Mass Effect

A science-fiction game that boasts amazing playability, intricate character/story development, and a whole host of incredible creatures, planets, and missions.

As a relatively baby to the modern gaming world, a game based in space is not my usual forte. In the past I have preferred less involved games, that are a pick them up put them down kind of style, rather than being glued to the screen for hours. However, Mass Effect kept me in front of my 42” solidly!

In the game setup process, you are able to create your character: how they look, what type of fighter they will be, and also, choose from several back stories which will shape the course of the game you will play. Once you enter the game, you quickly enter an enthralling plot, with vivid characters who you interact with in a variety of ways. Some will become your shipmates, others will become tense enemies. As you take on missions, you develop not only the story, but also your character. They pick up new talents, new weapons and training, as well as a catered personality. You are able to play as the person you want them to be by choosing from several responses when faced with dialogue or an event. This freedom is absolutely terrific, as it makes the game feel suited to your needs as a player: rather than having a character who does whatever he wants in cut scenes, you have the ability to make a few decisions that have drastic effects on your storyline.

This is a game to really throw yourself into, it demands attention, and the longer chunks you play it in, the more enjoyment you get out of it. The fight scenes, at first, seem clunky and overly complicated, but once you master the fighting style, they are an excellent mix of dangerous action and precise decision making.

The script is a little cheesy in places, but this is something which I found endearing as I progressed. Characters interact in a way which seems typical for the genre, but sheer diversity of people and places makes it very exciting.

This is an excellent game, worth spending hours playing during rainy weekends and nights after work. If you like getting heavily involved into a story, some great fighting, and spectacular locations/characters, then I urge you to play.