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. albasile
    Mar 29, 2017
    9
    Closely echoing the scifi genre of the 1970s. Mass Effect gives you a view into another world full of galactic civilizations such as the Asari, Turians, Salarian, Krogans, Quarians, Elcor, Bolus, and of course the Humans. All with well written back stories and cultures. Although ME takes many of it's ideas from other Scifi stories, it successfully creates it's own unique world, story,Closely echoing the scifi genre of the 1970s. Mass Effect gives you a view into another world full of galactic civilizations such as the Asari, Turians, Salarian, Krogans, Quarians, Elcor, Bolus, and of course the Humans. All with well written back stories and cultures. Although ME takes many of it's ideas from other Scifi stories, it successfully creates it's own unique world, story, and characters. You see through the eye of Commander Shepard, a character and main protagonist with an already established reputation and backstory. As Commander Shepard, you experience the world of Mass Effect both in the story and interactions with characters. The characters are so fleshed out with their facial expressions, emotions, their own unique personalities, and backstories that they will not only bond with Shepard, but they will bond with the player as well. Top that with a good story and a plot twist, Mass Effect will not only immerse the player into the game's story, but it undoubtedly creates a life-like and believable world that's bigger than the game itself. The only drawbacks to an almost perfect game is in it's bugs, glitchy graphics, and combat system. However, the characters, story, and, world outshine Mass Effect's set backs and contribute to it's greatness! 9/10… Expand
  2. Diegochocho
    Jul 3, 2018
    8
    Un gran juego RPG de Bioware, con una gran historia aunque un poco tosco los controles, pero por mi parte se los recomiendo mucho.
  3. mugsy
    Dec 23, 2020
    9
    The gameplay mechanics are clunky as hell compared to later games, BUT when it comes to the story, atmosphere, soundtrack, mystery, it's easily the best of the trilogy.
  4. Greko03
    May 9, 2018
    9
    Quiza en estos tiempos el juego se sienta algo viejo, un poco lento y mecanicas algo pasadas, pero lo que lo hace grande es la gran historia, el comienzo de la trilogía ME, lleno de emociones y grandes momentos, sencillamente un openning maravilloso a una trilogía épica.
  5. przemeks1982
    Sep 17, 2020
    10
    One of the best action-RPGs, and one of the best game plots of all time - interesting, emotional, immersive.
  6. CoreGamer1408
    May 17, 2019
    7
    Interesting science fiction space exploration ARPG game. The execution was not so great, but a lot of great concepts and ideas all in one package. More fun that fail for sure.
  7. dlcwolf
    Aug 23, 2019
    8
    The game is very interesting, for the plot, and the story well made. Is great to imagine the evolution (revolution) of the human mankind, and how was progressed is all well described during the game. The citadel is really a surprise and an emotion, the first time you visit.
    What i didn't like are the guns and the combat mechanism. The guns are always the same and cannot be changed. Can be    The game is very interesting, for the plot, and the story well made. Is great to imagine the evolution (revolution) of the human mankind, and how was progressed is all well described during the game. The citadel is really a surprise and an emotion, the first time you visit.
    What i didn't like are the guns and the combat mechanism. The guns are always the same and cannot be changed. Can be upgraded during the game, but basically are always the same type. Also going around with the tank is not so nice. In some worlds is very difficult to drive and the tank seems jump like a rabbit. But the game is very long, and i think you need to play it before to play the other 2 games of the series, to better understand, and above all, appreciate the story behind. So the plot and the story save the vote to not go below 8, to anyway, a great gaming Trilogy. I think that any lover of space and sci-phi, should play this trilogy.    … Expand
  8. dlcatalin
    Sep 8, 2022
    10
    I finished it just now in 2022, like 10 years after it was released lol. It is one of the best games i ever played. I couldn't wait to bang Ashley. The graphics still hold pretty well, the textures are pixelated here and there. I give it a solid 10, good story, nice gameplay.
  9. PappyBakesCakes
    Nov 5, 2017
    8
    After finishing this game for the first time a few days ago I can confidently say that it was worth my time. I did not encounter any bugs and there were only two matters of note that show how old this game is.
    -There is a slowness that pervades this game. This is definitely in part due to the amazing amount you can learn about everything through dialogue and the environment but once you    After finishing this game for the first time a few days ago I can confidently say that it was worth my time. I did not encounter any bugs and there were only two matters of note that show how old this game is.
    -There is a slowness that pervades this game. This is definitely in part due to the amazing amount you can learn about everything through dialogue and the environment but once you get past the sheen of a new universe this feel starts of grate on you a bit.
    -Autosave is incredibly unintuitive and nearly nonexistent. It requires you to "be out of combat" in order to manual save but sometimes combat is a reference to an area instead of a state so you get stuck and possibly die. This would not be so bad if there was not this "slowness" that I mentioned before but sometimes you will get one shot and have to start off 10 minutes back. (This is most common on the vehicle missions) Obviously it is not too bad or I would have quit but this is just a warning for those who are too used to the current way games save.

