Mass Effect

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Cheat Code Central
    Dec 11, 2012
    98
    Mass Effect is quality. The story is very well done. The characters are well written, and it's amazing to see how they were at the beginning. It's like I got to see them as they were, and can now appreciate how they've grown from Mass Effect to Mass Effect 2 and 3.
  2. IGN
    Dec 10, 2012
    90
    I'm in the camp that believes the games simply get better the further you get into the series, meaning that for as amazing as Mass Effect is, its sequels are more amazing yet. So if you like this game, just imagine how much you'll like what follows it.
  3. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Mar 14, 2013
    84
    The game's appearance remains unaltered, which sounds good, but unfortunately it isn't. The game doesn't look bad, but it certainly looks dated. From a cinematic standpoint everything's fine, but the numerous lip-sync errors bothered us immensely. [February 2013, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. PlayStation Universe
    Dec 20, 2012
    83
    The original Mass Effect has finally arrived on the PlayStation 3, which completes the trilogy without hopping consoles. Even though the game shows obvious and often obtrusive signs of age, the original shooter RPG still holds up and delivers an experience to fans who have wanted it for so long.
  6. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jan 28, 2013
    80
    As an interactive story it's one hell of a good piece of entertainment. Taking your first tentative steps into this seriously rich universe, planting the seeds for larger implications later in the series, and tangling with one of the best antagonists ever, Saren, is a trip well worth taking. There's a rich, colourful cast you'll want to meet for the first time (Urdnot Wrex in particular) and very poignant moments to be had (e.g. becoming a Spectre). These are watershed gaming moments that the ME2's 'introductory' comic book could never hope to encapsulate. [January 2013, p69]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Push Square
    Dec 10, 2012
    60
    Mass Effect's gameplay is unashamedly stuck in 2007. It's unpolished, frustrating, and much of it feels unnecessary. Fortunately, the plot and writing are enough to carry the experience. If you've already dipped into either of the series' superior sequels, prepare for a learning curve if you absolutely must explore the franchise's roots.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 523 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 421 out of 523
  2. Mixed: 70 out of 523
  3. Negative: 32 out of 523
  1. silentninjaassa
    Jan 5, 2013
    10
    Just finished this awesome game. I loved ME2 and liked ME3 (not as much 2 by far) so having the first one available for the PS3 is great andJust finished this awesome game. I loved ME2 and liked ME3 (not as much 2 by far) so having the first one available for the PS3 is great and explains all the background narratives. And uploading your ME1 character into ME2 opens up new dialog options. ME1 is perhaps the best of the series. Gameplay is fun, if not as polished as ME2. It was fun being a badass as you levelled up. It's more of an RPG than the others, and has great storylines. There were some occasional framerate issues and I had to restart once or twice. Also, the final battle froze twice so I had to delete and reinstall the game data. But it was totally worth it. It was nowhere near as glitchy as Skyrim, and similairly worth it for a great game.… Full Review »
  2. MrBimo
    Dec 9, 2012
    9
    Mass effect on ps3 seems like it was meant to be, i played the 360 version first, very good but is plagued with bugs and so is the ps3Mass effect on ps3 seems like it was meant to be, i played the 360 version first, very good but is plagued with bugs and so is the ps3 version, but only slightly. The improved loading quickness and the sharpness of textures makes this port very good indeed. I would recommend getting it on ps3 as it is very good and adds to your mass effect collection nicely.… Full Review »
  3. MrSnaztastic
    Dec 2, 2013
    7
    Soldiering through the repetitive, tiresome combat of the first 17 hours made the balls-tighteningly awesome finale all the more insanelySoldiering through the repetitive, tiresome combat of the first 17 hours made the balls-tighteningly awesome finale all the more insanely epic. My struggle to be a competent player mirrored Shep's struggle to be a competent leader. We fought long and hard to make it to the climax, and oh boy was it a climax. One of the best stories in all of gaming, surpassed by its successor in usability, but not in mental anguish.

    As for the PS3 port, it's about on the same level as Mass Effect 2 was in terms of performance. You get the usual lack of anti-aliasing and some dodgy framerate during fights, but for the most part it's pretty solid. I'd previously played ME1 on PC, and going through it on console really hammers home just how much they improved all aspects of the moment-to-moment gameplay in the sequel. Just as well that there's plenty of delicious dialogue trees to dive into and uncharted worlds to explore (albeit in that sodding... bouncing.. truck.. thing...)

    If you can stand the load times, it's definitely worth adding this to your collection to see how it all began, before playing the vastly more fun and epic sequels.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »