Game Info
Mass Effect is an RPG created by Bioware as the first game in a planned trilogy, all to be released on the Xbox360 console. It was released in November 2007 exclusively for the XBox360, and was critically acclaimed. It was nominated for and won several Game of the Year awards, including best story of the year and best RPG of the year. In February of 2008, Bioware announced that Mass Effect is coming to the PC in May 2008. In addition, they are releasing downloadable content (DLC) over Xbox LIVE, the first of which is scheduled for March 10, 2008 with more to be announced.
Game Play
In Mass Effect, you play as the human Commander Shepard. You are able to customize Shepard's looks, including gender, scars, etc., combat style, and background story. This is selected at the beginning of the game, and will impact the experience you have while you play. In the world of Mass Effect, humans are new to space travel and being watched closely by alien races. Shepard is on a mission for the Alliance, the human military, and the choices you make as Shepard will impact how humanity is viewed by other aliens.
You are able to make these choices through dialogue trees, which is the ability to choose your own responses to the other characters in the world. The conversation system in Mass Effect has a very cinematic feel to it, with you in control of the main character. However your choices have consequences, and the game will reward you with points in the paragon and renegade categories. Renegade points are awarded for using force and intimidation to scare people, while paragon points are for trying to resolve situations diplomatically. You do not have to choose to be one or the other, but can handle each situation as you see fit.
But you can't just chat all day. Someone has to save the universe! The combat in Mass Effect is similar to third person shooters, but don't be fooled - combat is determined by your character's statistics. Aiming and using cover are important, but you can suck at aiming and still manage to kick ass!
If you do prefer to shoot everything in your way, then choose the class of Soldier in the beginning of the game, as you can level up knowledge of gun types and do more damage with them. The Adept class uses biotic powers (read: magic), and it can be a lot of fun to level up the different abilities and use them to take out your opponents. As an Engineer, you can use technical skills to alter your opponents weapons and defense, as well as use these skills outside of combat. There are also combined classes that have their own perks as well, but ultimately it will depend on how you want to play.
Game World
The world of Mass Effect is a very detailed science fiction universe, and to get the full experience, I recommend playing the game. There is also a novel out, Mass Effect: Revelation, by Drew Karpyshyn, the game's lead writer which adds more history and information to the game world. A second novel, Mass Effect: Ascension is scheduled to be released in summer 2008.
For more information on the game, please visit the official site.
This page last revised February 16, 2008. Written by Marilyn. Do not reproduce without permission.