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. AbhijeetM
    Nov 6, 2009
    7
    Mass Effect's a good game. But certainly not good enough to deserve a 100. The gameplay is interesting enough, but all the guns feel the same after a while, and the sidequests are the most unimaginative in RPG history. Story is amazing, with the new dialogue system giving it a cinematic feel, with scenes flowing continuously. The voice acting, however, is standard. Not as good as the Mass Effect's a good game. But certainly not good enough to deserve a 100. The gameplay is interesting enough, but all the guns feel the same after a while, and the sidequests are the most unimaginative in RPG history. Story is amazing, with the new dialogue system giving it a cinematic feel, with scenes flowing continuously. The voice acting, however, is standard. Not as good as the reviewers are saying it to be. Commander Shephard voices most lines pretty monotonously. Get it if you're an RPG fan, looking for a good story, but at the same time, looking for an FPS view.… Expand
  2. JohnR
    Jan 11, 2010
    7
    If Mass Effect supported the use of a wireless 360 controller, and if the player could jump, then it would be an awesome game. Graphics, sound, animation, voice acting, and story are all top notch.
  3. GytautasP.
    Jul 14, 2008
    7
    Highly overrated (maybe because nothing better on the scene). Graphics is OK but nothing spectacular. Story and idea is a mixture of many games, but nothing new.
  4. MikeN.
    Jul 24, 2008
    7
    Top-notch voice acting and animation. The game design is not very impressive however. Gameplay consist of unexciting and repetitive FPS action in a series of look-alike rooms. I actually enjoyed the tank fighting more than the shooter segments, but this is hardly a deep game either. The RPG elements are also exceedingly simplistic. The biotic powers are simultaneously overpowered and Top-notch voice acting and animation. The game design is not very impressive however. Gameplay consist of unexciting and repetitive FPS action in a series of look-alike rooms. I actually enjoyed the tank fighting more than the shooter segments, but this is hardly a deep game either. The RPG elements are also exceedingly simplistic. The biotic powers are simultaneously overpowered and uninteresting. The whole "Mass Effect" concept that gives the game its title amounts to little more than the ability to float your enemies around the room while you shoot them to death. That, plus some stuns, are pretty much the entire biotic game. The dialogue trees, in traditional "talking RPG" fashion, consist of two dialogue choices----- both of which do the same thing. Your choices mean nothing. So, to sum up, we have a sham RPG combined with a lame shooter and a shallow driving game. The voice acting is memorable and the villain is actually somewhat frightening, but, honestly, as an interactive game, this is fairly weak. Considering that the story is the only good part of this game, there is the additional problem that the story is far too short. I experienced frequent crashes, save often.… Expand
  5. DW
    Aug 22, 2008
    7
    A decent but not great game that has been overhyped in the media. Granted, it is a Bioware title so you can be assured of some good degree of quality but unfortunately, as with Mass Effect--Bioware's homebrew game universe--the quality and depth of the game play has become progressively shallow in Bioware's RPG games of late. Having said that, Mass Effect is an excellent game A decent but not great game that has been overhyped in the media. Granted, it is a Bioware title so you can be assured of some good degree of quality but unfortunately, as with Mass Effect--Bioware's homebrew game universe--the quality and depth of the game play has become progressively shallow in Bioware's RPG games of late. Having said that, Mass Effect is an excellent game for those who enjoyed the Kotor games as Mass Effect mimics the style, narratives, and mechanics in many ways. On the downside, the overall campaign is fairly short and somewhat predictable even the first time through, leaving replay ability to suffer. This is further compounded by the shallow character system and mostly linear nature of the campaign and campaign options. Graphics, sound, and overall ambiance are what you would expect from a Bioware title and the game is truly a visual treat from start to finish. Equipment and character customization is a little tedious and woefully underdone for a game pronounced as an "RPG" but fits the bill for the style of the game offered. In all, if you're looking for an RPG with depth and engaging character development, look elsewhere. If you want an action-centric RPG-lite in a sci-fi and Star Wars like setting, this game was made for you. Once you've played it, If you think Mass Effect feels like an RPG designed for a casual console gamer, you'd be right--a mild learning curve, generally low difficulty factor, shallow game mechanics, and tons of action and eye-candy; these all describe Bioware's Mass Effect succinctly.… Expand
