Bibliographic Information: Bioware. (2010). Mass effect 2. United States: Electronic Arts (EA).
Plot Summary: Mass Effect 2, is a game made for Xbox 360, Play Station 3, and Microsoft Windows and is the second installment in the Mass Effect series. The story continues when humans, using an ancient technology called Mass Relays, have begun to explore the galaxy. They find that the galaxy is governed by a council of the three most powerful alien nations. Soon after venturing out into the galaxies, human colonies begin to disappear without a trace. Commander Shepard, the protagonist, is brought back to life by the Illusive Man and given the task of finding out what happened to the colonies. Commander Shepard finds that the Collectors, enslaved by reapers (an ancient machine alien race that has previously wiped the galaxy clean of life on several occasions), are taking them for their own experiments. On orders from the Illusive Man, Commander Shepard travels through the Omega-4 relay to the collectors base, where humans are being dismembered for their DNA. Commander Shepard must then decide whether or not to destroy the Reaper Scion; either way the events signal the return of The Reapers, and the possible end of life in our galaxy.
Reader’s Annotation: Will Commander Shepard be able to save humankind from an ancient machine alien race?
Information About the Maker: Bioware, a division of Electronic Arts (EA), is located in Edmond, Canada and is dedicated to making a variety of role-playing games that will keep their customers hooked and interested (bioware.com, 2012). Bioware is the proud to have produced the following games: Baldur's Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™, Mass Effect™, and Dragon Age™ (bioware.com, 2012).
Bioware's newest installment in the Mass Effect series, Mass Effect 3, has been met with high praise (bioware.com, 2012).
Mass Effect 2 Game Trailer
Genre: Video game
Subgenre: Science fiction role playing game (RPG) and First Shooter
Bioware's newest installment in the Mass Effect series, Mass Effect 3, has been met with high praise (bioware.com, 2012).
Mass Effect 2 Game Trailer
Genre: Video game
Subgenre: Science fiction role playing game (RPG) and First Shooter
Curriculum
Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: N/A
Reading Level/Interest Age: ESBR*: M (for Mature, 17+) (eagames.com, 2012)
*Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESBR) is a nonprofit, self-regulatory entity that assigns ratings to video games and phone applications so that the consumer will have a better idea of the product's intended audience. Please visit the ESBR Website for more information.
Booktalking Ideas: N/A
Reading Level/Interest Age: ESBR*: M (for Mature, 17+) (eagames.com, 2012)
*Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESBR) is a nonprofit, self-regulatory entity that assigns ratings to video games and phone applications so that the consumer will have a better idea of the product's intended audience. Please visit the ESBR Website for more information.
Challenge
Issues: This game includes strong language, blood, drug references, violence, and some sexual themes. If this game was challenged, I would use the following items to defend it:
1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).
1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).
4) Refer t0 American Association for School, Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner (http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf)
5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.
6) Refer to legitimate book reviews, such as: School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and others; found on either Academic Search Premier, Follett's TITLEWAVE, or Amazon.com.Why did you include this video game in the titles you selected?: I included this game in my collection because it is geared towards older teens (17+). I think that this will provide teens an option that is not "kiddish" and will be challenging. This game also offers science fiction lovers something of interest. I also got the inspiration to add this game to my collection from the Caroll County Public Library in Windsor, Maryland who owns a large video game collection.
Reference Page:
bioware.com. (2012). About. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.bioware.com/about
cover art: http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Mass_Effect_2
