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Mass Effect was created by the same team that created Knights of the Old Republic (the first one). Don't come into this game expecting KOTOR or NWN style fighting. They wanted to make an RPG with shooter elements, and they did a great job at that. I can honestly say that it lived up to them. Personally I'd have preferred Bioware stick with straight RPGs, but the game is still fun.As aditional feature that can be interesting is that you can use your saves from ME1 in ME2, so that your decisions will effect how the sequal plays out (ie. It has a great story, one that will likely make for many more great games. Given that, I had very high expectations for this game. It was never intended to be that.
The Graphics on the PC, while visually the same as Xbox, are much smoother without the texture loading issues (if you played the xbox version you know what I mean).The thing about Mass Effect is it is an action RPG, rather than strictly an RPG. It has many shooter elements when it comes to combat (its similar to the combat of GRAW in some ways). Even if you don't like shooters, you should be able to enjoy this since it is primarily an RPG.All in all, a solid RPG that any RPG fan can enjoy. someone who you choose to kill/save will remain that way).
You start with a basic story at first and then it expands into one of the most compelling stories I have played since Bioshock and MGS4. You will get more powerful in a specific area you invest in and you will notice it. I have just finished it this weekend and was really surprised with how good it is. So, now that I have said that, the game is awesome. Ok, I will start off saying that this is a game review, and not a review of the DRM that EA put on the retail edition. Overall though, these are very brief aggravations (thankfully) and do not deter from the main game. I loved using sniper riffles and invested all the talent points I could into them. I love how you can invest points into skills that enhance how you like playing the game.
There were a couple instances that one guy would kill my whole team in less than 5 seconds. The game play is also well done. I bought mine off of STEAM to bypass the DRM, and have not had problems. The two gripes I had with the game are the vehicle controls for the Dune Buggy and a few instances the enemies rushed in and kill you with 1 melee hit. If you like a good sci-fi story, this game will not disappoint. The action is pretty fun and entertaining. I understand a challenge (I have played the original Ninja Gaiden on XBOX and loved it), but there are times when a thing becomes aggravating and not fun at all. I highly recommend if you want a intriguing story and a fun sci-fi based action game.
Keeping your squadmates from doing something stupid is, however, a learning process. First of all, I love BioWare's titles and the prospect of trying a new RPG intrigued me. The physics they use for the Mako make it one of the worst parts of the game, as it acts like every surface is a ramp made of ice. The faces are pretty standard cartoony stuff, but at least the mouths synch with the voice-overs.Sound:Good sound, but some levels have a CONSTANT thumping/booming going on that is really distracting.
The interaction between humans and aliens is also very well-done, putting forward how unique humans are as opposed to other species and how that leads to interesting plots.Difficulty:The game can be hard at first until you build up a supply of upgrades and money to buy new equipment. The voice-actors are pretty good and there's minimal repetition of voices. (Keith David, Seth Green, Lance Henriksen, & Marina Sirtis are just a few of the quality actors lending their voices to the game).Controls:The controls for your character are decent and easy to learn. Everyone complains about DRM and it has kept me from buying quite a lot of newer games, but in this case I decided to try it. Basically you are a soldier the entire game, with your passive skills rarely utilized. horrid.
And the thrusters end of shooting you off in the wrong direction rather than cushioning a fall.Story:Very good story and eloquently told. I liked how they took a modern society and explained how they migrated into space in such a short timeframe.
As the story doesn't change regardless of your decisions, it's the same game pretty much every time.Overall:Worth the $20 I paid for it, but not more than that I think. So, lets get on to the review.Graphics:Nice graphics, the film-grain enhancement makes it look less like a glossy videogame.
Generally once you overcome the difficulties with the controls everything slips into place.Replayability:As much fun as this game is, the replayability is low. Learn the 'Hold' command, as you will need it ANY time you are trying to be crafty and snipe at enemies.
The Mako's controls are. Honestly, it is too hard to utilize the different powers of each class during combat because it is so quick and the enemies always hide behind object.
Enjoy it for the storyline and the science fiction elements.
If i want to watch a movie instead of play a game i will go to the video store/ netflix and rent one. there are far better movies that don't require me to click my mouse to advance the movie. Though i know games will continue to evolve and I'm getting older and more out of touch everyday, i wouldn't call this a game. I do love the visuals and the fact that they tried to make a story, but i have to stick with old rpgs like fallout 3, wow and such.
DRM hasn't caused any known problems. This is probably due to my increasingly out dating hard drive.
The only bug was when I entered an elevator, the elevator would not move and the characters became stuck. I have played the game for around 30hrs so far.
The game may take quick (less than 1 second)pauses when loading new areas. I then had to load the last save.
I keep settings on max and frame rate is relatively smooth on my 9800gt, Core 2 Duo, 4gb ram computer. The latest patches seem to keep the game (at least mine) in good shape.
-good story -nice voice overs -large areas -fun -not frustrating for people (like me) not familiar with rpgs -can play without disc
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