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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."
Mass Effect Game Cover
90%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
stability, grinding
91% User Score Based on 63,724 reviews
Critic Score 88%Based on 58 reviews

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Mass Effect Game Cover

About

Mass Effect is a single player and multiplayer open world role playing shooter game with romance, drama, science fiction and erotic themes. It was developed by BioWare and was released on December 19, 2008. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Buy Mass Effect Legendary Edition on PS4. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy.

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91%
Audience ScoreBased on 63,724 reviews
story8.3k positive mentions
stability1.2k negative mentions
  • story
    19,370 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The "Mass Effect" trilogy is widely praised for its exceptional storytelling, character development, and the emotional weight of player choices that carry over 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 regarded as a masterclass in interactive storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on 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
    7,322 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the "Mass Effect Legendary Edition" have received significant upgrades, particularly for the first game, which now features modernized visuals that enhance the overall experience. While the remaster improves textures and lighting, some players feel that the enhancements for the second and third games are less noticeable, and there are complaints about the lack of detailed graphical options and settings. Overall, the remastered trilogy is praised for its visual improvements, making it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers 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.”
    • “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.”
    • “A bit boring, graphics look dated even after this refurb.”
    • “The graphics especially in ME1 and ME2 did not age very well (although there were already improved).”
    • “The graphics are... disappointing.”
  • gameplay
    6,740 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of the Mass Effect trilogy has seen significant improvements, particularly in the remastered Legendary Edition, which enhances 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. The sequels, Mass Effect 2 and 3, build on this foundation, offering more polished gameplay and engaging combat, though some players note a shift towards a more action-oriented style at the expense of RPG elements. Overall, the trilogy is praised for its compelling storytelling and character development, making it a must-play despite some gameplay shortcomings.

    • “Me3 has some of the most fun over-the-shoulder shooter gameplay I've ever had the pleasure of playing, and me3 has so much customization with armor, weapons, weapon mods, and class skills and progression of skill bonuses.”
    • “The gameplay is completely redesigned, and it’s basically a solid third-person shooter.”
    • “The gameplay changes between each game, but definitely a huge improvement between each entry.”
    • “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.”
    • “Me1 was enjoyable but had certain glaring flaws, like the exceptionally boring and repetitive open world gameplay, that really dragged it down.”
    • “The gameplay, unfortunately, is just meh.”
  • stability
    1,390 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 with the EA launcher, which can lead to freezing and crashes. Overall, the remaster retains many of the original's issues while introducing new glitches, making it a somewhat unstable experience for a significant number of players.

    • “The game runs great, looks good, it's worth the money.”
    • “Runs great on Linux/Steam Deck, and has probably been the easiest experience for transferring saves between games.”
    • “The game was smooth and more or less bug free.”
    • “The game is still a buggy mess.”
    • “It's buggy, terrible and restrictive, and I wish I had not bought this 'game' that requires me to create an EA account and log in to it to play a single player game... that half the time doesn't even start.”
    • “Filled to the brim with brand new gamebreaking bugs and glitches that make the games borderline unplayable.”
  • emotional
    1,132 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the Mass Effect trilogy is overwhelmingly praised, with players frequently expressing deep emotional connections to the characters and storylines. Many reviews highlight the intense emotional rollercoaster experienced throughout the games, often leading to tears during pivotal moments, particularly in Mass Effect 3. The character-driven narratives, combined with a powerful musical score, create a rich emotional tapestry that resonates with players long after the game ends, making it a memorable and impactful experience.

    • “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
    1,110 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the Mass Effect trilogy is widely praised for its exceptional quality and emotional impact, with many reviewers highlighting the iconic soundtracks that enhance the game's narrative and atmosphere. Composers Jack Wall and Sam Hulick are frequently credited for creating memorable scores that resonate with players, making the music a significant aspect of the overall experience. While some minor audio issues were noted, the overwhelming consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature, contributing to the trilogy's status as a beloved classic in gaming.

    • “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 soundtrack, from the melancholy of Vigil’s theme to the adrenaline-pumping suicide mission in Mass Effect 2, is beautifully integrated and unchanged, which fans will appreciate.”
    • “The soundtrack is a bit jarring though, but you wouldn't give it much thought while fighting.”
    • “The sound sometimes stops playing any voice dialog, sometimes all the sound effects disappear, sometimes the music is gone.”
    • “The music of these games can be rough at times, mainly in the third game with songs not really fitting the scenario, but others it's just perfect; very hit or miss on the soundtracks.”
  • optimization
    878 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance improvements and graphical enhancements, particularly on modern hardware. However, issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and inconsistent performance—especially in Mass Effect 1 and during specific gameplay scenarios—have been frequently reported. While some users experienced smooth gameplay, others faced frustrating performance hiccups, often attributed to the EA launcher and the remaster's reliance on older game engines.

