IGN review just was posted, 9.6 and Editors Choice

Just saw this posted over at Kotaku:

http://kotaku.com/5454879/gamestop-launches-mass-effect-2-and-mag-at-midnight

Video game retailer GameStop has deemed both Mass Effect 2 and Sony's MAG worthy of keeping its employees up past midnight to get them into gamers' hands.

More than 2,500 GameStop stores will be opening late on Monday night to dole out preordered copies of Mass Effect 2 and MAG to eager fans, with certain locations hosting various themed games of skill to keep players from bashing down the doors before the clock strikes twelve. Customers at GameStop locations where it's safe to be outside that late can expect a tank building challenge, a commando dress up contest, a grenade launch, and more, while those who frequent seedier stores will instead stand outside until around midnight, huddled together for safety.

To see if your store is participating, visit the GameStop midnight openings list, brought to you by the letter M.

Not related, but I just pre-ordered ME2, even though I barely started playing ME1, haha. Collectors Edition, sweet!

9.6/10 is a great score.

What I don't get is the lack of consistency from IGN.

They gave Uncharted 2 a 9.5/10 (deserves higher imo) and the same score to Resistance 2 (which deserves 9/10 at best).

Weird.

Anyway, in terms of Metacritic, I think ME2 has a very good chance of scooping GOTY. I think GOW3 could get a lot of 9/10s from reviewers for being a 10hr slasher. FFXIII doesn't have a chance - can definitely see some 8/10s there. Don't know what will happen with Gran Turismo 5 but Forza 3 did very well so that will make it harder for GT5 to get an insane Meta score. Halo Reach will probably get very high marks, but I reckon ME2 will be slightly higher.

I don't really view that as a lack of consistency from IGN.

They gave Uncharted a score pretty much smack bang on what it's Metacritic score is, then gave Resistance 2, a very love it or hate it game, a score that implies they were among those that loved it.

But I tend to agree with your future Metascores analysis, with two possible omissions. Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Zelda Wii.

She will appear in the game, but she will not be a squad member.

More details on the Cerberus Network:

Included in each copy of Mass Effect 2, for both PC (digital and box) and X360, there is a Cerberus Network card with a unique single-use code. Login to the Cerberus Network in Mass Effect 2 and register your code to enlist! Once you are a member, Cerberus Network content is available to you at no extra charge.

Activate your Cerberus Network card and receive access to exclusive benefits. You will be eligible to download new missions, characters and more as well as have access to an up-to-date news stream. Additional paid DLC will be available and will not require the Cerberus Network to purchase. More details on paid DLC to come in the future.

From this it can be inferred that all DLC available through the Cerberus Network will be free.

Also BioWare has put up an FAQ about Mass Effect 2.

This is the best RPG series on 360 (haven't played Dragon Age yet) and I can't wait to see all the interesting characters and plots you'll run into on this one. I'm hoping for more planets, more cities and more people in the side planets.

Really good official thread and I hope this crew is as entertaining and likable as the cast of the first game.

Q: How long is the game?

Well I was reading the Games TM review, and they said it was about 30-40 hours, though it could take 3 days to do everything! So in short, it is quite a long game

Damn. I can't find my ME save data from anywhere (I have reinstalled windows several times after completing ME1). It seems that I have to play first one once again. =/

What? really? And here I am complaining that I had to buy it for £29