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. eva3si0n
    Apr 19, 2020
    10
    Mass Effect is one of the best game franchises in video game history. One of the brightest examples is that video games are art that is not inferior to literature and cinema. In general, if you consider the trilogy as a whole, the first part is in fact a prequel to the main story. But Mass Effect has everything you need to create a great trilogy. We were shown what this world looks likeMass Effect is one of the best game franchises in video game history. One of the brightest examples is that video games are art that is not inferior to literature and cinema. In general, if you consider the trilogy as a whole, the first part is in fact a prequel to the main story. But Mass Effect has everything you need to create a great trilogy. We were shown what this world looks like and what laws it lives by. There is not the most fascinating main storyline, but a lot of not big additional stories that together form a real space opera. And even trips to M35 Mako on desert planets cause not irritation, but nostalgia. Having passed the original trilogy on PC after 7 years decided to pass it on Xbox360. And these are still fascinating games, after Mass Effect 2007 even in bleak Andromeda you don 't want to come back.… Expand
  2. Polymuter
    Dec 5, 2016
    7
    Mass Effect is an awesome game but has serious issues with frame rate and tearing on the Xbox 360 version. Combat often turns into a crapshoot of trigger spamming and luck due to the low frame rate. Pretty sad considering this game has Microsoft plastered all over it.

    Ultimately, Mass Effect is a very interesting concept done very poorly. The universe is somewhat imaginative but nothing    Mass Effect is an awesome game but has serious issues with frame rate and tearing on the Xbox 360 version. Combat often turns into a crapshoot of trigger spamming and luck due to the low frame rate. Pretty sad considering this game has Microsoft plastered all over it.

    Ultimately, Mass Effect is a very interesting concept done very poorly. The universe is somewhat imaginative but nothing we haven't seen before. Would have been interesting if Microsoft acquired BioWare with a similar deal they struck with Bungie.    … Expand
  3. v_law
    Jul 13, 2017
    8
    Just make it to be 1 of my favor game, but doubt would ever re play it, just found out to extend my interest hours, simply have to made a costum appearance of shepard, cannot stand the look of its original default shepard's face!
    graphic : 8 (consider disabling motion blur and film grain)
    sound : 6
    gameplay : 7 (Repetitive)
    Storyline : 9 (very good composed)
  4. Chris-Krollz
    Jan 11, 2017
    10
    I played that game so much ... Finished it 5 times with all types of characters experiencing all the different romance and corners of the different story lines ... One of my all time favorite and a game that made be fall in love with the whole universe, buying books, comics ...
    There aren't any games I can think of set in the sci-fi universe that have been able to capture that space opera    I played that game so much ... Finished it 5 times with all types of characters experiencing all the different romance and corners of the different story lines ... One of my all time favorite and a game that made be fall in love with the whole universe, buying books, comics ...
    There aren't any games I can think of set in the sci-fi universe that have been able to capture that space opera feeling. All characters are interesting and makes you want to get to know them and try to help (or not ) with their problems and ahhh the romance :)

    Gameplay wise it was really good (despite the mako sometimes being a pain ^^) I especially loved the RPG aspect which was in my opinion too simplified in ME2 & 3.
    Visually amazing even still pleasant by today standards.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. AtticusMarkane
    Apr 17, 2017
    7
    Mass Effect sets a great stage for a Space Opera for the ages. The characters and story-line are magnificent, and by the end of the game you are left with questions and a desire for more.

    That being said, my most common recommendation to new players to this game is to set it on easy and power through. The gameplay is a little weak and can be janky at times and the side-quests are    Mass Effect sets a great stage for a Space Opera for the ages. The characters and story-line are magnificent, and by the end of the game you are left with questions and a desire for more.

    That being said, my most common recommendation to new players to this game is to set it on easy and power through. The gameplay is a little weak and can be janky at times and the side-quests are unfortunately atrocious with a few key exceptions.

    Mass Effect is truly the stepping stone into a whole universe.    … 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. balding
    Sep 10, 2018
    8
    El inicio de una gran saga. Una historia que va ganando enteros conforme avanzas, su mayor defecto es lo espeso que puede hacerse el comienzo. Es un mundo muy amplio y con un background que es necesario para ponernos en contexto de los hechos. Aquí eso sería un punto mejorable, ya que le resta enteros al resto de su narrativa, al igual que ciertas irregularidades en su ritmo en algunosEl inicio de una gran saga. Una historia que va ganando enteros conforme avanzas, su mayor defecto es lo espeso que puede hacerse el comienzo. Es un mundo muy amplio y con un background que es necesario para ponernos en contexto de los hechos. Aquí eso sería un punto mejorable, ya que le resta enteros al resto de su narrativa, al igual que ciertas irregularidades en su ritmo en algunos momentos, lo dicho, principalmente en su primer tercio que el juego consigue solventar en un tramos final muy intenso y bien estructurado. Algunos de sus personajes como Wrex o Garrus sí tienen trasfondos muy interesantes, resulta fascinante e hipnótico quedarse conversando sobre los Krogan mientras te preocupas por tu tripulacion, sin embargo no todos resultan atractivos, como Kaidan o Ashely que son francamente olvidables.

    Su música en general es buena, que no emotiva salvo un par de temas muy bien seleccionados para la ocasión.

    En el apartado jugable es donde más margen de mejora tiene. Las coberturas no siempre funcionan bien, pueden ser un tanto engorrosas en algunos momentos. Se da una buena variedad, no es un simple shooter que se pase sin tener en cuenta las tácticas, talentos, escudos, etc. Hay que jugar bien el papel para salir airoso, sin embargo el bestiario se queda algo corto. Lo más mejorable es sin duda el Mako, su control puede ser un suplicio a veces que puede llegar a frustrar.

    Aun a pesar de sus defectos, Mass Effect es un juego que es difícil que no atrape, por la riqueza de su mundo y la sensación de sentirse protagonista una epopeya espacial.

    NOTA: 8.5/10 (Muy bueno)    … Expand
  9. CenkAlp
    Jan 3, 2018
    7
    Hikaye = 8
    Oynanış = 7
    Grafikler = 7
    Sesler = 8
    Keyif = 7
    Atmosfer = 8
    Süre = 7
  10. 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
  11. Luahanseng
    Mar 7, 2022
    8
    Mass Effect 1 (LE) on PS5
    Game completed : Nov 30, 2021
    Playtime : 17 hrs I played its original for few minutes because i was young back then but completed it for the first time in its remastered version. It holds up inspite it is more than a decade old. If you are a fan of a galactic theme like star trek or star wars like myself, this game suprisingly delivers. It could still compete    Mass Effect 1 (LE) on PS5
    Game completed : Nov 30, 2021
    Playtime : 17 hrs

    I played its original for few minutes because i was young back then but completed it for the first time in its remastered version. It holds up inspite it is more than a decade old. If you are a fan of a galactic theme like star trek or star wars like myself, this game suprisingly delivers. It could still compete even to todays standard but its far from perfect for a reason this game is too old and for remasters, there will be some aspects of the game that is impossible to update. And this is the case for mass effect 1. The inteface is outdated, the overall gunplay is clunky and its progression system is not as appreciatable. These could only be change on a remake version and thats completely fine. Overall, it is still a unique and a must play even today. Remaster : 10/10
    Story : 8/10
    Overall gameplay : 7/10
    Progression : 6/10
    Phasing and replayability : 8/10
    enjoyment : 9/10    … Expand
  12. 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.
  13. Flashyboy89
    May 19, 2023
    9
    Mass Effect is one of the best Sci-Fi RPG’s ever made. Great atmosphere, Story and Characters.
  14. Dylan117
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    Great graphics, dialouge and a heavey emphasis on exploration. It gives me KOTOR vibes. Must-play for any RPG or Sci-fi fans. This is so good it could rival the original triology of star wars.
  15. Luccio26
    Jan 27, 2020
    8
    Story 2.5/3
    By no means is the story in this game weak. I just find it the weakest in the trilogy. Where Mass Effect and games like it get it right is the immersion it creates for the player. When I first picked up my controller and delved into the story I found copious amounts of codex and journal entries that I would read to flesh out my understanding of this games Lore. This isn't    Story 2.5/3
    By no means is the story in this game weak. I just find it the weakest in the trilogy. Where Mass Effect and games like it get it right is the immersion it creates for the player. When I first picked up my controller and delved into the story I found copious amounts of codex and journal entries that I would read to flesh out my understanding of this games Lore. This isn't playing a game. This is playing a movie. The cut scenes are moving, the side quests and characters are loveable. They can die in game if you aren't careful which came at as a surprise in my first playthrough of many. The side missions carry some weight to the resolution of the story. When a game offers you extra reading, most of the times it is sub par or just filler, however Bioware just got it right with Mass Effect. The ending to the game felt like a nice pay-off and I wont spoil it, however I did find it was quite rushed after the second act.
    Gameplay 2.5/3
    Now dated yes, but at the time Biowares stop start and power/combo mechanics were new and fun to the genre. Yes it was a shooter, but it had RTS elements in a way which allowed you to pause the battle, change loadouts and combo up powers with other squad mates to unleash havoc. It was entertaining exploring which combos worked best and because of my love for each companion, I used so many different ones in every play though. The gun play was clunky but carried a certain feel to it that didn't annoy you when you played due to the other game systems. I played this game on its hardest difficulty and found it to be challenging but not to the point of frustration. It has a great balance of cover fire and guns blazing combat for anyone.
    Sound/Music 2/2
    The Mass Effect series has some of the best in game music and background music in a game to date. The eeriness of the unknown galaxy is made evident through synth/organ and drum tracks when in major cities that almost become a character themselves. The voice acting is second to none. Making the characters even more loveable. Guns sound great for the time of release. Giving them punchy weight when firing.
    Art Design/Visuals 1.5/2
    Character models have some glitches and some are generic however not game breaking like a Bethesda game. Great environments that are unique and alien. Guns and armour look great as well as the cities. The team does a great job at creating a new world to explore. HUD is good and simple and the map system is easy to use.

    My final verdict is 8.5/10. This is a strong start to what will be an amazing series. This series is a must for any RPG fan and would highly recommend to anyone who wants a Sci-Fi movie experience but in video-game form. You're looking at 50-60 hours of content by playing the main storyline and doing all the companion missions. 60+ for those completionists per play through.    … Expand
  16. Captainjimbo452
    Jan 7, 2021
    0
    I did and game says it auto saves but then doesn’t making me have to replay three hours of the game that I don’t want to
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. XBOXPSGAMER
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This Game is very good probably the best Sci Fi Game (I am looking at you Third Person Players)
    With brilliant story and combat    … Expand
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. Leon_Resendiz
    Jun 27, 2020
    10
    Un juego que te atrapa con la trama de ficción, una joya en su momento y que deja un excelente sabor de boca al concluirlo y del deseo de mas...
  23. FightingRaccoon
    Jun 26, 2020
    8
    Fantastic start to a wonderful series. It doesn't hold back when it comes to killing some of your favorite characters, which makes the story even more personal and engaging.
  24. GhostKill
    Nov 27, 2022
    10
    Best Mass ever! This game with all the DLC has it all. Shep is a beast and the rpg elements are truly amazing. One of the greatest RPG series of all time is the Mass Effect series.
  25. Art2020
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    My favourite game of all time. Just buy it and play it and see for yourself.
  26. Dom007
    May 4, 2021
    10
    Mass effect started this incredible trilogy off in a great way. This game offers a great storyline with a wide range of outcomes that carries onto the next two games. The characters are just brilliant and very memorable. The graphics where top quality for its time and the soundtrack is just brilliant.
    The ending is also amazing and nearly as good as ME2's ending.
    The gameplay is no doubt    Mass effect started this incredible trilogy off in a great way. This game offers a great storyline with a wide range of outcomes that carries onto the next two games. The characters are just brilliant and very memorable. The graphics where top quality for its time and the soundtrack is just brilliant.
    The ending is also amazing and nearly as good as ME2's ending.
    The gameplay is no doubt the weakest part of the game but it's far from bad, in fact I rather enjoy it at times with some of the unique combat mechanics.    … Expand
  27. 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
  28. RodrigoroRex
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    "Mass Effect": Amazing game, it provides an amazing experience for the player. 7 out of 7. Played it on Xbox 360.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. EasyGamerBoi
    Jun 10, 2021
    8
    Hasn’t aged as well as the rest of the series but it still holds up remarkably. Story is phenomenal, characters are all great (except Ashley) and I still enjoy playing the game even after beating it like 7 times at this point. Can’t wait for the trilogy remaster!
  32. 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.
  33. MrNoSoul
    Sep 12, 2021
    8
    Fun to play with plenty of side missions to keep you entertained between main progression. A massive nostalgia hit and enjoyed playing it just as much if not more than when I was in my early teens playing it.


    Only issue for me was using snipers get like a handicap for someone who was meant to be a specialist with them
  34. StonePwnReviews
    Oct 8, 2021
    10
    Mass Effect is a timeless classic. Stellar first entry to the series from BioWare.
  35. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    Atmosphere: 10
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 8
    Graphics: 6
    Music: 9
    Story: 9
    Total: 8.50
  36. 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
  37. Hiccup3319
    Aug 21, 2023
    10
    An absolout amazing masterpiece, please bioware, bring this back to the original glory.
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    One of the best RPGs i have ever played. The story was amazing, and the combat system very fun.
  41. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    9
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!
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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 »