  6. JeremyL
    Jul 21, 2008
    7
    Terribly, terribly overrated. It's basically a third-person shooter with some limited team tactics thrown in, buoyed by some excellent voice acting and a fairly lame plot. There's very little difference between the missions: creep around complex, hide behind crates, shoot bad guys, get in vehicle, shoot big robots, rinse, repeat. It's fun, but if you're a decent Terribly, terribly overrated. It's basically a third-person shooter with some limited team tactics thrown in, buoyed by some excellent voice acting and a fairly lame plot. There's very little difference between the missions: creep around complex, hide behind crates, shoot bad guys, get in vehicle, shoot big robots, rinse, repeat. It's fun, but if you're a decent shooter player and have the PC version with a mouse and keyboard, it's ridiculously easy. I'm not great gamer by any stretch, but finished this game in about 18 hours. Very disappointing, considering the ratings. Oblivion absolutely, totally and utterly owns this game. As a shooter, Call of Duty 4 is better, as a third-person shooter Gears of War is better. Bioware mailed this one in compared to what it could be and their press lackeys/fatuous public lapped it up. Lots better fare than this out there, even though it is a fun game most of the time.… Expand
  7. Aika
    Nov 16, 2009
    7
    Don't believe the hype. I love space opera and I love Bioware products, but with this one they got me mightily disappointed. Mass Effect DOES feel like a great space opera, no doubt about that, the cinematics are fine, the production value great, the story immersive, but the game itself is surprisingly mediocre. In fact, it's everything you can expect from a console port RPG - Don't believe the hype. I love space opera and I love Bioware products, but with this one they got me mightily disappointed. Mass Effect DOES feel like a great space opera, no doubt about that, the cinematics are fine, the production value great, the story immersive, but the game itself is surprisingly mediocre. In fact, it's everything you can expect from a console port RPG - the gameplay is simplified, quite shallow, very often boring and not very engaging. The worst part of the game is the combat, the items and the character development. The side quest are repetitive and the rewards are not very rewarding or useful. All in all, Mass Effect feels like the developers put a lot of work and effort into the polish and appearance, but neglected some core gameplay and environment design aspects, some of which feels positively cheap. But don't get me wrong, it's not a terrible game, it just feels more like an interactive movie than a proper RPG. But if you like it that way, you will have a good time playing Mass Effect.… Expand
  8. KostasI.
    Dec 20, 2009
    7
    This game is flawed. Quite flawed. It has mediocre combat mechanics, boring and small sidequests, empty planets, a vehicle that as a necessary evil cannot be hurt even if thrown 1000 feet down from a mountain range and into a crater filled with natural spires and the game itself is as dumped down as you can get for "console" use. However these "problems" are as far as the negative This game is flawed. Quite flawed. It has mediocre combat mechanics, boring and small sidequests, empty planets, a vehicle that as a necessary evil cannot be hurt even if thrown 1000 feet down from a mountain range and into a crater filled with natural spires and the game itself is as dumped down as you can get for "console" use. However these "problems" are as far as the negative criticism can go. The space opera that Bioware has created is for the most part an excellent piece of making something from nothing. From this point on the game "sucks" you in. The characters for the most part are interesting and the conversations between them realistic. It helps that your own character talks and acts (though the female protagonist is notably better than the male one) with enough believability for you to not feel detract from the experience. Musical score is excellent, visuals are sharp though they perform a little unreliably and the low res textures show their ugly face in a lot of places (like characters cloths and bodies). Its too bad that the game lasts only 20-25 hours and another good 10 or so with the sidequests counted in but its enough to satisfy. Overall the game can use a lot of improvements here and there but its a testament to the rest of the work done with this game that it feels as such. Dragon Age origins on the other hand....… Expand
  9. Squadinho
    Mar 18, 2013
    7
    Just finished my latest play through of this after a year or so break and what a brilliant game. I'll cover the negatives first, as for me there are couple.

