Mass Effect

 PlayStation 3
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

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  1. Darkmark
    Mar 9, 2013
    8
    Nice story, nice gameplay and overall a pretty nice experience. Nothing revolutionizing though and if it hadn't been for the other games in the series i probably wouldn't have played it more than once.
  2. mjthadw
    Jan 1, 2013
    10
    Mass Effect deserves nothing short of a 10. Sure this game is old with outdated graphics and average gameplay but so was the original Metal Gear Solid. Like Metal Gear Solid, Mass Effect is the beginning of one of the most prestigious gaming experience to ever come to videogames. The PS3 version of Mass Effect does play better than the XBOX 360 version with little to no frame rate issues,Mass Effect deserves nothing short of a 10. Sure this game is old with outdated graphics and average gameplay but so was the original Metal Gear Solid. Like Metal Gear Solid, Mass Effect is the beginning of one of the most prestigious gaming experience to ever come to videogames. The PS3 version of Mass Effect does play better than the XBOX 360 version with little to no frame rate issues, faster load times, and with the same control scheme as the 360 I have found that Mass Effect is more comfortable to play than its sequels. For PS3 owners finally being able to meet and interact with characters you've only seen in the sequels will make you come to respect and care for them (which is a trait absent from most games today) even if you don't know what part they will play in your future experience. In Mass Effect you can choose to be a hero or a badass who likes to get things done the easy way, but the easy way might lead to future consequences. In Mass Effect your choices are your own, the way you act to shipmates, whether you show mercy to a fallen foe or fill them with enough plasma to pop a tank, to whether you are a male or female Shepard with a tragic past, and deciding whether helpless people should be saved or sacrificed. I have never played a better videogame trilogy, this trilogy that will make you laugh, cry, and scream for just one more character to chat with, another alien to blast into oblivion, or another planet to explore. Mass Effect is for videogames as Star Wars is for movies as the Lord of the Rings is for books and as the Mona Lisa is for art. The journey through Mass Effect has been THE greatest videogame experience that I have ever had, no other series (except Metal Gear Solid) has come close to topping this trilogy, and none ever will. The journey everyone must experience starts here with Mass Effect.… Expand
  3. Magnifico
    May 6, 2013
    8
    Bought the Trilogy since this was the first time I've had the luxury of playing any of the Mass Effect games. So unlike other people, I had nothing to compare it to and no backstory to fill in any gaps. The story is awesome and so is the gameplay, and you can't help but play it more than once so that you can hear all the different diologues when going renegade or paragon. A truelyBought the Trilogy since this was the first time I've had the luxury of playing any of the Mass Effect games. So unlike other people, I had nothing to compare it to and no backstory to fill in any gaps. The story is awesome and so is the gameplay, and you can't help but play it more than once so that you can hear all the different diologues when going renegade or paragon. A truely enjoyable game. Now.. on to the 2nd one!!… Expand
  4. Jupperzz
    Jan 17, 2013
    10
    Bioware have created an incredible galaxy here, in my opinion its arguably better than star wars. The gameplay may be a little clunky, but its fun, collecting new weapons, armour and mods is tons of fun. The story is so engrossing and the characters are so believable and 3 dimensional, you will feel some emotion towards each of the main cast. It is a fantastic game, not too pricey, butBioware have created an incredible galaxy here, in my opinion its arguably better than star wars. The gameplay may be a little clunky, but its fun, collecting new weapons, armour and mods is tons of fun. The story is so engrossing and the characters are so believable and 3 dimensional, you will feel some emotion towards each of the main cast. It is a fantastic game, not too pricey, but worth every penny.… Expand
  5. ChrisOR
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    I sometimes wait to write reviews...mostly because I'm a salad bar gamer- when I buy a game I incorporate it into my existing collection and take my time. This being said Mass Effect was a game I've always wanted to play, and I almost bought a 360 for it alone. I was overjoyed when ME2 came to the PS3 and enjoyed it thoroughly (I still own my original copy) and ME3 came along (which II sometimes wait to write reviews...mostly because I'm a salad bar gamer- when I buy a game I incorporate it into my existing collection and take my time. This being said Mass Effect was a game I've always wanted to play, and I almost bought a 360 for it alone. I was overjoyed when ME2 came to the PS3 and enjoyed it thoroughly (I still own my original copy) and ME3 came along (which I enjoyed thoroughly, it's the greatest futuristic epic in all of gaming) but I always felt like I missed out not playing ME. When it finally released on PS3 I bought it immediately and let me say....I enjoyed it thoroughly. Technically speaking ME is rather primitive in many ways compared to ME2 whcih is to be expected given that ME2 is an evolution from ME. That should be taken as a given but should it scare interested people away? Not at all. ME graphically runs on an older engine (PS3 owners are really spoiled here, our version of ME2 ran on the same engine as ME3 which is why it's better looking than the 360 version) which is interesting insomuch as comparing it to other offerings of 2006-07 and it is clearly superior to Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, etc.- in many ways it still holds up well. ME is a good deal shorter than ME2 as well but there again is the benefit of evolution; ME2 was also built to be more immersive in its storytelling (in the same way Uncharted 2 evolved from Uncharted). Those are the negatives for a 5 year old game just now getting released: it's technologically inferior and less immersive overall. The controls are also spotty and the cover mechanic is again inferior to successive entries.

