Mass Effect 2
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Revision as of 23:16, 26 July 2021 by Mirh (talk | contribs) (Added stuttering fix (disabling vsync in windowed mode also worked for me, but it turned out kind of a driver bug). Reworked again the DLC shenanigans explanation. Gave my personal touch to language tinkering and shortcomings (plus love for CEE countries))
Developers | |
---|---|
BioWare | |
Publishers | |
Electronic Arts | |
Engines | |
Unreal Engine 3 | |
Release dates | |
Windows | January 26, 2010 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 94 |
IGDB | 96 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | DLC |
Microtransactions | Unlock |
Modes | Singleplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Third-person |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | ARPG, Shooter |
Art styles | Realistic |
Themes | LGBTQ, Sci-fi, Space |
Series | Mass Effect |
Mass Effect | |
---|---|
Mass Effect | 2008 |
Mass Effect 2 | 2010 |
Mass Effect 3 | 2012 |
Mass Effect: Andromeda | 2017 |
Mass Effect Legendary Edition | 2021 |
Key points
- Saves can be imported from Mass Effect (see Import Mass Effect saves).
- In-game graphics options miss half of the actual settings, which are thus usually left to the erratic first run auto-detection to decide.
General information
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | [1] | |||
Also available in the Mass Effect Trilogy. | ||||
Green Man Gaming | ||||
Humble Store | Also available in the Mass Effect Trilogy. | |||
Origin | Included with EA Play. Deluxe Edition also available. |
|||
Steam | Included with EA Play (Steam). |
DLC and expansion packs
- Every single DLC is included in a bundle on the Origin store, bypassing the need of Bioware Points or Deluxe Edition.
- Purchase just binds the DLC licenses to the EA account, which must have logged in in-game at least once to authorize their loading.
- The Origin version will automatically download the DLC files (and may even overwrite any other installation of the game[2]), while Steam and retail can use separate installers. Direct links are provided in the table below for convenience.
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Aegis Pack | 160 BW Points | |
Alternate Appearance Pack 1 | 160 BW Points | |
Alternate Appearance Pack 2 | 160 BW Points | |
Arrival | 560 BW Points | |
Blood Dragon Armor | Requires Dragon Age: Origins Deluxe or Ultimate Edition to be registered on same account | |
Cerberus Arc Projector | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Cerberus Network | ||
Cerberus Weapon and Armor | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Collectors' Weapon and Armor | Included in the retail Collectors' Edition, and the Digital Deluxe Edition | |
Equalizer Pack | 160 BW Points | |
Firepower Pack | 160 BW Points | |
Firewalker Pack | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Genesis | 320 BW Points | |
Incisor Rifle | Included in Digital Deluxe, and the Aegis Pack | |
Inferno Armor | Included in some pre-orders, and the Equalizer Pack | |
Kasumi - Stolen Memory | 560 BW Points | |
Lair of the Shadow Broker | 800 BW Points | |
Mass Effect 2 Digital Art Books | Included in Digital Deluxe | |
Mass Effect 2 Documentary | Included in Digital Deluxe | |
Mass Effect 2 Soundtrack | Included in Digital Deluxe | |
Normandy Crash Site | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Recon Hood | Dr Pepper bonus promotional item, now free on Origin | |
Overlord | 560 BW Points | |
Sentry Interface | Dr Pepper bonus promotional item, now free on Origin | |
Terminus Weapon and Armor | Included in Gamestop or Play.com pre-orders, now free on Origin. | |
Umbra Visor | Dr Pepper bonus promotional item, now free on Origin | |
Zaeed - The Price of Revenge | Requires Cerberus Network |
Essential improvements
Adjust all video settings
Change settings in the Configuration Utility |
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Skip intro videos
- Use Quick Startup mod to also skip the title screen
Delete or rename files |
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|
Install Disable Startup Videos |
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Shorter loading screens
- Regardless of the speed of your system the game will always wait for the loading screen animation to end
Replace .bik clips with shorter ones[3] |
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Modify the .bik clips to run at 2x/4x speed (30/60fps)[4] |
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Patches
- Patch 1.03 is a cumulative update. The Origin/Steam versions are already patched.
Project Variety
- A major bug fix and overhaul mod. Works best with Early Recruitment.
