Mass Effect

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3921 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,338 out of 3921
  2. Mixed: 443 out of 3921
  3. Negative: 140 out of 3921
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  1. vence
    Jan 19, 2013
    9
    Just started the series all over again for the third time and having a blast, yes this game is that good, great story great characters great everything, if you didn't try it yet you are missing something
  2. Sunfire
    Mar 30, 2014
    9
    Awesome game,just buy it!
    Great story,fun gameplay.,rewarding interactions.
    WARNING!IF you played(or will play this) play the other ones as well,it is sooo satisfying.
  3. TheCommander
    Aug 7, 2012
    9
    I really liked this game. The story was excellent and I liked the RPG elements of the characters and equipment. I personally thought this was a much better game than Mass Effect 2 or 3 which I found disappointing due to the lack of RPG elements. The environments and space races were detailed, exciting and believable. I would say this is the best space game that I've played since star-wars.I really liked this game. The story was excellent and I liked the RPG elements of the characters and equipment. I personally thought this was a much better game than Mass Effect 2 or 3 which I found disappointing due to the lack of RPG elements. The environments and space races were detailed, exciting and believable. I would say this is the best space game that I've played since star-wars. Considering its like 10 bucks on steam this game is simply a must have.… Expand
  4. alanbessa
    Feb 24, 2018
    9
    Recommended.

