The Mass Effect Thread

[Nostromo]

I can't help but feel that when I play KOTOR or Jade Empire, I'm basically playing the same game, but with different settings. And Mass Effect sounds like yet another variation on the same game. There are differences, of course, but at the core they feel like the same RPG. They're great games, obviously, but it does get a bit boring. Anyway, I hope I'm wrong about Mass Effect. It sure looks sweet.

[snoopy369]

This is exactly what I was (trying) to say, although I think I presume somewhat more variation than Nostromo does. Perhaps my ability to say is inadequate...

[Apocalypse]

Ewwwww

http://www.rpgcodex.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=21072&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=

[flash9286]

Originally posted by snoopy369
I'm not entirely sure how you define 'scope', but it was a very similar game, although of course with a different setting, and some substantial differences in execution of smaller points. It's not that they're the same game by any means, but they're fundamentally the same big-picture design; you could tell that the basic gameplay was similar, in the sense that d20 games have similar gameplay even if quit different in the small details. That's what makes them all great (or good depending on your pov) - the small picture elements that make the game unique.

They're similar in the sense that they're essentially a subgenre of RPGs, that only Bioware makes games in.

Jade Empire wasn't a d20 game IIRC.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Apocalypse
Ewwwww

http://www.rpgcodex.net/phpBB/viewto...der=asc&start=

Hot.

[snoopy369]

I didn't mean to imply it (or KOTOR, which if it was d20 it certainly hid it well) was d20, but to say Jade Empire:KOTOR::a d20 game:another d20 game.

[Kuciwalker]

KOTOR was a stripped-down d20. I thought that was immediately obvious from the skill system, the stats, the equipment screen, etc...

[snoopy369]

I don't play d20 intentionally (i might play a game like KOTOR that uses it, but I don't seek out d20), so I don't think about it all that much... I know 'how' d20 works big picture (ie, how games are based on it) more so than I know the actual details of it, from talking with coworkers and friends who actually do play it.

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by Nostromo
I can't help but feel that when I play KOTOR or Jade Empire, I'm basically playing the same game, but with different settings. And Mass Effect sounds like yet another variation on the same game. There are differences, of course, but at the core they feel like the same RPG. They're great games, obviously, but it does get a bit boring. Anyway, I hope I'm wrong about Mass Effect. It sure looks sweet.

I think you could make the same argument about any games using the same or similar engines, unless you are arguing that the plots have similarities.

[Nostromo]

I'm not talking about the engine, but the games themselves, the gameplay if you will.

[DrSpike]

Well they are all RPG games so perhaps not too surprising?

[snoopy369]

They are all specific types of RPG - discussion based adventure RPG with 3rd person single controlled actor combat, and an emphasis on party dynamics (more so in JE than KOTOR but there in both).

[flash9286]

Looks like K-mart broke the release date, I'm heading to K-mart tomorrow to see if I can grab a copy early.

http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39347&page=5

[Asher]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/833/833640p1.html

9.4/10

In a year that has seen the Xbox 360 library finally round itself out with a series of quality Japanese RPGs, BioWare has shown just how far ahead of the curve it is with Mass Effect. The cinematic design is nothing short of masterful. This is a game that takes the aspects of film that make cinema so compelling and crosses it with the interactivity of games with unprecedented success. Linear storytelling feels quaint by comparison.

Mass Effect is game that is greater than the sum of its parts. Technical issues abound, but the majority of Mass Effect is so expertly delivered that it can transcend its weaknesses. Applying number ratings to a game like this doesn't do it justice because there is no way you can ignore its technical flaws. Simply put, Mass Effect is a game that must be played. Then it must be played again. Don't pass this one up.

[Asher]

http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/mass-effect/836239p1.html

GameSpy: 5/5

BioWare's space opera is one of the greatest role-playing games ever made.

It's a rare thing when a game comes along with the power to move a player emotionally. Warts and all, you'll want to experience Mass Effect if you have any interest at all in enjoying one of the greatest efforts that modern videogaming has to offer. Mass Effect takes interactive entertainment to breathtaking new heights and is wholeheartedly recommended. This is one of the best games of the year, and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest games ever made.

http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1437/Mass-Effect/p1/

TeamXbox: 9.6/10

Despite it's flaws, there's no denying that Mass Effect is one of the best games of the year, and is certainly the best RPG on the Xbox 360 (sorry Blue Dragon fans!). It's also one of the most cinematic games of all-time, something that's definitely helped by a fantastic story, great writing, movie-quality direction, and strong voiceover work. We can only hope that it really is the first part of a trilogy, as we can't wait to see where the story goes next. We've heard people say that Mass Effect could be Star Wars for a new generation. If the first chapter is any indication of what BioWare has planned for the future, the sky's the limit.

GameZone: 98/100

I can honestly say that the universe Bioware created is the best I have encountered since George Lucas created Star Wars. Never have I been compelled to find out everything there is to a storyline as I did with Mass Effect.

EGM: 92/100

Far from being a ponderous sci-fi exposition, Mass Effect boasts a dynamic, well-constructed story with a broad emotional range. [Holiday 2007, p.82]

Seems to be a bit buggy out of the gate. Not that surprised, given how dynamic the game is making it a ***** to test. They seemed to have rushed it a bit to make it out in time for the holidays. Nothing a few patches won't fix.