    It is fairly slow to get going. The pace at which you move round the world for me is a little bit too slow. This can be helped in certain locations by using 'rapid transit' terminals which instantly transport you around, but you    Just finished my latest play through of this after a year or so break and what a brilliant game. I'll cover the negatives first, as for me there are couple.

    It is fairly slow to get going. The pace at which you move round the world for me is a little bit too slow. This can be helped in certain locations by using 'rapid transit' terminals which instantly transport you around, but you risk losing out on side missions if you do this.

    The main missions themselves also follow the same, repetitive path. All involve a lengthy and boring drive along a basically one way road, simply blasting enemies that offer no real resistance to you (even on higher difficulties). You then reach where you need to be, get out and kick some ass.

    The side missions as well are also very repetitive. All featured in pretty much identical in their layout, there seems to be three different layouts which you visit over and over again. Again, driving around makes up a good portion of these missions in terrain that is at points a massive pain in the neck to negotiate.

    Where this game makes up for it though, is the story and interaction with your squad mates. Each has a backstory and you feel you want to get to know them. A couple of choices through the game are almost heart-wrenching, and even playing it through for the fourth if fifth time they really make you think.

    On-foot combat is fun and engaging, although the AI doesn't seem particularly intelligent. You just get rushed, so hiding round a corner with a shotgun is your best bet.

    This game would be average at best if it wasn't for the story and characters. If you're looking for non stop action, this game isn't for you. If you want an engaging story, then you have to play this.    … Expand
  10. davenbettridge
    Jul 11, 2011
    7
    Mass Effect is a mixed bag. On the one hand the conversation events, dialog, character and creature design, interior environmental design, its ambitious decision making ideas, some game play and RPG ideas are great and work well together but on the other hand the overall story becomes predictable, too much of the sci fi is cliche, the lack of tutorials means you dont understand how theMass Effect is a mixed bag. On the one hand the conversation events, dialog, character and creature design, interior environmental design, its ambitious decision making ideas, some game play and RPG ideas are great and work well together but on the other hand the overall story becomes predictable, too much of the sci fi is cliche, the lack of tutorials means you dont understand how the game works (even after finishing it), the shooting mechanics are crappy, the loot system clunky and the third quarter of the game becomes tiresome and repetitive. Mass Effect could also learn a lot of a game like Zelda Ocarina of Time for game pacing as there are large long sequences where the player finds themselves trapped in a non combat RPG environment for hours and hours rather then rewarding the player with new areas and action to break up the monotony. I found myself several times wanting to quit Mass Effect while playing and even found myself forcing myself to finish it. I dont want to seem over handed with my criticism as half of Mass Effect is good, but everything the game doe right, is then bogged down by issues. Mass Effect is a must play because of its superb sequel but as it stands by itself is only good, not great.… Expand
  11. Ubermetalhed
    Sep 24, 2011
    7
    Over hyped and overblown, this game is not terrible but it isn't great either. It is good in the most average sense of the word. Great graphics aside, repetitive combat, dull characters, atrocious driving controls and a story which doesn't become interesting till the last 5th of the game make it distinctly average. It's functional but the game feels extremely shallow, surprising seeing itOver hyped and overblown, this game is not terrible but it isn't great either. It is good in the most average sense of the word. Great graphics aside, repetitive combat, dull characters, atrocious driving controls and a story which doesn't become interesting till the last 5th of the game make it distinctly average. It's functional but the game feels extremely shallow, surprising seeing it came from the makers of the exceptional KotoR.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. ultraviper
    Mar 22, 2012
    7
    Great graphics (for its time), great story, and fun gameplay. It's a great game with a few flaws. The biggest flaw is the publisher. EA Games has completely stopped supporting this game. If you install it from scratch now, you can no longer get the (free to PC players) bring down the sky DLC as the webpage to download it no longer exists. You can't even add the cd-key of the game to EA'sGreat graphics (for its time), great story, and fun gameplay. It's a great game with a few flaws. The biggest flaw is the publisher. EA Games has completely stopped supporting this game. If you install it from scratch now, you can no longer get the (free to PC players) bring down the sky DLC as the webpage to download it no longer exists. You can't even add the cd-key of the game to EA's Origin service without help from a support representative, as the page to do so will tell you the registration was successful but then not add the game to your library. As for flaws in the game itself, skipping conversations is hard to do without accidentally picking a dialogue option sometimes because the skip key is the same key used to select an option. Also there is way too much loot in the game for the low inventory limit you have. You will tire of the "you are getting close to the 150 item limit" message very quickly. Other than that, the game is pretty short for a RPG but it's enjoyable, and the dialogue system adds to replay value because of the different options you get depending on whether your character leans toward good (paragon) or evil (renegade). And you'll definitely want to play this game just to get to its sequels if you haven't played it already!… Expand
  14. birdman3
    Dec 11, 2013
    7
    I play this game having been an avid fan of the 2nd and 3rd installments in this trilogy. After having played through both games multiple times, I finally bought this game and played it. This game is much more like KOTOR than it is like Mass Effect 2; the influences of the KOTOR series are clearly evident. The first thing that struck me as odd was the sheer number of items in the game. InI play this game having been an avid fan of the 2nd and 3rd installments in this trilogy. After having played through both games multiple times, I finally bought this game and played it. This game is much more like KOTOR than it is like Mass Effect 2; the influences of the KOTOR series are clearly evident. The first thing that struck me as odd was the sheer number of items in the game. In Mass Effect 2, you handle only so many items (e.g. only a few different SMGs, Pistols, Assault Rifles, and a few sets of armor). In this game, inventory management is a necessity because you pick up items left and right. It's not bad, it's just different. It personally wasn't my thing.