    This being said ME is an experience any series fan should have as it accomplishes something only people who started with ME2 can truly appreciate: completeness. When I started a new game on ME I immediately felt fully initiated to Mass Effect; ME2 suddenly had a greater context and more drama to it than ever before. The Sheppard you create in ME is someone you grow with- his/her friendship with Wrex or Garrus or Tali suddenly has great depth. Decisions made in the graphic novel version of ME2 always felt like a "choose your own adventure" book which gave the game a "drop in" quality leaving a PS3 owner to feel slightly dislocated from characters and events that carry over into ME2 which was previously a downside in regards to immersion. When you play the series in chronological order events that can result in picking and choosing who dies take on a new dimension. This is the main reason to own and play Mass Effect: experiencing the story hollistically and even though in many ways it is primitive compared to successive games overall it still delivers top-notch entertainment value. Also the PS3 version of Mass Effect has all of the DLC built in which is a bonus; previously XBox 360 owners had to pay for it seperately. The final verdict is if you approach Mass Effect like its an extension of the gameplay from ME2 or 3 you'll be disappointed. But if you approach the game based upon its own merits with the idea of experiencing a luxury previously restricted to 360 owners you'll be pleasantly surprised. Finally, if you're someone like me and you want to see how log running NPCs such as Tali, Garrus, Liara, Wrex and/ or Ashley and Kaiden Alenko became veteran acquaintances of Cmd. Sheppard you'll enjoy this game. Finally if you want to understand how the story unfolds you really need to play all three to totally enjoy the gem of this generation that is Mass Effect.    … Expand
  6. mostruash
    Sep 10, 2014
    8
    Good stuff: Great characters, dialogs, main story, voice acting.
    Bad stuff: AI (both enemy and friendly), loading times, grindy side quests, inventory system, random freezing.
    Mixed: Gameplay, combat.
  7. gyamtso
    Sep 21, 2014
    10
    I have a long experience in RPGs and action RPGs. Started with master system but my most intensive experience in the genre was with the SNES with games like Legend of the Zelda, Mario RPG, Chrono Trigger (my ever favorite game - I have more than 200 hours in that game), FFV and FFVI, Secret of Mana, Secret of Evermore, Lufia I and II, Breath of Fire VI (not sure if is the VI) and many manyI have a long experience in RPGs and action RPGs. Started with master system but my most intensive experience in the genre was with the SNES with games like Legend of the Zelda, Mario RPG, Chrono Trigger (my ever favorite game - I have more than 200 hours in that game), FFV and FFVI, Secret of Mana, Secret of Evermore, Lufia I and II, Breath of Fire VI (not sure if is the VI) and many many others.

    After that, loads of RPGs and action RPGs on PC, like Diablo I and II, Baldur's Gate II, FFVII and many others. With this introduction I want to say that I have some experience in the *real* RPGs and Mass Effect I is one of the best of the best, maybe the best PC action RPG that I've played, together with Diablo I.

    The RPG elements are all there, like the level progression, the incredible plot, the choices and the consequences, an astounding soundtrack and sound effects (I CAN'T forget the ringing sound that plays some times, haha). So, to sum up, it's an unforgetable game and experience.

