Mass Effect Any Good?

[MJ12]

I've been really wanting a game to get me enveloped in the story, and a game to be time consuming. (But in the enjoyable way)
I am some what interested in an RPG type game, but last time I tried one I got really into it, but then totally sick of it and couldn't continue even after trying twice, so I eventually sold it... didn't even beat the first level (KOTOR)

My friend suggested Oblivion, but I am not a huge fan of the whole midevil thing... though I could probably get into it if I forced myself too.

I heard a lot of hype about Mass Effect after it came out, but it has died down a lot. Is it any good? Worth the price? Consuming? Nice story?

 

[Sparta]

Mass Effect is quite good. Not as good as something like KOTOR (or as long either) but its pretty enjoyable. Tons of sidequests by they're all very samey.

 

[Cpt Tenacious]

Me and my friend played that game for like 48 hours once. It was BOSS.

 

[MRG]

Mass Effect is an excellent game. While it's true that it's not the longest game, it is the 1st of 3 games in the series. So you have much more to look forward to. I highly recommend you to buy it as it's well worth it. A very well done futuristic RPG/FPS hybrid.

I speak of the PC version. NOT the console version.

All Hail Wrex the Krogan

-MRG

 

[Gorgon]

9.8/10 stars......

 

[DEATH eVADER]

Story is great and there is plenty to do, but the only thing is uninspiring side quests, especially considering most side quests take place in the same prefabricated building, just with different props in place. I would suggest buying it despite that fact.

 

[Bad^Hat]

The start of KotoR kind of sucks, it doesn't really get going until after you leave the first planet. I'd strongly advise giving it another go.

Mass Effect was just okay for me. Just like KotoR it starts off pretty boring, giving you a brief taste of action and then dumping you in a big city with lots of dialogue-intensive quests, but once it gets going it's pretty fun. The plot is good, if you like cheesy sci-fi dramas. The combat gets a little dull IMO, but it does the job. Only suck parts are the side quests, most of which are boring and samey, and the inventory system which is a nightmare to manage. That said I heard it was improved upon in the PC version, but I can't say for sure.

 

[Dr0ndeh]

if you didnt like kotor i would find it very unlikely you'd like mass effect. its not as good as kotor by quite a fair margin. theyve obviously worked hard to create a starwars-like universe which theyve done very well, but the lack of melee weapons and overall lack-of-flair makes mass effect draaaaaaaaag.

i would actually recommend vampire the mascarade bloodlines, cheaply downloadable over steam and absolutely fantastic story and atmosphere.

 

[AJ Rimmer]

I would recommend it. It's got a pretty basic space-opera story but it's nicely presented and very atmospheric.

 

[Atomic_Piggy]

It is quite good. It can get pretty repetitive outside of the main missions (like visiting planets and such) but I would still recommend it.

 

[Naph]

It's simply awesome.
Don't rush the story as well, gain paragon before doing anything D:

 

[AiM]

I'm playing it now and it's nice and all, but not worth the full price tag. Most of the drawbacks have already been mentioned and are completely valid. To be honest, I'd much rather have them cut down to like 1/3rd of the systems but have each one teaming with life and atmosphere. Right now, every planet aside from the main missions are basically skeletons as there's virtually nothing to interact with. The side missions are an annoyance since they are ridiculous repetitive and almost feels like a grind, but then again, they are optional.

After reading up on the 360 version, I think you'd be better off with the PC if your computer can handle it. Price tag aside, the few subtle improvements they did made the whole experience far more enjoyable. While things like being able to bind 1-9 keys as Biotic / Ability points or having an inventory management screen isn't game changing, it does help make it a more enjoyable experience. However, the game itself is quite awesome and one of the finest rpg's I've had the chance to play. With that in mind, both versions are very acceptable, I just prefer PC myself.

Oh and something that really grinds my gears

Spoiler

The whole love aspect felt really out of place and awkward. I couldn't help but laugh during those ridiculous situations, it's as if the developers felt like playing the nerd sympathy card and decided to get these people some e-sex. Bioware, if you're listening, cut this shit out.

 

[Jintor]

I give it an 8/10.

It's pretty awesome.

But at the same time, it was occasionally boring.

First tip is to ignore most of the side missions. They're more or less indentical.

 

[Gray Fox]

It's made by the same folks that made kotor, and it resembles kotor.
But you probably already knew that. Anyway why not pirate it before deciding to buy?

 

[VirusType2]

I've been really wanting a game to get me enveloped in the story, and a game to be time consuming. (But in the enjoyable way)
I am some what interested in an RPG type game

Have you checked out The Witcher?

 

[Kadayi]

Story is great and there is plenty to do, but the only thing is uninspiring side quests, especially considering most side quests take place in the same prefabricated building, just with different props in place. I would suggest buying it despite that fact.

