Mass Effect Reviews

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Written by BuckGB on November 28th, 2007

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The graphics are seamless with the cut scenes, and it feels like you're watching a movie half the time. This helps display the sheer magnitude of this universe. The Citadel, the center piece of the known universe, just wouldn't have the same affect at first glance if it weren't for the level of detail Mass Effect's graphics provide.

Along the same lines, this entire universe thought up by BioWare is amazing, and rivals the depth and mystique of Star Wars. I kid you not. BioWare has gone to great lengths in detailing everything through a handy-dandy codex in your start menu that will explain everything from how your medi-gels are distributed through your body, to the hierarchy and inner workings of a species that is mentioned in passing during a conversation.

For Knights of the Old Republic fans who have heard this is simply a skin of that game, they are in for a disappointment. The joy of that title lay in the heart of its combat. The same is true here, but for different reasons. Bringing up the Biotics Wheel with RB, or the Weapons Wheel with LB, is a smooth transition to a quasi-pause menu. Doing so will allow you to direct each moment of a battle, and when used well offers an amazing level of control. The choice on how far you want to go with it is up to you. You can, as promised, run through the game as a shooter. Simply map a biotic power to RB, and tap it instead of holding it down. Instant biotic action.

BioWare has left the game wide open for you to enjoy, which is something they've been a leader at for years. The difficulty level caused many deaths along my path to greatness, which also affords you the chance to try out new tactics. Take this as a word of warning when you first venture out: save the game before you open any door. You're probably going to die, and going back 30 minutes in the game can suck. If you've just tried a run and gun tactic, only to have your spleen fed to you, perhaps a new approach is needed. Use the wheel menus and set the leader of the enemy group in a Stasis field, proceed to dispatch the minions, and then have your Tech Specialist disable the leader's weapons as they come out of Stasis. This isn't turn based, roll the dice and see what happens, combat. You don't have to aim precisely either, because hits are still based on dice roll. Mass Effect's combat is a happy mix of the two. It's not perfect when you launch a biotic attack the game starts back up, which means an enemy you were aiming at a second ago could be 10 feet to the left behind a box but the foundation is already solid.

The wheel mechanic translates directly over to the dialogue system and by extension the story. The majority of the game BioWare does an admirable job of placing you in the role of Commander Shepard. You'll often feel like you're making actual choices, and not just selecting from a list. You're able to choose an answer before an NPC speaks, facilitating a smooth dialogue experience. In twenty-two hours of gameplay I came across NPC's repeating themselves within a conversation only a handful of times. On occasion you'll feel like what you say has no bearing on the results, and that is indeed often the case. The true defining moments are clear, and everything else is simply a façade. But it's a well polished one.

But at its core, it's a game about making choices. Who are you? What do you look like? What are you good at? How do you treat other people? Would you sacrifice an ally to complete your mission? Are you going to knock space-boots with that blue-skinned alien virgin?

And that, friends and others, is the hallmark of a great game. (The choices, not the deflowering of hot extraterrestrials. Though that certainly doesn't hurt.)

Mass Effect casts you as Commander Shepard, a starship captain whose backstory, skills and physical appearance you can customize to taste. Make him an ugly, battle-scarred soldier who ruthlessly exploits others for gain, or make her a beautiful, tech-savvy officer who always looks to resolve situations with words instead of weapons.

BioWare's time-tested role-playing game formula is the backbone of Mass Effect, so much so that it almost feels like a next-gen sequel to the studio's mega-hit Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic, swapping out the "long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" for a not-too-distant future in which humanity is part of a galactic coalition of alien races.

Another element that easily rubber-stamps Mass Effect as the most atmospheric games of all time (I'm aware that's a big call but I'm sticking to it) is the high quality of the vocal acting. There's a palpable satisfaction upon hearing for the first time the unmistakable heavy drone of Lance Henriksen playing Fleet Admiral Hackett and wanting to re-watch all those "Millennium" episodes again, or Seth Green playing the highly strung pilot of the Normandy, Joker and of course, Keith David as Captain David Anderson.

In conclusion, if it wasn't for the graphical glitches and the general lack of decent AI, I'd award Mass Effect a perfect 10. It's a 9, but a high 9 indeed. It's a game that puts you in a fight to save a galaxy going to hell but more importantly, allows you to play as you want, who you want and when you want. The time of big-budget Sci-Fi TV shows has come and gone. This is where it's at. Best RPG of the year? Absolutely.

Bioware's last Xbox title was the huge cult favourite Star Wars: The Knights of the Old Republic, a game that was an instant favorite for tons of Star Wars junkies all over. For those unaware Bioware is also known for hits like Baldurs Gate and Neverwinter Nights. Fans of the gifted developer have been anxiously awaiting their next big title, Mass Effect. I remember hearing of Mass Effect before the Xbox 360 was even released and the game has been one of the most anticipated games to be developed for the Xbox 360 platform. Mass Effect is an epic sci-fi action RPG with a deep immersive storyline, huge levels, and high production values. Players assume the role of an elite human Spectre agent, Commander Shepard. Shepard's job is to police and maintain law and order throughout the galaxy and during his adventure he uncovers a threat that could wipeout. Given there are so many titles out at this time of year; I must admit that the premise of Mass Effect was very intriguing, and after receiving my review copy I would have to say that this RPG is going to see a of playtime.

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