Game data
- DLC files are saved in
<path-to-game>\BioGame\DLC\
; an explanation of the folder names and which DLC they represent can be found here. - Game can lose saves when the
%USERPROFILE%\Documents
path has been customized[5][6]
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\BIOGame\Config\ %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\Profile\Player1.prf |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/24980/pfx/[Note 1] |
- Many other settings can be adjusted inside
Coalesced.ini
.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\Save\ %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\Profile\Player1.prf |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/24980/pfx/[Note 1] |
- For the folders used for importing saves see Mass Effect.
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Origin | ||
OneDrive | Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers. | |
Steam Cloud |
Import Mass Effect saves
- Importing saves can be done through
MassEffect2Config.exe
- The save importer may not work. In this case, move your Mass Effect saves into an
ME1
folder inside your ME2 saves folder.[7]
Import Xbox 360 Mass Effect 2 saves
Import Xbox 360 Mass Effect 2 Save Files[8][9] |
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|
Video
External video settings, see above to access.
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | Vert- See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | Use Flawless Widescreen and Mass Effect 2 Ultrawide. | ||
4K Ultra HD | Vert- See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | Default is 75°. Use Flawless Widescreen or see Field of view (FOV). | ||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | |||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Can be set to x16 in MassEffect2Config.exe |
||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | Enabled by default; see Vertical sync (Vsync). | ||
60 FPS | |||
120+ FPS | See High frame rate. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Widescreen resolution
Use Flawless Widescreen |
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|
Use ThirteenAG's Mass Effect Trilogy FOV Fix |
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Notes
|
Field of view (FOV)
- This method involves Coalesced.ini file. Make sure you have understood what this means.
Modify field of view[11][citation needed] |
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Notes
|
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Disable Vsync[citation needed] |
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|
High frame rate
Arrange frame rate smoothing[citation needed] |
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Notes
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | Enabled by default; see Mouse acceleration. | |
Mouse sensitivity | Only 3 selectable settings; for further adjustment see Mouse sensitivity. | |
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | See Controller support. | |
Full controller support | ||
Controller remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Controller sensitivity | ||
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
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XInput-compatible controllers |
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PlayStation controllers |
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Generic/other controllers |
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Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Button prompts | See Controller support. | |
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | See Controller support. | |
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Mouse acceleration
Disable Mouse acceleration[12] |
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|
Mouse sensitivity
Fix uneven and/or excessive mouse sensitivity |
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If your mouse sensitivity is still too high you will need to modify the variable in
Notes
|
Controller support
- This mod brings full XInput controller support to the game with haptic feedback support. This mod is currently complete (see official thread).
Instructions[13] |
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Use the ME2Controller mod.
|
Simultaneous Mouse and joystick support for Steam Controller users
Enable joystick move to be used with mouse[14] |
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Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_LeftX",Command="Axis aStrafe Speed=1.0 DeadZone=0.3") Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_LeftY",Command="Axis aBaseY Speed=1.0 DeadZone=0.3") Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_RightX",Command="Axis aTurn Speed=0.2 DeadZone=0.3") Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_RightY",Command="Axis aLookup Speed=0.2 DeadZone=0.3")
|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Music, sound effects and dialogue | |
Surround sound | 5.0[15] (better HRTF can be achieved with DSOAL library [16]) | |
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | Found under Gameplay settings in-game. | |
Mute on focus lost | Always mutes. |
Localizations
- Language codes to be used in manual selection are highlighted in the notes.
- The later DLCs[Note 2] aren't available for Eastern Europe locales[17], see here for an install workaround.
