Does Mass Effect 2 for PS3 need Mass Effect to be a success?

GamesCom 2010 is now in the history books, and there was a ton of massive announcements that set the gaming industry abuzz. However the biggest announcement too many gamers was that the highly praised Mass Effect 2 was coming to PlayStation 3 (PS3). This was a megaton for Sony fans and this announcement has to be, as big as, if not bigger than, Final Fantasy XIII going to Xbox 360. While, this is great news for gamers, Mass Effect, the prequel to Mass Effect 2, is not coming to PS3. And with a game so focused on its narrative to some it will seem like the PS3 gamers are getting the short end of the stick. Now this conundrum call into question as to whether, or not a Mass Effect 2 needs the prequel to be successful on PS3.

[NYC_Gamer]

not really because the story of part 1 will be explained in the sequel for ps3

[gamerzBEreal17]

Jeez guys it's not all about story it's called GAMEPLAY yea i know rpg but still

[GWAVE]

Ultimately, I find it funny and quite ironic that the media's biggest complaint is that PS3 gamers are somehow going to miss out on some massive portion of ME2 because they can't play ME1 on the PS3. Bioware and Microsoft both said over and over again that ME1 was not an essential experience before playing ME2.

Yes, yes, we have all been anticipating MGS:Rising on the 360 with no prior experience with the series. Yes, even though we all enjoyed Fallout 3 and Oblivion, despite never playing the prior games which are referenced HEAVILY in F3 and Oblivion. Yes, we played Devil May Cry 4 just fine on the 360 without the previous three, as well as Resident Evil 5, Killzone 2, Halo 3, and countless other sequels out there.

Oh! But I'm so grateful to the media for being concerned for us poor ol' PS3 gamers who are going to have to play a self-contained sequel without the previous game. Their concern is so heart-touching.

[kneon]

And you can pick up Mass Effect for PC if you really want to for no more than $20 in most places, I got it for half that earlier this year. If you can't find it then it's also available on steam.

[DarkSpawnClone]

thats the plan :)..this is great.i never thought mass effect was coming to ps3.Bioware <3

[Captain Tuttle]

How is Skullsmasher's post off topic? I mean, it's not the most intelligent post but it's certainly not reportable.

And anyone who doesn't play ME 1 before playing ME 2 is doing themselves a big disservice. Find a way to play the first one before you play the second. You won't be disappointed.

[SasanovaS1987]

did we need kz1 to play kz2?

[Duke Spookem]

You do if you don't want to get lost in the story.

[CryofSilence]

I played KZ1 and it made KZ2 even better. I was stunned when

***SPOILER***

Templar died.

[FACTUAL evidence]

I think this was a good move. I think they are trying to get ps3 owners ready for ME3.

Offtopic-LMAO @ fanboys on youtube, their souls are crushed! XD

EDIT- I believe ps3 got saints row 2, but never got saints row 1. It also featured a character carry over option on 360 if you owned part 1. Hmmm...guess Sony didn't need SR1 afterall. I say the same for ME1.

[Baltis]

No. No it doesn't. Anyone who thinks so is an idiot. Gamer's, by and large, are casual fans. Hardcore gamers are very few in the grand scheme of the millions who buy games and systems. I wish people would realize this. Like Hollywood and the Music industry, everything is disposable. Only a very small % of gamers collect games. Out of nearly 40 million Ps3 owners, some 3% might want every game they have released or buy follow ups and keep the originals in their collection. Gamers, actual gamers that matter to these companies, have a rotating door when it comes to what they play and how long they play it.

Disagree all you want, I'm right. Mass Effect isn't needed on the Ps3 for Mass Effect 2 to sell through the nose. Mass Effect 2 will sell very well on the Ps3. Perhaps, even more than it did on the xbox 360. The target audience is there on the Ps3. Ps3 owners want this style of game. Ps3 owners clamor for more than just shooters and the casual experience.

[skeletonss]

Sore about insomniac?

