

“Mass Effect” promises an “epic” adventure, but that word really applies only to the size of the galaxy, not the scope of the story, a simple affair that borrows liberally from “Star Wars” and other sci-fi classics. First, the ZSquare. More Information: Using the Sample: This sample is composed of four projects. “Mass Effect” enemies can move as quickly as those in “Halo,” but players have to manage more than a dozen weapons and “biotic” powers in battle, some of which take a few seconds to activate. Replicated Feature: The looks and behaviour of the dialogue system and dialogue wheel. It works well enough in small skirmishes, but becomes almost dysfunctional in major end-of-level fights.

Unlike the tedious, turn-based action in most RPGs, “Mass Effect’s” battles are fast and furious. The only difference between most planets is whether the winding road between the landing point and final destination is surrounded by dusty mountains, snow-covered mountains or grass-covered mountains. Not nearly as much work went into the environments, though. That’s true quite literally at times, as the game suffers from frequent glitches that makes the onscreen action pause for a few seconds at a time.Ĭharacter models are detailed and outstanding, both for the dozens of alien species and Shepard him- or herself. No need to invest arbitrary skill points into a speech skill cough Mass Effect, Fallout 3/New Vegas The added bonus of the timer gives the game a sense of urgency as well as pressures the player into picking a choice on the fly. First, the ZSquare. APs dialogue system is excellent in terms of how conversations in RPGs should be done. Using the Sample: This sample is composed of four projects.

The option to, essentially, choose your own adventure or do a straight-ahead reading imbues all of “Mass Effect” and makes it significantly less intimidating than traditional role-playing games, the videogame descendants of old school geek fests like “Dungeons and Dragons.”īut as Commander Shepard sets out to save the universe, it becomes apparent that “Mass Effect” can barely hold itself together. Replicated Feature: The looks and behaviour of the dialogue system and dialogue wheel. Those who want to, however, can change “John” to “Jane,” select the character’s back story and attitude, and design him or her with any other look they desire. From the start, it’s clear there’s something different about “Mass Effect.” In less than a minute, players can choose to be Commander John Shepard and jump into the action.