    What an insane game that created one of the best franchises. Lights ahead of its time.
  5. kane148
    Jul 24, 2012
    9
    Though not without flaws, this game is just great. As one would expect from Bioware, the game puts you into an expansive world full of lore and interesting characters. Honestly, that is the game's strongest point. While not impressive, the 3rd-person shooter gameplay is fun (though far less polished than ME2 and ME3) and there is a big galaxy to explore, full of uncharted pirate bases andThough not without flaws, this game is just great. As one would expect from Bioware, the game puts you into an expansive world full of lore and interesting characters. Honestly, that is the game's strongest point. While not impressive, the 3rd-person shooter gameplay is fun (though far less polished than ME2 and ME3) and there is a big galaxy to explore, full of uncharted pirate bases and treasures guarded by monsters. While the inventory system is somewhat unwieldy and managing gear becomes more of a chore later in the game, it does provide one with plenty of options and opportunity to specialize gear for specific play styles, missions, and enemy types. The game's biggest flaw is its infamous vehicle sections, which are often a huge pain, but this is a small part of the game and one need not spend much time on these sections if they are bothered too much. All in all, this is a great space RPG which is well worth the time and money. If you spend time exploring the galaxy and doing side-quests, you can easily get 80 hours out of this game--not bad for the $10-20 it costs these days.… Expand
  6. BlackPhoton
    Aug 4, 2012
    9
    This game is one of the best science fiction games up to date. It's a mix of RPG, Action (not the best though) and dialogue. Starting with the good things about this game. The epic storyline is truly worth going through and hopefully the trailer didn't spoil too much. Your character doesn't say a sentence that you don't choose. Bioware uses it's notoriously perfect dialogue wheel. DuringThis game is one of the best science fiction games up to date. It's a mix of RPG, Action (not the best though) and dialogue. Starting with the good things about this game. The epic storyline is truly worth going through and hopefully the trailer didn't spoil too much. Your character doesn't say a sentence that you don't choose. Bioware uses it's notoriously perfect dialogue wheel. During some very original missions you will be making hard choices that effect the story. The characters are a gold mine for Bioware. The RPG elements are there some may be exaggerated, but still fun. There are a lot of tweaks for weapons and armors. You can fully characterize your Shepard with looks, classes, even his scars and history. Mass Effect is an unpolished diamond and isn't perfect. There are three issues in the game. Auto-Save will rarely happen and it's a discipline to keep quick saving, make sure you holster your weapon and revive your squad mates or you won't be able to quick save. Another issue comes from long exploring and the tank Mako missions those could get really boring, but it's possible drive trough combat as long as the shield holds. Usually players will consider the combat the biggest problem, but remember when this game was made combat didn't get great as this. Your squad mates will be useful especially cause of their abilities. And with the RPG element combat gets interesting. However the AI can sometimes crash, talking about crashing there is a popular overheating bug for weapons at certain locations. If you manage to get trough the combat issues you will enjoy the wast galactic adventure.… Expand
  7. chronoT
    Sep 22, 2012
    9
    A marvelous introduction to an epic series. When Mass Effect launched it brought us a visually stunning sci-fi action role-playing game that was unlike any other experience. I really enjoy how the original has more RPG elements than later titles, with more story line choices and customization, and squadmates have an inventory. The weapon/armor choices and upgrades are the best the seriesA marvelous introduction to an epic series. When Mass Effect launched it brought us a visually stunning sci-fi action role-playing game that was unlike any other experience. I really enjoy how the original has more RPG elements than later titles, with more story line choices and customization, and squadmates have an inventory. The weapon/armor choices and upgrades are the best the series has to offer. The only thing that sets the original back from the second and third is the combat. Mass Effect's battles don't feel as smooth, especially aiming and the use of skills. Also, having unlimited ammo actually makes the game feel less realistic. It is although important to mention that the first is the most challenging in my opinion, where I found myself dying even on normal difficulty. Overall if you skipped Mass Effect 1 for any reason or think that it may not be as good as the others, do yourself a favor and play this game because to this day it is amazing.… Expand
  8. faceless-1
    Jul 13, 2013
    9
    This game is awesome. Great characters, great world and very good story (well some parts are a bit cheese but it wont matter). When i started playing i could not stop.
  9. grazr
    Sep 13, 2012
    9
    The non-ammo weapons make a refreshing combat style, removing much of the treasure (ammo) hunting style tedium for other traditional shooters. Although the weapon mods were difficult to comprehend until way past the mid-game, most people completed much of the game before realising they could install upgrades into their kit. Some of the side missions were a bore and the "dungeons"The non-ammo weapons make a refreshing combat style, removing much of the treasure (ammo) hunting style tedium for other traditional shooters. Although the weapon mods were difficult to comprehend until way past the mid-game, most people completed much of the game before realising they could install upgrades into their kit. Some of the side missions were a bore and the "dungeons" repetitive as hell, but the game overall was a pleasure both gameplay wise and narrative wise.… Expand
  10. Auriell
    Jan 26, 2014
    9
    Top notch material, if you're into the style. Even if you aren't, its totally worth a try. Honestly. A true classic. I just finished the game and all I can say is whoa. What. A. Blast. I just wish I had this kind of experience with half the games I played in my entire life. They really hit the stars with this one. From the gameplay to the cutscenes and voice acting/music. CongratulationsTop notch material, if you're into the style. Even if you aren't, its totally worth a try. Honestly. A true classic. I just finished the game and all I can say is whoa. What. A. Blast. I just wish I had this kind of experience with half the games I played in my entire life. They really hit the stars with this one. From the gameplay to the cutscenes and voice acting/music. Congratulations to the team involved in this magnificent game!

    The only reason I'm not giving this game a 10 is just because theres some sort of micro managing involved in gearing up constantly your character and your companions. The companion AI is kinda lol but still pretty doable. Nothing that kills the game though, but you gotta make sure you're up to date with the gear aspect to make it more efficient when you're fighting the enemies.    … Expand
  11. Ensaabahnur
    Mar 8, 2019
    9
    Great game ,amazing story and characters, gameplay is a bit underwhelming but it's an eleven year old game so i can forgive it that. Highly recommended!
  12. TURJAN
    Aug 8, 2023
    9
    Phenomenal world building and main plot. Excellent side characters/companions. Planet exploration tend to be a bit boring after a third or fourth one, collectibles are unnecessary fillers, they translate to one additional dialog in the 3rd game and a dozen of points so don't bother with collecting them. Ending is incredibly satisfying and brilliantly written. Remember though that its aPhenomenal world building and main plot. Excellent side characters/companions. Planet exploration tend to be a bit boring after a third or fourth one, collectibles are unnecessary fillers, they translate to one additional dialog in the 3rd game and a dozen of points so don't bother with collecting them. Ending is incredibly satisfying and brilliantly written. Remember though that its a space opera. It has very bombastic style of narration. Expect long speeches and epic music. Overall: very good classic and one of the few games everyone should play at least once in their lifetime.… Expand
  13. tiho
    May 17, 2015
    9
    I was pleasantly surprised by the fact it really is an RPG, much more than a shooter. The story is captivating and it`s tons of fun to play, besides a few cumbersome & repetitive parts (planetary exploration and inventory management notably).
  14. DoesntMatter
    Dec 24, 2012
    9
    This game has almost everything. Story and gameplay are great and it's immersive. The world is huge and there's a lot to do in it. Exploring does get a little boring an repetitive, but then again you're not forced to do it. It's very visible that the controls and interface are tailored for consoles. Especially the menus aren't always perfect to navigate, but it's good enough and doesn'tThis game has almost everything. Story and gameplay are great and it's immersive. The world is huge and there's a lot to do in it. Exploring does get a little boring an repetitive, but then again you're not forced to do it. It's very visible that the controls and interface are tailored for consoles. Especially the menus aren't always perfect to navigate, but it's good enough and doesn't affect the gameplay too much.… Expand
  15. notsolittlejon
    Jan 31, 2013
    9
    A real step-forward in RPG's for its time. The conversations felt much less scripted and more life-like than most RPG's I've played, not to mention you feel much more in control of your character's dialogue and actions. The leveling system is deep and rewarding, the gameplay and storyline are fulfilling, and knowing that all the decisions you make will carry over into future installmentsA real step-forward in RPG's for its time. The conversations felt much less scripted and more life-like than most RPG's I've played, not to mention you feel much more in control of your character's dialogue and actions. The leveling system is deep and rewarding, the gameplay and storyline are fulfilling, and knowing that all the decisions you make will carry over into future installments of the series gives a deeper sense of immersion.… Expand
  16. Jaz
    Feb 24, 2013
    9
    A great space RPG with compelling story, believable characters, immersing world and space exploration. Combat was ok as well the controls. But the strong point of this game -and the most important for me-was that you really felt that you were the hero who would save the Galaxy.
  17. Basem101
    Jun 21, 2013
    9
    am not a big fan of galaxy and universe games or shows and when this game came out i wasn't interested at all until i saw that it got really high scores so i decided to give it a try and am glad i made that decision cause this game is just amazing it made me feel like the fate of the whole universe rests in my hand with amazing story and gameplay and great graphics but i didn't give itam not a big fan of galaxy and universe games or shows and when this game came out i wasn't interested at all until i saw that it got really high scores so i decided to give it a try and am glad i made that decision cause this game is just amazing it made me feel like the fate of the whole universe rests in my hand with amazing story and gameplay and great graphics but i didn't give it 10 because of some bugs like i have to save every time the game doesn't save until u finish the mission so if i died in the middle of the mission i had to play it from the beginning and the mako car was sometimes frustrating but other than that it is so amazing and i could easily get over these issues i can't wait to play the rest of the series… Expand
  18. PStakhiv
    May 16, 2013
    9
    It's an absolutely ground-breakin project, never before the player's actions has such an impact on the universe of the game! Dialog wheel is a genius decision, outstanding voice acting, addicting leveling, well written main plot, interesting missions! And sure it's not perfect gun shooting isn't good, boring side quests! But overall it's must own if you like sci-fi or RPG.
  19. Herbis
    May 9, 2013
    9