QFT. The side missions are generally complete ass tbh, and show a considerable lack of depth. However it's all XP and the main storyline makes up for it. Worth buying imo.

big hint:- although when you land on a planet you see a number of locations marked on the map, there are normally hidden ones out there as well, so drive around and explore thoroughly. If your after achievements and the like, you'll need to find all these things (like Mineral deposits, etc).

 

[VictimOfScience]

Yes, it is one heck of a game. The atmosphere is total 80s sci-fi with equal parts Blade Runner, Tron, Aliens, and Star Wars Trilogy thrown in. Like everyone has said, the side-quests are pretty lacking, but the main quest and the presentation is just plain awesome. Its a no-brainer buy.

Oh, and the soundtrack is PRICELESS.

 

[MRG]

The Witcher is a great game as well, but it is very demanding on your PC. Before you even think about playing the game, make sure yor PC is beefy, otherwise...

The Side-missions in Mass Effect are fun & for the most part diverse:

Spoiler

1) Scan the Keepers - Explore the Citadel to Scan insect like creatures.
2) Get dirt on evil doers & then give it to a local newswoman to be exposed.
3) Find Where Hidden credits from gambling machines are being sent to.
4) Explore each solar system carefully as there are hidden planets, asteroids & ships that open new missions.
5) Search out distress calls or find missing ships & their crews.
6) Find out why the dead wife & soldier of a man was not released & see what you can do about it.

Just to name a few. Side missions are just that. A quick mission apart from the main story. Some take a good deal to finish as well. Several missions have different ways to approach them. Either by doing it in a nutural fashion or by using either Charm or Intimidate.

-MRG

 

[Lucid]

Awesome game, but you do need a good system to run it well.
The voice acting, the music, the story... it's all great.
The gunplay is a little iffy up until you're a high enough level.

 

[VirusType2]

What about Sins of a Solar Empire, ZT?

I've heard good things about that one around here. I see it in the store and it sounds like something I might like.

 

[Blackthorn]

Not an RPG.

I frickin' loved Mass Effect. All the criticisms on this page are entirely valid, but that doesn't detract from the compelling story and sky-high production. I enjoyed combat, but that probably depends on what class you play. I'd advise going in a more Biotic direction too, as you I imagine the Soldier class would get boring. Definitely one of my highlights of recent times, especially in the levels of Virmire and Ilos. Also be sure to read, or listen, through the galactic codec if you enjoy fathomless depth in a game.

The Witcher is also definitely worth a purchase, though I'd advise waiting till the enhanced edition coming out in September.

 

[MJ12]

What about Sins of a Solar Empire, ZT?

I've heard good things about that one around here. I see it in the store and it sounds like something I might like.

I don't think I could get into that game, isn't it all about space-ships and stuff like that? I'm someone who usually need's to feel more personal with a game/seeing people/animals/creatures etc.

Not an RPG.

I frickin' loved Mass Effect. All the criticisms on this page are entirely valid, but that doesn't detract from the compelling story and sky-high production. I enjoyed combat, but that probably depends on what class you play. I'd advise going in a more Biotic direction too, as you I imagine the Soldier class would get boring. Definitely one of my highlights of recent times, especially in the levels of Virmire and Ilos. Also be sure to read, or listen, through the galactic codec if you enjoy fathomless depth in a game.

Mass Effect or Sins of a Solar Empire isn't an RPG?

Have you checked out The Witcher?

I just looked at it, seems interesting.

Would you guys suggest Oblivion over Mass Effect? Oblivion over The Witcher?

Oh, and I forgot to mention, one of the reasons I didn't enjoy KOTOR is because I got very tired of Turn Based Fighting.

 

[Blackthorn]

SoaSS isn't an RPG. And my order of preference is: The Witcher > Mass Effect > Oblivion.

Obviously if you want sci-fi and guns Mass Effect is for you. If you do want to give The Witcher a go, wait for the enhanced edition, as I stated previously.

 

[MJ12]

Is The Witcher turn based or Real Time?

 

[Blackthorn]

Neither really, it's click based. IE: Click once to initiate attack, click again for combo etc. Magic attacks are done in real time, and you're free to move around. It seems clunky at first, but is actually deep and rewarding once you get used to the wide variety of potions and magic abilities.

 

[Gray Fox]

Mass Effect is mostly real time, you can just pause to give orders.

 

[Kadayi]

Would you guys suggest Oblivion over Mass Effect? Oblivion over The Witcher?

In terms of being a good RPG I'd say: -

The Witcher>Mass Effect>Oblivion

If it's visual splendour your after, then I'd say: -

Mass effect>The Witcher>Oblivion

Be aware though that the enhanced edition of The Witcher is due out around September though, so it's worth holding out until then before purchasing, though the enhanced content will be a free download if you already have the game.

