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Mass Effect Review (continued)
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Manufacturer: Electronic Arts
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ESRB Rating: Mature
Platform(s): Windows Vista, Windows XP
Release Date: May 27, 2008
Average Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
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Retail Price: $29.99
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More User Submitted Mass Effect Reviews
Date: 2008-09-15
Annoying
Over the years, I've learned to put up with various glitches and crashes, but once an hour or less? With the most recent patch? Yes, the patch helped, at least it's not crashing every five minutes, but it still crashing.
I am enjoying the art, however. The space station is wonderful (even if it's specified 0.3 g doesn't function and really doesn't make sense). Some of the aliens are well done, though the more humanoid ones still seem awfully Star-Trekky.
The main quest seems a little short to me. In fact, I stumbled upon the lead up to the climax accidentally (long before I'd completed most of the side quests) and had to backtrack. I was expecting several more main quest mission before getting pulled into the finale.
I've had no problem with DRM, since I've loaded it only once, on one machine.
The manual overrides are a pain in the ***. I end up converting much of my stock to the omni-gel just so I can open containers.
Control of the Mako is also difficult, but after a while, I got used to it. It will climb just about everything and I'm grateful the NPCs aren't making comments on my driving!
Combat is straightforward. I'm glad the shotgun is as effective as it is.
The manual and tutorial are generally worthless. Very often I found myself in situations in which I had no idea what I needed to do, particularly with problem solving puzzles. There's no explanation or directions.
Overall, if this wasn't so buggy, I'd rate this a 5, but as it stands I just can't do that. At least, I'm getting some housework done when the game crashes, locks up my computer and I have to reboot.
Date: 2008-09-15
WARNING DRM Software
I can't believe anyone is buying a game they can only install 3 times. Hope you guys are ready for a lot of frustration when u reach the limit
Date: 2008-09-15
Crashes a lot, and DRM annoying
I've been through the game multiple times. The main thing I don't like about it, is that it crashes a lot. And if you've been using your computer for a while, and just decide to open mass effect, the DRM usually won't let you. I usually have to re-boot my computer to get it to work (As annoying as a version of Softimage I have). I would try to remove some of the TSRs that my Canon software put in the memory, but doing so would make the Mass Effect DRM not allow running of the game. So anytime you try to optimize the play, even based on suggestings in the readme/manual to get better gameplay, won't work. I personally would prefer if they had done a floating license, if they're going to go DRM crazy. That's basically how an MMORPG works (you can install the game anywhere but are limited by your login). But this limited installation thing I'm not thrilled with, especially when it appears the software is monitoring what you're doing on your computer, even when the game is not running (therefore I'm very hesitant install it on my newest computer).
From a game politics perspective, I also find it interesting that Sony, which doesn't really produce game content for PCs is behind a DRM scheme that is pitting PC owners against the publishers. Could it be they're making the PC crowd unhappy in the hopes that people will opt for console gameplay instead, and being paid to do it to boot? A playstation disc can be used on any playstation; but they want to make a PC disc only work on basically one PC and no more, hmmm. Something is not right here. Can you image what would happen to the Xbox, wii or playstation if publishers implimented schemes that would only allow you to use your console game on 3-5 consoles, and then no more. There would be the game equivalent of world war 3.
Date: 2008-09-15
Why so many bad reviews?!?!
While there may be problems with DRM and some technical issues, Mass Effect is a masterpiece. Bioware in no way disappointed me with Mass Effect. It is now one of my favorite RPGs of all time and I cannot wait for the next installment.
Let's go over the issues:
Many have complained of grainy graphics. As a matter of fact, there is a graphical setting which Bioware included called Film Grain Effect. This setting attempts to make the game feel more cinematic and film-like in appearance. If you don't like the effect, just turn it off!
DRM is my only true complaint but it is only Bioware trying to protect their creation. Wouldn't any creator want to make a living doing what they love? They cannot if their creation is stolen. Sure I don't like the idea of activations to play a game I purchased, but I overlook this negative based on the quality of the game itself. Mass Effect is a game truly worth fifty dollars and I am glad I paid it.
As for technical issues, EVERY game ever released has them. There are so many different platforms possible for PCs there are bound to be problems. My copy of Mass Effect worked on the first install, but I had some problems after the first patch was released. The game would freeze sometimes forcing me to restart the game. Also the mouse would not appear in the game, making it impossible to click on any object. I am running a Vista machine, but my system is quite powerful. After I installed the downloadable content patch everything works perfectly. I suggest waiting for patches to fix these issues. Also, on Vista machines you can try running as an administrator.
Some of the game-play can get repetitive. Many side-quest levels are exactly the same, but the main story quest always features different appearances and locations.
It can be quite frustrating to pilot Mako sometimes...
Let's talk about the good stuff!!
The story in Mass Effect is crazy epic, but quite believable and I enjoyed it thoroughly! The characters are well developed and interesting. On my first play-through I had no problem listening to every conversation. I wanted to know who everyone was and what made them tick. The voice acting is what makes these conversations so enjoyable. Each voice fits the part and is recorded perfectly.
I have heard complaints about the graphics.... All I have to say is, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT! The graphics design is amazing. This is a sci-fi universe that has a distinct feel and look to it. So much detail was put into each aspect of the game that I cannot list everything I like about it. Of course it is not the best graphics out there! This is a port from the xbox after all.
This may be a port from a console, but The GUI interface was changed for the PC. The mouse and keyboard controls feel natural and fluid. I have no complaints about the port, and think Mass Effect sets a high standard for future ports. The loading times are fantastic considering how large the game really is.
The game runs silky smooth on my 8800 GTX. I also have a really nice RBH sound system with a sub and receiver. Once I crank those up it is clear how powerful the sound is. The sounds from any game can make or break the experience. Mass Effect is fun to turn up loud; I crank the bass up so I can feel the room vibrate with every gun shot. So awesome!
Did I mention this is an actual RPG? Many games are not complete RPGs, but Mass Effects character classes are distinct and require planning to make them strong. It does not have the depth as some games, but much more then most others.
What do I really think?
I felt it was important to share my opinion after I read so many negative reviews here on Amazon. I have recommend Mass Effect to every gamer I know and will continue to do so.
My rating: 9.5/10
This game is rated M and is not meant for younger players for sexual content and violence. There is a sex-scene after following one of three possible relationships. It is very brief, but it is quite tasteful and shows minimal content. The only true nudity shown is a backside shot. I personally don't care for such scenes, but it was a small bump in the experience. If this might bother you, don't buy this game.
Date: 2008-09-15
Protest DRM
Just as everyone else is saying, the console version for this game was great. When I bought the PC version, I was distressed to learn that I could only install it 3 times. This is not worth your money, we must protest DRM in PC games.
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