A great Shooter-RPG hybrid with solid gameplay and cool eye candy, set in a universe that really sucks you into it
Slip into the role of Commander Shepard, representing the human race on the action front in the far future. Go on a wild expedition across the galaxy trying to track down a Spectre gone rogue and ultimately save the galaxy from imminent doom. Sounds cliched? There's more to it than the last few lines sum up.
Begin a new game by selecting your reputation, psychological profile and your character's gender and facial appearance. The facial appearance offers a number of customization options. Finish it by choosing from one of the six character classes. However you will find that the character customization is not as deep as expected from an RPG.
The RPG elements of the game are pretty limited. Character development, especially, is pretty rudimentary akin to hack-n-slash games. There are a number of ways you can gain xp, apart from fighting enemies and completing missions. Exploring new environments, making conversations, learning new information are some of the other ways to earn xp. Level up the traditional RPG way and distribute your 'talent points' among the several character attributes.
There is the usual trade and inventory management seen in almost all RPGs. These aspects are not very deep and provide no incentive for the player to engage in these for any longer than absolutely necessary. Inventory management may even become tedious as it distracts the player in the middle of an exciting combat sequence.
The game makes for these minor snags and lacking RPG elements with great character interaction. The game has taken character interactions to a whole new level, and your response at each conversation influences the story and your character's reputation to a good extent. You will find yourself in a conversation a lot of time. Unlike many other games these conversations are actually interesting thanks to great voice acting and neat script.
There is a Paragon-Renegade meter, which works much like a Good-Evil meter and influences the game is played. It is affected by character decisions, usually made during conversations.
The combat is solid. You will get into a number of firefights throughout the game and they play out more realistic than a lot of other games, even shooters. Take cover and fire potshots at the enemy or engage them in open ground. It's your call. The enemy will try to use cover and flank you. But the AI needs to be worked on a little. On several you will find the enemy rushing at you instead of using cover and flank tactics.
This is where the squad based combat comes in. On all your missions you will command a squad of two. You can issue basic commands like Move, Attack or Take Cover. Your squad will provide the additional firepower you need to take your enemies.
Speaking about missions, there are primary and a number of secondary ones, which serve the purpose of helping you level up for the finale and gives you more playtime. Each primary mission is unique in its own way. However you can a find a that the secondary missions are a tad too repetitive.
The other hitch in gameplay is your vehicle - The Mako. Maneuvering the Mako is tedious and sometimes even downright irritating.
The graphics are pretty cool. The HUD has little clutter and the art, even though a little spartan, is well done. Some of the vistas on the planets are sights to behold, but they are few and far between.
Sounds are apt and the voice acting deserves a round of applause. The soundtrack may seem subdued at first but when it comes to the action sequences, it blazes.
The storyline is where the games packs a punch. It's a story of epic proportions, something that seems to have been ripped out of a great novel. It's got its share of suspense and twists, that add so much value to the game. Bioware has painted an entire universe with several races, each having a reasonably extensive background story. It's quite fun learning about these races though it does not make a difference in the main storyline.
VERDICT:
A game truly like no other - one that should be played even if it is for the storyline alone.