Mass Effect 2 tech upgrades impress

By Richard Leadbetter Published 24 August, 2009

Digital Foundry pokes around at gamescom.

Last week BioWare demoed a short 15-minute sampler of Mass Effect 2 at gamescom, and the overall impact of the game is hugely positive, with a far more confident and impressive implementation of the Unreal Engine 3 technology in place.

The litany of technical issues found in the Xbox 360 version of the original game is expansive. For instance, the game had clear texture-streaming issues whereby gameplay would slow down or even freeze when the DVD drive was unable to keep up with the demand for new data - an issue that an NXE hard disk install would only marginally improve.

There was also the sense that original Mass Effect was somewhat too ambitious for the Unreal Engine 3 technology that powered it, with some serious frame-rate issues both in the cinematics and during gameplay.

"The nice thing about it, and why we've really been able to advance it so much is that we had the existing game, so we knew where we needed to fix it," BioWare's Heather Rabatich told me at gamescom. "The guys on the dev team made a list of everything they wanted to improve and they just sort of checked it off: the elevator loads, the texture pop-in... you can see the advances in the visuals."

Indeed you can. It was the Xbox 360 version that was on display at the convention, and in both the role-playing and shooting sections there was very little discernible evidence of any kind of texture streaming problems. Resolution was definitely locked at 720p, and while just about all the LCDs in use at gamescom were very badly calibrated (with ultra-harsh contrast making analysis difficult) it does appear that Mass Effect 2 features 2x MSAA anti-aliasing too.

Over and above that, the game is v-synced, which can impact frame-rate at times, but this only seemed to be noticeable during the cinematics, and even then, it was still a big improvement over the first game.

The boost to performance during gameplay is also especially impressive bearing in mind that BioWare is intent on giving these sections more of an action bias, with a definite emphasis on making it a credible shooter. More bling and more bangs usually entails a bigger load on the engine, but once again, ME2 acquits itself very well indeed.

As for the elevator loading sections... yes, they're still there, but they're clearly quicker than they were in the first game, with a computer-style series of vector images displaying your ascent (and presumably, descent), helping to make the wait more bearable. The overall sensation - certainly in the demo we were shown - is that the whole process is a lot less painful this time around.

Look out for a detailed Mass Effect 2 gamescom preview elsewhere on Eurogamer soon.

Picture of Richard.

About Richard Leadbetter

Rich has been a games journalist since the days of 16-bit and specialises in technical analysis. Commonly known around Eurogamer as the Blacksmith of the Future.

Read more articles from Richard by visiting the Richard Leadbetter archive page.

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Comments (41) Latest comment 2 years ago

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  • Dizzy #1 3 years ago

    So another 10/10 ;)

  • Skurmedel #2 3 years ago

    Hopefully :)

  • Darren #3 3 years ago

    Well the Xbox 360 version sounds like an impressive improvement over the original in the same way that Uncharted 2 is over its predecessor on the PS3. That's what a good sequel should do anyway but it's pleasing to hear that the game will be v-synced so the horrid tearing from the first game will be gone for good.

    I'm still going for the PC version as it will be cheaper but should that version be delayed for whatever reason (as seems to happen with so many games of late) then at least I know I can buy the 360 version with confidence.

    BioWare rule! :)
    Edited by 1 at 24/08/09 @ 10:52

  • Xerx3s #4 3 years ago

    You make it sound as if ME1 was an absolute chore to play through. :/

  • jack_klugman #5 3 years ago

    As for the elevator loading sections... yes, they're still there, but they're clearly quicker than they were in the first game, with a computer-style series of vector images displaying your ascent (and presumably, descent), helping to make the wait more bearable.

    Sounds like a bit of an immersion breaker to me. Do we have any footage of this?

  • dustrat #6 3 years ago

    ME1 is one of my all time favourites. And it looks like ME2 will top that!

  • mrmonkey1980 #7 3 years ago

    I was really looking forward to ME but I was completely put off by the technical issues. I just couldn't stomach it on top of all the dialogue. I'm extra wary about ME2, but we'll see.

  • Skurmedel #8 3 years ago

    Maybe you shouldn't play a BioWare-game if you don't like dialogue :)

  • mikew1985 #9 3 years ago

    Yes quite odd that. It's an extremely dialougue heavy RPG in the usual Bioware veign. As this one will be too. Can't wait myself, loved ME and these tech improvements sound like they will only improve the experience. Good work Bioware.

