Complex yet Incredible
With no prior bioware series experience, I did not know what i was getting myself into. However given as a gift I thought I would give it a shot, here's the result:
Graphics: The absolute best facial expressions and character models i've seen in video games, hands down. Emotion and meaning is conveyed through them to the point where seeing two people talk became enjoyable no matter what the topic. However, environments while exploring in the mako were rather bland and helped hinder those experiences.
Sound: Voice acting is superb, with absolutely no weak ends. Seth Green provides the voice of the comedy relief rather naturally.
Music was mostly background however there were a few moments where well placed scores made moments epic.
Controls: The blockers controlled weaponry and powers amicably while the rest of the controls were rather standard, left trigger aimed, right trigger fires, etc. Everything Worked.
Story: A rogue Spectre(equivalent of James Bond) named Saren goes rogue and betrays the Galactic council, all hell breaks loose as the protagonist(Commander Sheppard) tries to prove his betrayal and understand it before Saren gets what he's looking for. A story that unravels quite well, concludes in a small way, but on a grand scale the story is just beginning as it is the first of a planned trilogy. The story picks up and contains a deep amount of side quests. Your decision to go either Paragon or Renegade(Just or Ruthless) alters the story in small yet very noticeable ways. Frankly, if you are into any Sci-Fi based novels, games, or movies, you will at least have the basis down.
Gameplay: The fighting in Mass Effect is the main gameplay aspect, and in this sense it both fails and succeeds. If you are expecting an action shooter then you will be dissapointed as this is beyond all else an RPG. Your levels determine you and your teams ability to fight. This all plays well with powers being used seamlessly throughout. The sidequests are so abundant that they may get repetitive if done all in one playthrough. Also, the Mako moments are quite dull and frankly slow the game down to an almost sloth like pace.
Others: The AI in the game is quite competent although sometimes less than helpful when too many enemies arise. The scope of the game is simply enormous, the characters quite memorable, and the theme quite adult. This is a game for 17+ for a reason.
Overall: A MUST for Sci-Fi Fans and RPG fans alike. As for the rest, If you give this game a solid 2+ hours of play almost everyone 17+ will find this an enjoyable experience through and through.