[Dramscus]

I don't see how that's even the same subject. Insomniac is going to make new multi-platform games. Sony isn't losing any exclusives.

This guy is 100% spot on the money with his comment. Your just picking bones.

[darkdoom3000]

Well... insomniac did just announce 2 Ps3 exclusive games. so yeah....

[MaximusPrime]

nope, ps3 is already a success and still is

[-MD-]

It's asking if Mass Effect 2 needs the original to be a success not the PS3.

[MaximusPrime]

thanks. sometimes title can be misleading for those like me not reading full article

[comp_ali]

or the fanboysim blind the eye sometimes.

[TheTeam06]

Meh... Saint's Row 2 did just fine.

Yes, yes, I get it. "The story is much more compelling with the first". I understand that. Do I think you're gonna die by not playing the first? Nah. Besides, they'll probably do something to help those catch up with the story. It's not like it's 20 years worth of story-telling (*ahem*MGS*ahem*).

@Maximus: I don't think they were talking about the PS3 needing Mass Effect to become a success.

[ElementX]

I finished ME1 again last night and there's a lot going on. Reading about what happened in the first game is not going to be as fulfilling as actually experiencing it. All the races, storylines, characters, and locations have been set up for the sequel.

[nycredude]

Who cares it won't make the game any worse. It's still an awesome game nonetheless and I urge anyone, I ANYONE who hasn't played it to buy it. Awesome game deserve the sales.

[Why o why]

there are ways around it but you're right it will never be as fulfilling as playing it yourself. Im sure EA bioware will do something to make it easier for the first timers. Kinda like the backstory/cutscenes put on the yakuza 3 game that you can view at any save point or safehouse. It had the back story for both of the predecessors. I still enjoyed the game but im sure those who have played the originals would have enjoyed it more. Not really an issue

[FXGAMESKILLEEN]

thx for the responses guys but i feel that this doesnt just apply to mass effect but to games in general. No game that i can think of has ever need its prequel to be considered a success or necessary to the core experience

[Chris_TC]

How many games can you think of that allowed you to influence their sequel's storyline?

[FXGAMESKILLEEN]

none that i can think of but how many games prequels have had any effect, as far as fun is concerned on their sequels? Halo 3 is fun regardless of whether or not you played Halo 2. The same can be said of Mass Effect 2. The fun in games is a stande alone experience

[theEx1Le]

@FXGAMESKILLEEN
that would apply if ME2 wasn't a heavily story influenced game

[IronFistChinMi]

As Chris_TC mentioned, ME1 allows you to manipulate ME2 in your own unique way. No 2 gamers will make the same decisions and whilst some outcomes might be small, it's cool seeing them pop up in ME2.

I played through ME1 5 times prior to ME2's release as the Soldier/Biotic classes, which I then imported into ME2. Having completed ME2 with those classes, I wanted to play through it as an Engineer. I started a new game in ME2, but it just never felt right having no influence on the major decisions, so I played through ME1 last week.

The way you can shape your Shepard upon starting ME1 and playing through it is fantastic and enhances the overall experience of the games. Lastly, whilst I prefer ME2 overall, ME1 had the better protagonists in Saren & sovereign. 2 of the best baddies in my opinion.

Still, I was disappointed ME2 isn't amongst the best sellers on 360, so Im glad it'll get the chance to increase via the PS3. Hell, if I had the money, I'd buy it for my PS3!

[tinybigman]

the decisions i made in the first game really didn't play that bigger part for me in part 2. remember this is just me. out of both games i only had one character die and that's not by choice. my friend at work today told me that he had saw/heard that some people had the whole team die in part 2; i just don't see how that is possible lol.

@iron i agree with you that its disappointing that its not amongst the best sellers on 360, and if it wasn't for the sales in the states the numbers would look a hell of a lot worst because this game died in europe quick fast.

i don't think ME2 for the ps3 has to be a success for the franchise as a whole to be a success.

[ActionBastard]

From what I've read and heard from people that didn't import their save from ME1 to ME2 is...NO. Regardless, the recap should be more than enough.

