Review: Mass Effect (Xbox 360)
BioWare, arguably Canada's premier studio - riding on the back of popular PC titles like Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights - has become something of a dividing force in the gaming industry. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, their entrance into the console arena, was a mixed bag. Some praised its dialog and character development features. Others grew tired of the repetitive, passive battle system. The much heralded Mass Effect, I believe, will unify the rival parties under the banner of a complete science fiction, role-playing experience. Hit the jump to find out why.
Shininess: Not only is this is an amazing, cinematic accomplishment graphically, but it can be enhanced (I'd say improved) in the options menus. Mass Effect was really made for a widescreen, high-def display, but for those of us in the dark ages with our component cables, the display selections make a world of difference - you can choose from "Vibrant" or "Intermediate" to vary the level of contrast. You can also toggle the motion blur and film grain features based on your preference.
The most surprising factor for me was the character creation. I spent 45 minutes making my own Commander Shepard and the facial textures, which in some RPGs can be horribly ugly (*cough* Oblivion *cough*), really are a strong point for Mass Effect. The character I fashioned was just as photo-realistic as the canned, sans-customization Commander Shepard.
Not only that, but the landscapes and settings are equally gorgeous and innovative. Each planet you visit has a distinctive look and texture. The Citadel, your starting point, teems with the character and atmosphere you would expect from a great science fiction movie.
Funness: The first 7 hours of game play might deter a select few attention-deficit gamers from continuing, but I'd admonish anyone to carry on. My only knock is the steep learning curve for using the game's crucial biotic abilities. If you can get past the initial frustration, Mass Effect is going to become one of your favorite titles of all time. Let me explain: the shooting and finding cover elements are all seamless and real time, but the Biotic abilities - that can knock an enemy on their ass or boost your energy shields - all have a queue system and various cool-down times. It can be difficult, at first, to juggle your abilities in the right order so that the enemies don't catch you with your pants down.
Once I mastered the rhythm of the ground battles and exhausted all my initial quest options on The Citadel, I progressed to space exploration on the space frigate Normandy and Mass Effect got infinitely cooler. Collectible quests (i.e. surveying planets for resources) and open-ended venturing couldn't be any more fun. Landing on a planet in the 6-wheeled rover, The Mako is so incredibly satisfying. Climbing impossible planetary cliffs and blasting alien creatures with the on-board cannons is pure bliss.
The craziest part is that 12 hours in, I've only scratched the surface of the Mass Effect universe. Having only seen 2 of the 11 starting clusters.
Worthiness: Like any BioWare title, the real draw is in the story and Mass Effect really pulls out the big guns here. Lead writer Drew Karpyshyn is masterful in weaving a universe that marries the familiarity of ultra-futuristic spaceships and technology with the more modern socio-political and religious issues. Multi-layered character performances brought to life by incredible voice actors makes the conversation response system all the more tight. The alien races are all exotic and fleshed-out: the sexy, feminine Asari, the monstrous Krogans, the dark and hardened Turians, and the Jellyfish-like Hanar.
No story is complete without a problem though and the enemy AI race, the Geth, are truly frightening adversaries, impaling dead humans on spikes and turning them into mindless re-animated killers. Ultimately, Mass Effect has the emotional gravity that I wish the Halo series would've had. Intimidating impact smashes headlong into a refreshing 3rd-person shooter experience with deep class creativity. BioWare's proponents and detractors alike will be swooning over this game for years to come.
Score: 5/5 Buy It!
What say you?!