Mass Effect

"Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a fan's dream come true. With all three games and almost all of their DLC included in one upgraded package there simply isn't more to be asked for here other than a full remake."

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"Mass Effect: Andromeda - Deluxe Edition" takes players on a journey to the Andromeda galaxy as the Pathfinder, where they must find a new home and make choices that will determine humanity's survival. The Deluxe Edition includes Deep Space Explorer Armor, Nomad Skin , a Multiplayer Booster Pack, and Pathfinder Casual Outfit for customization. Your decisions will shape the future of humanity in this new galaxy.

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Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 31,863 reviews

story4,136 positive mentions

stability611 negative mentions

story
9,684 mentions
43 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The "Mass Effect" trilogy is widely praised for its exceptional storytelling, character development, and the emotional weight of player choices that carry across all three games. Players often highlight the depth of the narrative, the intricate relationships with companions, and the moral dilemmas faced throughout the journey, making it a standout in the sci-fi RPG genre. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and the controversial ending of "Mass Effect 3," the overall experience is considered a masterpiece of interactive storytelling that resonates deeply with players.
- “The story is probably the best that has ever been done in a trilogy/multi-entry series within its genre and setting, the space opera.”
- “The story is amazing, the character progression is top-notch, squad combat is very well implemented, and feels fluid.”
- “The story is one of the best stories in a video game I have ever played, the plot is amazing, the world is amazing, the characters are awesome and your choices do in fact matter.”
- “Choices don't impact the storyline much.”
- “By the time the story is nearing its end, you witness firsthand how your choices never really mattered; the story was always going to end in a similar way.”
- “The story is filled with lovable characters and interesting choices that always find ways to come back.”
graphics
3,661 mentions
30 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics in the "Mass Effect Legendary Edition" have received significant upgrades, particularly for the first game, which now features improved textures, lighting, and overall visual fidelity that bring it closer to modern standards. While the remaster enhances the graphical quality across the trilogy, some players note that the improvements for "Mass Effect 2" and "3" are less pronounced, and the lack of customizable graphics settings has drawn criticism. Overall, the remaster successfully revitalizes the beloved series, making it visually appealing for both new players and returning fans.
- “The remastered graphics are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the legendary edition.”
- “The remaster did a great job making these characters come to life with better visuals, and every emotional moment felt even more intense.”
- “Everything looks gorgeous—the improved graphics bring the world of Mass Effect to life in a way that makes it feel modern while still preserving that nostalgic charm.”
- “A bit boring, graphics look dated even after this refurb.”
- “Are the graphics better than the original? Yes, but they still suck; however, Mass Effect itself is one of the best games I ever played.”
- “The graphics especially in ME1 and ME2 did not age very well (although there were already improvements).”
gameplay
3,369 mentions
31 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the Mass Effect trilogy has seen significant improvements, particularly in the remastered Legendary Edition, which enhances the visuals and refines mechanics, especially for the first game. While Mass Effect 1 retains some dated elements, its gameplay is now more enjoyable, with smoother controls and better combat mechanics compared to the original. The sequels, Mass Effect 2 and 3, build on this foundation with more polished gameplay, making the overall experience engaging and immersive, though some players note that the RPG elements diminish in later installments.
- “Mass Effect 3 has some of the most fun over-the-shoulder shooter gameplay I've ever had the pleasure of playing, and it offers so much customization with armor, weapons, weapon mods, and class skills.”
- “The gameplay changes between each game are stunning, with a huge improvement from Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2, and even more so to Mass Effect 3.”
- “The gameplay is completely redesigned, and it’s basically a solid third-person shooter with a great cover mechanic and an ammo system that, while I disliked, didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.”
- “All of the interesting sci-fi worldbuilding is so watered down by the dull & repetitive gameplay that senses of progression, accomplishment, or knowledge gained never felt worth the effort.”
- “The gameplay, unfortunately, is just meh.”
- “The gameplay issues though are mostly to do with the movement speed in the first game and the somewhat janky vehicles that make certain sections especially when going for side quest completion and general exploration feel like a slog.”
stability
695 mentions
11 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
88 % negative mentions
The stability of the "Mass Effect Legendary Edition" has received mixed feedback from users. While some players report a smooth experience with minimal crashes and glitches, many others highlight persistent bugs, particularly in the first game, which can disrupt gameplay and immersion. The requirement to use the EA launcher has also been criticized for introducing additional instability and technical issues, leading to frustration among players. Overall, while the remaster offers improved graphics and performance, it still retains many of the original's bugs, making it a somewhat unstable experience.
- “It runs great, looks great, is the perfect game for being able to load it up anywhere to enjoy.”
- “The game runs great, even on Steam Deck and has probably been the easiest experience for transferring saves between games.”
- “Game looks great, runs great, and feels great.”
