[quote=@Ace of Hearts]
<Snipped quote by Dynamo Frokane>

Just like New Vegas.

I always felt like the characters were the main focus of Mass Effect 2, not exactly the Reaper part. and it's not just 'some cool characters', most of the quests you have are recruitment and loyalty missions. ME2 isn't filler, it just doesn't focus on the Reaper conflict as much as it does Shepard and their crew. 

[/quote]

Yes thats why New Vegas doesnt have a number next to it. As apposed to Mass Effect 2 which was direct sequel, the two aren't really comparable plot wise.

Some of ME2 characters are good, some are meh, some are quite bad. Regardless, the game doesnt really give you enough time for them to develop. 1 recruitment and 1 loyalty mission each spreads it all a bit too thin. Can you really tell me what we learned about Jacob in his loyalty mission? Does anyone even care?

ME2 is filler, taking a break from the main plot to focus on Shepard N Pals, however entertaining is still filler. I don't think it makes at a bad game, but that's what filler means.