    I've finished it 5 times and now is the time for a new game, on the hardest but this time I have no hurry in finishing that. My intention is to enjoy this precious jewel in all its rarity. So rare that the sequences aren't worth even the name "sequence".

    If you never played Mass Effect I and like RPGs, do it as soon as you can because this game will make you content.    … Expand
  8. diehard-gamer
    Mar 8, 2014
    9
    I'm playing the Mass Effect series quite a long time after release, but I've just completed the trilogy.

    ME1 is a great start. The story is good. You build your team and care about them. The mechanics are good. The follow through from one game to the next (you import your character to the next game) is good. The Sound, music and voice acting is good. The graphics get noticeably better    I'm playing the Mass Effect series quite a long time after release, but I've just completed the trilogy.

    ME1 is a great start. The story is good. You build your team and care about them. The mechanics are good. The follow through from one game to the next (you import your character to the next game) is good. The Sound, music and voice acting is good. The graphics get noticeably better from one game to the next, but ME 1 still looks good.

    ME is right up there with Skyrim as an epic RPG.    … Expand
  9. cbeers2513
    Dec 29, 2013
    9
    There are some moments in gaming where you just know right off the bat that you are in for an incredible experience. No doubt is in your mind as you take your first step into the great unknown of a new adventure. When Mass Effect's title screen first appeared, and I heard the beautiful galactic overture that now rests on my iPod whenever I need it, I knew that I was in for an unbelievableThere are some moments in gaming where you just know right off the bat that you are in for an incredible experience. No doubt is in your mind as you take your first step into the great unknown of a new adventure. When Mass Effect's title screen first appeared, and I heard the beautiful galactic overture that now rests on my iPod whenever I need it, I knew that I was in for an unbelievable ride.
    Mass Effect is an amazing game from start to finish and quite possibly my favorite RPG of all time. You play Commander Shepard, a military hero who has just been promoted to an elite group of crime-fighters known as the Specters. Your first mission is to find a rogue agent named Saren, not only uncovering his diabolical plans for the Citadel but also establishing faith in the human race. The greatest aspect of the game is the way your decisions impact the narrative. Every conversation and choice you make impacts the way your crew views you, as well as the rest of the galaxy. You can be a peace-seeking hero who resolves conflicts with words before fists or a ruthless renegade who decimates anyone or anything in his path. While it would have been nice to have a middle ground (it is imperative that you choose one side or the other in order to unlock crucial conversation options) or even a system of conversing where the good and bad options weren't spelled out for you (like in the Walking Dead), Mass Effect makes you feel in the driver's seat. This is YOUR story, and your friends will live or die based on your decisions.
    Combat is engaging and fully functional. There are very few fighting bugs ad each battle, whether it be drones or reanimated human corpses called Husks, is a blast. One of the greatest features of the game is the amount of depth in its customization mode. Everything you own, from your armor to your weapon to the bullets that you fire, can be changed and traded based on your personal preference. While tedious at times, the result is an added sense of immersion that makes you feel like you are your own unique soldier.
    In addition, your interactions with your allies are impeccably done. Each character feels real in its own right and each difficult choice you make throughout the game has a visible impact on each one. You can even romance one of your crewmates in genuinely touching scenes of affection, all of which carries over into the next installment.
    Despite all these incredible features, Mass Effect does carry drawbacks. Side missions and planetary exploration on your little rover is incredibly dull and repetitive. Each base is a carbon copy of the last and there is little variety between each mission. In addition, the system of currency in the game is beyond broken. Since you keep each individual piece of equipment you come across, you can sell a majority of your inventory for an easy profit, thereby allowing you to buy the best weapons in the game early on. On top of all this, the characters themselves are, for the most part, bland. Apart from Garrus, Tali, and Liara, the rest of the game's characters left no impact on my expedition. In fact, during one scene I had to choose between two of the characters who I felt no attachment to, feeling like a missed opportunity since it could have featured an extremely difficult decision rather than a flip of the coin. Also, the PS3 port has strange graphical problems such as awkward textures and downright bizarre facial animations.
    Nearly all of these bugs are excusable when you see the finished result. Mass Effect is a timeless space odyssey that will make you really think about the impact you want to leave on this world. The choices you make travel throughout the rest of the trilogy, so each saved life and bullet fired means a lot in the long run. So be prepared when boarding the Normandy. You are in for a journey that lives or dies with you, and never before has the weight of the galaxy rested on your shoulders. Good luck.