    2nd point- the graphics in this game are quite dated, as is the combat system and AI. The graphics and textures are fuzzy at best, even when played on max settings. The combat system feels much more turn-based, like KOTOR, than free-flow, like Mass Effect 2. The biotic and tech powers don't have the level of depth that is presented in Mass Effect 2, and the weapon systems is very biased. I played as a Sentinel for the first time in my Mass Effect career, and I was mostly unimpressed. At the beginning, when I only had a few tech/biotic powers, battles were very boring because I could only use my abilities once every other battle because of the long cooldown. I relied heavily on my pistol, which was the only weapon I was allowed to use because of my character class. For the rest of the game, the only other weapon I fired was my shotgun on the rare occasion that I felt that it would be useful. This rarely ever happened. Once I leveled up high enough to have multiple powers, I felt unstoppable because I would blow all my cooldowns in every battle and destroy all my enemies. This was more fun, but I was still stuck using a pistol. Finally, the controls (especially while in cover) were very finicky. I found myself rarely ever taking cover, and mostly just ran around with my gun pointed out to shoot down baddies.
    Every thing that this game does right is continued in the future games in the series. Luckily, the things that just stand in the way of fun have been removed.    … Expand
  15. Toffenuff
    Jun 19, 2013
    7
    While I can agree, to a point, that the story for the first game is somewhat better than the second, I think part of it is because it introduced us to the world no, universe of Mass Effect in a fantastic way. Definitely a story-driven game. There are a lot of twists and turns in this game, a lot of choices that have to be made that impact how the rest of the story, and own characterWhile I can agree, to a point, that the story for the first game is somewhat better than the second, I think part of it is because it introduced us to the world no, universe of Mass Effect in a fantastic way. Definitely a story-driven game. There are a lot of twists and turns in this game, a lot of choices that have to be made that impact how the rest of the story, and own character development plus their relationship with Shepard as the game progresses.

    Graphics are decent for the year it was released, but I feel like some of the textures could've been improved and bumped up at least to look better on the PC version. They used what they had well though to create large, believable environments that gave you the feeling that you truly were trotting around the universe in an effort to save it.

    Combat is okay. I actually prefer the combat of the later games.