 

[PimpinPenguin]

In terms of being a good RPG I'd say: -

The Witcher>Mass Effect>Oblivion

If it's visual splendour your after, then I'd say: -

Mass effect>The Witcher>Oblivion

Be aware though that the enhanced edition of The Witcher is due out around September though, so it's worth holding out until then before purchasing, though the enhanced content will be a free download if you already have the game.

I couldn't say it any better. If you want something new, then go for The Witcher it's very different and is awesome. But it's one of those you either like it or hate it.

 

[MJ12]

Hmm, my friend says he absolutely hated and regretted buying The Witcher. He said the game play was atrocious.

 

[AiM]

^ Why not borrow the game from him and find out yourself then?

 

[Asuka]

Mass Effect is insane!

 

[Krynn72]

I'd have to agree with Kadayi, The Witcher is better. I never felt immersed in Mass Effect, but I got pretty into The Witcher.

The gameplay is different, and some people dont like it, but its not bad by any stretch. They tried something new in the genre, and not everyone was happy about it, but I for one support it.

As for Mass Effect, I feel very "meh" about the game. The story didnt seem to execute that well, none of the backstories and plots behind your companions ever go anywhere and it makes the game world feel really static. All the sidequests are obvious "filler" since they serve no purpose story-wise and dont really compel you emotionally to actually do them. The only reason you end up doing side quests is for the experience points.

 

[Deadpan]

What's the Witcher like?

I thouroughly enjoyed Mass Effect and would recommend it. I thought some of the side quests were cool, even if you went about the same sort of action for most of them. It's a lot of fun using them to get the lofty experience levels, anyway.

 

[MRG]

What's the Witcher like?

I enjoyed Mass Effect and would recommend it. I thought some of the side quests were cool, even if you went about the same sort of action for most of them. It's a lot of fun using them to get the lofty experience levels, anyway.

The Witcher, IMHO, is a gritty, adult themed, RPG, that combined with decent graphics, audio, & to a degree combat moves, will draw you into the story as you progress through the game. It is a little hard to get into, but give it time & you'll come to enjoy yourself immensely. I much prefered The Witcher over Oblivion, though Oblivion with it's many mods & addons, offers more in the way of replayability.

A new "enhansed" version of the Witcher is slated to be released & so if you are interested in the game, I would advise you to wait & get that version over the version currently available.

http://www.thewitcher.com/community/en/news/444.html

-MRG

 

[Letters]

What turned me off of The Witcher is that you don't get to make your own guy, you're stuck with stupid white-haired emo man. No thanks! Plus, bad reviews... lots of them. Made it sound like a clunky, overcomplicated Zelda for PC.

Mass Effect was good, but it feels like you should be like 25% through the game when it ends. Leaves kind of a shitty taste in your mouth... and I'm not sure why everyone always feels the need to talk about the side quests, though... seemed like a very small part of the game, and I only ever felt compelled to complete a couple of them. The Bioware dialogue formula doesn't really work so hot with all the voice acting, though... it gets to be pretty obvious it doesn't even matter what choice you pick... they all lead to the same 1 or 2 replies from the NPC. In Baldur's Gate, they could at least give you a ton of different text responses and just use voice for the main stuff.

 

[MJ12]

Mass Effect was good, but it feels like you should be like 25% through the game when it ends. Leaves kind of a shitty taste in your mouth.

It's that short? D:
And is it very replayable?

 

[Deadpan]

It's that short? D:
And is it very replayable?

I think he's purposefully making an overstatement, and if he isn't, wow. More main plot content would have made it much jucier, though. We'll see what they do with 2.

 

[Krynn72]

It's that short? D:

Its not that short, but the end does come up fast. Its a bit of a pacing issue.

And is it very replayable?

Not really. The only time people replay it is when they start a new game with their current character to get to the highest level. Pretty stupid if you ask me. The story and quests will all essentially be the same so its boring.

What turned me off of The Witcher is that you don't get to make your own guy, you're stuck with stupid white-haired emo man. No thanks! Plus, bad reviews... lots of them. Made it sound like a clunky, overcomplicated Zelda for PC.

White haired emo man? Why dont you shut the **** up and learn about it before shunning it. What a stupid reason not to play. I cant believe people still read reviews as valid judgements still. Like I said before, its a good system, its just different than what every other game has done, so nobody liked it. BAWWW THIS IS UNFAMILIAR IT SUCKS BAWWW.

 

[MJ12]

Well I gotta say I don't like how the Character in The Witcher looks... very typical. I like the dark atmosphere it has... but it's visual aesthetics are very Diablo II esque, which I am not a fan of.

But I might check it out, I haven't read any reviews on it yet.

 

[Krynn72]

God damn it.