  • Vanmunt #10 3 years ago

    pretty much top of my wanted list...... had rosey tinted specs on playing ME and didn't see most faults highlighted!!!!

  • BadBoyBonner #11 3 years ago

    Started playing ME again (4th time I have started as there always seemed to be too many games out when I got round to playing it) and think the Character Graphics are still some of the very best this gen has offered (obviously apart from those games where there's only two people on screen).

    Been avoiding spoilers like the plague - now finally started to get some achievements while I am playing (so must be a little further than any of the previous attempts). Loving it, think the dialogue is great, plenty to think about strategically, technical flaws aren't that great for this type of game (playing it off HD).

    Looking at how far the UE3 engine has advanced since ME went gold can only mean improvements all round.

    Biggest problem for me is that I get into it so much that I forget to save after a massive encounter and end up doing the same battle time an time again (which can become a pain when it involves levelling-up-points-distributions and various upgrades placement the battle may dish out.

    ME2 is looking like the same - but technically better all round - if the story and dialogue is as well written then a 9 or 10 out of 10 for sure.
    Edited by 1 at 24/08/09 @ 13:01

  • #12 3 years ago

    Mass effect 2 that was burning out 360 demo consoles at Gamescon? Theres an article and images knocking about. Must be really pushing the hardware.

  • crazyhorse174 #13 3 years ago

    Cannot wait for this to come out! Havent bought a 360 game for ages (skint!) but am defo saving up the pennies for ME2!

    The first one is still my favourite 360 game so far - keep meaing to go back and play it through again, but can't seem to get the time I want to give it my full attention! Blue-assed aliens FTW!

  • oerhoert #14 3 years ago

    I'm playing Mass Effect now for the first time, actually. It's ... very good, at times, and very mediocre, at other times. About 7/10 so far. I'm interested to see whether ME2 fixes the issues, including the variable pacing, the useless star map and the very variable dialogs.

    But yeah, so far I'm pleased with ME. The Plant 15 stuff was engaging for the most part.

  • Raziel #15 3 years ago

    I was able to play this at Gamescom last week, I was surpirsed by the huge increase in graphics in screens at video, but I wasn't sure untill I played it.
    This game looks like it will be a whole lot better than the 1st one, and I already thought that that was a great game.

  • hiddenranbir #16 3 years ago

    I wish we could move when on the elevator. Maybe sway or dance. Release wind. Things normally done when on an elevator.

  • muscleblade #17 3 years ago

    "So another 10/10 ;) "

    ME got an 8/10 on here. Didnt it?

  • #18 3 years ago

    Ashen-Shugar Im only commenting on an article I read. Keep sticking your head into the sand...btw it was Biowares own twitter that reported this u fucking dick.

    http://ww w.vgarabia.com/2009/08/19/mass-...

  • BastoJ #19 3 years ago

    @ DaemonB,

    You didn't mention the bioware twitter feed in the original post, maybe if you had people might not have thought you were just spreading FUD. Also, people might take you more seriously if you didn't resort to swearing when someone queries something you say ;)

  • TheJuriel #20 3 years ago

    The article does make it sound like playing Mass Effect 1 was a problem-riddled lagfest, that's not how I remember it. Its biggest problem and hassle was the inventory system and the bad AI on both sides.

  • #21 3 years ago

    @BastoJ being called a troll isnt querying. Maybe if said poster got off his lard ass and googled it he might have found the article instead of automatically apply fanboy protection mode and jumping down my throat.

    Like i mentioned...ME2 must be really pushing the hardware to over heat it. Looking forward to it.

  • Alkeno #22 3 years ago

    There was also the sense that original Mass Effect was somewhat too ambitious for the Unreal Engine 3 technology that powered it, with some serious frame-rate issues both in the cinematics and during gameplay.

    Mass Effect for 360 was loaded with performance issues and I would blame Bioware for them, not the engine. Maybe they didn't have the knowledge of UE3, they didn't have the time to polish it or they just thought that it was good enough to release as it was... in any case Mass Effect is both a masterpiece and a piece of unpolished programming.

    ME2 is looking much better, and that is huge news for 360 owners (PC owners didn't have to worry, they can just pump up the horsepower until the game runs smoothly ;-).

  • Petulant_Radish #23 3 years ago

    Why would anyone who is posting on a forum have to get off their ‘lard arse’ to Google something?

