Unlike some other BioWare games, this one features an original game world. Mass Effect is an RPG at its core but it features third-person action elements, including combat. I just finished the first Mass Effect game and it certainly joins those lofty titles as one of my favorite RPGs. They created some of my all time favorite computer role-playing games such as the Baldur's Gate series, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and the Dragon Age series. Developed by BioWare, I should have known it would be special.
Mass Effect is widely regarded as one of the all-time great video game series and it did not disappoint. In addition, some gameplay tweaks were made and the graphics were updated for 4K Ultra HD.
Specifically, I have the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which includes the entire trilogy plus a ton of DLC.
The Illusive Man (played by Martin Sheen)Īfter Civilization V, I was looking for another top notch computer game to play. Next up is Mass Effect 3 to close out this epic saga.
Overall, the sequel is more polished and is probably the better game, all things considered. At first, I didn't prefer Mass Effect 2 to the original. I recognized Martin Sheen, Yvonne Strahovski, Tricia Helfer, Michael Dorn, and others. Hollywood talent was again used for voice acting. Production values were high as expected and the Legendary Edition made the game feel fresh despite its age (originally released in 2010). That may not be unique but it isn't exactly common in video games. In fact, I imported Shepard from Mass Effect into Mass Effect 2 and several plot elements were preserved between games. The great thing about the Mass Effect series is that many choices have real consequences in the storyline. By choosing a paragon or renegade action, you could drastically change the outcome of the scene. Not only did this affect dialog choices but they added interrupt actions during certain cut scenes. Both games featured a paragon/renegade system, which represented Shepard's ethical/moral balance. The number of squad mates was increased, the inventory system was streamlined, and interstellar travel was changed for the better. Combat was largely improved in Mass Effect 2 and gun overheating was replaced by expendable ammunition. The first Mass Effect felt more like a traditional RPG with action/shooter elements while Mass Effect 2 felt a bit more like an action/shooter with RPG elements. Despite many similarities, the gameplay evolved in the sequel. Both are all-time classics as far as role-playing games. BioWare delivered another winner in Mass Effect 2. FieldsĪfter finishing Mass Effect 2 from the Legendary Edition, I am now two-thirds of the way through the Mass Effect trilogy.