Mass Effect

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2054 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,807 out of 2054
  2. Mixed: 147 out of 2054
  3. Negative: 100 out of 2054
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  1. Epik_Ninnja
    May 22, 2015
    9
    The original Mass Effect was an ambitious game; it set out to be this massive space drama and a blend between a role playing and an action game. It certainly accomplished this with a customizable character, lots of different powers to use and upgrade, tons of weapon mods, ample side missions (you can beat the game in twelve hours or you can spend thirty-five), and story-altering decisionsThe original Mass Effect was an ambitious game; it set out to be this massive space drama and a blend between a role playing and an action game. It certainly accomplished this with a customizable character, lots of different powers to use and upgrade, tons of weapon mods, ample side missions (you can beat the game in twelve hours or you can spend thirty-five), and story-altering decisions (that carry on to the next two games). Basically, this rogue Spectre (a high-ranking official) named Saren is trying to take over the galaxy with an army of robots called Geth and it’s up to Commander Shepherd, you, to stop him. However, you learn that Saren isn’t the greatest threat to the galaxy. The combat is quite inventive, a blend between action and strategy, and the story and characters really shine through. Texture pop-ins and whatnot are rampant, combat can be a little unintuitive, and the Mako parts aren't perfect by any means but Mass Effect is a great start to a fantastic series (I'd say it's an 8.7 or 8.8).… Expand
  2. breakbacon
    Apr 4, 2017
    9
    It really draws you in and is a captivating RPG. All of the elements of the next two games in this trilogy are present as well plot and character development take a center role.
  3. S7riker20
    Jul 3, 2015
    9
    A fun, excellent game that you can play over and over again with a different story every time. I very much recommend this for sci-fi fans and RPG fans. What mass effect does best is that it combines a captivating story with great action and combat and turns it into your hands to let you decide the way you want to play.
  4. SleepNot
    Mar 28, 2020
    9
    Mass Effect is a perfect action RPG game! I love this very much! Very interesting gameplay and great to explore the world.
  5. BSchwarz95
    Jul 9, 2018
    9
    I have to admit...I absolutely hated this game for the first 3 hours of gameplay or so. I expected a third person Halo-like linear shooter, and this is not that game. This is an open-world third-person role playing game set in an enormous galaxy with a huge cast of characters and a story that the player gets to control. I'm embarrassed that it took me three hours to figure that out butI have to admit...I absolutely hated this game for the first 3 hours of gameplay or so. I expected a third person Halo-like linear shooter, and this is not that game. This is an open-world third-person role playing game set in an enormous galaxy with a huge cast of characters and a story that the player gets to control. I'm embarrassed that it took me three hours to figure that out but proud that I dedicated time in order to overcome my misunderstanding and complete the game. Once I understood the game, I absolutely loved it (I didn't know you could upgrade and customize the characters, so I was playing with entry-level armor and damage for the first 25% of the campaign...it was unbelievably frustrating and once I did figure that out, I was mowing down enemies and having a lot more fun. I'm going to hate Dark Souls, I guess). With an open-minded story, beautiful graphics that didn't feel 10 years old, gameplay that offers so much fun, and exploration that can keep you busy for dozens of hours, Mass Effect is a must-play for anybody who loves storytelling in general.… Expand
  6. Galebazz
    Apr 22, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mass Effect doesn't have great gameplay. The graphics and general feel of an AAA game may not be there. But it still has been an amazing success in terms of critical acclaim. Why?

    Mass Effect is as a game not as good as 2 and 3 in my personal opinion, as they are my favorite games of all time. In the things that it does well, it does amazingly. The characters, the plot, the real feeling...
    The plot has a few minor flaws, that are a result of making a certain situation possible (eg. Sovereign attacking the Citadel), but all of them are made in a slick fashion, therefore meaning that the situation played out well in terms of gameplay and twists. Although some (Sovereign almost exploding because a creature that it indoctrinated got destroyed) can really make the impression of a threat disappear.
    Characters are well built and the voice acting is really good, especially with Jennifer Hale. Different personalities and stories, like Garrus and Ashley, are very clear, and at the same time they relate. The only slight problem is that because of the unclear progressing of the plot makes the arising feelings feel more bland in the player.

