MASS EFFECT 2 - ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
by Tore Andersen

 

Step-by-step modification guide
Improved visuals, fixes, gameplay add-ons and a HDR ReShade

       

REQUIREMENTS

1: Mass Effect 2. Latest version and with all DLCs installed.
Note: The Steam version comes already updated, and has the Cerberus Network DLC already installed.
Note: Update for non-steam game: (LINK)
2: Sign up at the Nexus. It's free and it takes 2 minutes. (LINK)

 

DLC INSTALLATION/ACTIVATION

Activating the Cerberus Network:
Start the game and connect to the Cerberus Network. This will require you to make an online EA account (Origin Store Account). You can make it from within the game, and you don't ever need to use it. Quite silly, but whatever, it's done in a sec.
*If you have the Steam version of the game, you can find the Cerberus Network Key-Code is in your Steam library.

In-game options, set Auto Login to "Yes", so you don't need to log into the Cerberus Network every time you start the game. *When you have done this the first time, it will work regardless if you have internet connection or not.



Other DLCs. (Optional but recommended):

All other DLCs can be downloaded here: (LINK)
*They are free to download and install, but you need to buy them in the Origin store for them to work in the game: (LINK)

DLC List:
Firewalker Pack
Zaeed – The Price of Revenge
Cerberus Weapon and Armor
Normandy Crash Site
Cerberus Arc Projector
Genesis
Arrival
Overlord
Lair of the Shadow Broker
Kasumi – Stolen Memory
Firepower Pack
Aegis Pack
Equalizer Pack
Alternate Appearance Pack 1 (Garrus, Thane, Jack)
Alternate Appearance Pack 2 (Tali, Grunt, Miranda)

Download: Binkw32 proxy DLL (LINK)
Download the file for MASS Effect 2, and unpack into: Mass Effect 2\Binaries\
*Backup the existing file first, just in case.
These two files makes it possible to load mods as DLCs.

Note: If the game display "Authentication failed" after you bought the DLC in the store, download and run this patch: (DOWNLOAD)
Unpack the file anywhere and run the tool.
If the game still display "Authentication failed", download this patch too: (DOWNLOAD)
Block Mass Effect 2 in your firewall so the game can't connect to the internet. Then make a backup of "\Binaries\MassEffect2.exe". Now download and unpack the patch into the game-folder.

 

MOD-LIST
Download and install the following mods in listed order

ME3Tweaks Mod Manager (LINK)
Download and install, then run the program

SIllium Landing Movie Mod
(LINK)
Download and unpack to a temporary folder, then run the installer.

Same-Gender Romances for ME2 (LINK) *Works with save-games from Mass Effect 1, if you played using Same-Gender for ME1
Download the file and drag it into the ME3Tweaks Mod Manager window. Follow instructions to install.
*This mod is of course only needed, if you care for same-gender romance.


Texture Mods:
>>Download following files, but don't unpack / install them yet.

Misc. Complexion Tweaks (LINK)
Download "Illusive Man Complexion Tweak"

Jacob Complexion Tweak (LINK)

broShep High Quality textures (LINK)

femShep High Quality textures (LINK)
Download "Illusive Man Complexion Tweak"

WpnCarnifex (LINK)

WpnKatana (LINK)

WpnPredator (LINK)

WpnShuriken (LINK)

Weapon Mantis M-92 (LINK)

HR Weapon Textures (LINK)

A Lot Of Textures (LINK)
Download 1 "ALOT for ME2 11.0"
*Unpack the file to a temporary folder, but don't run the program yet. I'll refer to this folder as the "ALOT" folder.
Download 2 "ALOT for ME2 11.1 - Update"
Download 3 "Improved Static Lighting for ME2"
*Copy the two zip files into the "Downloaded_Mods" folder, inside the ALOT folder. Don't unpack them.
1: Move all the downloaded texture-mod files into the "Downloaded_Mods" folder, inside the ALOT folder.
2: Now run the installer.
3: Go to settings and select Show Mass Effect files only, by unselecting Mass Effect 1 & 3:



The installer should now look like this, with 12 check marks.



