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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. AlienSpaceBats
    Jan 27, 2013
    8
    A unique (for its time, at least), well executed RPG/TPS hybrid much in the same vein as BioWare's Knights of the Old Republic. Sometimes more enjoyable to watch (cut-scenes, conversations) than to play (combat is not the game's strong-point).
  3. ErrorTheRealist
    Jan 23, 2013
    10
    I was brought into the series at Mass Effect 2 ended up slaughtering most of my crew because I was noob. So I decided to migrate to Mass Effect, and realized it was even better than two. I say the following honestly. One of the best games ever; and if you play it, you'll think so too.
  4. 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
  5. Thothistox
    Jan 1, 2013
    8
    THE GOOD: Mass Effect is an SF RPG/shooter, with an immersive story, a large and diverse set of maps, cool art and Bioware's trademark cinematic story-telling at its best. So far I've only done one playthrough so I can't tell for sure, but it probably also has plenty of C&C. Your character is given motivation. He or she is put in difficult moral situations and has to overcome theTHE GOOD: Mass Effect is an SF RPG/shooter, with an immersive story, a large and diverse set of maps, cool art and Bioware's trademark cinematic story-telling at its best. So far I've only done one playthrough so I can't tell for sure, but it probably also has plenty of C&C. Your character is given motivation. He or she is put in difficult moral situations and has to overcome the misperceptions of others. Moral ambiguity is what makes an adult RPG, and you get your share here. THE BAD: Here is where I take off points.

    -1 The game crashes frequently, especially during the driving sequences. I'm probably running into the problems people have when running the game on a quad. It crashed so frequently it was unplayable on a 9:16 resolution, and I had to switch to 3:4 which warps everything on my monitor but was more stable.

    -1 The lore. Now you might rightfully criticise me for playing something in a genre that I don't like, but hear me out. I take my SF very seriously, which is why I don't like Hollywood movie SF. There must be a smarter way of portraying other "races" of intelligent creatures than with anthropomorphic English-speaking space aliens. I like to keep my aliens completely alien in the way of Stanislaw Lem.

    -1 The combat. You have limited control over your team and there is relatively little need for tactics. Your promotions are mostly add a few percentage points here or there, such as to health or gun power. The talents are a bit silly. How is it a talent to be able to shoot your gun really quickly?

    I won't take anything away for other flaws. The dull romance you get with Ashley, the dialog options for persuasion and intimidation that make NPCs magically do what you want, your NPC team mates being a bit dull generally. I'll forgive all that because of the story.

    In spite of its flaw ME1 is a good game, and it was a good way to spend my New Year's weekend.    … Expand
  6. PencilShank
    Jan 1, 2013
    10
    This is possibly one of the best games i have ever played. I have never felt more involved in an RPG ever. The connections you gain with all of the characters make it all the more personal. The combat for this game is very well done each fight you do feels like a scene from a movie. Every piece of dialogue in the game feels epic and important. The choices you make deeply effect the game'sThis is possibly one of the best games i have ever played. I have never felt more involved in an RPG ever. The connections you gain with all of the characters make it all the more personal. The combat for this game is very well done each fight you do feels like a scene from a movie. Every piece of dialogue in the game feels epic and important. The choices you make deeply effect the game's story and makes everything more involved. This is a must buy for any RPG fan.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. Kydos
    Dec 20, 2012
    8
    This is a great game with a lot of effort gone into creating the universe in which it takes place. The gameplay is fine, pretty standard cover shooting but with the ability to use squad powers as well as your own. Overall I felt the story was pretty compelling and my second time through I had the patience and the interest to read through most of the codex and dialogue options. MissionsThis is a great game with a lot of effort gone into creating the universe in which it takes place. The gameplay is fine, pretty standard cover shooting but with the ability to use squad powers as well as your own. Overall I felt the story was pretty compelling and my second time through I had the patience and the interest to read through most of the codex and dialogue options. Missions become a little repetitive and the side quests are pretty much clones of each other even going as far as whole buildings having the same layout even if they were built lightyears apart. Overall though I was always having fun except when trying to manage the poor inventory system. If you're into your sci-fi and your shooters, this is a must.… Expand
  9. ChoicestGames
    Dec 11, 2012
    8
    If you're a fan of Bioware RPGs and especially if you're into sci-fi, you won't be disappointed by Mass Effect if you overlook the few minor UI quirks - however, those against draconian DRMs, who like to feel that they actually own the game or tend to like a bit of variety in their side quests, may have to look elsewhere.
  10. Ra-Qin
    Dec 4, 2012
    10
    While being years old, and now part of a recently release trilogy bundle, this game still holds it's own. Graphics are stellar (pardon the pun), and the storyline maintains the above par standards BioWare is (or was) known for when under the leadership of the good Dr's Zeschuk and Muzyka.

    The Good: Fluid controls, excellent mix of characters, 6 different classes to chose from, fully    While being years old, and now part of a recently release trilogy bundle, this game still holds it's own. Graphics are stellar (pardon the pun), and the storyline maintains the above par standards BioWare is (or was) known for when under the leadership of the good Dr's Zeschuk and Muzyka.

    The Good: Fluid controls, excellent mix of characters, 6 different classes to chose from, fully voiced NPCs, and an array of weaponry and talents exceeded only by MMOs or Borderlands. The Bad: No XB360 controller support, difficult to apply the DLC (to my Steam version at least), and hard to configure for those wishing to play on 16:10 displays.

    Overall - One of the reasons I did not play Mass Effect when I bought it in 2008 was that the story seemed to drag. Aside from the fact that I was hip-deep in WoW, I would have gladly played the game if it got off to a bang (like ME2 does; BioWare took notice of this flaw and fixed it in the second installment), but the game does not move or begin to make any sense until you are about 3 hours into it and taking your first mission away from Citidel Station.

    The greatest appeal for me was the ability to play he lead role of Commander Shepard as a female with a fully voiced role, supported by BioWare's multipathed conversation selections. I felt a connection with the character, and was able to see the galaxy from her eyes. It was also impressive that BioWare created an opportunity for the character to enter an emotional/physical relationship with with either male or female members of the crew. The male relationship can be meaningful or trite, and the female relationship was well written and classy; it did not come off as a twenty-something male's **** More than likely BioWare consulted women of experience to write those scenes. Mission play is great, with some missions affecting the main storyline of Shepard's pursuit/investigation of Saren, and other will designed side-missions to assist you with character development (more levels, money, guns, and skills are earned this way). Missions can vary in length from 10 mins (if you whiz though it) to 4 hrs. Additionally, DLC missions are available from BioWare's site; Bring Down the Sky is free and lasts 3 hrs, while Pinnacle Station costs $5, and allows you to develop your character in a holo-training environment. Both DLC packages are side-missions with no effect on the main story; you don't have to get them, but they are worth the $5. Aside from it's global appeal, Mass Effect has earned a rightful place in my personal gaming hall of fame. If you don't have it, go get it. If you do have it, take the time to do EVERYTHING the game has to offer...the stories and content are well beyond that of 99% of the games that are out there.    … Expand
  11. Ordish
    Nov 23, 2012
    9
    Installed this oldie for a little break from the FPS scene I've been in lately and I have to admit, it was quite pleasing. Certainly not ground breaking today but looking back to 2008 when it was released I can see how this game was rated so highly and deservedly so. The inventory system is a bit clunky but the rest of the game mechanics as well as the story line are fantastic. A solid 9Installed this oldie for a little break from the FPS scene I've been in lately and I have to admit, it was quite pleasing. Certainly not ground breaking today but looking back to 2008 when it was released I can see how this game was rated so highly and deservedly so. The inventory system is a bit clunky but the rest of the game mechanics as well as the story line are fantastic. A solid 9 hours of game play and pure enjoyment in a great and compelling story line. If you haven't played Mass Effect it is definitely worth the time to check it out.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Rayken
    Aug 25, 2012
    9
    The beginning of the Mass Effect series, one of the greatest series of this generation. I'll keep this as short as possible. Great story, lots of replayability, great characters, ok exploration missions, decent gameplay and decent graphics for the time.
  15. quotenneger
    Aug 21, 2012
    9
