The 12 Games of Christmas
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If there was one aspect I'd like to have seen explored more and in fairness, it was explored quite a lot it would be Humanity's fledgling role in the universe. Obviously we join the story after the most momentous events, when Humans discovered Mass Effect capabilities and learned they were not alone in the universe. This is such an interesting time as Humans shift from top predator to bottom of the pile, and the game prods at it, most notably with the pursuit of a seat on the Council, but I'd love to have seen it take it further. Human arrogance is talked about, and as a species they're already not liked by other (minor) races for even being considered for a Council position so soon. But I'd have liked to feel the effects of this a bit more. See what consequences it had had on Earth's politics, what extremist fractions had occurred (beyond experiencing racism), whether it had dramatically affected the Human psyche.
I'd love to play a prequel set during the earlier times of transition. In fact, if Bioware want to give me a job I've got a few pitches. But in the meantime, Mass Effect was a real highlight of 2008 for me. I think Shepherd's specific tale perhaps felt slightly trivial (despite the implied impact) within such a fascinating context, and perhaps this was in part because of its non-linear paths and side-quests, which let me muddy the story as it progressed. It became hard to differentiate clearing out a bunker on a remote planet for the sake of finding some ancient runes, or doing the same for the sake of the main plot. But I'm left with memories of a rich story, and the part I played in it. I remember Shepherd and her relationships. I remember saving the universe.