    Knocked points because of the following gripes/cons that really dampened my gaming experience: overly long and repetitive Mako driving, tedious and confusing inventory and looting system (terrible UI in general, but that's what you get from a console port). These were serious issues for me would've given this game a 9 otherwise.

    The only one of the Mass Effects that I haven't replayed at all because of the gripes I have listed. But still a great game if you haven't gotten into the Mass Effect series than you MUST play this (I know people who only play ME2 and then ME3).    … Expand
  16. ERB
    Jul 31, 2013
    7
    Good game.Love it.With good graphics and game play This deserves to have a good rating from the critics.But only reason why I put it a score of 7 is because the ending is bad.But you should play this,It is worth it.
  17. urisvesk
    Nov 15, 2013
    7
    Good game with awesome characters and story. The gameplay is good engough once you realize how it works. It has also an Awesome soundtrack! Totally worth to be played.
  18. AdamCroston
    Oct 27, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Decent game play with an interesting level up and dialogue (which has nothing on the walking dead) system. Additionally the game throws up some crucial decisions for you to make which can alter the event of the game in a small way but never strays to far away from the inevitable (yet satisfying) ending. Slightly spoiled through the absence of controller support but when I got around that enjoyed the game. Plenty of hours in this game with many side missions to complete. Cannot deny that this game is at times engrossing through it's great dialogue and gripping story line regardless of the many texture failures and crashes that you may encounter. BioWare have definitely convinced me to carry on my involvement with this series with this game, with myself already purchasing Mass Effect 2 just moments after the completion of the first one.… Expand
  19. entelejent
    Mar 9, 2014
    7
    Both ambitious and disappointing. The foundation is mostly built but lacking. Some things are almost amazing, but ideas are generally implemented and left unfinished or ragged. Some examples:

    –The characters are a tricky bunch. People are too shallow and often cliché to be believable. Some of the better characters could have been incredible, but even the well-developed ones suffer from    Both ambitious and disappointing. The foundation is mostly built but lacking. Some things are almost amazing, but ideas are generally implemented and left unfinished or ragged. Some examples:

    –The characters are a tricky bunch. People are too shallow and often cliché to be believable. Some of the better characters could have been incredible, but even the well-developed ones suffer from plot-induced inconsistencies of their own.
    –Character creation is limited yet confusing; both verdicts are by today’s standards.

    Personally, I enjoy watching good cut scenes, and I appreciate how many this game has. But the quality’s not all there.
    –Transitions are obvious, too choppy.
    –Cut scenes are in a similar predicament as characters. Several cinematic details are very satisfying, yet they often share space with insensible things that are common in games. Here, those stand out all the more because of the satisfying moments.
    –With interactive dialogue, less is offered than might seem; choosing a different dialogue option does not necessarily provide a different sentence, nor are answers regularly changed or streamlined in response to how a question is asked.
    –Movie segments can’t be skipped, which can be annoying. Dialogue segments can be, though they’re orchestrated in a way that pressing the button to skip the next line will run a high risk of inadvertently selecting your next response as well.

    –Though the equipment system is impressively done, if feeling incomplete, money doesn’t have much value. Generally, by the time you can buy something, you’ve found and equipped all your party with better items. The game can be finished without ever buying equipment.
    –The equipment system is not structured for new players. A first-time player may sometimes regret putting points into a skill, when some equipment makes the skill almost obsolete.
    –Combat is in some ways poorly done and becomes repetitive. It does have some good things about it, keeping it overall OK.

    With the things so far, I would have awarded this game a 9. But the skill system and story, such important parts of an RPG, are in some ways below just lacking, they may be better off thrown away then replaced by other ideas than touched up.
    –The skill trees and vocations are very poorly done for such a large game: they’re far too simple, trivial, and unexciting. There’s also very little specialization, and characters tend end up sharing most of the available skills.
    –The main mission system is short, and could probably be completed in several hours. To get into the double digits of playing hours, the side missions are necessary. Unfortunately, those side missions aren’t connected very well with the main missions, and you may be left with a, “So what?” feeling when completing them, especially because the good moments make you expect more. And you can easily finish the game before realizing that you haven’t visited some worlds or done some things.
    –The in-game descriptions are botched. Backgrounds and explanations tend to be ludicrous; the developers usually show shallow understanding of how a system works, and they often pile possibilities onto ideas without contacting experts, or even asking less knowledgeable but somewhat logical people, to see whether something can apply or is possible. At other times they overwhelm with jargon, keeping people from understanding how something works; meanwhile, people who already understand it will realize that the explanation, again, doesn’t work.