    9.3/10    … Expand
  10. bfoore90
    May 18, 2014
    10
    Awesome game! especially because its Bioware before they sold out to the cash cow that is Electronic Arts. In terms of being an RPG, Mass effect 1 is probably the best in the series. It puts alot more emphasis on individual squad development in terms of upgrades and customization than both its sequels( which are more first-person shooters with RPG elements) with most of the characterAwesome game! especially because its Bioware before they sold out to the cash cow that is Electronic Arts. In terms of being an RPG, Mass effect 1 is probably the best in the series. It puts alot more emphasis on individual squad development in terms of upgrades and customization than both its sequels( which are more first-person shooters with RPG elements) with most of the character customization elements taken out. Weapon Customization returns in Mass Effect 3 but for some reason they never went back to the ability to customize your squad in the ways you could in ME1. The Mechanics and gameplay can get clunky at times but you get used to it as the story progresses, the story itself is pretty good and the romances are the best in the series with none of the favoritisms toward a specific LI like you see in ME3. Every romance has a admirable and compelling quality to them which unfortunately was left out in the sequels but overall, its a great game and I greatly recommend playing it even if you are a newcomer to the series… Expand
  11. thegodfigure
    Jan 16, 2014
    8
    I absolutely love Mass Effect. The game looks good and the story is entertaining. The choices you make effect your experience throughout all three Mass Effect games, which gives the older Mass Effect installments higher replay value. It's not perfect, but it is close! Mass Effect 2 only improves on ME1's mechanics and offers a slightly higher degree of complexity to the game.. but playI absolutely love Mass Effect. The game looks good and the story is entertaining. The choices you make effect your experience throughout all three Mass Effect games, which gives the older Mass Effect installments higher replay value. It's not perfect, but it is close! Mass Effect 2 only improves on ME1's mechanics and offers a slightly higher degree of complexity to the game.. but play this first though! Great game.… Expand
  12. Joker92
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    The start of one of the best ( if not the best) trilogies in gaming history. The story is on point, and the combat is a fun time once you get accustomed to the 2007 clumsiness. With all of the different choices and classes that will affect your entire journey throughout all three games, this masterpiece simply has to be played multiple time to really have the full experience, and bestThe start of one of the best ( if not the best) trilogies in gaming history. The story is on point, and the combat is a fun time once you get accustomed to the 2007 clumsiness. With all of the different choices and classes that will affect your entire journey throughout all three games, this masterpiece simply has to be played multiple time to really have the full experience, and best thing is each play through and experience is different and unique because there are just so many choices! Do yourself a favor and pick up the trilogy pack for real cheap, and experience one of gaming's most epic stories!… Expand
  13. 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 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'sJust 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.… Expand
  14. 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 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.
  15. dam1730
    Jun 9, 2013
    8
    If you've played Mass Effect 2 and 3 before you played Mass Effect, it will take a little while to get used to how this game is set up, because it is very different from the other two games in the series. First, I'll start with the things I like about this game compared to the others. First of all, this game is extremely fun to play as a biotic. The powers are good and they work how theyIf you've played Mass Effect 2 and 3 before you played Mass Effect, it will take a little while to get used to how this game is set up, because it is very different from the other two games in the series. First, I'll start with the things I like about this game compared to the others. First of all, this game is extremely fun to play as a biotic. The powers are good and they work how they should. Also, each power has it's own recharge time, so you can almost constantly be using your powers. I've also played through the game as a soldier, which was fun, but I didn't find it as enjoyable as the biotic playthrough. This game definitely feels more like an RPG than ME2 and ME3, some ways are good, some ways are bad. First of all, I prefer the combat without the thermal clips. It makes the game feel more unique. Secondly, I like how much you can explore places like the Citadel. I also prefer this level up system to the other two games'. The first negative element is that the game has much worse graphics than ME2 and ME3. Secondly, the combat isn't as smooth. Another problem is that after missions you often have to run all the way back to the Normandy, which is annoying, (See Noveria). The inventory system is a mess. It wouldn't be a problem if there wasn't a limit, but there is and it's annoying to have to clear it out. Overall though, the game is good. You can definitely tell BioWare cleaned up ME2 and ME3 when compared to this game, unfortunately in some areas they cut out a little too much, but the series as a whole is really good.… Expand
  16. AwkwardTurtle42
    Jun 26, 2013
    10
    I'm glad Bioware decided to bring ME1 to the PS3 after all these years. The story is great and the graphics still hold up well for a 2007 game. If I had known what I had been missing out on all this time then that would have made waiting until now to play it on my PS3 even harder than it already was.
  17. moneygameplaya
    Jan 8, 2013
    10
    The Very Game that nobody believe would EVER be seen and played on Sony's Console. but five years, a buyout from EA of Bioware and improved graphics later, here we are. Even though playing a downgradable version of the sequels to come, the gameplay, the graphics and characters look very crisp, clean and awesome to look and play again and again. Shout Out to Bioware and Edge of RealityThe Very Game that nobody believe would EVER be seen and played on Sony's Console. but five years, a buyout from EA of Bioware and improved graphics later, here we are. Even though playing a downgradable version of the sequels to come, the gameplay, the graphics and characters look very crisp, clean and awesome to look and play again and again. Shout Out to Bioware and Edge of Reality for bringing Shepard's opening adventure against Saren. Mass Effect on PS3 is not just game, it's an Experience.… Expand
  18. SyrupForDragons
    Jun 13, 2014
    10
    The best game in the trilogy & the only true RPG of the bunch. This game sets the tone of the story, lays the groundwork for friendships & gives you hope for what's to come... before EA ruins everything.
  19. krisbedenik
    Jan 23, 2013
    8
    played mass effect on xbox,now playing on ps3, always fun! Bugs are in all games, just stop to compare xbox and ps3 it is stupid and pointless! tastes are different! Just enjoy and have fun, that is what is missing today! how game looks become more important then how it plays! Mass effect 1 is better then ME2 in so many ways, ME3 combines 1 and 2, and gives a great filling how it should beplayed mass effect on xbox,now playing on ps3, always fun! Bugs are in all games, just stop to compare xbox and ps3 it is stupid and pointless! tastes are different! Just enjoy and have fun, that is what is missing today! how game looks become more important then how it plays! Mass effect 1 is better then ME2 in so many ways, ME3 combines 1 and 2, and gives a great filling how it should be from the start!… Expand
  20. GuanLuo
    Feb 5, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Of course Bioware would eventually bundle the mass effect games together and finally have the first mass effect game imported to the ps3. They wanted to piss me off and have me spend more money of the mass effect 2 and 3 games separate first before having me spend half of what I paid for those 2 separate games on the complete set, knowing that I would pay for the whole trilogy because I love it so much and I finally get to experience the first game. Luckily they have a digital copy of it online, I guess it wasn't all bad. RIGHT?

