Mass Effect Reviews

Lazdude

9.5
superb

The most memorable role playing experience in years.

  • Posted Nov 29, 2008 7:12 am PT
  • Recommended by 2 of 3 users.
Difficulty:
Just Right
Time Spent:
20 to 40 Hours
The Bottom Line:
"Worth the wait"
When Mass Effect was released for Xbox 360, it was awarded with public and critic acclaim for its ground breaking features. Not long afterwards with Electronic Arts' acquisition of BioWare, PC gamers now get the opportunity to play this hugely anticipated title.


Rather than simply port from console to desktop, this version was specifically developed for the PC. Various technical issues with the original have been improved, and a new interface was added to allow for better control. What sets Mass Effect apart from other RPGs is its combat, which takes place in real time and from a third person perspective, a combination that allows for some truly realistic fights.

Many aspects of previous BioWare games are still present in Mass Effect, such as side quests, party member interaction, alignment system, character leveling, changeable equipment, ability expertise, decision making and more.

Your missions are fairly non linear, with many freedoms on how to complete the main storyline, with several optional locations and no sequence order required. Further more, the diverse dialog options available and their responses make the entire plot a more cinematic display than what we're used to.


The first thing you notice about Mass Effect is its amazingly detailed graphics engine. Not only do the characters look real, the environments are varied, so you'll constantly be admiring the visuals. Throughout the game you're presented with routine cinematics like departing and arriving destinations, surprise encounters or boss fights on planets, and storyline events featuring amazing space combat cutscenes.

If you don't like the default model, customize your character's physical appearance when starting a new game to look whatever way you chose. Also, when collecting various equipment on missions, wearing different armors and weapons will display unique skins for each, giving an even greater level of personalization.


As for the soundtrack, effects are appropriate, music is exciting, and voiceovers are of high quality. There is simply so much dialog to listen to, all of which seem right for the situation. You might notice subtle transitions like ambient to battle music or noises off in the distance, each of these are tied in well and only add to the immersion.


Perhaps the best part of the RPG genre is replayability, and Mass Effect is no exception here. In fact, the game does its best to encourage more than one play through. For one thing, the sheer scope of content makes it impossible for you to experience everything on offer first time around.

There are plenty of achievements to be unlocked, uncharted worlds to explore, quests to complete, alternate conversations to hear, romances to pick from, and some game changing decisions to be made. Add to that downloadable expansions, and you'll keep playing for long time to come.


For fans of BioWare, role playing games, and science fiction, Mass Effect is a title you cannot pass by. For an original production, it has surpassed all expectations and sets the bar high for others to follow. The story continues on in a trilogy, but don't wait that long to experience this blockbuster from the future.
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