    This game is so unbelievably good. The story Is the best I have ever experienced, apart from the other Mass Effect Games, this game's story has it all: believable and sympathetic squadmates, a compelling antagonist, and of course, the decisions you make in the game. You can really feel the heavyweight of such decisions, often you decide over the fate of entire species. The Gameplay is goodThis game is so unbelievably good. The story Is the best I have ever experienced, apart from the other Mass Effect Games, this game's story has it all: believable and sympathetic squadmates, a compelling antagonist, and of course, the decisions you make in the game. You can really feel the heavyweight of such decisions, often you decide over the fate of entire species. The Gameplay is good too, though it is buggy and awkward at times, but it isn't that bad, because the story is what makes this game a unique masterpiece. No other Game has ever made me feel like the Mass Effect Trilogy. One of the best games of all time, no, one of the best pieces of entertainment of all time. If anybody missed out on this game, he deserves to get shat in the face.… Expand
  16. 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
  17. DrownedDrone
    Aug 7, 2012
    10
    It might suprise you, since I gave this game a 10/10, but DO NOT play this game. This is a great action/RPG game with one of the best, if not the best, non-linear story driven campaign that can really put you in the atmosphere of this epic world, with its long but intresting background history. I am not a big fan of replaying games but this game has the best replay value I ever seen in aIt might suprise you, since I gave this game a 10/10, but DO NOT play this game. This is a great action/RPG game with one of the best, if not the best, non-linear story driven campaign that can really put you in the atmosphere of this epic world, with its long but intresting background history. I am not a big fan of replaying games but this game has the best replay value I ever seen in a game, giving second and third playthrough additional expirience. I am not talking about the obvious morale decisions- which you can find in every game, but on the small things you only find out if you pay attention- from unlocking missions by investigating your squed crews (Only some of them, of course) to the brief talks your crew memebers have in the elevator, and to how by selecting different members you effect the ongoing of specific core-missions and side missions. Despite everything, this game is the first of three games and the sucking of the next two leave it incomplete. To be honest, I haven't even bought the third one, but I trust the reviews (User reviews, not the bribed Meta Score) so I advice you- don't get this game- you will get sucked into what seems like a great game but turns out to be a black hole… Expand
  18. 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
  19. ZenXianDi
    Aug 4, 2012
    1
    Good cut scene,charactors and decision element, unfortunately,the combat which makes up bulk of the game is hilariously awful.If you are spoilt by fun combat,this game will Make you **** BRICKS.

    Exploration is interesting for an hour until you realise you,re doing the same thing,seeing the thing which is identical 90% of the time and of course DAT MAKO and stupid terrain. Control    Good cut scene,charactors and decision element, unfortunately,the combat which makes up bulk of the game is hilariously awful.If you are spoilt by fun combat,this game will Make you **** BRICKS.

    Exploration is interesting for an hour until you realise you,re doing the same thing,seeing the thing which is identical 90% of the time and of course DAT MAKO and stupid terrain.
    Control during combat is clunky as hell,Shepard is a dumb **** who hump onto random object,stop firing for no reason(not overheating) and of course stop dead in his track for no reason(probably map issue XD).The combat is seriously THE WORST and will never be surpassed,PERIOD.

    Only to add to the stupidity of the combat,your teamate are just statues who just stand and shoot and die,on top of it the animation for all Enemy and teamate are god awfully stiff and unnatural.(Sprinting animation for enemy)

    The enemy AI,s intelligence is for some reason,is light years ahead of your brain-dead teamates.But they still bum rush into your face too often.

    If you,re new,you will die a thousand time,then all of a sudden you become so overpowered that you just steamroll over everything,it is either tedious or bland and never fun.