    • “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 performance of this game is really good, and the gameplay holds up staggeringly well, I would highly recommend.”
    • “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.”
    • “The game performance is really bad, the game keeps crashing, tons of bugs within just 1 hour and 30 minutes of gameplay, the AI is so bad, on the hardest difficulty they barely do something, and on top of that EA launcher keeps interfering.”
  • replayability
    618 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 relationships, making each playthrough unique and engaging. The inclusion of the Citadel DLC and various gameplay refinements further enhances the replay value, ensuring that fans can enjoy countless hours of immersive storytelling and gameplay.

    • “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, dialogues resulting in different outcomes makes this a 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.”
    • “So I'd give this game a solid 7/10, it would score higher if not for the terrible quality of life (many unskippable scenes that hinder replayability and also quite a few bugs).”
    • “Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad game, it's just one which I feel does not have much replayability.”
  • grinding
    468 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding certain elements, such as planetary scanning and resource gathering, 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 can detract from the overall experience, making it feel like a chore rather than an engaging part of the gameplay. Overall, players suggest that while the series has improved in some areas, the grind remains a significant aspect that can be frustrating at times.

    • “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 gotta do every loyalty mission and upgrade every part of the ship which you do by going to different planets and scanning for resources and shooting probes.”
  • humor
    462 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 enjoy the unique personalities of companions like Wrex and Tali, as well as the hilarious side quests and dialogue that provide comic relief amidst the game's serious themes. The Citadel DLC, in particular, is highlighted for its abundance of funny moments and meta-humor, making the overall experience both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

    • “It leaves you both crying and laughing, sometimes at the same time.”
    • “The conversations felt authentic, heartfelt, and often hilarious.”
    • “The Citadel DLC made me laugh a lot and has a very fun story.”
    • “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
    426 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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, rich character arcs, and the emotional weight of player decisions, making it a must-play for fans of character-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 throughout the trilogy is nothing short of extraordinary.”
    • “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.”
    • “There's no really any character development after that and the dialogue is kinda boring during missions.”
  • atmosphere
    306 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the Mass Effect trilogy is widely praised for its immersive world-building, engaging storylines, and memorable characters, which together create a captivating sci-fi experience. Players appreciate the unique tonal shifts across the games, with the first installment offering a rich atmosphere, the second focusing on character depth, and the third delivering a sense of urgency and spectacle. Despite some critiques regarding changes in lighting and gameplay mechanics in the remastered versions, the overall ambiance, enhanced by a stunning soundtrack, remains a standout feature that keeps players deeply engaged.

    • “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.”
    • “It’s a series that neither falls into the pit of hopeless despair nor the delusions of naïve optimism, rather it occupies a delightful gray center, with interesting ideas, thoughtful philosophical questions, and fantastic atmosphere that keeps you engaged and wanting more.”
    • “The overall atmosphere (environments, music, designs, etc.) also makes it one of the best sci-fi games available.”
    • “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.”
    • “Totally ruins the otherwise dark and grim atmosphere.”
  • monetization
    182 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 pricing, bugs, and the perception that it lacks genuine effort, often feeling that it exploits nostalgia rather than delivering a quality experience. While some acknowledge the remaster's improvements, the overwhelming sentiment is that it prioritizes profit over player satisfaction, making it difficult to recommend at full price.

    • “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.”
    • “All the 3 games are great rich story content, no BS of microtransactions, loot boxes, or DLC purchases; all content included.”
    • “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 little more than a shameless cash grab by EA as usual.”
    • “Overall, it's another half-assed, soulless cash grab.”
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88%Critics’ scoreBased on 58 critic reviews
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76h Median play time
92h Average play time
17h Main story
43h Completionist
17-144h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 330 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Mass Effect is a open world role playing shooter game with romance, drama, science fiction and erotic themes.

Mass Effect is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X|S and others.

The main story can be completed in around 17 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 43 hours to finish. On average players spend around 92 hours playing Mass Effect.

Mass Effect was released on December 19, 2008.

Mass Effect was developed by BioWare.

Mass Effect has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Mass Effect is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect Andromeda, Mass Effect 3, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords and others.