    Gameplaywise, there are a few tweaks here and there. Combat is pretty inconsistent, and mowing in general is stiff, but still manages to feel fun. The Mako is probably one of the most controversial thing in the whole game. The concept of exploring is exciting, but in reality falls flat because of the Mako's controls and movement.

    The technical execution is the thing that makes Mass Effect fall short of the other games. The graphics aren't too bad, although they fall short of 07 games like Crysis and Portal. There are a lot of glitches etc etc. I think the visuals and noises are foggy. Bioware had some trouble doing the game, and you'll see it

    Overall Mass Effect is a straight 10/10 with the plot and characters, and an 3/10 without them. So uh... 9 I guess? ( PS. It would be a 10 without the Mako)    … Expand
  7. ANTtheKNEEEE
    Mar 7, 2022
    9
    I've never been a fan of sci fi for some reason. But this game made it an exception. The story was just so good.
  8. RafaelBarrera
    Nov 19, 2018
    9
    For me it was the very first RPG in which decisions counted, and I have to say it couldn't be better. I loved how I took ages to make a decision since every decision could affect to story by causing a death or making it harder or easier. It was such a wonderful experience. The graphics were passable for its time despite they could have been better. The combat system could be a bit arduousFor me it was the very first RPG in which decisions counted, and I have to say it couldn't be better. I loved how I took ages to make a decision since every decision could affect to story by causing a death or making it harder or easier. It was such a wonderful experience. The graphics were passable for its time despite they could have been better. The combat system could be a bit arduous being this the worst feature of the game , but even in that case it didn't harm the experience.
    The relations with other characters were very worked, making those secondary characters very interesting.
    Mass Effect it's a game/saga which every RPG enthusiast must play.    … Expand
  9. MatthewDavisMed
    Jul 10, 2020
    9
    An excellent start for an epic trilogy. While controls and combat feel a bit clunky at times, it has awesome and interesting NPCs to interact with, and a fantastic story line.
  10. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    Mass Effect is one of the best Sci-Fi RPG’s ever made. Great atmosphere, Story and Characters.
  11. garethvine22
    May 25, 2020
    9
    Epico, trilha sonora otima, enredo envolvente, achei a gameplay pela retrocompatibilidade um tanto travada em alguns momentos.
  12. JCKatou
    Mar 25, 2020
    9
    Qué puedo decir de Mass Effect que no se haya dicho ya? Aquí inicia esta gran historia que se vuelve mejor conforme avanza el juego, pláticas con los pjs muy buenas y gran variedad de respuestas y comportamiento en los pjs, la jugabilidad es algo tosca pero se para ser el 1ero no está nada mal.
  13. bigchocolate69
    Jun 28, 2022
    9
    Amazing exploration and decision making throughout the entire game. Best storyline of the Mass Effect trilogy too but the combat/gameplay hasn't aged very well.
  14. Jessicaw
    Jun 22, 2020
    9
    One of the best sci-fi RPGs out there. It has a great story with decent characters and fun gameplay.
  15. SWFan523
    Jun 21, 2020
    9
    A fun game with a strong story that didn't fully tap into what the series would become. Laid the groundwork to become a blockbuster franchise.
  16. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 21, 2020
    9
    OVERALL - 91%

    Gameplay - 8/10 Graphics (for time) - 7/10 Story - 9/10 Game Length - 9/10 Characters - 8/10 Level/Area Design - 9/10 Atmosphere - 9/10 Sound Effects - 8/10 Soundtrack - 7/10 Replay Value - 7/10 From a narrative and RPG point of view I think I prefer this to Mass Effect 2. The only downside to this game were the controls could have been better. This problem was    OVERALL - 91%