    If you can withstand **** combat,the game is quick to reward you with unpredictable glitches and bug,and lack of autosave will force you to go through hell repeatedly

    Avoid this game like plague ,start with Mass Effect 2 instead.    … Expand
  20. GoNinjaGO
    Jul 31, 2012
    10
    To put it simply, a masterpiece of storytelling and game design. Atmospheric. Engrossing. The PC version is the superior due to its higher frame rate (subject to you having a decent PC of course) but it is let down by having the low resolution textures of the console version.

    A must own/play.
  21. 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
  22. Resplendent
    Jul 23, 2012
    9
    Mass Effect is arguably the best single-player sci-fi game since Halo. The fact that it throws in RPG elements keeps it all the more enjoyable and replayable. Once you get used to the somewhat rigid controls, and once the story gets going, it's a thrilling game that you won't be able to put down. Getting to explore Shepard's relationships with his crewmates lets you really get to know themMass Effect is arguably the best single-player sci-fi game since Halo. The fact that it throws in RPG elements keeps it all the more enjoyable and replayable. Once you get used to the somewhat rigid controls, and once the story gets going, it's a thrilling game that you won't be able to put down. Getting to explore Shepard's relationships with his crewmates lets you really get to know them as distinct individuals. The histories of each planet were also wonderful to read. As with most games I love, the soundtrack leaves nothing to be desired. I've always felt music was just as important to any game or movie as the story, and Mass Effect's hits all the right notes. All fans of sci-fi should find this as brilliant as I did.… Expand
  23. Ghoster
    Jul 23, 2012
    6
    Great story, characters and overall whole world created around this game. Decent graphics for time period.

    Now the bad stuff. You should play this part only for story line. Game play is totally wrong and annoying. To be forced watching 5 min. Cut scenes without option to skip each time you die in boss fight is something i don't understand. So, must play just because of story and    Great story, characters and overall whole world created around this game. Decent graphics for time period.

    Now the bad stuff. You should play this part only for story line. Game play is totally wrong and annoying. To be forced watching 5 min. Cut scenes without option to skip each time you die in boss fight is something i don't understand. So, must play just because of story and preparations for part 2 and 3 which are pure 10. They fixed most of bad things in next parts.    … Expand
  24. ginolamantino
    Jul 22, 2012
    8
    Let's make this clear. This game is far from perfection. You will occasionally find some lil' glitches. And some aspects of the game will make you feel in pain if you're weak at heart. Neverthless, Mass Effect is worth not one but two tries. Begin by building your player aspects and then forge his personality through many entertaining missions around the space.You will find many elementsLet's make this clear. This game is far from perfection. You will occasionally find some lil' glitches. And some aspects of the game will make you feel in pain if you're weak at heart. Neverthless, Mass Effect is worth not one but two tries. Begin by building your player aspects and then forge his personality through many entertaining missions around the space.You will find many elements Mass Effect stole to his predecessors, yet it's undeniable you can enjoy at least 20 hours playing. Just choose wether you're the alien council savior or the damn human renegade. Or a miox of the two, why can't Captain have some sort of split personality?… Expand
  25. TheFlaminboy
    Jul 21, 2012
    8
    Very good game, with some of the best story-telling I've seen in a game. Also a very epic ending, probably one of my favourite endings of any game. The reason why I'm only giving this an 8 out of 10 is because of the annoying Inventory system and because all the sidequests are too boring and have very similar map layouts, which takes a lot of fun out of the game, unfortunately.
  26. stvartak
    Jul 10, 2012
    8
    I have the advantage of playing this game four years after its initial release, so I have not had any of the support issues some other users have mentioned. After reading all of the other user reviews, I think you either love or hate this game based on whether you are interested in story and adventure (love) or technical excellence and action (hate). This is a story-driven game with aI have the advantage of playing this game four years after its initial release, so I have not had any of the support issues some other users have mentioned. After reading all of the other user reviews, I think you either love or hate this game based on whether you are interested in story and adventure (love) or technical excellence and action (hate). This is a story-driven game with a lot of locations to explore and a lot of backstory that is revealed gradually through dialog and journal entries as the game goes on.

