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Mass Effect

Published: Mon 29 Jun, 2009 | On:

Mass Effect, the game to break all RPG conventions, and the game to take BioWare from legendary status to god-like, was released in November 2007. Did it become the new king of role-playing, or does it slip up space?

The game takes place in the 22nd Century, where mankind has found ancient Mass Relays, subsequently advancing their technology by 200 years. We have also discovered that we are not alone, and through a muddy history, have joined other alien species under the "Citadel Council", a galactic government ruling a large chunk of the Milky Way. The actual story begins as you, Shepard, investigate the human colony of Eden Prime which has recently unearthed a Prothean Beacon. Through a few personal revelations, you realize that another government agent, Saren, is plotting against all living creatures, and to make matters worse, you're the only one that knows it.

The story is told very well, with exceptionally choreographed cutscenes and well delivered lines, and you will enjoy the ride from start to finish. Believe me when I say this, though, that the plot is very, very typical. In fact, it feels like a "greatest hits" collection of all previous science fiction and space opera. Where games such as "Halo" put "Alien" plot that you don't really notice them, Mass Effect's influences stick out like a sore thumb. Not to give anything away, but you will see elements of Battlestar Galactica, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and another certain sci-fi/fantasy universe BioWare has dabbled in before. If, like me, you have an issue with lore clichés and things we've seen a million times before, it will be a problem. For others, you'll undoubtedly enjoy Mass Effect's setting.

What I like about BioWare is that their games are genuinely fun and addicting for being video games, not interactive cinema. Both combat and non-combat gameplay have been some of the best the genre has ever seen, from Baldur's Gate all the way to Jade Empire. That being said, Mass Effect's game-play is fun and enjoyable. What it is not is the best the genre has ever seen. First up is the skill trees: it's standard RPG fare, and both the combat and non-combat skills you use will genuinely see you increase in level and power. Paragon and Renegade, essentially the Light and Dark side of the Mass Effect universe, help define your character. What is a bit of a bother as a veteran gamer though, is that you can max both Paragon and Renegade skills, which renders character definition obsolete. Next is combat: it's fun, but from the small corridors to the Mako, everything feels off. It wants to be an action game, but it has the makings of a RPG. BioWare did not polish this mix this well. More often than not I was pulled down because I needed to be reflexive like in a shooter, but instead I was trying to rely on the RPG skills that I had buffed. Not only that, the ability to command your squadmates is very restricted, not being as intuitive as you you would expect. You can only tell both squad mates to go cover one area together, hold their ground, or stay on your position.

Another problem with the game is the dialogue system. BioWare have always been at the forefront of dialogue-trees in the RPG genre, but unfortunately, the promised evolution of said system did not come. In fact, it takes a step back. Playing the game several times I have noticed that there are some branches that quite literally give you the illusion of choice. Some branches, all with different levels of disposition, lead to the same answer coming from Shepard, and not even affecting your character or any other character for that matter. Technical limitations of the 360? Take of it what you will, but I felt cheated of my time invested in building my character.

At least the presentation is fantastic. Technically, the game is great. It has a few pop-in and loading issues, but it's some of the best graphics the 360 has seen. The art direction is also commendable. It's a damn fine sight to admire the beauty of a dangerous, young planetoid, complete with large celestial bodies in close orbit. A few copy/paste planets and buildings mar the overall experience though. The sound is also variable, from the generic and forgettable sounds of weapons to the fantastic harsh winds of the planet Noveria. The voice acting is some of the best I have ever heard in a game, but it is the sensational musical score that takes the cake. If there is one thing Mass Effect will be remembered for, it's the original, inventive synths of Jack Wall (of Myst fame).

Mass Effect is a highly enjoyable title, and you will play it at least more than once. Despite this, there are a few core elements that hinder it from being a title of general excellence. As a game that essentially tries to meld a history of stories and a history of video games, it is hard for any one person to objectively critique Mass Effect. So it is up to you, ultimately, to decide where it stands.