[Apotheosize]

Bioshock360- 2.5million
PS3-600k
Bioshock 2 360 - 1.3mill
PS3 - 700k

Now the PS3 sales arent near the 360s, but I think ME2 will do just fine.

[AtatakaiSamurai]

Well that's to be expected. When you bring out a yr old game and expect it to sell as much as when it initially launched that's foolish. It may do similar numbers but more than likely it won't.

Going timed exclusive for more than 6months will hurt sales. if developers don't want this then stop decieving the public called timed exclusives TRUE EXCLUSIVES and bring these multiplat games out at the same time.

had they done this sales would have been either equal or even better on the PS3 cause, of all the 360 games, this game was one of the only games on the 360 that a large number of PS3 gamers really wanted but then again there are so many exclusives coming down the pipe line and afraid ME2 on the PS3 will only sell a fraction of what it sold on the 360.

Next time, EA, bring out multiplat games on all systems the same time instead of playing corporate games with ms. lesson learned? we'll see.

[fredfenster]

It will be a success anyway. What else? If Uncharted 2 would hit on 360 and not part 1, it would hit hard as well. However, the first part imo would be a more welcome addition. ME2 is a shooter with some RPG elements, and shooters, ps3 has many, better than ME2. ME1 has more focus on the RPG elements and it's a really great storytelling. ME2 (again: imo) is an experience you can miss out on, ME1 however, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

[Biggest]

Playing Uncharted before Uncharted 2 doesn't add anything to the actual game or story. You understand Drake's attachment to Elena is all.

[fredfenster]

Same with Mass Effect, you don't miss out on anything important, you'll understand the story perfectly.

[itsralf]

I can't stand playing games out of order. I care about the story and the gameplay experience too much. I probably will never play the first one, seeing as how I don't own an Xbox or a PC capable of running it. Therefore I probably won't play the second one either. That's just me, though. I know some people don't care about the story that much. But recaps never seem to fill me in enough. I get the gist of it, but I like to know all the details. This is good news for PS3 gamers. Probably would have been a good idea to bundle the two games together, though... Or at least have a special edition.

[FXGAMESKILLEEN]

I feel you on that dino, but think about Halo ODST, it was a prequel for the halo series. So, sometime it's impossible to play a series in order.

[bjornbear]

im going to =D! =3

[DaThreats]

ME2 will have a prelude of ME1, so no, discussion over.

[BabyTownFrolics]

how one piece of news results in shitload of repetitive useless articles.

[Lacky]

uhm no.. i played the first one.. and when i started the mass effect 2 they explained the story from the first pretty well!

[Jeff257]

That was actually a pretty well thought out article. It pointed out quite a few games where they are part of a larger franchise but you dont need to have played the others to enjoy it. I know I will be buying MAss Effect 2 with never having played ME1 and I know Ill enjoy it too.

[mrv321]

Didn't Mass Effect 2 outsell Mass Effect on 360? That answers the question.

@Below, regardless, clearly Mass Effect 2 didn't need Mass Effect for 360 to be a success.

Can the same argument be made for Metal Gear Solid?

[N2G]

due to lack of decent games on 360 thats why as for Ps3 this game is going to have hard time performing well because Ps3 has planty of AAA games & this game while is great it isn't a AAA game.

[tinybigman]

ME2 hasn't outsold ME1 yet it hasn't even match it in sales either.

[gamingisnotacrime]

i trully thought both games would be included in one BluRay disc, as incentive for PS3 gamers to buy 1 year and 3 years old games

[Trroy]

Putting ME 1 on the disc would not only up the value of the series on the PS3, it would make the purchase worth a full $60, despite being a year later than the 360 version.

That said, I don't think it needs it to be successful. It would just help.

