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. roboticsun
    Oct 8, 2011
    8
    This is a well-written and good role playing game although it really does not offer too much character development. The scope and imagination in this game is top-notch in sci-fi genre. However, similar to many other games, it suffers from many design failures including repetitive combat, reused environments, inconvenient user interface (inventory system is so bad), and technical problemsThis is a well-written and good role playing game although it really does not offer too much character development. The scope and imagination in this game is top-notch in sci-fi genre. However, similar to many other games, it suffers from many design failures including repetitive combat, reused environments, inconvenient user interface (inventory system is so bad), and technical problems (crash, freeze and long elevator loading). This game's story and character design is quite like Knights of the old republic. There are many twists in the plot line and you can choose two different moral paths. However, I personally feel its real-time combat system is better than KotOR at least it's not that boring while the down side is you can not directly control your squad members. I give it 8 out 10 since mass effect 2 did a better job on the overall game design.… Expand
  2. SuperTakashii
    Jan 22, 2011
    8
    Once you break the surface of Mass Effect, you'll love it to bits. The presentation of story is clean and sensible. The combat is responsive and clean. The graphics are gorgeous; the film grain and motion blur turn this game into a beautiful interactive environment, but this game falls down at the beginning.

    There are a lot of games that take a bit of getting into, but this one has the    Once you break the surface of Mass Effect, you'll love it to bits. The presentation of story is clean and sensible. The combat is responsive and clean. The graphics are gorgeous; the film grain and motion blur turn this game into a beautiful interactive environment, but this game falls down at the beginning.

    There are a lot of games that take a bit of getting into, but this one has the thickest skin I've ever encountered. This game would benefit so much from having a more gradual, more thoroughly explained introduction to the complicated layout, because when you get thrown into the game everything is a little confusing. You're not quite sure how to do certain things. You forget how to control Shepard efficiently if you play for less than a few hours in your first sitting, as the game never reinforces controls at any point, simply telling you the controls and expecting you to never forget them again. You have immediate access to a complicated menu of buttons when you're not quite sure what all of them do. The array of controls are vast and complicated: easy to forget. The story hits the ground running, but unfortunately the gameplay doesn't. You spend your first hour wandering around confused and wondering what to do. If you leave and then play again the next day you'll lose all sense of direction and spend ages wandering around, completely bored. This all makes the story disjointed and clunky at times, where lots of stuff goes down in a minute long cutscene, then you wander for another 30 minutes 'til you get more.