    Mass Effect reaches out and takes risks, which is very nice to see. But, maybe from the developers focusing on innovation, both basics and polishing suffer, and the game as a whole is only part of what it could be, and sometimes not even that.    … Expand
  20. prossnip42
    Jul 29, 2018
    7
    Now before we begin i know i am very late to this but i recently purchased the Mass effect trilogy and i played through the entire thing. So let's start with the first one shall we

    Pros: -The atmosphere and the world building are top notch. Mass Effect works perfectly in establishing it's universe, the lore, the different species and the inevitable Armageddon coming your way to destroy    Now before we begin i know i am very late to this but i recently purchased the Mass effect trilogy and i played through the entire thing. So let's start with the first one shall we

    Pros:
    -The atmosphere and the world building are top notch. Mass Effect works perfectly in establishing it's universe, the lore, the different species and the inevitable Armageddon coming your way to destroy us all. Not at any point was i bored or disinterested. Hell even some of the more fetch based sidequests were very interesting

    -The story is phenomenal. People told me about how great the story in this franchise is and they weren't lying. Every decision you make can go back to bite you in the ass or even benefit you if you know what you're doing (Until Mass Effect 3 but we'll get to that). The voice acting is alos great for the most part

    Cons:
    -Now as much as i would love to say that Mass Effect one is a phenomenal game, it isn't. For one, the combat. It's awful. Like, really **** bad. The controls are slippery, using energy instead of ammo is pointless and cumbersome and the cover system is bar none the worst in the entire franchise.
    -The love interests. As i kept playing through the Mass Effect games i found out how important the love interests were. And Mass Effect 1's love interests aren't that great. There's Liara who's just amazing and then there's the boring space racist Ashley and the boring boring bucket of bore Kaidan. Seriously what do some of the fans see in Kaidan. He's so boring you might as well be romancing a stick with a gun

    In conclusion, all though flawed, Mass Effect 1 is a good start to what would become a great franchise    … Expand
  21. Colestramus
    May 14, 2015
    7
    I just love Mass Effect, especially the story and how you grow with other characters. It makes me feel like I actually could shed few tears if they die in combat...and thats also the problem. They die CONSTANTLY. AI pretty much sucks in this game. When you for example, tell them to go against the wall, youd think they automatically take cover...but noooo... "Hello, my name is Talia, ImI just love Mass Effect, especially the story and how you grow with other characters. It makes me feel like I actually could shed few tears if they die in combat...and thats also the problem. They die CONSTANTLY. AI pretty much sucks in this game. When you for example, tell them to go against the wall, youd think they automatically take cover...but noooo... "Hello, my name is Talia, Im just standing here, middle of the fire". Doh.… Expand
  22. Inheritance92
    Nov 10, 2018
    7
    An obvious console port.
    Very short, terrible and clunky UI (buying/selling, travelling, quest log are a real torture), low poly environments. Even minigames are built for a controller. Prepare to see the same 2-3 dungeon layouts everywhere.
  23. ilovetaifu
    Jul 9, 2016
    7
    I'm not really into american RPGs (I usually prefer JRPG) but this one is very good. The story is good. I like the possibilies of customization and that it's not too action-based like some other recent AAA games. Still, the game becomes repetitive at times, with all the fetch quests.
  24. Cuervo_Funebre
    Mar 18, 2017
    7
    Si hablamos del argumento, es de sobresaliente. Tenemos un villano con bastante profundidad y una amenaza que supera por mucho lo que la comandante Shepard habría podido esperar. Pero por mucho.
    La trama avanza de forma ágil y bien construida que favorece la inmersión.
    Sus personajes, empezando por la mismísima Shepard, se sienten como personas reales, rozando lo cinematográfico. Ese es    Si hablamos del argumento, es de sobresaliente. Tenemos un villano con bastante profundidad y una amenaza que supera por mucho lo que la comandante Shepard habría podido esperar. Pero por mucho.
    La trama avanza de forma ágil y bien construida que favorece la inmersión.
    Sus personajes, empezando por la mismísima Shepard, se sienten como personas reales, rozando lo cinematográfico. Ese es el gran punto fuerte y el sello de identidad de Bioware.
    Y bueno, el enfrentamiento final es de 10.