    By far my most favorite from the trilogy. It brought something fresh, something that's not generic, and it made me interested and invested in it. I mean, I have spent at least 60 hours trying to explore every little bit of the game, and there is much to explore. Even though the Mako controls might feel awkward at times, it's still much better to have those portions of the game, to exploreBy far my most favorite from the trilogy. It brought something fresh, something that's not generic, and it made me interested and invested in it. I mean, I have spent at least 60 hours trying to explore every little bit of the game, and there is much to explore. Even though the Mako controls might feel awkward at times, it's still much better to have those portions of the game, to explore the game world, visit the planets with it. It was quite intriguing just driving around various deserted planets, with the feeling that there's nothing here, and you're all alone, but then eventually finding something, like a probe, with information in it.
    Another part of the gameplay I enjoyed was no ammo, but your guns could overheat. No longer I had to worry about how many bullets I spend, and then looking for more in random places, or where conveniently placed. Instead you would focus on how to time your shots so that you dont overheat your guns.
    Best part of the game is probably the story and the choices you make. I was never into Sci-Fi much, but this game made it work for me. The character interactions, the dialog options, many choices, all made me like the game more and more.
    One part that could have been done better is upgrade management..there were just too many of them, and my inventory got full quite often. Managing your own upgrades, plus your squad mates upgrades, took too much time. Then again, you do have the choice of not even bothering with it.
    I can't recommend this game enough, it is very very good.    … Expand
  20. AJCk19
    May 6, 2023
    9
    Some mechanics are a little clunky and it could need some quality of life changes. But dang is it good, you get so entrapped into the gameplay and story. Even if you don't care about stories, this one makes you care.
  21. EliteAmatuer
    Jun 20, 2013
    9
    Mass Effect is a Bioware futuristic space RPG (but you probably already knew that). This game is more of a traditional RPG with lots of somewhat confusing menus, leveling up system, etc. For people who like action games more should probably look to ME 2. because the combat mechanics aren't very polished. Having said that, it's one of the most engrossing and beautiful stories in any gameMass Effect is a Bioware futuristic space RPG (but you probably already knew that). This game is more of a traditional RPG with lots of somewhat confusing menus, leveling up system, etc. For people who like action games more should probably look to ME 2. because the combat mechanics aren't very polished. Having said that, it's one of the most engrossing and beautiful stories in any game before or since it's release.… Expand
  22. iddqd4
    Mar 16, 2018
    9
    Игра тех времен, когда из BioWare еще не поуходили все талантливые сценаристы.
  23. Lucif3r
    Jun 1, 2020
    9
    Bought this with no expectations and must admit had an great time. And i prefer this over the sequels. Has an unique atmosphere and i do enjoyed driving the MAKO which many complained was one of the weakest parts. Which i disagree.
  24. Kyle2086
    Oct 1, 2014
    9
    This was a very solid start for a series with a rich lore although cliche'd story. The combat system was thankfully overhauled in the sequels, and while it wasn't terrible, it did feel very 'casual' and the inventory system was a mess. The side missions tend to be bland and drag a bit, but overall it's a great experience and gives you a thrill ride from start to finish. You'll findThis was a very solid start for a series with a rich lore although cliche'd story. The combat system was thankfully overhauled in the sequels, and while it wasn't terrible, it did feel very 'casual' and the inventory system was a mess. The side missions tend to be bland and drag a bit, but overall it's a great experience and gives you a thrill ride from start to finish. You'll find yourself missing some of the diversity present in the first game with the alien races, and giving yourself the option to save or sacrifice major characters makes this a worthwhile experience. The dialogue is well written and the voice work is some of the best in video games. Definitely worth playing if you can find it.… Expand
  25. Gingerbread_Man
    Nov 20, 2013
    9
    One of my favorite story-laden games of all time. I never become engrossed in RPGs due to the combat, and ME's combat certainly wasn't a strong point (slightly clunky). However, it didn't get in the way enough to annoy me- which is usually my criterion for judging it. The RPG character/item customization was raw but gave plenty of options (if a bit clumsy to navigate). The charactersOne of my favorite story-laden games of all time. I never become engrossed in RPGs due to the combat, and ME's combat certainly wasn't a strong point (slightly clunky). However, it didn't get in the way enough to annoy me- which is usually my criterion for judging it. The RPG character/item customization was raw but gave plenty of options (if a bit clumsy to navigate). The characters felt real and engaging- banter ranged from serious to humorous. The plot was fantastic- without giving too much away, I bought into the world. I bought into the history of civilizations previous, and the dire situation of the future. Brought together by a great combination of writing and voice acting. Choices felt like they mattered.