    +Well, what can I say about the game, the story is set as the beginning of Commander Shepard's rise to glory, the introduction to the Mass Effect universe, as well as the introduction to your companions. So the storyline is solid. +Game play wise it's not as refined as the ME2; for example the sprinting seems random at times and the enemy AI is borderline annoying to stupid, however it's still an enjoyable shooting game. +The RPG aspect is really good; customization of armor and weapons plus a lot more to class skill tree than in ME2 and ME3; like how certain classes has the ability to increase the chances of opening containers or hack electronic equipments. I now understand that the RPG aspect for the latter installments really got dumb down for the more action packed shooting aspect of the game. +The ending and the end boss was also solid, except for the whole being shot in the head twice and still coming back to live and try to kill you. (So if the first two installment have a boss battle, how come the third installment didn't?) +Also, patches from Bioware gave PS3 Mass Effect games the function to import properly from beginning to end and ignore the need for the Dark Horse Comic book in Mass Effect 2. -Now granted this game is not without its' flaw, the glitches in this game can be really annoying to down right game breaking, luckily for me the glitches only happen once in my play through(really early in the game and not midway). -The freaking slow frame rate for the skin materials to appear on the character model can be really annoying, but hey, if I can kind of tolerate the messed up sync of the audio and the visual in Mass Effect 2, I can kind of tolerate the messed up frame rate in this game. -I cannot believe I would ever want to play through the vehicle stages from the second installment, over the mandatory vehicle stages covering almost halve of the game. Now I do like this terrain tank more than the hover craft in the second installment, since I can still save while in the tank, it takes more hit, and wields a secondary weapon. However, it is still too much, too many. -Finally, this game is only for the ps3 owners who wanted the whole experience of playing through Mass Effect from beginning to end. It doesn't offer anything new to the players that already played through the trilogy from beginning to end. No new weapon, no new armor, no new mission, no new characters, no new cut scenes, etc,. -In fact, not all the dlc from the XBOX version got imported into the PS3 version.    … Expand
  21. roshi82
    Aug 3, 2014
    10
    I was given ME 2 & 3 as a present and was urged to play the first one (couldn't find it in stores bought on PSN) At first I was unsure. I must admit the first few hours were a little slow but once it started. Boy it started! The game was addicting! The story line was great the customization awesome! I love ME! I am a fan. Sure as with all games there are always flaws but they wereI was given ME 2 & 3 as a present and was urged to play the first one (couldn't find it in stores bought on PSN) At first I was unsure. I must admit the first few hours were a little slow but once it started. Boy it started! The game was addicting! The story line was great the customization awesome! I love ME! I am a fan. Sure as with all games there are always flaws but they were nothing to worry about! I would suggest this game to anyone who likes FUN GAMES!… Expand
  22. Jenkins
    Jan 5, 2013
    8
    Mass Effect for the Playstation 3 is a downgraded port that appears to amplify the bugs and issues that plagued the original, and in the long run this subtracts from the overall enjoyment that Xbox 360 owners were inclined to. However, if the Playstation 3 is your only entryway into the series, then don't let these trivial issues barricade you from one of of the richest RPG stories to everMass Effect for the Playstation 3 is a downgraded port that appears to amplify the bugs and issues that plagued the original, and in the long run this subtracts from the overall enjoyment that Xbox 360 owners were inclined to. However, if the Playstation 3 is your only entryway into the series, then don't let these trivial issues barricade you from one of of the richest RPG stories to ever ever grace the gaming community.… Expand
  23. SneezeJunky
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Without a doubt the best series i've ever come to play! So much replay value! Its insane and I can't describe it enough. THIS IS A MUST BUY AND PLAY EXPERIENCE. Trust me on this!

