Cert: 12+
Platform(s): XBOX360
Genre: Third-Person RPG / Strategy / Action
Mass Effect, or 'the widow maker', as it's affectionately known in my house, is possibly the most addictive game I have ever played. It's a slow-burning saga that asks questions and promises that the answer is just ahead. It is storytelling at its finest. Okay, if you are not a sci-fi fan I would imagine I'm about to lose you! Set in a future where humans are struggling to be recognised by a Galactic Council, one cannot help but feel the ironic overtones reverberating throughout the game's core.
Graphics are solid and the character animations are excellent. I did notice the 360 struggling with the rendering of some of the graphics, but I suppose I had been playing for nearly 12 hours at that stage!
Gameplay, as I said, is highly addictive, but be warned; this is not a game of over-abundant action or violence - more that they pepper the intriguing storyline. With an entire universe to explore, full of technologies, weapons, armour and alien races to align yourself with, fans of the genre cannot help but be impressed.
Graphics 4/5
Gameplay 5/5
Replay Value 4/5
Overall rating 4/5
Review by Eamonn Cleary