- “The game is still a buggy mess, filled with brand new game-breaking bugs and glitches that make it borderline unplayable.”
- “Despite a few graphical glitches here and there, my playthrough of all three games was relatively painless and a fun nostalgic trip to my favorite sci-fi RPG series from around high school.”
- “The remaster has improved the visuals but the games are noticeably more buggy, which is unacceptable.”
emotional
566 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the Mass Effect trilogy is overwhelmingly praised, with players expressing deep connections to the characters and their stories, often leading to tears and profound emotional experiences. Many reviews highlight the impactful character development, heartfelt interactions, and the weight of choices that resonate throughout the series, making it a memorable and immersive journey. The remastered edition enhances these emotional moments, allowing both new and returning players to experience the rich narrative and emotional depth that defines the series.
- “I didn’t play the originals, so this was my first dive into Commander Shepard’s world, and honestly, it’s one of the most emotional gaming experiences I’ve ever had.”
- “There were moments that actually made me cry—it’s that powerful.”
- “This story is breathtaking and heartbreaking, and there are so many phenomenal moments that left me openly crying in front of my screen.”
- “I realize this is a long story, but I don't want to have to power through a boring narrative to get to something good.”
music
555 mentions
51 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the Mass Effect trilogy is widely praised for its exceptional quality and emotional impact, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Reviewers highlight the iconic soundtrack, which blends orchestral and electronic elements, as a key factor in immersing players in the game's epic narrative and atmosphere. While some minor audio issues were noted, the overall consensus is that the music remains a standout feature, evoking nostalgia and deep emotional responses throughout the series.
- “The combination of music and sound design elevates pivotal moments, ensuring that players feel the weight of their decisions and the stakes of their journey.”
- “From the hauntingly beautiful melodies to the adrenaline-pumping battle themes, the music enhances every moment of the game.”
- “The renowned musical score, composed by Jack Wall and Sam Hulick, remains as iconic as ever, tugging at the heartstrings and amplifying the emotional weight of key moments.”
- “The music in this game also is not good.”
- “The soundtrack is again, nothing special; it does the job but I expected something more spectacular, more epic to complement the story and cinematography.”
- “The music/dialogue/voice acting... all make this a masterpiece.”
optimization
439 mentions
28 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
The optimization of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance improvements and graphical enhancements compared to the original trilogy. However, issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and bugs—particularly in Mass Effect 1 and during vehicle sections—persist, leading to frustration among users. While some players report smooth performance on modern hardware, others experience severe optimization problems, especially when using the EA launcher, which can exacerbate these issues.
- “On modern consoles, Mass Effect Legendary Edition performs smoothly, with options for favoring performance (60 fps) or graphics quality (4k) on consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.”
- “The graphical upgrades and smoother performance enhance the immersive quality of the experience, though it is perplexing that organics require visual enhancements to maintain engagement.”
- “The remaster and re-optimizations worked very well and I'm very happy with the results :)”
- “The frame rate sucks on some planets (I run a 3080 and not sure why it can't handle this game in 2k resolution... must have bad optimization).”
- “The only downside in the legendary edition is the constant FPS drop and stuttering at places like Citadel, no matter how you adjust the settings.”
- “Terrible optimization, with large FPS drops/stuttering in certain locations (Citadel & unexplored planets) from 100-144 into the 30-50s.”
replayability
309 mentions
44 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The Mass Effect trilogy, particularly in its Legendary Edition, boasts exceptional replayability due to its branching narratives, diverse character choices, and the impact of decisions across all three games. Players can explore different classes, moral paths, and relationship dynamics, making each playthrough unique and engaging. The inclusion of the Citadel DLC and various gameplay refinements further enhances the overall replay value, solidifying it as a must-play for fans of the genre.
- “The replay value on this game is truly amazing, considering that no two run-throughs were ever the same... so worth the purchase!”
- “With around 100 hours of content across the trilogy, ridiculous replay value, and a cast of unforgettable characters, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a must-play for every fan of science fiction and RPGs.”
- “The choices to use different squad mates, weapons, and dialogues resulting in different outcomes makes this game replayable like no other.”
- “I know many love this game, but for me it is slow, the combat is clunky, and although the legendary edition makes it more playable, the bugs I experienced kept annoying me enough to walk away from this one as well.”
- “The games on their own are quite weak; the first is nice and perhaps the most replayable (in my opinion) but lacks companion interactions and player relationships, yet ironically is the most role-play like game of the three.”
- “Some choices in ME1 will affect the story in ME3, which adds a lot of replay value.”
grinding
234 mentions
1 % positive mentions
18 % neutral mentions
81 % negative mentions
The aspect of "grinding" in the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding certain mechanics, such as resource gathering and planetary exploration, to be tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the depth and story that comes from completing side quests and missions, others feel that the grinding elements detract from the overall experience, often requiring excessive time investment for minimal rewards. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the games have improved in some areas, they still contain grindy elements that can frustrate players.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “There's no tedious minigames you're forced to play or a land vehicle that is hell to control.”