*If you don't have all 12 checkmarks, double-check the files you downloaded, and make sure they are copied to the right folder.
*Don't download "A Lot of Videos for ME2". The installer will only recognize the 1080p version, not the 4K version. Just leave that mod red and unchecked.

4: Click "Install for ME2"

Follow installation instructions. (Remember to check everything but "User Files" before building & installing.)



This will take about 20-30 minutes, even on a fast computer. When done, you can delete the temporary folder.


A Lot of Videos (ALOV) for ME2 (LINK)
Download any version (I recommend the 4K resolution), and drag the file into the ME3Tweaks Mod Manager window. Follow instructions to install.

Mass Effect 2 to dark FIX
(LINK)
Download and unpack the file into the game-folder. Overwrite.

Vignette Remover (LINK)
Download and unpack to a temporary folder, then move the content of the "Vanilla" folder into the following path inside the game-folder: "\BioGame\CookedPC\". Overwrite.

M2EP ReShade (LINK)
Download and unpack into the Mass Effect game folder.

 

Mass Effect 2 is ready for launch.

 

 

SUPPORT MAYHEM-7 MODS

                              

                              

 

 

SCREENSHOTS

   ReShade                                           Original                                                 ReShade                                             Original
    

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

 

ARTWORK

       

     

     

     

      

 

FAN-ART

       

     

      

 

 

 

GAME INFO

Mass Effect 2 is the second game in the legendary Space Action-RPG series from BioWare, released in 2010 and still a masterpiece. Technically the game is excellent, only the textures, models and world detail show the games ago a little. This project will enhance the visuals and effects, plus optionally add a new custom ReShade for better lighting, AA and image clarity. The guide has step-by-step instructions, no modding experience needed.

Mass Effect 2 is a science fiction action role-playing game developed by BioWare, published and released by Electronic Arts in 2010. The first 3 games are about an officer/commander named Shepard, who can be either male or female depending on the players choice. The goal is to save the galaxy from some powerful robots known as the Reapers, or at least do what's possible to fight them.

All three games have received several awards for their rich story and incredible universe. The attention to detail is astonishing and the atmosphere and world is very interesting and immersive.

Mass Effect 2 is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. The game is the second installment in the Mass Effect series and is set in a science fiction universe where players take on the role of Commander Shepard.

The gameplay of Mass Effect 2 is similar to that of the first game, but with several improvements and changes. Players can explore the galaxy, complete missions, and interact with a diverse cast of characters. The game also features a new combat system that is more action-oriented than the first game. Players can use a variety of weapons and abilities to fight against enemies, and the game also includes a cover system that allows players to take cover behind objects to avoid enemy fire.

The story of Mass Effect 2 is one of the strongest points of the game. The game takes place two years after the events of the first game, and players are tasked with investigating a new threat to the galaxy, known as the Collectors. The game features a complex and nuanced narrative that is full of twists and turns, and players are given the opportunity to make choices that affect the story's outcome. Players also have the option to import their save files from the first game, which allows them to continue the story from where they left off.

The characters in Mass Effect 2 are one of the game's standout features. The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, motivations, and backgrounds. Players can interact with these characters and build relationships with them, which can affect the story's outcome. The game also features a recruitment system that allows players to recruit new team members to help them on their mission.

The graphics of Mass Effect 2 are top-notch and help to create a believable and immersive science fiction universe. The game features detailed character models, beautiful environments, and impressive special effects. The game's soundtrack is also noteworthy and helps to set the mood and tone of the game.

In conclusion, Mass Effect 2 is an excellent action role-playing game that is praised for its engaging story, compelling characters, and improved gameplay. The game was well-received by critics and players alike and is considered one of the best games of its generation. The game's development was led by Casey Hudson and was released on January 26, 2010, for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and on January 18, 2011, for Microsoft Windows. The game's reception was positive, with an aggregated score of 96% on Metacritic, and was the recipient of numerous awards including Game of the Year awards from IGN, GameSpy, and The New York Times. The game's success led to the development of a sequel, Mass Effect 3.