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | INT . A British English mod exists. |
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Czech | CZE . Fan translation for DLCs, download. |
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French | FRA |
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German | DEU |
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Hungarian | HUN . Fan Patch for DLCs, available here. |
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Italian | ITA |
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Polish | POL . DLC translations can be found here, here and here. |
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Russian | RUS . Available here. A slightly improved translation is available. |
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Spanish | ESN |
|||
Turkish | A Turkish fan translation is available here. |
Changing language
- Steam version can simply adjust this setting from the game proprieties
Instructions |
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Notes |
Independent text and voiceover
- Unlike the previous game, subtitles are stored in the same file of UI and other strings (so they can't be separated)
Replace the global text files[20] |
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Notes
|
VR support
3D modes | State | GG3D | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | For better support see Helix Mod: Mass Effect 2 | |||
TriDef 3D | ||||
iZ3D | ||||
vorpX | G3D Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list. |
Devices | |||
---|---|---|---|
3RD Space Gaming Vest | |||
Novint Falcon |
Issues unresolved
EA Online password form doesn't accept some special characters
- Includes ", *, /, :, <, >, ?, \ and |
Change your EA Online Account password[21] |
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"Unable to authorize the listed DLC" error
"Unable to authorize the listed DLC" error[citation needed] |
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Notes
|
Issues fixed
Installation interrupted
Install the game from a shared drive from another computer[citation needed] |
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|
Fix the corrupted folder path in Windows registry[22] |
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|
Physx Error on Startup
Install Nvidia Physx System Software |
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Cerberus Network autologin failure
Enable .NET Framework 3.5.1[citation needed] |
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|
Crash at the end of Kasumi's loyalty mission and when leaving the Shadow Broker's Ship
Use Kasumi Crash Fix[23] |
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|
Launch the game with the -nomoviestartup parameter[24]
|
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Apply Kasumi DLC Crash Fix with ME3Tweaks Mod Manager's ASI Mod Manager in the Mod Management Tab |
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Dark lighting in cutscenes
Make sure the number of cinematic lights is set to the highest setting[25] |
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Set the proper Brightness in-game, once having checked display calibration is right[26][27] |
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Adjust filmic response shader[28] |
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Clipping into walls/objects
- This method involves Coalesced.ini file. Make sure you have understood what this means.
Add the option to noclip out of the object[citation needed] |
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Notes
-Note-
|
Game freeze on Illium
- The freeze happens while walking through the ground-level corridor that connects to the other side of the map under Liara's office, which may cause a black screen and CTD.
- In most cases the problem is caused by incompatibility with the video or audio drivers of the user's computer.
Enable windowed or windowed borderless mode[citation needed] |
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|
Crash during vehicle chase on Illium
- In most cases the problem is caused by incompatibility with the video or audio drivers of the user's computer.
- The crash happens at the end of the taxi chase with Liara on Illium during the cutscene, where the game freezes completely showing either a frozen image or a black screen while the music continues.
Use config tool to change from fullscreen mode to windowed borderless |
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Run in Windows 7 compatibility mode |
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Launch the game with the -nomoviestartup parameter
|
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Uninstall and re-install all game files and DLCs (or use Origin's Repair feature) |
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- Issue may still persist after all of these have been done.
Crash when entering the galaxy map
Re-enable audio[31] |
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|
No sound even though it's On in the Configuration Utility
Make sure to disable any kind of OEM audio tool or enhancement[32][33] |
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Run the game in windowed or borderless window mode[34][citation needed] |
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Unable to save any more games
Patch game files[35] |
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|
Conrad Verner claims player has pointed gun at him
- To prevent this bug use ME1 Recalibrated in Mass Effect and Project Variety here
Fix save file variable[36][37] |
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Notes
|
Importing ME1 character still launches the interactive story
- This happens if you have installed the Genesis DLC (You can un-check it during download on Origin)
- Can invalidate your ME1 character's decisions in place of new ones
Remove the DLC[38] |
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|
Heavy geometry flicker and other artifacts
Disable any kind of forced AA |
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|
When moving the camera with the mouse the game starts stuttering/having performance problems
- This is likely an issue with the mouse polling rate on systems with Windows 10 installed
Lower mouse polling rate to 500Hz or lower[citation needed] |
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General stuttering or frame drops
Disable the Origin in-game overlay[39] |
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Disable ASUS Gamer OSD[40] |
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Selection circles on characters and interactable objects do not appear
- Lens flare can be disabled actually for good with a mod[41]
Make sure "LensFlares" is set to "true"[42] |
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|
Textures become black as you approach them
- You most likely had A Lot of Textures (ALOT) applied to the game in the past. Apply it again or use one of the fixes below.
Launch the game through ME3Tweaks Mod Manager |
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Set the Texture LODs to Vanilla with LOD Switcher in ALOTInstaller's Settings |
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Delete Configuration Files |
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Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | |
Shader Model support | 3 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | PhysX | Comes bundled with 2.8.0.7, but the system version is always forced. |
Audio | Wwise | Despite this, the game still ships with (inert) OpenAL dlls. |
Interface | Scaleform | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | 1.9e |
Editing Coalesced.ini
- Some of the fixes for this game require you to modify this special file, but editing it in the normal way will cause the game to crash.