    Near perfect execution. Only a bit off for the combat/vehicle stuff which felt a little clunky.    … Expand
  26. jssrfx
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    Mass Effect was, and still is, groundbreaking for its time of release. It truly is an epic science-fiction story which will provide you with many "aha-effects" if you are familiar with the popular science-fiction TV shows and movies.

    Playing this game I am often reminded of Star Trek, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Starship Troopers, Farscape and even Stargate to a certain    Mass Effect was, and still is, groundbreaking for its time of release. It truly is an epic science-fiction story which will provide you with many "aha-effects" if you are familiar with the popular science-fiction TV shows and movies.

    Playing this game I am often reminded of Star Trek, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Starship Troopers, Farscape and even Stargate to a certain extent, because the gateway-like conduit/relays are reminiscent of Stargates, or perhaps the jump gates from Babylon 5. The universe of the game is diverse, it is a story about co-existence, but also problems between humanity and alien races who have tried to establish a status quo on a huge, city-like space station called the Citadel.

    You start out with a character creation screen - and I do recommend you play the female Shepard, because the voice acting is so much better, and it simply is visually more appealing - and craft your own character just the way you like it. From here on out you're making decisions, forging relationships, decide whether you want to use diplomacy or force, and based on your chosen path the methods by which you achieve the mission goals (and the difficulty with which the game unfolds) the outcome might be different. You should also choose wisely who of your squad members you take on a mission, because sometimes having a higher tech ability might be more useful than combat strength. The customization option in terms of armor, weapon loadout and add-ons are also mindboggling. Make sure you keep your squad in good shape!

    I can honestly say that I've never before felt this connection to a virtual group of people in a single player experience, nor has it ever been that hard in a game to make a choice between who lives, who dies, who gets hurt by your choice, and who will become a close friend. The excellent voice acting (Lance Henricksen and Dwight Schultz to name only a couple of famous actors) does much to create immersion. The side quests in this first installment are a little repetitive, granted, but the story arch makes up for it, never mind the epic end-battle which truly happens on a cinematic scale and quality.

    If you like sci-fi, RPGs and action-adventure games that give you a lot of freedom given a linear story line (and take one or the other cliche), this is for you. And given the fact that you can continue using your character throughout the sequels, do start with this first episode of the trilogy. You will feel far more connected and familiar playing with a Shepard having already over 40 hours under their belt when embarking on the next journey.    … Expand
  27. Genezi
    Jun 10, 2017
    9
    Great game. i have spent a lot of time on this title. It has a great story with memorable characters. Good gameplay with lots of possibilities during missions and best cut scenes with good dialogs.
  28. Circadia
    Feb 14, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game blew my mind when I first played it. It was the first game to truly make me believe that video games could be used to tell a compelling narrative with characters that provoked an emotional attachment. In essence, Mass Effect, and the work done by BioWare was revolutionary in demonstrating how video games could be used to create an interactive story. In having to make a choice between one character's life or another about half-way through the adventure, I found myself genuinely sorrowful at the death of a character, just as I would be in film, television or literature. Very well done, BioWare.

