical enemies.
WALKTHROUGH, page 40-224
The main walkthrough is divided into twelve main quests, namely, Awaking, Freedom's Progress, Normandy SR2, The Citadel, Dossiers, Horizon, Dossiers Part 2, Collector Ship, Loyalty, Derelict Reaper, Normandy Attacked/Legion, and Endgame. Each main quest walkthrough starts with a map of the physical location(s) involved and clearly stated objectives, followed by step-by-step play-through instructions, with generous amount of full color photo-illustrations. Detailed information on characters and institutions in the game world pertinent to this particular quest can be found in the "Glossary" and "Enemy Profile" boxes, which pop up in the pages from time to time. Tips on actions favorable to the players and warnings of impending danger are in colored boxes. I personally prefer to scan quickly through an individual quest in entirety to get an overall idea and then refer to the text later for more specific detail as I play.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS, page 225-250
Special Assignments are side quests apart from the core game. They are divided into two major categories: City Assignments and N7 Assignments. The City Assignment involves minor jobs while Shepard is on the Normandy or visiting the hub worlds of Omega, Illium, Tuchanky, and the Citadel. The N7 Assignments are full-fledge missions, not unlike those in the main quests. These assignments become available as the core game progresses. They serve the function of earning experience points (and leveling up), as well as Paragon or Renegade points. I prefer to complete most, if not all, of the special assignments, and thus attaining the highest possible level in the play through, before I commit to the final endgame. That will greatly increase my chance of success.
Another important section (but not essential at the beginning of the game) is UPGRADES AND RESEARCH PROJECTS, page 34-39. It describes the procedure to upgrade equipment and squad combat abilities, as well as the Normandy, which will likewise enhance the chance of success in the endgame. Other useful information can be found in the Planetary Database, and Appendix sections, as well as many other sections throughout the guide. I refer to them as questions arise in the game play.
In conclusion, the walkthrough section, which comprises the major part of this book, is as good as, if not better than, any strategy guide I own. Online walkthroughs are aplenty these days; some of them are fairly well written, especially those in major game sites. But nothing can replace a book that I can carry along to any place and have access to at any time, and without having to fight Net traffic. Other sections of this guide are relatively thin, compared to some other strategy guides I own. However, as such, this ME2 strategy guide contains more information than I need to complete the game. The book is handsomely bound with hard covers. It can stand up to the abuse of players totally absorbed in the game. The graphics are aesthetically pleasing and the contents are well organized. There are six pages of comics titled Mass Effect Redemption at the end of the book. They are quite entertaining. In addition, there is bonus material for this collector's edition, which consists of Mass Effect 2 art, an article on the thoughts of the executive producer, Casey Hudson, and an interview with the founders of Bioware, as well as a 24" x 36" ME2 wall poster. I think this guide is worth the money.
Summary of Mass Effect 2 Collectors' Edition: Prima Official Game Guide
? Full walkthroughs for every mission.? Exclusive maps created especially for this guide. Fully labeled to make sure you see it all!
? Every special assignment detailed so you won't take a wrong step.
? Power evolution trees to make unstoppable heroes.
? Complete planetary database to help you mine elements smarter not harder.
? Mass Effect: Redemption comic book preview!
Collectors' Edition Bonus Content:
? Art section to get a look at how the game design evolved!
? Exclusive conversations with the Mass Effect 2 team! Find out how it all comes together!
? Art poster included!
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