Mass Effect Limited Edition (Xbox 360)

The game has some frame rate and texture pop-in issues, but this is more of an engine problem. Even with these problems, the game provides a hundred hours of enjoyment.

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Bioware has become synomous to excellence in RPG video gaming for almost a decade now, and Mass Effect reinforces this fact.

Xbox 360 needed a good RPG in its library. Sure, you got your Oblivion and your Blue Dragon, or even Eternal Sonata, but have these really quenched your RPG thirst? If not, then Mass Effect surely will.

I'll give you a simple list of the Pros and cons.

Cons:

1. Frame rate - You probably have heard all about this already. Just let me clarify on one point: This DOESN'T happen during combat.

2. Loading - Too many areas need loading. You'll be running from one place to another, only to see your screen pause, with a loading... loading... notation at the bottom of your screen.

3. Learning curve - Combat and driving the MAKO (your combat vehicle) take a while to get use to.

4. Combat - It's no Gears of War or Rainbow Six. The combat could get confusing, and the cover system ain't all that great (enemies tend to charge at you too often, making covering pointless). But hell, it's a RPG, not first/third person shooter.

PROS:

1. The Story - Bioware has created a mythology of their own, with ALOT of details. Although it's not totally unique, but it's still good stuff.

2. Graphics - This is usually an area that RPGs faulter on, but Mass Effect definitely looks NEXT GEN.

3. Dialogues - Well written and amazingly acted. Nothing sounds corny or cheesy.

4. Characters - This has always been one of Bioware's trademark. They almost seem alive (it's kinda of creepy, considering that they are all computer generated). This includes Shepard (the protagonist).

5. Game size - It's bigger than you might think. If you read anything else where, you might of heard that you can beat the game in 10 to 15 hours; which is probably true, but then again, so can you with Oblivion. Why would anyone rush through the game when there are a ton of side quests and area to explore?

6. Combat - Yes, it's a weak point and a strong point. It's weak because it's not tweaked to optimal, but it's great because it's actually fun killing baddies; just count the ways to toast a Geth (You want to spin it around using Dark Energy? Zap it with your Omni-Tool? Or just snipe it with your rifle?).

So, Mass Effect, despite a few loose screws here and there, it's still one heck of a solid action RPG. This will probably be the best RPG on the 360 for some time to come, so grab it!

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I've always been a fan of BioWare games, mostly because I love a good storyline and BioWare knows how to deliver; and this game is no exception. BioWare has a nice RPG part to it, a nice third-person shooter part (could've been better with actual collision-detection determining hits instead of rolling dice behind the scenes), some fun side quests, great voice acting, beautiful graphics and an amazing story that is told in an equally impressive way. If you love RPGs with a great story, and you also like third-person shooters, then this game is for you.

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