    Only point I would make as a critic of the game was that it was almost over-scored. The soundtrack for the game is absolutely brilliant. But nearly every environment has a song that is constantly playing in the background. At points, I found this actually distracting from the storyline.    … Expand
  29. Ninja_Se7eN
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    Disclaimer:
    I've never played a Mass Effect game before. I've played other BioWare titles before such as Knights of The Old Republic and Dragon Age: Inquisition and I enjoy a good RPG.
    I've purchased the trilogy on Origin. Intro: Mass Effect is a Sci-Fi RPG and it has most of the clichés you'd expect: laser guns, space ships, aliens. The game throws you into a universe where mankind    Disclaimer:
    I've never played a Mass Effect game before. I've played other BioWare titles before such as Knights of The Old Republic and Dragon Age: Inquisition and I enjoy a good RPG.
    I've purchased the trilogy on Origin.

    Intro:
    Mass Effect is a Sci-Fi RPG and it has most of the clichés you'd expect: laser guns, space ships, aliens.
    The game throws you into a universe where mankind is one of the most recent species to have achieved space travel.
    This means that there are a whole bunch of alien species who've been exploring the universe a lot longer than humans and also means there's a whole intergalactic government established that you must cope with.
    As commander Shepard you're tasked with proving mankind's worth to these aliens and save the entire universe while you're at it.

    What I liked:
    - The combat system: the combat system was a bit weird for me and not at all what I was expecting from an RPG. It's a third person Borderlands with skills/powers you can activate. The combat is fast paced but it falls short when comparing to actual third person shooters (e.g. Uncharted). Still, for an RPG it was very enjoyable.
    - The story: it's nothing you haven't seen before but it's well made and keeps you motivated to finish game. There are some intergalactic politics in the mix and some choices to make. Most of the choices are trivial but there was at least one of them that stopped me right on my tracks and I had to seriously think about it. Overall it has a highly enjoyable plot and got me hyped to play the second game.
    - Facial expressions: it's been nearly 8 years since this game launched and the facial expressions in this game still managed to impress me! Seriously, at a certain point in the game my romantic interested gave one of the sexiest looks I've ever seen in a videogame while telling me we could talk somewhere more private.

    What I didn't like:
    - Map repetition: There are very few enemy bunker/bases and you'll see repeated maps a lot outside the main quest.
    - Few quests in the main quest: It took me 39h to finish Mass Effect and while I enjoyed the story, I got the feeling there could've been more quests in the main story.
    - Conversation expression reset: Occasionally the character's facial expression would completely reset between each line they said. It was weird and broke immersion a bit.
    - Bugs and glitches: Enemies getting trapped in geometry, conversations about how we (Shepard's team) were nearly at the end of the main quest right after the first main mission after getting a ship, Shepard moving around while I was using the directional keys to hack something.

    Conclusion:
    Mass Effect is a good RPG and if you enjoy the Sci-Fi RPG genre you should definitely pick it up. Just bear in mind that it's not perfect and could really use more polishing.    … Expand
  30. HPSPhoenix
    Jun 30, 2014
    9
    Nothing at ALL short of a masterpiece. Besides the boring beginning and unbalanced classes, the game imposes on you tough decisions. You will find out a lot about yourself playing this game. I'm not going to spoil any of the choices you have to make, but they are horribly emotional. I almost cried at some of them.
    Play it. Play it. Play it. Play it!
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PC Game of 2008
6
#6 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
5
#5 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. GameSpot
    90
    Whether you're a seasoned Spectre looking to suit up again, or a newcomer who has never set foot on the Normandy, the refined PC version is your best choice for experiencing this excellent game.
    Read full review
  2. PTGamers
    95
    Mass Effect PC wasn't rushed, this version has clearly been thoroughly thought-out to exploit the advantages of this platform.
    Read full review
  3. G4 TV
    100
    Computer owners are getting everything found in the Xbox 360 game, including achievements and online leaderboards, but with better visuals, smoother action, and a more streamlined interface. That the game rings up at a lower retail price and offers the first expansion pack as a free download is simply icing on the cake.
    Read full review
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