- “The mako driving sections aren't as tedious as it was then.”
- “Graphics are excellent, but some grinding in the form of planetary scanning and mining is annoying.”
- “The resource gathering was pretty tedious and mind-numbing though.”
- “The worst part about this game is the grinding for the final mission; you have to do every loyalty mission and upgrade every part of the ship, which involves going to different planets and scanning for resources and shooting probes.”
humor
231 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the Mass Effect trilogy is widely praised for its clever writing and character interactions, often blending heartfelt moments with laugh-out-loud scenarios. Players appreciate the unique comedic styles of various companions, such as Wrex's rugged humor and Tali's quirky charm, which contribute to a rich tapestry of funny dialogues and situations. The Citadel DLC, in particular, is highlighted as a standout for its lighthearted and meta-humor, making the emotional journey of the series both entertaining and memorable.
- “It leaves you both crying and laughing, sometimes at the same time.”
- “The conversations felt authentic, heartfelt, and often hilarious.”
- “Citadel: a love letter to fans, Citadel brings humor, camaraderie, and heart to the forefront.”
- “I showed little remorse when sending Kaiden Alenko to his death (sorry, Kaiden, but you were such a bland human being) and despite my intentions, Joker survived across all three games - Joker, you are just not funny and I find it weird you are now sleeping with a robot.”
- “Not funny”
- “Insignificant or contains humorous glitches.”
character development
213 mentions
52 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
Character development in the Mass Effect trilogy is widely praised as one of its standout features, with players highlighting the depth and complexity of individual characters and their relationships. The remastered edition enhances this aspect, allowing for more immersive interactions and meaningful choices that significantly impact the narrative. Overall, the trilogy is celebrated for its exceptional storytelling, emotional weight, and the ability to create lasting connections with characters, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven RPGs.
- “Character development has always been a cornerstone of the Mass Effect series, and the Legendary Edition enhances this aspect significantly.”
- “The depth of character development, the complexity of moral dilemmas, and the sheer scope of the narrative are nothing short of awe-inspiring, drawing players into a world where every choice carries weight and every consequence is keenly felt.”
- “The character development is exceptional, with each companion bringing a distinct story, personality, and viewpoint, enriching the galactic journey with personal and impactful nuances.”
- “Limited character development choices, only good or bad.”
- “Combat doesn't work, there is zero character development, the RPG part is a non-entity, the Mako is bad, and major plot points aren't even really incorporated.”
- “If you need character development and a decent shooter or story game - this is not for you.”
atmosphere
153 mentions
54 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the Mass Effect trilogy is widely praised for its immersive world-building, engaging storylines, and memorable characters, creating a captivating sci-fi experience. Players appreciate the unique tonal shifts across the games, with the first installment noted for its rich atmosphere, the second for its gritty depth, and the third for its epic scale and emotional weight. The atmospheric music and visual enhancements in the remastered versions further elevate the overall experience, although some critiques mention that certain changes have diminished the original's atmospheric impact.
- “The atmospheric enhancements to planets and locations like Eden Prime, Feros, and the Citadel allow players to experience the scale and alien beauty of the Mass Effect universe in a new light.”
- “The overall atmosphere (environments, music, designs, etc.) also makes it one of the best sci-fi games available.”
- “The sweeping orchestral pieces and haunting melodies enhanced the atmosphere, making every moment feel epic and memorable.”
- “The first one is rough around the edges, mediocre plot, weak atmosphere, and overall very lazily done even for the year it got released, so it leaves a slight disappointment aftertaste.”
- “1 is the best, don't skip it; 2 is good but lacks atmosphere and style from the first one.”
- “The other games were always 'reapers are coming, get ready' but never 'earth is legit being invaded as we speak,' and it ruined the entire atmosphere of the game for me.”
monetization
91 mentions
3 % positive mentions
11 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a "cash grab" due to the reliance on the EA launcher, mandatory online connectivity, and the presence of microtransactions. Players express frustration over the game's bugs and performance issues, which they feel are exacerbated by EA's focus on profit over quality. While some appreciate the nostalgic value and content included, the overwhelming sentiment is that the remaster feels like a lazy attempt to capitalize on the original trilogy's popularity without delivering a polished experience.
- “It was refreshingly enjoyable to play a game from an era where microtransactions were not a thing on a bigger scale.”
- “This trilogy starts in the era before microtransactions, when games were made to be paid for one time and enjoyed.”
- “Its as I remember it; they didn't mess it up with weird microtransactions, loot boxes, or culture war changes based on other people's opinions. They just re-released the game with all its DLC in a working state with better graphics, exactly what I paid for.”
- “Just feels like a sloppy cash grab to me plus you have to connect with the EA launcher.”
- “What they're saying with this is, you are not allowed to play this game that you purchased for 80 dollars unless you have their advertising platform installed that is definitely not selling your data at all.”
- “This is a tremendous example of an easy cash grab.”