    Pros:
    Just... wow (useless pros. I know :v)
    Story and characters are so well done!

    Cons:
    Combat can get a little linear
    No coop
  24. hennerz4250
    May 27, 2013
    10
    A great introduction to an excellent series, well worth a purchase if you are a fan of the later two. The characterisation is exquisite, the combat mechanics are solid.
  25. MaxPayneIsGod
    Jun 26, 2014
    9
    I've played all Mass Effect games on another platform, this is my first foray into ME on the PS3 and it's just as good, probably better. Fantasitc story, characters and detail, there is so much effort put into this game the scope is huge. It's only let downs are dated graphics and a slightly wonky aiming system, which is slightly tighter than it was on 360. The choice and consequenceI've played all Mass Effect games on another platform, this is my first foray into ME on the PS3 and it's just as good, probably better. Fantasitc story, characters and detail, there is so much effort put into this game the scope is huge. It's only let downs are dated graphics and a slightly wonky aiming system, which is slightly tighter than it was on 360. The choice and consequence system works very well and the various outcomes are very different. After 4+ playthroughs I still find something new by doing something slightly different. You can pick ME 1 up for really cheap now days and I really recommend that you do. 9/10… Expand
  26. therob91
    Jan 30, 2015
    9
    A great setting to one of the best trilogies of all time, including other forms of media. The level of world building present here is really immersive. Even the simple things like exploring planets(which looked at on paper is a very monotonous boring task) is somehow engaging. Sometimes a game comes along that is more than the sum of its parts. The music alone is probably worth gettingA great setting to one of the best trilogies of all time, including other forms of media. The level of world building present here is really immersive. Even the simple things like exploring planets(which looked at on paper is a very monotonous boring task) is somehow engaging. Sometimes a game comes along that is more than the sum of its parts. The music alone is probably worth getting this game for. Incredible characterization as well, fantastic game.… Expand
  27. Heisenberg93
    Apr 5, 2015
    10
    I arrived with a delay of eight years to play this game, but recently (knowing the prestige it had) I played and finished the whole trilogy.

