Gamernode: Reviews - Mass Effect

Mass Effect

• Mass Effect
• Xbox 360
• BioWare
• Microsoft Games
• November 20th, 2007

There's been a lot of hype over Mass Effect, and the first thing I have to say is go out and buy it immediately. Mass Effect is truly a unique experience which blends a rich story with high paced action all packaged in a massive universe that stands with some of the more famous settings in cinema and fiction. I repeat: do not pass over this title.

With that out of the way, it's time to get to the meat of things. Mass Effect is set roughly 200 years in the future, when alien technology has advanced humans to faster-than-light traveling speeds, and has put us into contact with a host of aliens in a struggle to fit in with this intergalactic community. A rogue agent named Saren who's working for The Council (the "always needed" trio that runs the show) threatens the safety of the universe, and it's your job to stop him.

The first thing you'll notice is the level of customization in this game, starting with every choice you make from the character creation screen. You can choose to use the default commander Shepard, or make your own. You get to choose background, personality, and of course class. Choose carefully, because these will affect the game immediately, and your experience will be unique beginning with the opening dialogue.

You can play as three different classes: Soldier, Engineer, and Adept. You can also choose to play as a hybrid of two. Each class plays considerably different, adding to the replay value. For example, I went through the game the first time as a Vanguard (Combination of soldier and Adept) and pretty much dominated everyone through shotguns and the equivalent of force powers. My second pass through I'm using the Infiltrator (Sniper/ Engineer) and believe me, it's a noticeable difference.

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.

The combat system is nothing amazing. In fact, if you were to base your opinion of the game on it, it would be no where near as good of a game as it is. AI is weak on both the enemy and ally sides. Your guys will shoot at walls or into your back 70% of the time, and you can back up and bottle neck 30 enemies into a hallway to be slaughtered like cattle. The shotgun is also possibly the most unbalanced unstoppable weapon in gaming history. I was able to snipe 100 yards with the shotgun, and when they got close the blast strength knocked them on their backs leaving them helpless for a good five seconds.

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