  • Scimarad #24 3 years ago

    Mass Effect certainly had technical difficulties but I can't say they ever effected my enjoyment of the game. Unlike the rather repetative side quests - And I still must have enjoyed them somewhat or I wouldn't have done them.
    Edited by 1 at 24/08/09 @ 14:44

  • BadBoyBonner #25 3 years ago

    Alkeno

    I don't think it had as much to do with Bioware as it did with EPIC UE3 contracts and engine specifications.

    EPIC promised far more than they delivered to early adopters of UE3 - hence the Silicon Knights debacle.

  • JensonJet #26 3 years ago

    I must be one of the few gamers who didn't care about the lift times. Sure I would've preferred no loading times whatsoever, but in a world where it's easy to make any number of complaints about a game, Mass Effect did so much right, I never dreamed of complaining about these 'technical issues'.

    The one and only change I always longed for was for a first-person perpesective. This could have been achieved very easily by increasing the speed of turning, lowering the camera angle (as seen when 'zooming' in with weapons) and taking away the part view of our character. No need for a gun and hand graphic and animation. Ghost Recon handled first-person view this way once, and it works perfectly. Ok, so I had one complaint, but as far as the game was concerned I thought technically it was absolutely fine. Hopefully those fussy enough to feel their enjoyment was partly ruined by lift 'loading' times will be as happy as the rest of us.

  • Bazfrag #27 3 years ago

    The texture pop in was the only irksome thing in Me1, and thats sorted. I never expect a Bioware game to run at 60fps :) but its the stuff you don't see that makes their engines impressive.
    Edited by 1 at 24/08/09 @ 15:10

  • oerhoert #28 3 years ago

    <em>" (PC owners didn't have to worry, they can just pump up the horsepower until the game runs smoothly ;-)."</em>

    That's exactly what worries me.

  • bioreit #29 3 years ago

    @ DaemonB (although the account seems to have gone - quick work mods!)

    Actually, maybe you should apply the comprehension skills you deplore the lack of in Ashen-Shugar - the site you link to also needs to improve, as it quotes the Bioware Twitter feed as saying that their 360s showing the ME2 demo have overheated, yet twist that into "Mass Effect 2 melts 360s", which you then repeated verbatim.

    You didn't even apply basic logic, nor did you delve deeper than a single layer into the issue. So why get prissy if someone doesn't do it either?

    On-Topic:

    Mass Effect is still on my HUGE pile of Games I've Started To Play But Stopped When CoD4 Took Over My Life™ - but I've recently started to go through them and Mass Effect is on the list between Assassin's Creed and Dead Rising, so hopefully I'll have it completed at least once before release. From what I played of it, did start to love it. But then, loved Jade Empire!

  • busboy33 #30 3 years ago

    "there was very little discernible evidence of any kind of texture streaming problems"

    Then they need to copyright that bit of magic code and sell the holy hell out of it to all the UE3 licensees.

    Overall, I am a huge fan of UE3, but to me it's Achilles Heel is the difficulty with which it streams textures into the visuals. Even playing Gears2, which as an Epic game I would expect to be the pinnacle of maximizing the engine, the texture pop-in at the beginning of a scene/round/level is staggering. A truly jarring immersion-breaker. Hearing that ME2 may have uvercome that hurdle accomplishes what I thought was impossible -- now I'm even more hyped for this game.

    "As for the elevator loading sections... yes, they're still there, but they're clearly quicker than they were in the first game, with a computer-style series of vector images displaying your ascent (and presumably, descent), helping to make the wait more bearable."

    Does this mean I won't get to hear about the Elcor production of Hamlet or listen to Wrex make fun of people?
    . . . because Wrex is in the game, right? You saw him or had some confirmation of that, right? RIGHT!?!?

    I want my misanthropic lizard back! He's the only one that appreciated the sublime humor when I ran over alien monkeys. Everyone else made me feel bad.

    . . . stoopid monkeys . . . building huts in my way and hiding computer chips in caves . . . with their stoopid monkey faces . . .

  • Alkeno #31 3 years ago

    BadBoyBonner maybe it was so, many things have been said about UE (mostly from Denis Dyack!)... in any case the game had some issues that shouldn't have been there (whoever the guilty party was), the good part is that we should be glad that those seem to have been corrected and ME2 is aiming at the perfect 10/10 :-D

  • womble #32 3 years ago

    "Even playing Gears2, which as an Epic game I would expect to be the pinnacle of maximizing the engine, the texture pop-in at the beginning of a scene/round/level is staggering"

    I actually LIKE the texture load scheme used in GOW2. Not only does it significantly reduce the loading time prior to the level starting, but the texture's don't "pop" as such. There's no nasty transition, rather textures simply become more detailed as the clock ticks down.