    The highlights of the game are the dialog, story and characters and the combat can take a bit to get used to but is very well implemented.    … Expand
  10. brwnie
    Oct 28, 2019
    10
    The game that started arguably one of the best trilogies in all of gaming. Really Innovative in terms of character development and storytelling.
  11. kch3691
    Apr 8, 2018
    6
    I really wanted to like this game but the clunky combat and lack of immersion from the narrative made me progressively loose interest in this one. The world building is great but canned dialog and by the numbers space opera plot dissapointed me.
  12. jeidoz
    Jan 26, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Як для гравця із 2021го, інтерфейс є доволі складним і не зразу привичним. Сюжет і варіативність діалогів просто епічна як для гри 2007-2008го року. РПГ система на висоті: ти можеш страдати і намагатися вбити боса, а можеш просто відговорити його фразами Героя чи Відступника; Ти можеш зберегти життя набридливої тобі Ради Галактики, чи пожертувати ними ради збереження життів мешканців Цитаделі; Можеш обрати хто буде представляти сторону людства в Раді: військовий Адмірал чи старий політик, що підтирався до минулої ради (якою, ти в свою чергу, вже подертвував). Відчуття загалом задовільні. Мінус пару балів за кривуватий порт із коробки на ПК (текстури мильні, анімації персонажів інколи хаотично перепригують, обриваються фрази діалогів, не дуже зрозуміла механіка бігу, і пздц довгий перегрів зброї, да й вобще хрін поньмеш де гранати відновити, аби колоністів не вбивати на вашій сюжетній місії, коли ти по тупості скинув цілебні гранати в мобів, що не рахувались зараженими колоністами). А так за музику, атмосферу, РПГшність і можливості на 2008 заїбісь.… Expand
  13. CoKronakan
    Feb 12, 2018
    9
    A visually good game, with an amazing self altering and shaping story in a futuristic galaxy. Pretty decent game-play. But all together it was a very well built coherent game. On of a kind!
  14. mario_sparrow93
    Apr 15, 2018
    9
    ¿POR QUÉ ¿POR QUÉ? ¿Por qué se me ha hecho tan corto? ¿POR QUÉÉÉÉÉ?

    Esta es la sensación que he tenido tras terminarme mi primer gran RPG de Steam. Una OBRA MAESTRA. El único gran error que he cometido con esta compra es que no le he dado la bola suficiente para seguir explorando el infinito universo que nos ofrece para seguir haciendo tareas e ir demasiado a saco con la historia    ¿POR QUÉ ¿POR QUÉ? ¿Por qué se me ha hecho tan corto? ¿POR QUÉÉÉÉÉ?

    Esta es la sensación que he tenido tras terminarme mi primer gran RPG de Steam. Una OBRA MAESTRA. El único gran error que he cometido con esta compra es que no le he dado la bola suficiente para seguir explorando el infinito universo que nos ofrece para seguir haciendo tareas e ir demasiado a saco con la historia principal creyendo que iba ser más larga. NO HE PODIDO EVITARLO, el tramo final estaba demasiado emocionante para estar con otras cosas XD. Este error se corregirá cuando compre su secuela.

    Citaré principalmente los detalles más positivos del juego: de momento los mejores diálogos que he visto en un videojuego...cojas la respuesta que cojas, el comandante Sheepard lo expresará de una manera superépica y carismática; sistema de combate shooter en tercera persona táctico superentretenido; misiones secundarias con tramas decentes, buenos personajes y un villano a la altura. El único inconveniente que he encontrado serio ha sido la conducción del tanque que es...LAMENTABLE, se supone que es un vehículo superpesado y tiene unas físicas que parecen de vehículo teledirigido de 300 gramos y de verdad que he tenido serios problemas para intentar conducir ese cacho de chatarra XD.