    Once you break the skin of Mass Effect, it will be an incredibly enjoyable game that's difficult to put down.    … Expand
  3. wordy_actions
    Jul 26, 2011
    8
    THE GOOD: The story, the characters, and the locations are all fully realized and well-designed. The voice acting is great, as well as the music. THE BAD: Well, the combat. It's not exactly bad, it's just not as good as the rest of the game. Still, it only slightly detracts from the enjoyment of the game. THE UGLY: Krogan.
  4. HighwayUK
    Sep 5, 2011
    8
    Still the best of the series in my view (less dlcs yet the game is far longer than ME2 with all it's dlcs) graphically its decent enough for the age, feels better designed then the sequel, and it's still one of the best RPG shooters about. EA needs to get ME3 back on track and dump DLC crapness unless the game is 20+ hours like this title was
  5. PresCthulhu
    Jul 7, 2014
    8
    I still remember fondly of this game as this started the trilogy that is now one of the best rpgs altogether. It was revolutionary back then. I sill remember the bugs, the planet exploration and some of the uninteresting characters though that somewhat detracts from its value (without the nostalgic glasses). There can be no mistakes however: this is a BRILLIANT masterpiece.
  6. 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
  7. xZippy
    Mar 29, 2013
    8
    I made that classic mistake of playing Mass Effect 2 & 3 before playing this one, and I thought that would spoil the experience for me, and thankfully that wasn't the case. At first, I was just curious to see what things would carry over from this game to the other ones, but I got some good gameplay and atmosphere to go with that which kept me playing until the end. No, it's obviously notI made that classic mistake of playing Mass Effect 2 & 3 before playing this one, and I thought that would spoil the experience for me, and thankfully that wasn't the case. At first, I was just curious to see what things would carry over from this game to the other ones, but I got some good gameplay and atmosphere to go with that which kept me playing until the end. No, it's obviously not as good as Mass Effect 2, but it paves the way for a top notch series. The most prominent turn off for me was the gear/weapons system. It was too much and I didn't want to put the time in managing all that gear for myself AND all of my squad mates, so I just kept it all as "middle ground" as possible so I could go on with the game.… Expand
  8. snowshreder
    Jul 5, 2011
    8
    This game is simply different a hybrid if you will the mechanics are new, the story is good, the movie or sense pull it together the weapons pissed me off why are there only 4 grades of weapon this is just lazy and makes firefights less interesting. overall this game was worth the cost.
  9. 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).
  10. OmnipotentGamer
    Aug 5, 2013
    8
    A Truly amazing RPG with potential in so many un-tapped areas, the best game in the series in terms of RPG-feel and decisions. I've played through this game 3 or 4 times and enjoy it every time. Non-Biotic combat leaves for something to be desired, but aside from that and not following through on some areas that could've potential been amazing Mass Effect is a great game and a must playA Truly amazing RPG with potential in so many un-tapped areas, the best game in the series in terms of RPG-feel and decisions. I've played through this game 3 or 4 times and enjoy it every time. Non-Biotic combat leaves for something to be desired, but aside from that and not following through on some areas that could've potential been amazing Mass Effect is a great game and a must play for those craving a space opera style game.… Expand
  11. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 11, 2011
    8
    "Mass Effect" is a great, superb game. Yes, it has quite some glitches as well as a monotonous start with repetitive missions, but after a few hours you'll get over it. The great thing about this game was the sexy graphics, solid gameplay, character customization, and DIALOGUE. Every decision you make affects YOU. Overall if you are a PC gamer, this is one great game you shouldn't miss.
  12. Quality
    Jan 23, 2012
    8
    Mass Effect is a great sci-fi rpg created by top studio Bioware.
    Pros: A strong involving story set in an atmospheric setting. Your choices matter, and will, if you so choose impact Mass Effect 2. Amazing voice acting brings life to an array of interesting characters. Fine graphics that shines during the interactive cutscenes. The shooting/ action    Mass Effect is a great sci-fi rpg created by top studio Bioware.
    Pros: A strong involving story set in an atmospheric setting. Your choices matter, and will, if you so choose impact Mass Effect 2. Amazing voice acting brings life to an array of interesting characters. Fine graphics that shines during the interactive cutscenes. The shooting/ action aspects of the game are very solid.
    Cons: The side quests vary in quality. Some are great, others far weaker. Glitches and frame rate drops hamper the experience slightly.    … Expand
  13. shaun37
    Oct 26, 2011
    8
    Amazing well thought-out and executed, great voice acting, memorable characters and full of emotion and some of the most entertaining fights you'l experience. Mass Effect is just as much for RPG fans as it is for standard 3rd person shooter fans, with creative and unique classes and extremely fun combination of powers+gunfire. Enemies are challenging, story folds out extremely well andAmazing well thought-out and executed, great voice acting, memorable characters and full of emotion and some of the most entertaining fights you'l experience. Mass Effect is just as much for RPG fans as it is for standard 3rd person shooter fans, with creative and unique classes and extremely fun combination of powers+gunfire. Enemies are challenging, story folds out extremely well and world class graphics. Only 8 cuz of repetitive driving scenes and unnecessary and obscene amount of gear.… Expand
  14. Ztride
    Dec 21, 2011
    8
    A great overall game, perhaps a little short when you remove the linear planet exploration side-quests. The game features great characters, a very interesting and quite original sci-fi setting and smart dialogue system. The combat, which has no re-loadable weapons but instead an overheating-system (featured on heavy machine guns in many other shooters) was refreshing.
  15. vixvicco
    May 12, 2012
    8
    Amazing start to a fantastic series. Worth playing. Storyline very compelling, on its own the story is somewhat good but ordinary, but combining it with the 2nd and 3rd games makes it a completely creative and compelling masterpiece. Whoever says you can skip this one is lying, I recommend playing this first if possible.
  16. faf
    Aug 11, 2014
    8
    As the opening chapter in the Mass Effect Trilogy this game is brilliant. For the Sci-Fi fan byt he Sci-Fi fan.

    The universe in which ME plays off is deep and rich, lore hunters will love collecting all the Codex entries scattered throughout the game as they are all well written and really serve to immerse the player. The main quests are fun and dynamic. Fast paced and action packed    As the opening chapter in the Mass Effect Trilogy this game is brilliant. For the Sci-Fi fan byt he Sci-Fi fan.

