Re: mass effect
 

This game is great because unlike most RPGs (or even movies), the writing and voice acting is really good. Really top notch in that aspect. Very polished game.

Re: mass effect
 

im LOVING this so far, took a few hours to get the hang of it, but man this game was incredibly well made.

Re: mass effect
 

Damn I guess ill buy this over the weekend. Keep posting reviews & comments theyre appreciated.

Re: mass effect
 

it's pretty good... feels very much like KOTOR and nothing like Oblivion.

2 minor issues I have:
1) The whole "revolutionary dialog system" they've been touting in this game... i just don't see it. It's a pretty standard dialog mechanism where you can say things that are nice or evil and you can explore various conversation paths. Sometimes you get XP or new entries in your codex if you do enough talking.

2) The levels are, for the most part, beautifully rendered but they generally seem pretty sterile. There's nothing included that adds life or intimacy... i.e. a coffee mug on a desk, a book, personal affects, etc. I also think the planets that you can land on (so far at least) are pretty boring. They feel very "90's graphics". I have been driving around on at least one planet that had indigenous life and there were no trees, plants, etc.... just some "monkeys" walking around that looked more like possums.

Re: mass effect
 

Just got back from turkey day. Anyhow, first impressions:

So far I am really liking how the dialog really is dynamic. Something that's nice is that you don't just say what you click on. You click the gist of a feeling, but what's said/done is something entirely different.

I also like that the good/evil actions aren't so timid this time around. Depending on what you do, you can go from being a sickeningly benevolent angel to a huge randomly murdering/assaulting dick or anywhere in between. It does just come down to this choice (the red one!) makes you evil, this choice (the blue one!) makes you good - but it is done exceptionally well.

Will comment on exploration/combat after I've gotten deeper into the game. So far this game is seriously delivering.

Re: mass effect
 

******SPOILER BELOW IN WHITE*******


<font color="white">I shot Tombs </font>

Anyone else?

This game is fun, but the combat takes some getting use to. Your teammates are pretty dumb as well.

Re: mass effect
 

I've beaten it once already, I'm playing on Hardcore mode now. Lets see, I punched a reporter in the face, had sex with an alien, <font color="white">actually felt remorse when I couldn't stop from killing Wrex because I didn't have enough charm / intimidation. </font>. I have played around 8 hours only doing side quests and haven't even done the 3rd mission. And I'm still having as much fun as I did the first time, this game is truly epic.

Re: mass effect
 

lol i just did the the interview, didn't know you could knock her out, gotta try that next time.

Re: mass effect
 

wow, beaten it already????

Re: mass effect
 

Seems like a solid game so far...

FYI high stakes quasar in the casino is +EV. If it didn't take so long to display the next number or you could play higher stakes (maybe later in the game? I just started) then it might be worthwhile. I guess if you need a little extra cash this might help out.

Optimal strategy is:
0-2: hit 4-7
3-5: hit 1-8
6-8: hit 4-7
9-12: hit 1-8
13-15: hit 4-7
16: hit 1-8
17+: stay

You win 44 bucks per game, so it only takes 20 games to earn enough to buy terrible armor or something equally worthless. Yes!!

Re: mass effect
 

You become a serious killing machine once you get the decent weapons, also Spoiler: <font color="white"> i just finished the mission where you have to decide whether you want to kill the arachni queen or set her free and I gotta say that it was one tough decision to make</font>

Re: mass effect
 

[ QUOTE ]
wow, beaten it already????

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I didn't do any side quests at all my first time beating it, now all I'm doing this go around are side quests for the achievement.

Is it just me, or is the sniper rifle useless in 95% of the game, you can maybe get one shot off before you get ambushed and then it's useless.

Re: mass effect
 

Games great will post more thoughts after I've beaten it. Just completed the 3 main planet quests after leaving Citadel.

Please watch this gameplay footage starting at 3:35 (should be familiar scene to most). It looks like theyve changed the HUD some but how does he bring up that menu to place his squads cover? I'm constantly running into problems with my utility classes running out in the open in a firefight (even using up dpad) or advancing ahead of my stronger classes (when using left dpad). Anyway, I hope that cover option is still in the game (I've missed it somehow).

