‘Mass Effect 2’ proves to be strong sequel

Improved story. Improved graphics. Improved weapons and inventory management. Improved characters and dialogue.

If you’re noticing a pattern, pat yourself on the back. Then, go out and get yourself a copy of “Mass Effect 2.”

The first game was hailed as a surprise breakthrough for EA, and thankfully, the game maker has taken all of those laurels and thrust them back at you in this fantastic sequel.

The heaviest burden “Mass Effect 2” carries is its own success. The original was such a hit that the sequel was bound to be scrutinized for flaws. And although a few do exist, the overall package is outstanding.

You return as Shepard, the hero who must once again save the human race from annihilation from alien uglies called the Collectors. Among the starkest changes in the sequel is the greater emphasis on action and shootouts. The combat is worlds better than that of the first game, and taking cover and AI are stronger, albeit with occasional glitches.

The previous inventory system has all but been banished, so upgrading weapons, armor and skills is done aboard your ship before missions. It’s a tighter package altogether, allowing you to spend less time navigating submenus and more time slamming in another clip and unloading it at foes.

The RPG elements are along the same vein, and if there is a slight hiccup in the action at all, it’s in scanning planets for the crucial resources you need to make upgrades. It’s the slowest aspect of the game, and makes you appreciate the combat that much more.

The characters aren’t always interesting, but the side missions they give you are top-to-bottom excellent and will give you much greater depth than the main story line.

The reversing of focus from RPG to action/shooter is distinct from the first “Mass Effect” to the sequel, but this is done for good reason and with satisfying results. “Mass Effect 2” is a must-have and may be the first blockbuster game of 2010.

“Mass Effect 2” is for the Xbox 360 and PC. Published by EA Games, it’s rated M, for Mature.

Grade: 4.5 stars out of 5.

‘Guitar Hero: Van Halen’

Much like the band’s last decade or two, “Guitar Hero: Van Halen” is a mess and a train wreck of music games under the GH banner.

“Van Halen” was a free game given to those who pre-ordered “Guitar Hero 5.” Lucky for those gamers, because buying this disc – let along paying full price – would be a travesty for anyone looking to relive the band’s career.

The game does a disservice to Van Halen. Unlike the “GH” versions of Aerosmith and Metallica, you don’t follow Van Halen’s career path, which was one of the most adventurous in music history. Instead, you only get to play songs featuring David Lee Roth, who left the band in 1985. Yes, 1985!

So, right from the start, Activision is saying, “Anyone under the age of 30, don’t bother because you won’t recognize any song other than ‘Jump.’ ”

I went to Van Halen concerts as a kid, but it was well after Sammy Hagar had joined, and to ignore his contributions (no matter your opinion of him) and those of the other, more current lead singers is a joke. You wouldn’t see a new “Madden NFL” game with 1985 rosters on it, unless it was a throwback add-on.

The graphics are solid and the music – what little there is – is great. But sadly, the only people who’ll know the songs probably have kids who would wonder who the heck the band is.

Rent it, play “Jump” and “Everybody Wants Some” a few times and then be done with it.

“Guitar Hero: Van Halen” is for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and PS2. Published by Activision, it’s rated T, for Teen.

Grade: 1 star.

Chris Campbell can be reached at game_on_games@mac.com.