Mass Effect 2 - Previews @ ActionTrip, Worthplaying

A couple of additional Mass Effect 2 previews from the recent press event.  First, a snip from ActionTrip:

When asked about the enhanced combat system, Casey said: "Well, we probably improved every single aspect of combat." While that may seem like a bold statement, it looks like it's actually true. Not only have they added a bunch of cool new weapons, but the combat received a welcomed overhaul. "The combat is now so much smoother. It's easier to control a character, it's easier to aim, it just feels really good because the frame-rate's a lot faster. But we've also done a lot of work to the camera and the aiming system. It feels better when you're zooming in and targeting enemies," he continued.

...and from Worthplaying:

Further, all the game's interfaces have been redesigned from the ground up over the original title's mechanics.  The inventory system remains as streamlined and easy to access as Mass Effect's system, but there are deeper options for customization at all levels.  In another area, the decisions the gamer makes in preparation for combat away missions, the action portions of the game, will clearly affect how those portions of the game play out.  Development of the central character, Shepard, and the choice of two squadmates for away missions, will make a real difference in how the action unfolds.  However, the customization is provided on an as-you-wish basis.  Those gamers who prefer to load up with stock weapons and equipment, dragging along a couple of squadmates in the most arbitrary fashion, can do so without degrading the intense shooter experience.  The concept is to provide near-perfect balance between micromanaging many options — a strong component of traditional RPG gameplay — with the latitude to skip over many of those details in favor of getting straight to the action.  Certainly, the more time you spend in character development, exploration and tactical customization before combat sequences, the more unique and diverse will be your experience in those sequences. In Mass Effect 2, these features are present more as inalienable rights rather than draconian requirements.