"It’s been many, many months since the first glimpses of Mass Effect in action were seen, and the level of expectation was set staggeringly high. The promotional clips, videos, and trailers showed a role-playing game huge in scope, lifelike in its depiction, and as engaging in its combat as rival third-person shooters. Mass Effect has arrived, and it doesn’t disappoint, although in the cold light of day after a year of anxious expectation, there are a few points of patience within the game."
Overall: M@!%#*! Effect is a new generation of RPG that plays out in a very cinematic fashion with a focus on real-time action sequences and photo-realistic in-engine cut scenes to move the story along. I believe that this game will be remembered as the first in a trend toward a giant market of 'cinematic gaming' that will be realized in the next 5 years. This is now possible with the level of hardware technology in this generation and to a greater extent the next generation of consoles/PCs.
The story in the game puts most Sci-fi movies to shame, and although there are a few rough spots here and there (none of which detract from the game) it is a game that everyone should play through at least once.
I would have to say, that this game now sits tied for first in my all time gaming experiences with the m@!%#*!ively under-rated Phantom Dust. What pushes it all the way to the top? 1)Story, 2) Believable Characters made even more real by the spectacular voice talent employed, 3) Graphics, 4) The balance between game elements such as RPG elements, amount of action, pacing, different choices facing the player which begs for multiple play throughs.
All in all, this is a game that you will never forget playing, and one where you might go back to 6 or 12 months later and play again.
I am not a fan of Bioware's previous games by any means, but in this case Bravo. I sit here and I honestly can not believe that anyone would vote COD4 or Bioshock as game of the year over this game. This is a landmark game in the industry with what they have accomplished, and I truly believe that it is the future of gaming as we know it. Gameplay: The game is based on a main mission, with side @!%#*!ignments that become available as you progress through the game. In my first playthrough, I only pursued a few side-missions, because being the impatient person I am, I wanted to move through the main story first.
I am not a big fan of RPGs, and I thought there would good RPG elements, but I could see some people who are really into RPGs being disappointed with this part of the game. For me, the RPG aspects were perfect - that being just the right amount of customization, equipment, levelling up etc. to blend with the level of action and pacing of the game.
The action elements are excellent, but again, I could see some FPS fans being disappointed. There is a lot of action, but there are also alot of time talking, exploring etc. The best part of the action, is the ability to choose how much control you have over the team members. You can set it so they use all their powers own their own, or you can stop the action every 2 seconds and choose for them. Therefore, this should allow for each gamer to customize the action experience to their liking. Just a note though, I wouldn't recommend letting the team have full auto-use of their powers as they use them like a drunken sailor and when you really need them they are re-charging. In general, I found the shooting very satisfying. Shotguns at close range, sniping, auto rifles all had excellent feel and dished out an acceptable level of damage.
Graphics: Visually, the game is top notch, dragged down by some rough patches. Cutting between in-engine cut-scenes was sometimes a little jerky, the Unreal engine is notorious for lagged loading of textures which pulls you out of the experience a little bit, and I noticed that the graphics level of polish overall declined in the last quarter of the game, as if they rushed near the end of production.
However, the few rough spots don't take away from the otherwise stellar environments, fantastic character models, terrific art design etc. etc. etc. Like I said in the overall description, this game is extremely cinematic and the graphics are part of that.
I have heard some complaining about the graphics, I have a 52" Sony XBR and trust me, on a good HDTV this game will not disappoint in the visual department with the right equipment. Sound: It is difficult for me to grade the audio because I have to keep the volume low when I play. That being said, sometimes I felt the audio lacked balance between the music and the sound effects, and sometimes the sound seemed a little muffled. Voices during cut-scenes were very good, clean. The music was hit and miss for me, sometimes excellent music, sometimes a little uninspired. Gun sounds were just ok, but I did not notice a difference in the guns as they were upgraded and all the guns in a cl@!%#*! all sounded the same. So, overall, the audio was definitely the weakest part of the game for me. I may change my mind though if I ever get to play it at the proper level on my home theatre system speakers. Suggestions: In this case I hope they hurry with a sequel. Keep the pacing, story as good as the first. Let me take my character with me into the next game. Clean up some of the transitions between cut-scenes, add some more weapon types, and figure out how to reduce the texture loading. Otherwise, I really can't see what else they could do to improve this game, it really is a landmark game.