    Así que teniendo en cuenta todo lo citado, esta es mi conclusión: IMPRESCINDIBLE para los fans e incluso para los no fans del RPG.    … Expand
  15. Ieronimg
    Aug 9, 2023
    10
    Mass Effect 1 was where it all started for me. The galaxy, the characters, and that sense of grand space adventure - it's all here. BioWare set the bar high with this one. Playing it felt like diving into a sci-fi novel, and I was hooked from start to finish.
  16. KARF4GEN
    May 10, 2018
    9
    на самом деле это очень детская история, впрочем Музычка и Карпишин на лавры Саймака и Гаррисона не претендовали.
    Это современная космоопера, с бластерами и прекрасными инопланетянками.
    Со всем этим в глаза бросаются нестыковки, от воинских приветствии "под козырек " у турианцев до практически тотальной зависимомсти от командора Шеппард. Практически Галактический Иисус, это наивно, если    на самом деле это очень детская история, впрочем Музычка и Карпишин на лавры Саймака и Гаррисона не претендовали.
    Это современная космоопера, с бластерами и прекрасными инопланетянками.
    Со всем этим в глаза бросаются нестыковки, от воинских приветствии "под козырек " у турианцев до практически тотальной зависимомсти от командора Шеппард.
    Практически Галактический Иисус, это наивно, если вам не 12 лет и вы немного знаете об окружающем мире.
    Теперь вы поняли, почему это детская история. Что не отменяет интересной игровой основы и завораживающего чувства причастности. Причастности к звездам.

    Это общий маст хэв, не без своих минусов, для поклонников Sci-Fi.    … Expand
  17. myth562
    Jun 16, 2018
    9
    This is by far my favorite entry in the series. I have beat this game 12 times. This game is a painful reminder of how far Bioware has fallen. Sure the game is a little dated, but I love how sidequests actually are more than just fetch quests. I prefer this game's combat, in that I hate thermal clips. Not to mention Mass Effect one on PC feels like they worked on making it feel right forThis is by far my favorite entry in the series. I have beat this game 12 times. This game is a painful reminder of how far Bioware has fallen. Sure the game is a little dated, but I love how sidequests actually are more than just fetch quests. I prefer this game's combat, in that I hate thermal clips. Not to mention Mass Effect one on PC feels like they worked on making it feel right for PC, the later games feel more like ports, I have to spend a lot of time rebinding the keys for those games.

    Sure the game isn't perfect, the Mako sucks, and most side quests reuse interiors A LOT, if you do all the side content you will have gone through the same bunker (with the furniture moved around at least) like 20 times.    … Expand
  18. Nerp47
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    Mass Effect is a great RPG/Tactical Third Person Shooter with an interesting story and great characters.

    Pros: +Support for newer resolutions. +Well written characters with interesting backstories and realistic personalities. +Unlike most current gen RPGs, Mass Effect's side quests feel like stories, and are almost always well written and don't feel like they were tacked on just to    Mass Effect is a great RPG/Tactical Third Person Shooter with an interesting story and great characters.

    Pros:
    +Support for newer resolutions.
    +Well written characters with interesting backstories and realistic personalities.
    +Unlike most current gen RPGs, Mass Effect's side quests feel like stories, and are almost always well written and don't feel like they were tacked on just to have more content.
    +Well written and interesting lore and history of each and every race.
    +Exploring space is fun and the descriptions and details of planets is well made.
    +Ordering characters to use their powers is quick and simple and can lead to some cool combos.

    Cons:
    -Combat feels bland and lacks impact.
    -On higher difficulties you can't always tell you're being hit until you die.
    -Controls can feel clunky especially when moving in and out of cover.
    -Animations are bad even for it's time.
    -Sound quality for everything other than voices is pretty mediocre
    -Lack of anti aliasing