Re: mass effect
 

[ QUOTE ]
Is it just me, or is the sniper rifle useless in 95% of the game, you can maybe get one shot off before you get ambushed and then it's useless.

[/ QUOTE ] I've used it a bunch [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Re: mass effect
 

Just want to add, if you pick the persona who is ruthless, the event in question occurs on Tarfan,or something like that.

Re: mass effect
 

Through about 6 hours of playtime I've done the Eden Prime mission, ran around the Citadel, and did two side missions to random uncharted planets. I think this is gonna be another Oblivion for me.

No sex with hot asaris yet. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: mass effect
 

I'm 16 hours in and I gotta say the game is pretty short if you focus on the main missions, after doing a couple of sidequests I decided to focus on the mainquest and almost finished the main storyline in 1 sitting. There's tons of replayvalue to be found though with all the decisions you are forced to make.

Also the fights are too easy or my character is a ultra killing machine, the only time I died in the last ~8 hours was after i stormed into a room with 3 geth destroyers in it.

Oh yeah, and the driving sequences are annoying as hell imo.

Still the best game I played this year.

Re: mass effect
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm 16 hours in and I gotta say the game is pretty short if you focus on the main missions, after doing a couple of sidequests I decided to focus on the mainquest and almost finished the main storyline in 1 sitting. There's tons of replayvalue to be found though with all the decisions you are forced to make.

[/ QUOTE ]

What level were you upon completion?

Re: mass effect
 

How many total "missions" are there? I have done three so far. Eden Prime, Feros, and Noverian.

I've landed on probably 6 planets, surveyed a ton, and done little to know side quests. I am about 12 hours in.

Re: mass effect
 

[ QUOTE ]
You become a serious killing machine once you get the decent weapons, also Spoiler: <font color="white"> i just finished the mission where you have to decide whether you want to kill the arachni queen or set her free and I gotta say that it was one tough decision to make</font>

[/ QUOTE ]
no [censored]

Spoiler

<font color="white"> I let it live </font>
This is of course after I have already shot two people in cold blood.

Re: mass effect
 

What classes did you guys pick, and what's you're experiences so far? I'm thinking of starting over as a Vanguard (initially picked Soldier)

Re: mass effect
 

what is the combat like in this game?

It is the same style of combat of Baulders Gate? Is it more traditional RPG Combat?

just curious, thanks.

Thinking about going out to pick it up later today possibly

Re: mass effect
 

The closest thing I can compare the combat to is Kingdom Hearts, very much a hybrid action/RPG.

You can literally "pause" the action and select targets to apply "spells" to. You can also pause action to switch weapons. Its not like Baldurs Gate, because that was more action, and its not turned based at all like a regular RPG.

The system takes some adjusting, but man, its pretty damn sweet once you get it down.


Thug, I picked the Infiltrator class. I am enjoying it quite a bit. You have a lot of tech skills so decryption is easier. You also have decent combat skills. I would like to be able to train with the assualt rifle, but the pistol and sniper rifle work well. I also really like being able to use Damping, Sabotage, and Overlord against opponents.

I am seriously leaning torwards using something with Biotic powers next time through simply because throwing and lifting people is [censored] awesome and funny.

Soldier strikers me as very straightforward, but I haven't tried it.

Re: mass effect
 

Hit level 50 so now I can buy the master spectre gear/weapons, but I already had a better piece of armor on my main guy. Which made me go wtf, I guess Predator X is better than Titan X.

It does look alot cooler though I must say, its metallic black with red stripes, pretty badass.

Re: mass effect
 

Some gameplay tips i read on the ign forums. No spoilers.

Also when driving the Mako hold down LT then click in the Right Stick for a scoped view.

After you complete primary objectives on Therum, Noveria or Feros many new side assignments open, as well as random codex to find mainly at the Citadel (Docks for example Normandy codex)

Maxing out Paragon or Renagade points also unlock new side assignments (Using these skills also unlocks spaces in your stats to add LVL points to them) You should only go for Paragon or Renagade during your first career, 75 points in each is not possible your first go around.

Scholar achievement can be done talking with crew/people on the Normandy and Citadel (also talk to the tour VI's in the Citadel) you can achieve this before any major story line.

To reach LVL 60 you must finish the Main story and choose to "continue" your career from the start.

Any Ally achievment (Krogan Ally for example) you must have this member in your squad for the majority of your career this means more then the main story line!