Overall: The story is where M@!%#*! Effect really shines, just as the hype would lead you to expect. The story line starts out with a bang. Without giving anything away, there is deceit, intrigue, and a lot of pure old hatred. You have the ability to be as good as you want. You can never really go straight out evil, you are a good guy, after all. But you can be a complete @!%#*!, though. You can make tough choices and pop people. But in the end, you are saving the universe. One of my favorite lines/scenes in the game is when you are accosted by a tele-journalist. She tries to twist you around and, if you choose to go all renegade, you can slap her. Great stuff.
The story has a lot of side quests that you can do or skip, offering you the path to the end fairly quickly. However, if you don't do the side missions, in my oppinion, you are missing out on why Shepard is who he is in the first place, not to mention a ton of the game's content.
MY SPIN
I'm a sci-fi nut. So the game holds something for me that is kind of intangible. I've played nearly every game that has had the sci-fi RPG and this one really has to be at the top of those games. I know some may say that's blashpemous, especially considering KOTOR I&II. But I think M@!%#*! Effect is the end-all/be-all of this generation of Sci-Fi games.
So there you have it. My final review score is going to be a little skewered. The pop-in thing really lowered my score on the graphics. Beyond that, the graphics really shined in my mind. The enemies looked great, the areas were sometimes beautiful and sometimes desolate, but always when they should have been. This game is a must-buy game for anyone who loves sci-fi or RPGs. It really is that good. Gameplay: Gameplay is what you'll notice right from the beginning, even moreso than the story so that's where we'll start. M@!%#*! Effect's third-person view works well and really lets you see what's going on around you. The game pushes up to a first-person view when you choose to zoom in with your weapons. It is a fairly smooth transition. The controls seem only slightly off at times, but I never felt that they hindered you in any given situation.
The squad mechanic was a nice touch, but it's implementation seems almost an afterthought as I rarely use it and have still done very well in the game. Being able to choose your companions can make for very interesting dialogue at times. The interplay between the different characters is memorable at times and completely dismissable at others. Graphics: Graphics are a key element of any next-gen game and M@!%#*! Effect's graphics are great; once they pop in. That's the biggest problem with the graphics. It's not like it's a quick thing, either. The graphics can take up to 3-5 seconds to pop in. Even on the characters.
I do like the graphical differences of the different weapons and armors. It is a nice touch and good to see that it is becoming more prominent in gaming everywhere. The characters in the game display a wide range of physical and facial movements that really push the boundaries of movie-quality stuff. The one thing I will say is that it is sometimes difficult to predict what your created character will look like in a cut-scene. They look one way, and then when you see them in these scenes you realize just how blocky you've made some particular aspect. Oh well, that's a personal gripe. There are sometimes odd looks with the facial expressions, but you have that in most any games where the characters are as detailed as these are.
I do want to add that the game has a very high-tech, and alien look which aides in the suspension of belief that is critical with this type of game. Excellent work, all around. Sound: I didn't specifically address this in my initial review of the game. But thinking about it, it is just as important as any other part of the game. M@!%#*! Effect's sound effects are not lacking in any department. The voice acting never got on my nerves, although at times, my male Shepard did sound a little tinny and as manly looking as he was, the voice didn't always fit the model. But that's a personal thing and not a critique of the actor's performance.
The game's score was well handled and appropriate for the genre as were the accompanying sound effects. Overall, I have to say that the sounds and music added to a very immersive experience. Suggestions: While there are several things I would love to BioWare do with the inevitable sequel. These include widening the romance angles, including different playable races, more planet-based side-quests, and too many other things to mention.
The thing about releasing a game that is critically lauded, as M@!%#*! Effect has been, is that everyone is at the ready with ideas about how to improve it or the sequel. BioWare has shown no indication that they will drop the ball on this or their other products so I believe that the series is in very capable hands.
Overall: BioWare managed to start a new app that pleases gamers who love RPGs, while managing to attract gamers to the genre. With their evolutionary dialog trees, Gamers can choose their own path whether it be good, evil or somewhere in between. Will you explore the galazy to your hearts content? Or will you stick to the script? With so many options, and the choice of many side quests, M@!%#*! Effect is a game that you may have to play more than once to completely finish the game. BioWare acknowledges this and gives you the choice to restart the game with a character that you've already finished the game with.
