Out for: Xbox 360
Age rating: 12
Publisher: Microsoft / Bioware
Buy it now
Sci-fi fans: rejoice! RPG fans: party!
Fans of Sci-fi RPGs...prepare to enter a zero gravity-like state, where your admiring drool floats around you in tiny bubbles of amazement and wonder...a bit like in an Aero.
Why? Because Mass Effect is the real deal. It's one of those games that's been talked about for years, with claims that its unique decision-making system will allow a totally personalised ride through the galaxy of video gamer dreams.
While that might be a slight over-exaggeration, it's true that we certainly haven't seen anything like this before.
As Commander Shepard aboard the good ship Normandy, your basic mission is to track down a super-trained and respected galaxy agent who has turned 'to the dark side' (yes, this is from Bioware, the makers of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic).
The standard RPG elements involved in carrying out that mission make for a great gaming experience straight away.
In short, the combat sections are as intuitive and exciting as anything else out there, while the usual RPG customisation of equipment, weapons, armour, skills and so on are very well done, with maybe just a couple of tweaks for any follow up.
You can also customise your character and their history at the beginning of the game, so if you want to save the universe as a 3 foot purple panda named Boo-Boo, you can (well, almost...).
But the real killer thing about Mass Effect is the visualisation of the storyline. From the alien races and spaceships, to the environments and costumes, it looks like a big budget sci-fi movie.
I know, I know. People always say, "it's just like a movie" but this time it really is.
And the result is that as you planet-hop your way around the galaxy, choosing whether to get right up everyone's noses, or be a downright decent chap to any Tom, Dick, Luke or Hans, you cannot avoid becoming totally absorbed and in love with this game.
If you're not keen on RPGs, or just don't have enough hours in the day to seek out new life and civilisations, then maybe steer clear, as this is a serious investment of time and effort.
Otherwise, if you've played the odd RPG here and there, and liked them, but haven't been blown away by anything for a while, this is for you. Go. Buy. Now.
Published 26th November 2007