    The universe in which ME plays off is deep and rich, lore hunters will love collecting all the Codex entries scattered throughout the game as they are all well written and really serve to immerse the player.

    The main quests are fun and dynamic. Fast paced and action packed you get real bang for your buck from these. The optional side quests get recycled many times over and feel very generic. By the end of the game it becomes tedious to drive around in the Mako and clear yet another rogue installation but the quests thankfully are short.

    Lots of Armour and weapons to pick-up and customize to your liking with a slew of upgrades to experiment with for maximum damage and surviveability    … Expand
  17. 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.
  18. fastblood
    Mar 6, 2012
    8
    A highly customizable and interesting game. The universe is well created and thought out, and the characters are not flat or boring. The choices the player makes are varied and noticeably effect later gameplay. Overall, it is a very solid game, and a refreshing take on the sci-fi genre. The ability to mold your character the way you want both personally and on the field of battle isA highly customizable and interesting game. The universe is well created and thought out, and the characters are not flat or boring. The choices the player makes are varied and noticeably effect later gameplay. Overall, it is a very solid game, and a refreshing take on the sci-fi genre. The ability to mold your character the way you want both personally and on the field of battle is greatly appreciated as well.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. PictoPirate
    May 17, 2017
    8
    A super space romp with some interesting characters epic battles and a big chunk of space exploration thrown in. I can't wait to see how the story develops over the next couple of games.
  21. Bossk-Office
    Mar 28, 2012
    8
    There is really only one thing that lowers my score for Mass Effect: driving around in a stupid car called the "Mako", which is a poorly implemented rudimentary gaming experience to say the least that does not belong anywhere near an AAA title.

    Other than that, I have not had so much fun playing a game since the original Space Quests, or perhaps Dragon Age: Origins. You hop around the    There is really only one thing that lowers my score for Mass Effect: driving around in a stupid car called the "Mako", which is a poorly implemented rudimentary gaming experience to say the least that does not belong anywhere near an AAA title.

    Other than that, I have not had so much fun playing a game since the original Space Quests, or perhaps Dragon Age: Origins. You hop around the galaxy, you walk through the Citadel, you talk to your squad on the Normandy, you snuggle up with blankets, you listen to the lovely music and you just let yourself be enveloped by the game and by the world. Mass Effect is a feelgood game that just plain gives you hope for gaming.

    Combat feels clunky and frustrating at first, when Shepard wants to take cover against any wall, any corner you come close to in the heat of battle, and not always obeying your frantic button-mashing, but you soon realize itâ    … Expand
  22. 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
  23. addie_ho
    Nov 1, 2013
    8
    Great RPG, great story, good background music, fun battle. Driving the tank and explore in planets is trouble somehow. There are too many mountains to climb. I think there should be more side quests about Sheperd's companions, it would be interesting and fun. Don't expect much If you are looking for a good shooter game. Mass Effect is a more of a RPG.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. theirrelephants
    Jun 9, 2020
    8
    One of the best scifi rpgs I've ever played in my life. The shooting mechanics are a bit janky (this is fixed in the second game), but overall this game knocks it out of the park. A shining example of how Bioware used to make great games.

    The story is thrilling with good pacing, and your companions (with two exceptions, the human ones) are likeable or at the very least not dull. The    One of the best scifi rpgs I've ever played in my life. The shooting mechanics are a bit janky (this is fixed in the second game), but overall this game knocks it out of the park. A shining example of how Bioware used to make great games.

    The story is thrilling with good pacing, and your companions (with two exceptions, the human ones) are likeable or at the very least not dull. The main villain was very well done, especially considering that it is a talking space ship. Just the right amount of spooky and 'im above you.'

    The first of the series and ties with with mass effect 2 for my favorite.    … Expand
  28. Klewer
    Feb 1, 2016
    8
    I do think this is a brilliant game. There aren't many games that you play for 15 hours, it finishes and you get that feeling it was over so quickly.
    Has a great story and universe to get involved in and play through. Well wroth it in that alone. Sadly the combat and mechanics while solid enough are a little clunky and at times frustrating.

    Well worth playing and the start of a great series.
  29. 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
  30. Bloov
    Feb 17, 2019
    8
    Интересный сюжет и персонажи, но немного топорная стрельба, разбавленная неплохими классами с интересными способностями.
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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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