Overall: There is a lot that could be said about M@!%#*! Effect, overall suggestion to everyone is It's a non miss game worth the 60 bucks...in my opinion though. This game is fantastic, I've yet to get bored there is always something to do as a Spectre. This game gives you that movie quality, that xbox's graphic engine was design to do. Gameplay is good, only thing I find a bit dum is the way the car handles on terrain,Your crew really does'nt help you out as much as you think kind of remindes me of early Ghost Recon where the crew did nothing for you except die.. and he either runs to slow or way too fast... Not many glitches in the game if you run too much on the side of the bridges in Citadel youll get stuck...The fact that you can upgrade armor,guns,bullets,shields,ship guns,car speed, etc.. etc... really gives u that sense of freedom that you are in control..., Gameplay: At first a bit groggy to get used to, a bit Halo'ish in the analog which is always good, button wise though his run is a bit too much, almost feel like he's a crack head. Now one of the things most people will say is, your a commander but you cant really give too many orders to your 2 comapnions except go here go there.., in that aspect its pretty weak id like real time control. Umm lets see, i dont appreciate the upgrade for tactical armor, after you become a spectre.., that should of been no problem im able to run a gigantic ship but im not able to whear a thicker armor because its too difficult... yeah that part is not realistic.., which brings me to the whole if your not a sniper from the gecko you cant scope....WAT IS UP WITH THAT...? every game i have ever played allows scoping this one you have to earn it... Once again takes away from the realism of the fact that Spectre's are ultimate souldiers... its like hearing that a navy seal doesnt know how to change amo on there guns... retarded... However this are minor things compared to the greatness of the game good optional story line, fantastic side missions...some funny some dramatic... very cool (the best is the alian chick that gives u an extra reward..)--Funny Graphics: What can I say..., See the trailers, its one of the most beautifull games ever made, Lets put it this way my older brother came to my house when I playing this and it was in the middle of a sequence when i had to fight one of the main villans and he actualy, thought I was watching that final fantasy movie.. realistic graphics all I have to say. Suggestions: A few here guys.., I said this before..., developers said this would be the most realistic feel up to date correct...? They where wrong.. in conversations there absolutly true... you can even intimadate or be a nice guy... true.. however realism is more than open ended conversations...
i want body mannerism i wanna hear people get scared of me if my rouge is higher than my good deed bar... if i wanna kill a public member for no reason let me do it as well as letting me kill my own crew member if i feel like it ... I would of liked to had seen more options of laughter or slap a person... Dont get me wrong I am not at all bashing this game, This is a must have However... dont make the claim of being the most realistical feeling game out there cause honestly ... Fable- still remains at the top of realism you could truly do almost everything in that game... however the story was weak...
DEVELOPERS hats down and bow on this game its fantastic, very addictive worth the 60 bucks, and challenging...
Overall: Initially I gave M@!%#*! Effect a poor review. It's not the kind of game where there is instant action. I was hasty and impatient in expecting so. I traded a few games in and gave M@!%#*! Effect another try. There have been too many positive reviews and pleased fans of this game for it to be as poor a game as I once thought it was. The story is like no other. It sets the bar for other games. If one is patient, the combat will come. I am so into my character and the characters around me that I am enjoying the story. The combat is a bonus. I actually care about the characters. The game will suck you in if you let it and that's a good thing. Gameplay: As the main character, Shepard (you can play as as a male or female character), you are on a quest to uncover the greatest threat that civilization has ever known. You are a proven warrior but not trusted and the galaxy is not convinced that a threat actually exists. You travel the vast universe putting together evidence that humanity is in grave danger. M@!%#*! Effect is like being the director and lead actor in a blockbuster movie. Graphics: Falls short in the graphics department. M@!%#*! Effect is far from being an ugly game but it is not the beauty most of us hoped it would be. You can adjust the visual effect, grain and brightness which is a nice touch but it does little to boost the visuals. The trailers of the game pre launch looked almost photo realistic. The games visuals are not. Sound: This is where the game shines. Depending on your perspective, this may be a good thing or a bad thing when the audio is the best part of the game. The dialogue is spot on and immerses the gamer in the story. There is nothing that can be improved upon in the audio department. Puts most other games to shame. Suggestions: There are freezes in the game when it loads. Halo 3 pulls off a nearly seamless experience. It would be nice if the next M@!%#*! Effect game is more seamless. The visuals could have been better but in the scope of how immersive the game is, this is not a major issue.
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