    Mass Effect is a badly aged but fun TPS RPG with a great story,great characters and interesting world
    While it is a Third Person Shooter, It's more of an RPG before it's a Third Person Shooter.On a side note, I really wish we could have more orders for party members.    … Expand
  19. Kotofon
    Oct 2, 2021
    9
    Человечество освоило сверхбыстрые полеты в галактическом пространстве. Новые технологии привели нас к другим цивилизациям, с которыми капитан Шепард (он или она) отправляется исследовать млечный путь. В процессе первого полета мы узнаем, что Шепард с командой гонится за Сареном — изменником и предателем человечества и остальных союзных рас. Но по пути мы встречаем давнего врага технологииЧеловечество освоило сверхбыстрые полеты в галактическом пространстве. Новые технологии привели нас к другим цивилизациям, с которыми капитан Шепард (он или она) отправляется исследовать млечный путь. В процессе первого полета мы узнаем, что Шепард с командой гонится за Сареном — изменником и предателем человечества и остальных союзных рас. Но по пути мы встречаем давнего врага технологии Mass Effect — Жнецов — фракцию разумных машин, которая развивалась последние миллионы лет.… Expand
  20. GarethB
    Oct 21, 2018
    8
    This game introduced an amazing new galaxy, with interesting politics, species and interplanetary conflict. A great branching story but with some clunky controls.
  21. greenbey
    Jun 27, 2020
    8
    A-
    Good story and rpg elements, general gameplay is not the best in the series.
  22. Danil_Shtangeev
    Mar 17, 2019
    8
    I've spent many hours playing this game with my brother. Cool sci-fi series
  23. nWoSkylite21
    Jul 7, 2020
    9
    Mass Effect has its flaws, but as a starter of a trilogy this game is nearly perfect.
  24. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    Kind of annoying at the beginning but them you love it, and replay 1,2,3..... i still play it
  25. Shadow1995
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    I was a very late player when it came to the game Mass Effect, I never even bothered to look into them until after the trilogy was finished, I first heard about it when there was outrage over the ending of Mass Effect 3, and I wondered why people were so outraged over this game, I learned more about the game and I always had a fascination with space and Sci Fi space stuff (still not a fanI was a very late player when it came to the game Mass Effect, I never even bothered to look into them until after the trilogy was finished, I first heard about it when there was outrage over the ending of Mass Effect 3, and I wondered why people were so outraged over this game, I learned more about the game and I always had a fascination with space and Sci Fi space stuff (still not a fan of Star Wars though) I looked into it and it look interesting, so I went and bought the trilogy down at my local game store not long after, and I didn't know if I was going to like them, so my expectations were pretty low, and as I started playing it I got more and more into, I absolutely loved the RPG element, that you can say whatever you want to say, make good decisions and evil decisions and I loved how you choose to play, and paragon or renegade, overall, I was very impressed with the first game, and was super excited to start the second game, but it was a brilliant introduction to the trilogy, so 9/10 for me.… Expand
  26. ElCucuy
    Apr 24, 2019
    8
    A good start to the great games trilogy. At the time of its release, it was a real breakthrough, I just could not believe that the dialogues could be so cinematic, the facial animation is realistic, and the consequences of the decisions made are so global. I do not give the maximum rating, because the game was attended by boring additional quests, routine races on the "mako" and a clumsyA good start to the great games trilogy. At the time of its release, it was a real breakthrough, I just could not believe that the dialogues could be so cinematic, the facial animation is realistic, and the consequences of the decisions made are so global. I do not give the maximum rating, because the game was attended by boring additional quests, routine races on the "mako" and a clumsy combat system, uncomfortable even for 2007. 8 out 10.… Expand
  27. SilverOrlov
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    I played this game of 2008 in 2016, and it was interesting to me. With its very simple graphics, it has a very, very strong atmosphere, history and game-play. It is a masterpiece.
  28. Andreas444
    Jan 13, 2020
    8
    I heard of the series before,but I never had the interest to try the trilogy until 2019.
    Highly recommended by some friends so I decided to buy it during sale on Steam,turns out I had a really good time exploring and knowing the universe of Mass Effect.
    The OST is good,the environment,the alien races,and it`s story in general with it`s characters as well. Although most side missions are    I heard of the series before,but I never had the interest to try the trilogy until 2019.
    Highly recommended by some friends so I decided to buy it during sale on Steam,turns out I had a really good time exploring and knowing the universe of Mass Effect.
    The OST is good,the environment,the alien races,and it`s story in general with it`s characters as well.
    Although most side missions are a bit boring to complete,some of them have a back-story to it,best one being Shepard`s,depending on what back-story you chose for him/her.
    Classes for the most part are enjoyable to play through,tho some of them requires extra knowledge or multiple playthroughs to understand them,like Infiltrator and Sentinel.
    Now I have a AMD laptop and the performance for the most part was good,except in some cases where it was stuttering all over the place.
    The gameplay is a bit clunky but playable.
    Overall,if you want an RPG with an amazing universe and a beautiful set of characters which isn't too complicated to understand,this is a game you must play through,at least once.    … Expand
  29. kycokkycka
    Jan 8, 2019
    6
    не оч не оч не оч не оч не оч не оч не оч не оч не оч
  30. DJKrimson
    Jul 7, 2021
    8
    Played this in 2021, it has aged poorly thanks to the of clunky controls/gameplay. Fun main missions and good story tho.
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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

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
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