    It must be said right away: with Mass Effect, BioWare has created a fantastic universe, with many facets, articulate but at the same time consistently; inspired and with many references to series like Star Trek and Star Wars. In other words BioWare    I arrived with a delay of eight years to play this game, but recently (knowing the prestige it had) I played and finished the whole trilogy.

    It must be said right away: with Mass Effect, BioWare has created a fantastic universe, with many facets, articulate but at the same time consistently; inspired and with many references to series like Star Trek and Star Wars. In other words BioWare deserves an Oscar just for this. Personally I found the story of Mass Effect incredibly beautiful, it catches you from the first minute. Characters, protagonists and antagonists, each have their own personality, their own history, and relations that are created with each of them manage to make the background of the plot even more beautiful, more complex. A praise for creating characters like Saren and the Reapers, who are truly ones of the most beautiful I've ever seen.

    At first glance, Mass Effect, might look like a common third-person shooter and nothing more. But actually what BioWare did was to create an hybrid blend with the genre of rpg, creating in fact one of the best of games of this genre. This fusion of genres has managed to perfection: the gameplay is deep and fun, with inventory, statistics, weapons and armor, upgrades, abilities, exploration of planets and recovery of minerals. Even the editor to create the character Shepard at the beginning is well structured and offers many choices, both in terms of physical appearance and customization of the story of the character as the place of origin, the psychological profile, the class and the skills that result. The dialogue system is very well done and convenient to use, the choices really change the course of story, and Paragon & Renegade moral points add something significant to the vision that Shepard gives of himself. The longevity of the game is great, from 20 to beyond 30 hours. Nothing is missing, there is everything and it works perfectly.

    The graphic is pretty good and appreciable, even the artistic level is great and very cinematographical. Not bad also the game soundtrack. Unfortunately, at least for the PlayStation 3 version, the game is unstable from the technical point of view: there are many bugs, and sometimes the game causes a freezing of the console, but afterall this is forgettable because of all that the game has to give.

    Mass Effect is certainly one of the highest points of BioWare, and one of its best games. A great rpg-game, and a masterpiece.    … Expand
  28. tbagurdrumset94
    May 27, 2015
    8
    It's funny, finally playing and completing Mass Effect after having already thoroughly enjoyed 2 and 3 (2 being my favourite game of all time) made me truly appreciate what I love most about this trilogy: the characters, the dialogue and the story.

    Sure, there's an entire universe that Bioware has created, with detailed backstories for every single race, planet and bureaucratic    It's funny, finally playing and completing Mass Effect after having already thoroughly enjoyed 2 and 3 (2 being my favourite game of all time) made me truly appreciate what I love most about this trilogy: the characters, the dialogue and the story.

    Sure, there's an entire universe that Bioware has created, with detailed backstories for every single race, planet and bureaucratic component (in which you can easily lose yourself when you're learning about them for the first time). However, what makes Mass Effect as a trilogy distinctive is the attachment you develop to your squad as you complete missions and talk with them. Like 2 and 3, the greatest strength of Mass Effect is its story. Though I experienced Bioware's fully realized product in the latter two games, I enjoyed properly learning how Shepard's story began. Almost every single conversation was worthwhile, and every character was interesting in some way, and that includes more than just the squad and the Normandy's crew. The game had me fully immersed for nearly all of its 30 hours.

    The gameplay is generally a success. Again, the sequels are superior in this category, so the learning (ergo enjoyment) curve was all the more steep for me. It took me a solid 5 or 6 hours to properly get the hang of shooting and pausing and using the biotic power and shooting and pausing and shooting, etc., etc. Once I did, and once my weapons began to get more powerful, I found the combat to be solid. The cover mechanic, though perhaps unorthodox, is passable. The greater level of weapon variety and customization is nice, but the organization of all the weapons and weapon upgrades felt cluttered, especially when I had to sell all of the obsolete material or convert it to omni-gel.

    The flaws? First of all, there are technical problems galore in Mass Effect. This is indeed a recurring issue in 2 and 3, but not nearly to this extent. The framerate drops pretty consistently, the graphics hiccup and render slowly every time a new environment is loaded. There was even one instance where I was stuck in combat mode when I was supposed to be engaged in dialogue with a malevolent character. I re-loaded the save, but the character did not appear again (some kind of glitch, I'm sure). Lip-syncing is pretty dodgy. Most of the time, these issues are negligible, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't detract from the gaming experience.