Editing Coalesced.ini[citation needed] |
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Notes
|
Split the all-purpose Use key functions
Install Intuitive Controls or Separate Keybindings |
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Increase shadow resolution
Increase shadow resolution[citation needed] |
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Disable Post-Processing Effects
- Some of the post-processing effects can be disabled in the game's GamerSettings.ini file. These effects include light bloom, and motion blur.
Disabling Depth of Field/Light Bloom/Motion Blur[citation needed] |
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|
- A longer list of options that can be added and altered under [SystemSettings] can be found here.
Mods
HD Texture Pack
- A Lot of Textures is a re-texture community project that brings extra details for the game, replacing around 1200 textures with high-resolution variants.
- MEUITM2 updates textures & alternate character appearances, + more visual goodies for ME2. Works and is best used with ALOT. Must be installed ONLY after installing ALOT.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP | Vista, 7 |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.6 GHz |
System memory (RAM) | 1 GB (XP) 2 GB (Vista, 7) |
2 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 15 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | ATI Radeon X1600 Pro Nvidia GeForce 6800 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible Shader model 3 support |
ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB of VRAM |
- AMD video cards below minimum system requirements: ATI Radeon HD 3200, and HD 4350.
- Nvidia video cards below minimum system requirements: Nvidia GeForce 7300, 8100, 8200, 8300, 8400, and 9300.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (24980) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
- ↑ Genesis, Lair of the Shadow Broker, Alternate Appearance Pack 2 and Arrival
References
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 DRM and PC requirements Announced - Mass Effect Community (retrieved)
- ↑ Origin is malware. But we all knew that, didn't we? - Multiplayer - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ ME2 PC Shorter Loading Screens Mod : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ 4x Faster Loading Screens at 60fps - last accessed on 2018-04-25
- ↑ load menu shows no saves nor careers (WORKAROUND in 4th post) - The BioWare Forum(retrieved)
- ↑ Possible fix for moved Documents/Users folders, and profile/saving weirdness - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ How To Import ME1 Saves For ME2 - tehPARADOX (retrieved)
- ↑ How to mod ME2 for the Xbox 360 - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ ME2 Save converter, ME1 decisions editor (without using NG+) - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Verified by User:Blackbird on 2018-09-20
- Conversation FOV is affected which is undesired behavior https://i.imgur.com/CDju26j.png
- ↑ How to actually fix FOV in Mass Effect · Eugene Homyakov - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ Fix / Tweak Guide to PC Issues (updated 1-27-10 - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ ME2 Controller Support (Power Wheel) • me3explorer.freeforums.org
- ↑ https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/PC_Tweaks_(Mass_Effect_2)
- ↑ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 compatible with DSOAL (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio) despite using Wwise API - YouTube
- ↑ New DLC Announced: Lair of the Shadowbroker - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Dubbing i wersje językowe • BioWorld (retrieved)
- ↑ ME2 on Steam: set subtitles to a different language than audio : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 [Temat ogólny] - polish:Elite:board (retrieved)
- ↑ Verified by Mirh
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 won't start - EA Answers HQ
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 Kasumi Crash Fix - Federico Dossena
- ↑ Kasumi Loyalty End of Mission Crash - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Poor lighting in mass effect 2 - Fextralife
- ↑ Brightness settings in mass effect 2 - The BioWare Forum
- ↑ Brightness Setting - GameFAQs
- ↑ Shadows way too dark/black, intended?(screenshot) **SOLVED** - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ To BioWare graphics designers - a few suggestions (bloom/shadows) - Fextralife
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 - Maybe... La Confrérie des Rôlistes Grincheux !
- ↑ Galaxy Map For Mass Effect 2 crash after loading *Solved!* - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Solved: No Sound in Origin Games - Answer HQ
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 No sound and cutscenes playing at double speed : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Solved: Re: Mass effect 2 and 3 no sound - Answer HQ
- ↑ ME2 (PC) 50 Save limit & Shared power cooldown NUKED!!!!!!! - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ Conrad Verner - Mass Effect Wiki
- ↑ *FIX INCLUDED* Conrad Verner Paragon style - Kirrahe mail? - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ How to disable Genesis? :: Mass Effect 2 General Discussions - last accessed on 2016-8-15
- ↑ Mass effect 2 lag on a high end pc? : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 Stuttering during gameplay... please advise! - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ The Right Way to Hide Lens Flares in ME2 : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Solved: Re: Mass Effect 3: Bug - Can't Interact with any object in the environment, (i.e - Answer HQ