the story in ME2 was good. i didn't like the reduction in the RPG elements though. using the ammo clips in combat was an improvement, i think, although i rarely used my nuke gun because finding ammo was impossible.
For me ME2 was one of the greatest gaming experiences ever. Amazing story (in general), fast paced action, great story dialogues - everything just felt right. And the beginning? The very definition of EPIC. Some things though I would like improved:
- dialogues between missions - those were really short, especially the romance ones. You didn't even have to try... Just talk 3-4 times and that's it. I hope they really expand on this, even regular chats... I wish we could get a depth of characters similar to Baldur's Gate 2 (probably not gonna happen though...). But I hope they add more of regular talking, about different things related to the characters or even the characters asking you questions (so it feels like an actual interaction). In BG2 your answers actually had an impact on the other characters.
- inventory management - well, the lack of it. I don't want ME1-level of trash in your inventory, but different weapon mods you can exchange (that have an influence on gun handling, accuracy, rof, etc), armor mods to armor pieces, more influence of your armor on your actual survival (you could finish the game in your first suit without too much trouble). The armors felt very different in ME1 and I enjoyed it a lot (having a Colossus armor actually felt like being a walking tank compared to the Phoenix one for example).
I also really enjoyed squad use. Their powers are very useful to supplement your abilities. Maybe detach cooldowns between different power types? Like switching ammo shouldn't put a cooldown on Adrenaline Rush or Warping a target shouldn't put a cooldown on Overload (examples). The ammo was a great idea imo, forced you to use different guns in plenty of situations (and all guns are actually good now and useful).
Anyway, can't wait for ME3! Holiday Season 2011 can't come soon enough!