    If you want a good comparison, check out Bioshock: you get texture-pop throughout the game. Go in to a random room and half a second to a second later, all manner of textures will pop in to place. It's a bit disconcerting. Whereas Gears seems to have prioritized texture loading; important stuff like character textures are loaded first, less important elements like archways and paving stones are loaded last.

  • busboy33 #33 3 years ago

    "Whereas Gears seems to have prioritized texture loading; important stuff like character textures are loaded first, less important elements like archways and paving stones are loaded last. "

    Then maybe I keep hitting a programming glitch. My character texture is often (I'd guesstimate 35%-50% of the time) popping in after the background textures pop, so for the first 3-4 seconds they look like they are made of clay, and then suddenly that gigantic tumor on their back becomes detailed armor.

    Depending on how much it impacts the load delay, I personally might prefer to wait an additional 3 seconds for the round to start and begin with full textures. 10 seconds . . . no. Given my druthers I'd rather not wait at all and have pre-loaded textures, but then again given my druthers I'd rather have UE3 go to the fridge and get me a beer while I'm playing too. I know there's limits to any tech, but I freely admit I'm a greedy sumbitch and I want perfect (preferably yesterday).

  • Huffman_D #34 3 years ago

    great! i mean if you're standing still so that your screen won't tear and all the textures have loaded, ME was a great looking game! and you're saying that this one will look like that while i'm actually playing!? bonus!!!

  • ukgamer #35 3 years ago

    woot look at all the +'s on these comments. lot of 360/pc fans in here.

    don't forget to +1 me guys!!!! please!!!!!!
    Edited by 1 at 25/08/09 @ 04:21

  • womble #36 3 years ago

    "My character texture is often (I'd guesstimate 35%-50% of the time) popping in after the background textures pop, so for the first 3-4 seconds they look like they are made of clay, and then suddenly that gigantic tumor on their back becomes detailed armor. "

    That does sound rather weird. I admit I haven't seen this at all; the character textures always seem to have been loaded in prior to level start. For me, it's only the world textures that load over time.

    Also, it helps that this do this sepia-and-blur screen filtering during the starting sequence in multiplayer, which is not only visually attractive, but reduces the effect of any texture popping.

  • Darren #37 3 years ago

    @Crofto - The comparison is a valid one since both Mass Effect and Uncharted were blighted by screen tearing which has been addressed in the sequel. It should have been obvious what I was referring to since I mention it in the next sentence of the same paragraph! :p

    And if you found Mass Effect ugly though then that's your problem; I certainly didn't. It had engine-related issues, yes, but the art design was frequently stunning IMO. ;)

  • VicViper #38 3 years ago

    I'm glad the Texture pop in is at least undercontrol leaning towards fixed, apart from the ikea space bases I loved the art direction and general atmostphere of Mass Effect, the new Hud effects on the guns look great and from the looks of the footage there making the cinemas and conversation match in dynamics (a lot less standing and stoically talking to each other)

    and I do like the new design of the, I'm guessing here, Normandy SR2 seen in the recent new trailer, lots of windows and a bit meaner looking, guess you get that after the Normandy SR1 is destroyed
    Edited by 1 at 25/08/09 @ 10:08

  • womble #39 2 years ago

    I haven't seen any tearing at all with my copy of the game. But the frame rate is all over the place, with semi-regular pausing of the action, and juddering. It's not exactly a solid experience.

    (The game is installed on the HDD, BTW.)

    One feature I'd really like to see is better facial shadowing in the close-ups. The current shadow maps are very distracting, jittering all over the place. Some of the characters look like ghouls.

    Also, they need to look at the lens flare/bloom effect they use. At times it's very obvious that part of the effect is little more than a sprite billboarded on to the screen, obscuring characters behind it.

  • Bleemo #40 2 years ago

    I never finished Mass Effect, I dunno I cannot tell if it was the clunky combat, generic side missions or mediocre characters. I just feel like maybe Bioware are becoming a caricature of themselves a bit. Like the cat like character felt like a rehash of Juhani from KOTOR a little and the Krogan bounty hunter was Canderous like. I didn't buy that female soldier either spouting poetry, I mean I am all for non stereotypical characters but I just didn't dig her at all.

  • sirtacos #41 2 years ago

    As long as the texture problems are resolved...

    Hopefully the art direction is a little less sterile too. No more IKEA bases/space stations/empty planets (but with different coloured textures!) please.