    Hasta aquí todo lo bueno que puedo decir. Mientras resalta por su argumento, todo lo demás lo convierte en un suplicio rejugable para mí. La novedad de la primera vez empañó todo esto y me impidió centrarme en muchos aspectos flojos del juego.
    El sistema de combate es imperfecto y molesto en su mejor momento y desastroso en el peor. Aunque claro, esto puede variar según el estilo de juego de cada uno, claro. Como soldado fue horrible. Una experiencia de una y no más.
    La introducción de tus compañeros de equipo es contrainmersiva ya que está claro quiénes van a ser mucho antes de serlo. Es del tipo "cientos de krogan sin nombre y justo uno con nombre y algo de narrativa. Mmm, seguro que será el krogan 35". Eso con todos los compañeros, siendo quizá Liara la única medianamente bien introducida, por obvias razones ya que la intención del estudio se huele de lejos.
    Pero lo más desilusionante es la capacidad de explorar decenas de planetas idénticos que sólo cambian en la paleta de colores que usa y en los coleccionables que contienen. Al menos conducir el Mako me resultaba entretenido.

    Es un gran juego, no me entendáis mal, pero no soporta que lo vuelva a jugar. En PC es cuanto menos mejorable.

    Pros:
    -El worldbuilding es impresionante.
    -El desarrollo de personajes y su profundidad.
    -El argumento bien trabajado.

    Contras:
    -El sistema de combate sin pulir.
    -La exploración vacía.
    -Los bugs.    … Expand
  25. Kulac
    Apr 4, 2017
    7
    Not so interesting as next parts of Mass Effect but it is beginning of great universe. Very boring and monotonous side missions, dead planets and bland characters. Nevertheless, a strong storyline and good graphics, music, and good lore doing their job
  26. 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.
  27. Trenos
    Nov 29, 2017
    7
    The beginning of epic trilogy,..... hasn't aged too well. Still great story, soundtrack and characters but very bad game-play and terrible side-quests. Still, it is worth playing!
  28. 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
  29. Hambarr
    Jun 18, 2018
    7
    First of all, the main story of this game is fantastic. It is a really good introduction for the Mass Effect series which is one of the most iconic trilogy I have ever discovered in my video gaming experience. Each character is appealing in his own way, every companion has his own temper.

    However, there are some points that displeased me during my playthrough (maybe for some of them the    First of all, the main story of this game is fantastic. It is a really good introduction for the Mass Effect series which is one of the most iconic trilogy I have ever discovered in my video gaming experience. Each character is appealing in his own way, every companion has his own temper.

    However, there are some points that displeased me during my playthrough (maybe for some of them the reason is because I played this game recently and was disturbed by things that were considered good when the game was out) :

    - The side quests were really boring, most of the time they consist in exploring an almost empty planet then clearing a building which often looks like the one you cleared for the previous mission.

    - As I just said, the planets you will explore for the side quests are empty except for some resources and a building filled with enemies. This becomes quite repetitive after visiting some planets and makes exploration boring.

    - I personally disliked the fighting system with heating and weapon precision acquired through skill points, I found it very frustrating to wait until my weapon cooled to keep fighting.

    Nevertheless, I would still recommend to play the game for its main story and its character design which are his strong points.    … Expand
  30. 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
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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.
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  2. PTGamers
    95
    Mass Effect PC wasn't rushed, this version has clearly been thoroughly thought-out to exploit the advantages of this platform.
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  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.
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