    Then there's the exploration. This cost the game at least a point for me. Visually, the planets may seem different from one another, but they're all really quite similar. I learned to cope with the Mako, but I never truly enjoyed driving it. The controls were frustrating and its weapons often aimed in strange directions. Exploration as a whole is quite bland. You are dropped in the middle of nowhere on the planet and are required to navigate to a few significant points on the map. Some interesting things are collected along the way, but I found ME's "looting" mechanic to be better implemented in later games, when you are simply picking things up as you move, on foot, through the mission. The buildings you enter while on these planets also vary minimally; it really does feel like your going to the same places and doing the same things over and over again. These side-quests began to feel like chores as the final mission was approaching.

    All of Mass Effect's flaws are very well compensated by its fantastic story. Stuff like this makes me want to write science fiction novels for a living. And, though I consider the "ME1 has the best story of the trilogy" statement to be an unfair slight to the next two games, it is an undeniable strength and I believe that even today, 8 years after the game was initially released, it should be considered the standard by which all other plot-driven games must live up to.    … Expand
  29. Kai82
    Jan 30, 2020
    10
    Mass Effect was the Star Wars of video games. It created an immersive universe full of interesting characters, stories, history, conflicts, alien species, politics, technology, ideologies and cultures. The lore was so good that I had many good discussions with friends and read many articles in the Mass Effect Wiki. You have also a codex in each game where you can look up things for moreMass Effect was the Star Wars of video games. It created an immersive universe full of interesting characters, stories, history, conflicts, alien species, politics, technology, ideologies and cultures. The lore was so good that I had many good discussions with friends and read many articles in the Mass Effect Wiki. You have also a codex in each game where you can look up things for more details. Then they had a unique idea for the Mass Effect games. You can import your decisions into the next games. This was as interesting as impactful. Many of us had again so good discussions and arguments what the best course of action was or which outcome the decisions will have. There were a lot of mayor and some minor decisions that gave you different results in the follow up games (Think not of 2 different games / paths. It is more of an adaptation in the story, options and outcomes). But back to the game. You play as Commander Shepard as he/she is on the way to become the first human Spectre (An agent with huge competences and authorities) for the Citadel Council (Like the united nations but consisting of representatives of the 3 most powerful / influential species). During the story you discover a huge secret and a treat that can endanger the whole galaxy. I will stop here because of spoilers but will say the story is fantastic soap opera material. The side quest are also good and deepen the lore with good stories. A game like this is only as good as its characters. This is BioWares magic. They created so much fan favourite characters that it was often a hard choice which teammate we should pick. Each one had his own motivations, world-views and stories. My favourites are Liara T’Soni, Garrus Vakarian and Urknot Wrex for the teammates. For the NPCs I like Joker, David Anderson and Steven Hacket. All three of them earned my respect. For the gameplay you get a hybrid of RPG and shooter (More of a real time RPG with guns). You can of cause chose different classes with different abilities. You will acquire new equipment and level up your abilities as you rise in level. I will admit that the combat is not as polished as it should be but still fun to play. You can later explore planets via vehicle which I like (Was a weak-point for many and got removed for the sequels). The other main complaint was that the weapons have a heat system. You have unlimited ammunition but if you fire your weapons to often(in a short time) it will overheat and stop functioning for a short time. I find it a good mechanic but can understand the critic (Got also removed from Sequels). Lets go to the final evaluation: It is a fantastic starting point for a new IP and worth owning. I enjoyed this game a lot and will give 1 bonus point for world building / lore. Critical warning: It is my duty to warn you of the conclusion of the trilogy in Mass Effect 3. Before I planed to replay all games to get my favourite outcomes. After it I haven't touched the games again (I am the kind of gamer that replays his favourite games once in a while). I wont go in details but it was even in the mainstream media. For details the famous YouTuber Angry Joe has made a list what is wrong with the ending.… Expand
  30. Termin8ter
    Jul 3, 2017
    8
    Mass Effect is actually a really rock-solid game. With fun and responsive gun-play, good characters and writing, and a good plot to boot, this game has stood relatively strong against the test of time. It's definitely worth at least one playthrough.
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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. 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]
  2. 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]
  3. 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.
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