8.5 - Awesome game, but too much shooter and not enough RPG for my taste.
pros:
- just like ME1: the setting and atmosphere are excellent
- big improvement on the characters compared to ME1
- improved balance (combat)
- loyalty-system and missions
- some tough decisions (no clear "good" or "evil" option -- Legion loyalty mission for example)
cons:
- probing for resources (SO boring ... why would they implement that?! X_X)
- no inventory, no loot, simplified leveling- & shopping-system
- levels/setpieces smaller and more linear
- most side missions very short and pointless
- to few main story missions and barely any progress in the main storyline (this often happens with the second part of trilogies though, because a lot of foundation-building is required to make the third part as big and impressive as possible and let the trilogy end on a high note. => I'm eagerly awaiting ME3 xD)