Earning the Rich achievment will unlock something.

Re: mass effect
 

Are Paragon/Renegade points simply measures of how often you use the upper right versus bottom right conversation options?

Re: mass effect
 

Yes, and in the Squad point screen, Charm is for Paragon, Intimidation for Renegade. After you get spectre status though.

High enough points in either allow you to take a paragon/renegade conversation, which usually at the end of the conversation will net you additional points for whichever you chose.

Spoiler - <font color="white"> If you have high enough intimidation or charm, you can save Wrex from Virmire, It says if you do the side quest Wrex's Family Armor, it helps even more. </font>

Re: mass effect
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm 16 hours in and I gotta say the game is pretty short if you focus on the main missions, after doing a couple of sidequests I decided to focus on the mainquest and almost finished the main storyline in 1 sitting. There's tons of replayvalue to be found though with all the decisions you are forced to make.

[/ QUOTE ]

What level were you upon completion?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm at 38 now with a soldier/shock trooper and about to do the last mission. Haven't gotten the finished 50% achievement yet tho so there's lots of stuff left for my next game.

Re: mass effect
 

[ QUOTE ]
Are Paragon/Renegade points simply measures of how often you use the upper right versus bottom right conversation options?

[/ QUOTE ]not completely, you can gain point for either based on actions in game as well.

Re: mass effect
 

does anybody have a link that lists all the prestige classes you can unlock?
also i read theres a way to unlock a talent for your class that you usually can't pick, like singularity for a soldier, anybody know how?

Re: mass effect
 

Prestige classes? The [censored]?

Re: mass effect
 

Also from same poster on ign forum.

All Achievements that require 75 uses or 150 shots unlock bonus attributes for new characters.
Beat Veteran unlock hardcore.. harcore unlock insane... Gamer pics and bonus stats. DO NOT CHANGE THE DIFFICULTY LVL AT ANY TIME AFTER EDEN PRIME TO EARN THESE.

Re: mass effect
 

Just finished Vermire. Hope I played it ok. Major spoiler discussions in white.

<font color="white"> Didnt kill Wrex, had maxed out charm. Didnt take him in my party though, did he have any good dialog?
Saved Ashley but I don't really use her or Kaiden. I think Kaiden is better but I wanted to keep ashley for romance plot.
How does the fight with Saren end, set timer? I had him down really low on health and my party was completely fine then he just flew really far back and then they did a cut scene where he was somehow in my face.

Who saved who? I can't believe you could really be out two party members after that level if you didn't have the charm/intimidate to save Wrex.
</font>

Also the 150 inventory slots is really annoying w/ how pointless the goo is if you're a engy or always have Tali.

Re: mass effect
 

Spoiler: "<font color="white"> yeh, also charmed wrex and let kaiden die, never used any any of the 3 in my party, always use garrus and liara</font>"

yeah the 150 items limit is killing me, i got tons of gel and had to turn a good armor into gel once because i didn't notice my inventory was full. It's especially bad after a mako sequence because you pick up so much stuff during these.

Re: mass effect
 

Yea, I have a minor beef with the whole inventory system. Selling things is largely pointless as well, since most of it is worth [censored]. The money aspect of this game is a bit annoying.

Re: mass effect
 

I am about half way to a million credits!

Re: mass effect
 

I was randomly watching X-play and took their advice and immediately went out and bought it.

No regrets at all so far. Not finished with the main storyline, as I am easily distracted, but happy with things and really looking forward to trying a different character skill set next time.

Re: mass effect
 

How long is this game taking you guys to beat? I was hoping through the main story and a decent amount of side quests it would be a 40-60 hour game. Seems like some of you have gotten through it pretty quickly.

Re: mass effect
 

If you just play the main questline it's prolly ~9 hours, but you could also spent 20 hours on random quests before doing the second main mission so it's up to you.

Re: mass effect
 

[ QUOTE ]
How long is this game taking you guys to beat? I was hoping through the main story and a decent amount of side quests it would be a 40-60 hour game. Seems like some of you have gotten through it pretty quickly.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have about 4 hours of play and I just left the presidium (where the game really begins)

There's a ton of dialogue to listen to and a ton of things to do if you don't mind waiting to conquer the main quest.