Mass Effect 2 review

Mass Effect 2 ranks second because it is both the deepest story on the console and the cheapest disc here. BioWare and EA describe a mission in which Commander Shepard brings together old allies and recruits new specialists to resist the invading Reapers, warning that sacrifices must be made along the way. The sequel trims friction from role-playing: a new inventory system lets you equip weapons almost instantly, health regenerates, and prompt-based interrupts let you cut into conversations in ways that can alter the fate of your crew. Story expansions such as Lair of the Shadow Broker, Overlord and Arrival add hours if you want more. At $7.99 for a used Xbox 360 disc at DKOldies, it is the best value on this list. The limits are that it is single-player only and that it lands harder if you played the first game.

Who it is for

Players who want a story where choices and crew loyalty shape the ending.

Price

Used Xbox 360 disc from $7.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $7.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Recruit and lead a squad of specialists against the invading Reapers
• Dialogue choices with prompt-based interrupts that can change the fate of the crew
• Streamlined inventory for switching to new weapons quickly
• Health regeneration so less time goes into hunting healing items
• Story DLC such as Lair of the Shadow Broker, Overlord and Arrival

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The cheapest disc on this list at $7.99 used
• Strength: Choices and recruitment give the story real stakes
• Strength: Shorter on menus and inventory than many role-playing games
• Weakness: Works best if you know the first Mass Effect
• Weakness: Story expansions add to the cost if you want the full experience
• Weakness: Single-player only

Key facts

• Developer: BioWare
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Genre: Action role-playing shooter
• Main character: Commander Shepard
• Multiplayer: No

Where it ranks

Mass Effect 2 is No. 2 in our Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time verdict.