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Review: Mass Effect Legendary Edition

  • 9.5/10
    Total Score - 9.5/10
9.5/10

Summary

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is one of the best packages ever made, and if you have yet to experience the story buckle in and prepare for a thrill ride.

Developer – Bioware

Publisher – Electronic Arts

Platforms – PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Playstation 4/5

Mass Effect, for those who don’t know, tells the story of Commander Shephard and their crew’s fight to save the Milky Way from an ancient alien force that threatens all of existence.

Now, on the surface, that seems awfully cliche and very straightforward. In many ways, this how almost all sci-fi stories decided, and in what way does Mass Effect really stand out from every other end of the galaxy story ever told?

The long and the short answer is simple, friendship.

Bioware’s legendary trilogy, Mass Effect, is built on friendship. I can point to Bioware and how they turned isometric rpg’s into third person cover based shooting with ease. I can speak to the great graphics, backed by one of the most memorable scores of gaming’s history.

I can point to the fantastic dialogue and choices you must make through all three games, and how saves carry over with many of those choices bearing meaningful fruit even near its end.

One can point to the incredible world building, and the huge investment in the lore and history of the Mass Effect universe, making it one of pop cultures best sci-fi experiences, even beyond gaming.

All of those things and more, can easily be somebodies answer as to why Mass Effect is such a force in gaming, and why bringing it back for veterans and new fans is such a fantastic moment for gaming.

Friendship is my answer, and I’m sure it’s the answer for many fans who played through the games when they originally released. Wrex, Jack, Garrus, Joker, Dr. Chakwas, Anderson and the list goes on and on. The relationships your custom made Shephard makes with the eccentric crew of the Normandy is what truly makes Mass Effect what it is.

Every choice, their individual personalities and stories, and even how they interact within the games larger story and the smaller drama onboard the ship represent Bioware at their absolute peak.

In terms of the work done for this remaster, it is substantial. Much improved textures, resolution and frame rates help all three games. The original Mass Effect, benefits most from the new package simply being as it’s the oldest, and the one where Bioware’s first attempt at marrying shooter and RPG had some issues.

Most of the original games core combat, interface and inventory design was completely redesigned to resemble the later games. It never feels as good as three or modern shooters, but the changes really make an impact and bring a level of cohesion to the trilogy as a whole.

I’m not going to say much more, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is one of the best packages ever made, and if you have yet to experience the story buckle in and prepare for a thrill ride.

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