    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics (for time) - 7/10
    Story - 9/10
    Game Length - 9/10
    Characters - 8/10
    Level/Area Design - 9/10
    Atmosphere - 9/10
    Sound Effects - 8/10
    Soundtrack - 7/10
    Replay Value - 7/10

    From a narrative and RPG point of view I think I prefer this to Mass Effect 2. The only downside to this game were the controls could have been better. This problem was rectified in the future games. It's a game that doesn't feel at all rushed, you feel you can explore it's universe at your own pace and is probably the best sci-fi computer game story of the decade.    … Expand
  17. HaemanJones
    Dec 22, 2020
    9
    Well, the original mass effect is great but not perfect. I love this game but that doesn't mean i'm going to ignore it's flaws.
  18. Hydroman220
    Dec 26, 2020
    9
    The original mass effect is now a classic, it might had some flaws, but the game was so revolutionary at the time that nobody cared.
  19. CloudStrife05
    Aug 20, 2021
    9
    What a way for a new IP to make a splash onto the scene. The beginning to one of the best trilogies ever made.
  20. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    Atmosphere: 10
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 8
    Graphics: 6
    Music: 9
    Story: 9
    Total: 8.50
  21. Kingkaszii13
    Mar 28, 2022
    9
    CUDO!! To słowo jak najbardziej ocenia tą grę i historię z nią związaną. Mimo, że nie jestem fanem tematyki kosmosu i walki między galaktycznej to ta gra i chęć rozwiązywania kolejnych zagadek i dopadnięcie Sarena kazało mi wracać do tej gry z wielkim zaciekawieniem i chęcią gry do samego końca. Dzięki edycji Legendary Edition oprawa graficzna pozwoliła to zrobić na konsoli Xbox S i nieCUDO!! To słowo jak najbardziej ocenia tą grę i historię z nią związaną. Mimo, że nie jestem fanem tematyki kosmosu i walki między galaktycznej to ta gra i chęć rozwiązywania kolejnych zagadek i dopadnięcie Sarena kazało mi wracać do tej gry z wielkim zaciekawieniem i chęcią gry do samego końca. Dzięki edycji Legendary Edition oprawa graficzna pozwoliła to zrobić na konsoli Xbox S i nie żałuję ani minuty z tej gry!… Expand
  22. OnlyGoryGames
    Dec 4, 2022
    9
    Playing many years later. I was extremely stunned by how immersed I was in this game. I couldn’t believe what I was playing half the time. You simply can’t beat this writing and the execution of it through dialogue. I haven’t played older RPGs like Fallout or Baulders Gate, so I can’t say this game has the best writing in gaming. But so far out of the games I’ve played. This game and itsPlaying many years later. I was extremely stunned by how immersed I was in this game. I couldn’t believe what I was playing half the time. You simply can’t beat this writing and the execution of it through dialogue. I haven’t played older RPGs like Fallout or Baulders Gate, so I can’t say this game has the best writing in gaming. But so far out of the games I’ve played. This game and its sequel have the best writing and storytelling I’ve experienced yet.… Expand
  23. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 4, 2023
    9
    An epic galaxy-spanning sci-fi adventure, Mass Effect marries the styles of RPG, classic choose-your-own-path adventure game and first person shooter to create an absorbing and well written story that makes you feel like you are the lead character in your own personal space opera. The adventure element works better than the combat thanks to fiddly aiming and the weapon overheat featureAn epic galaxy-spanning sci-fi adventure, Mass Effect marries the styles of RPG, classic choose-your-own-path adventure game and first person shooter to create an absorbing and well written story that makes you feel like you are the lead character in your own personal space opera. The adventure element works better than the combat thanks to fiddly aiming and the weapon overheat feature that seems to exist solely to leave you defenceless at exactly the wrong moment, but as a whole it's one of the very best games of its type.… Expand
  24. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    One of the best RPGs i have ever played. The story was amazing, and the combat system very fun.
  25. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    9
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!
  26. TheDude
    Jan 4, 2008
    8
    I was definitely a little disappointed by this game. Admittedly, my expectations were sky high as KOTOR is one of my all-time favorite games. I'd never cared for RPG's before KOTOR, and it took me a while to get used to the turn-based combat, but I didn't mind in the end because the story was so great. And, yes, even I thought to myself how awesome it would be if they could I was definitely a little disappointed by this game. Admittedly, my expectations were sky high as KOTOR is one of my all-time favorite games. I'd never cared for RPG's before KOTOR, and it took me a while to get used to the turn-based combat, but I didn't mind in the end because the story was so great. And, yes, even I thought to myself how awesome it would be if they could make a game with a story-line that good with gameplay as fun as a Halo game. Ironically, as Bioware has tried to push more towards action, real-time based combat gameplay, in my opinion their games have gotten less fun. Critics raved about Jade Empire's combat, but I thought it was terrible. I got to where I dreaded combat, as all it ended up being was ridiculous button-mashing for the most part, and seemed like a total waste of time which detracted from the top-notch story telling. Same thing here. They tried to make it an action oriented third person shooter, but the combat just sucks. It's too hard to control to be fun. Likewise, the driving levels aren't fun either. Luckily, the bulk of the game is still the story, and though it didn't come close to reaching the bar set by KOTOR, in my opinion, the story was still decent enough. Midway through the game, I turned combat on to the easiest setting, and I enjoyed it a lot more after that, as combat was less frustrating and took less time away from the plot.… Expand
  27. EdmoundD.
    Jul 25, 2008
    8
    Excellent game. I loved the story line and depth of the game. At first, the fighting took some getting use to but once you do it's a lot of fun. If I had to say anything bad about the game is that sometimes the characters following you got stuck on objects which is not really a big deal b/c the computer will eventually reset them back onto you, it just makes for an uneven game flow; Excellent game. I loved the story line and depth of the game. At first, the fighting took some getting use to but once you do it's a lot of fun. If I had to say anything bad about the game is that sometimes the characters following you got stuck on objects which is not really a big deal b/c the computer will eventually reset them back onto you, it just makes for an uneven game flow; in addition, before you fight one of the antagonist you have to go through this incredibly long conversation/video sequence and if you die you have to keep going through the sequence until you defeat the antagonist which is really annoying.… Expand
  28. RobG
    Mar 20, 2009
    8
    This review may help those considering picking up an "older" game. I got it for $14.99 at GameStop used. Mass Effect has a great story and intriguing gameplay. If you liked the KOTOR series, you will like Mass Effect. The game has a ton of dialogue options and was generally fun to play. However, it ran into the Assassin's Creed problem with the side missions. They were extremely This review may help those considering picking up an "older" game. I got it for $14.99 at GameStop used. Mass Effect has a great story and intriguing gameplay. If you liked the KOTOR series, you will like Mass Effect. The game has a ton of dialogue options and was generally fun to play. However, it ran into the Assassin's Creed problem with the side missions. They were extremely repetitive and I eventually gave up on those that didn't involve shooting something (I mean really, who wan't to be a space geologist?). The action of the game has potential but needs some minor tweaking. First, you have abilities, but need to pause combat to effectively queue them. I don't like this. In KOTOR, you could at least queue multiple actions in secession. In Mass Effect, you have only one hot button that can be mapped to an ability. As a result, you end up playing most of the game forgetting to use your abilities. They simply need a queue of abilities you can set and trigger without pausing combat. Still, overall an improvement over the sit and watch of KOTOR. At least I now get to aim at things. The graphics are good, but not as solid as current games.There's some definite boxiness especially in the "ahem" climax. I put 30 hours in completing the game the first time around diligently trying to complete all of the side quests before giving up on the more boring ones. This leads me the only other flaw of the game. In the KOTOR series (btw, I know they aren't the same game, but they are very close and KOTOR is a good point of reference), it was fun to play through both the light and dark side aspects of the game. It would alter major plot lines and end the game differently. I realize this can be hard to do for story continuity's sake, but there is NO value in playing Mass Effect through a second time. Don't waste your time. Oh, I guess I lied, there was 1 other flaw. Once you get the Spectre Gear, all other weapons become irrelevant. Getting new weapons was one of my favorite parts of the game until this hit. So, overall, very worth a $14.99 purchase for a game I spent about 50 hours on. Much more rewarding to put 30 hours into this game than 10 into Fable 2. Buy it now that it's cheap and if they fix these minor issues for Mass Effect 2, it will be solid as well. One last thing, the Codex was over-done in my opinion. I stopped reading the Codex very early into the game. It's great to have so much background info, but not very much of it was relevant to the point that I actually cared to read it. Put that stuff in a strategy guide or book.… Expand
  29. TroelsS.
    Jan 18, 2010
    8
    I'd probably find this game to be the greatest game on the X360 if it wasn't for the 'dungeons' and repetitive side-missions. It's plenty of fun, great graphics, fine action (although a bit slow compared to other shooting-games) and a nice story. However, if you take the time to complete a lot of the side-missions around the universe, you'll find out that the I'd probably find this game to be the greatest game on the X360 if it wasn't for the 'dungeons' and repetitive side-missions. It's plenty of fun, great graphics, fine action (although a bit slow compared to other shooting-games) and a nice story. However, if you take the time to complete a lot of the side-missions around the universe, you'll find out that the different dungeons where you have to fight enemies are competely the same, although including different furniture and materials/items. It's quite depressing in the long run, actually. If this changed ad the action was turned up just a tiny notch, it would have been an immaculate science-fiction game.… Expand
  30. PhilC
    Nov 26, 2007
    8
    This is one of the most involving games I've played, thanks to excellent scripting and voice acting, a believable dialogue system, and a plot that is engaging from the start. It is difficult to express in writing just how good the role-playing/plot element is: my usually indifferent housemate said it's like watching a sci-fi series, and he was annoyed to miss out on plot twistsThis is one of the most involving games I've played, thanks to excellent scripting and voice acting, a believable dialogue system, and a plot that is engaging from the start. It is difficult to express in writing just how good the role-playing/plot element is: my usually indifferent housemate said it's like watching a sci-fi series, and he was annoyed to miss out on plot twists when he was out of the house!

    Some good comparisons:
    The Darkness--Mass Effect's voice acting is as good as The Darkness, and even more impressive given the latter's size. I watched a friend play through the introductory mission after I did it and was surprised at the extra (and unnecessary) conversations that he discovered.
    Knights of the Old Republic--Mass Effect is less linear than KOTOR, but its inventory is still rather clunky and unwieldy like its predecessor.

    The game has a steep learning curve with very few tutorials, and some rather odd design decisions (a needlessly complex and unintuitive system for equipment, especially for fitting upgrades--if they had scrapped upgrades overall the game would have been the better for it, I think). However, after an hour or two it all made sense. The niggles raised in the reviews are valid, but it's still worthy of a lengthy play. Just don't expect as much action as Halo or Oblivion!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
3
#3 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
3
#3 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 74
  3. Negative: 0 out of 74
  1. Game Informer
    98
    It's an adventure that is so captivating that you'll be counting the days for the sequel. It takes interactive storytelling to new heights, and brings the player closer to content than ever before. It's easily one of the year's best titles and one of the most impressive games to date. [Nov 2007, p.151]
    Read full review
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    Far from being a ponderous sci-fi exposition, Mass Effect boasts a dynamic, well-constructed story with a broad emotional range. [Holiday 2007, p.82]
  3. Hardcore Gamer
    80
    As it is, it's merely very good on several different levels, and is more or less a must-play for RPG fans. It will drive shooter fans completely up the wall, though. [Dec 2007, p.56]
See all critic reviews »