A highly immersive roleplaying game that everyone should experience.
Engaging story
Immersive world
Decisions make for a unique experience
THE BAD:
Occasional graphical hiccups
Combat takes some getting used to
Mass Effect is a roleplaying game from BioWare, set in a futuristic sci-fi version of our galaxy. The name of the game comes from the devices that are used to almost instantly travel across the galaxy to different planets and star clusters, making for quick and easy space travel throughout the Milky Way. The game thrusts players in the role of Commander Shepard, a highly trained soldier for Earth's System Alliance who is being considered admission into the Spectres, an elite group of agents made up of all sorts of species throughout the galaxy.
Shepard soon finds out that a rogue Spectre named Saren has aligned himself with the Geth, an enemy faction of AIs, and is seeking to bring back an ancient species called the Reapers to eradicate all organic life in the galaxy. Shepard must track Saren down and stop him from bringing back the Reapers, but he/she can't do it alone. Along the way, Shepard recruits all kinds of people, from mercenaries to scientists to elite soldiers.
The world of Mass Effect is our own Milky Way, so it is only natural that we should be able to visit our own solar system right? Well we can, however, the only area we can land on is the Earth's moon. Kind of a bummer, but it is still cool to be able to land on the moon. Aside from our solar system, there are dozens of alien worlds to explore, each with their own hazards and threats, be it from a mercenary camp, to something underground...
An important feature in Mass Effect is the ability to make decisions yourself. During key points in a cutscene, different dialogue options will pop up for you. Each option has its own consequences though, from the minor, to the game-altering. As such, morality also plays a role in Mass Effect. There are two types of morality: Paragon and Renegade. Paragon represents the good, moral decisions, while Renegade is more hostile and ruthless. However, you don't have to be completely Paragon or completely Renegade, it is totally possible to be a little of both.
A few minor issues with the game are the graphical problems that flare up from time to time and the combat. Occasionally, you'll have texture pop-ins, as well as framerate drops, which can detract from gameplay. In addition, the combat takes some getting used to. The cover system is a bit wonky, the whole combat system just seems odd at first. However, once you become acclimated with the combat, it isn't much of a hinderance to the game.
In short, Mass Effect is an outstanding game that almost anyone will enjoy. It has an excellent story and immersive world to explore. If you're on the fence about getting this game, I highly suggest getting it.