[gamingisnotacrime]

i would rebuy them just to play them on the PS3 and get trophies
i like the series anyway so the trophies would be a nice incentive to play the 2 part saga again, getting ready for the 3rd just like i did with the GoW trilogy
Sweet

[peeps]

Don't think so tbh. ME2 improved any issues with the original and is still a great game on it's own. I should no because i couldn't get into ME1 at all but really enjoyed playing ME2

[gamingisnotacrime]

but they could have tweaked at least some technical issues on ME1 and get it running better. Could, but wont

[theEx1Le]

not won't, can't.

[washingmachine]

no,but if ur gonna have mass effect 3 on ps3 aswell,then it needs mass 1 lol

[Aclay]

I would prefer to play the first Mass Effect first before playing Mass Effect 2 on PS3 since it's so story driven, but I'm still going to get ME2 on PS3 because it's the only Console Exclusive on 360 that I wanted on the PS3...as long as the backstory is explained well in the PS3 version, I think it'll do fine.

If I wanted I COULD play the first game on the PC, but the only thing keeping me from doing so is using the mouse and keyboard to play because I'd prefer to use a controller...I know some PC games support Gamepad's, but I'm not sure if ME1 does or not.

[Strider_X9]

I'm really looking forward to playing ME 2 on PS3, and Bioware Im sure will give plenty of the back story from ME 1 for newcomers to the game. I completed ME 1 on the 360 when it first came out, so I know what went on, but I don't think it's essential to play it if the back story is explained well enough in an intro before playing ME 2 for the PS3, I'm sure Bioware have that well thought out.

[DarkSpawnClone]

I know what people are talking about on how you need the save file and I'm guessing its like how dragon age and Awakening is where you can use your old save file on the newgame/content but i played awakening with and with out my "save file" and i gotta say it didn't really change any thing,other then people kept calling me a hero and some characters knew you, i didn't need the "Save file" to have the game be fun and it didn't change the story at all really..but i will admit it was fun to play Dragon age and then play awakening after i beat it with my "save file" the story felt a little more complete..but it wasn't any thing to make a big deal over.I will be getting Mass Effect Day 1 for ps3 release..i think i will pre-order it this week.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

It did need to release sooner than 1 year after the fact. I fear that ME2 on the PS3 will have marginal sales given it will be a year out and most gamers who really wanted to play it will have already found a way to do so on the 360 or PC.

[MrBuffalo]

It doesn't need it but I can't say some people may be missin out. I like a few have mentioned created different save files prior to ME2 landing to play through. From that I've got a few save files of ME2 stocked up for 3. It really is addictive for that 'what if?' element. There are a few key moments in 1 that keep dragging you back such as Wrex, Ashley and Kayden, how you finish the game etc. Whilst many have mentioned it doesn't have a massive effect on gameplay from my experience I feel it does. That 'what if?' element is a big deal. I guess it depends how much you love it. One thin I'm looking forward too is decisions coming back to bite you on the arse in 3. What if you had a relationship with Ashley and she rejoins your team and she knows you had another relationship? Its a big deal. All I'll say is if you haven't got a PC to play it on then dont think about it and make the best that you can of it. If there is bonus material I may even buy it for the PS3 again but I can't imagine givin it as much attention as the ones on my 360.
There is a recap in ME2 when Miranda questions you about your past. You make your choices there but it aint the same.

[lolzers]

The story in ME1 is important to know really, it sets you up for ME2. Having a save file to carry over to ME2 is not such an omittance but is a nice thing to have I suppose. The back story is quite important imo, you get more of a sense of the universe you are playing in.

I won't be buying anyway as I played through both on the pc, but it would bug me if I only had a ps3. Shame you couldn't have both on a single disc, that would be excellent.

[PimpHandHappy]

not for me even tho i would have really liked having part 1 just to transfer what i had done into part 2! I was going to buy a 360 for Mass effect 2 and Mass Effect 1 but now i will be happy enough with just playing 2 and transferring that into part 3

this for me was the only game i felt i was missing because i dont have a 360 and thats because PS3 really does not have a sci-fi RPG like this!

Looking forward to playing this

[Bellcross]

No.