    To give you some idea of why I like this game, the last few games I really loved were the Thief series, Deus Ex, and Dreamfall. Here's a quick summary of what I think is good and bad about Mass Effect:

    GOOD: Deep story. Many characters to interact with if you choose, but only a few that you are forced to interact with to move the game along. Mini-game lock-pick system that is challenging but not frustrating. Tons of optional side quests, so you can skip them if you just want to cut to the chase, or do them if you're enjoying yourself and want to prolong the experience. Pretty good voice acting, in my opinion. Good third-person camera movement. Graphics were good, not excellent, for 2008.

    BAD: A bit glitchy; locked up on me three times during 50+ hours of gameplay. Some frame-rate lag, even with my 2012 graphics card. Less than perfect lip-syncing (but not terrible for a 2008 game). Most of the RPG elements such as level-ups and experience points are incidental to the actual game experience; you could blast your way through without paying any attention to your character's develop and not really miss much.

    Personally, I liked the "good" and wasn't bothered by the "bad," so I liked Mass Effect a lot and look forward to playing ME2.    … Expand
  27. zareh_m
    Jul 6, 2012
    10
    The game depends on the options you choose, the actions you take, the speech you make. Totally amazing game. You can choose whether to flirt with your teammates or to be cruel leader. You can end the war the way you want to it. You can customize your weaponry and appearance from the thousands of options. Overall, the scenario is great, the game-play outstanding.
  28. Zoso
    Jun 15, 2012
    8
    Not a bad game, by all means, but they didn't have the budget later titles in the series had, and so A) the graphics and B) the REPETITIVE level design make playing it a bit too tedious to be really great. Otherwise, it has all the strengths of its successors, like immersive story and a great combat system. And, also one of its major strengths: Your choices DO matter (a lot...), even ifNot a bad game, by all means, but they didn't have the budget later titles in the series had, and so A) the graphics and B) the REPETITIVE level design make playing it a bit too tedious to be really great. Otherwise, it has all the strengths of its successors, like immersive story and a great combat system. And, also one of its major strengths: Your choices DO matter (a lot...), even if it's in pt. 2 or 3 of the trilogoy.… Expand
  29. cunningmunki
    May 23, 2012
    7
    A great story, brilliant design and enjoyable gameplay is marred by an appalling inventory and user interface. The acting and dialogue is better than most RPGs, and the combat is good, although a little restrictive at times. The Mass Effect universe seems vast to start off with, and an overload of new characters, species and back-stories in the first part of the game can make you feel likeA great story, brilliant design and enjoyable gameplay is marred by an appalling inventory and user interface. The acting and dialogue is better than most RPGs, and the combat is good, although a little restrictive at times. The Mass Effect universe seems vast to start off with, and an overload of new characters, species and back-stories in the first part of the game can make you feel like it's going to take a lifetime to remember all the races, politics and history, but eventually you learn the important parts and the rest fall into place. Unfortunately, the poor interface takes so long to learn and get used to, it takes a while before you really feel in control of your character and their abilities and really start to enjoy the game.
    I'm looking forward to playing part 2.    … Expand
  30. Lulgrim
    May 22, 2012
    8
    One of the better video games in the adventure/RPG/action sci-fi genre, ME suffers a little from repetitive side quests that seem auto-generated, but the main storyline is good (cheesy, sometimes silly writing but still epic and entertaining) and the setting is fresh. One of the few games where NPCs seem to have a personality (was the previous one Baldur's Gate 2?) and the voice acting isOne of the better video games in the adventure/RPG/action sci-fi genre, ME suffers a little from repetitive side quests that seem auto-generated, but the main storyline is good (cheesy, sometimes silly writing but still epic and entertaining) and the setting is fresh. One of the few games where NPCs seem to have a personality (was the previous one Baldur's Gate 2?) and the voice acting is very good overall. I'd recommend this to almost anyone.… Expand
Page:

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

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »