Because if not, you have to play this game. It is by far one of the best 360 titles ever. Made by BioWare, who brought us Knights of The Old Republic and Neverwinter Nights. I'll try not to spoil the plot, but I'll give you the gist of it.
Your character is named Cmdr. Shepherd, but you can pick a first name. You can also choose a general background profile and a military career profile. The general background doesn't change much in the game, only a few dialog sequences and side quests. Basically it's where you were born and how you came to be in the military. Your military profile has a little more impact on the world around you. Example: If you chose the "Ruthless" profile, your companions and other NPS will react a little more cooly to you because of your reputation for getting things done. Even at the expense of innocent lives, which can very well happen.
You can then choose from a list of 6 character classes. Three of the classes are specialists in one of the three skill pathways you can choose from; Soldier, Engineer, and Adept. The thee skill pathways are; Combat, Tech, and Biotics (Think Force powers) The other 3 classes are a combination of two of the skill sets in the game. For example, a Sentinel is a combination of Tech and Biotics.
The game plays a lot like KoTOR and NWN with one exception; nearly all of the combat is ranged and it plays just like a 3rd person shooter. Gameplay is generally a little fast for an RPG and a little slow for a shooter. It tries to find a balance between the two, IMO it doesn't quite pull it off as the combat usually boils down to several small skirmishes that last only a few seconds if you use a soldier type character. Incidentally the soldier class is the preferred class from the game mechanics and level design. At least as far as I've seen.
Cmdr. Shepherd doesn't fight alone, you can chose two companions to follow you around. A well rounded party makes things much easier. IE: Soldier, Engineer, and Adept. Each skilled in one of the skill sets make a damn good party, as the Adept can use their biotic powers to move enemies and objects and sheild your party. While the Engineer lets you open locks and screw with enemies weapons. Leaving the soldier to take them out at a fairly leisurely pace.
The story is top notch and one of the most cinematic experiences of your life. If you take the time to dive deep into the story I know you'll be totally blown away. I swear to God when I finished this game, all I could say was "Ho-ly. Shit!"
That being said, the dialog is excellent for the most part, with Marina Sirtis (sp?) and Seth Green voicing two characters. However some of the dialog feels rather emotionless and flat, like someone droning on about this or that.
I'm very picky about my video games, and even more so for the 360 because I'm still a PC fanboy, I only have four 360 games because to be honest, most of them are crap compared to a PC game. But Mass effect is one of those titles that runs you over with a truckload of awesomeness.
Posted by Bones McCoy (Member # 1480) on :
Yes... this game has completely taken over my life. I'm replaying it to complete all the side missions (I was eager to see the story the first time around)
My only 3 gripes are:
1) Waaaaaaaaaay too short.
2) No space combat (I'd like to see how the Normandy handles herself in a fight- especially since they liken her to an old-style Uboat)
3) Where the hell are the toilets on the Normandy!!?? I've walked all over the ship and there isn't even a head in the captain's quarters! That MUST be one of the Turian design features...