Mass Effect 3: Review

I have been waiting for this moment ever since I completed my playthrough of Mass Effect 2.
The invasion of the Reapers is at hand and let me start by saying Mass Effect 3 is everything I expected and more.

Breakdown:

The Reapers are here!

Developer: Bioware
Distributor: Electronic Arts
Engine: Unreal Engine 3
Platforms: Windows PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Modes: Single and Multi-player
Genre: Action Role-Playing
Rating: M for Mature
Release Date: March 6th, 2012 (US)


Story:

For years, Commander Shepard has been telling anyone who will listen that a war is coming. The Reapers are finally here and they mean business. They seek to stamp out all organic life in the galaxy, and planet earth is one of the places that gets hit the hardest. Once again its up to Shepard to save the galaxy and hand out a heaping helping of "I told you so". It's not so much about building your team as it is about gathering forces to stop the Reapers.

To get the full benefit of the story, you have to play Mass Effect 1 & 2. The decisions that you have made in those 2 games carry over and effect the storyline here. For instance, if you killed Wrex in 1, he wont be in part 3. It really does encourage multiple play-through to see just how the story line is effected. No matter what path you choose in this game the story is an enjoyable emotional tale filled with twists, turns and hard choices.

Presentation:

Liara

Mass Effect 3 is a gorgeous game, defiantly the best looking of the series. The character models are the best looking of the series, biotic powers look cooler and environments are much more dynamic than in the previous games. There are a couple stages that cleverly use lighting to set an ominous mood. Visuals on the menus have been revamped and are better for it. As good as all this is however, there is still an issue with texture pop-in that has been evident throughout the series. There were even a couple of instances where characters were invisible during conversations. Additionally load times seemed a little longer than previous games.

Gameplay:

Just like its predecessors Mass Effect 3 is an action RPG, but there are some additions that breathe new life into the franchise. For instance, the way in which the Normandy navigates the galaxy map has changed. Scan too much in a Reaper controlled area and they will come after you. This adds a little strategy when traveling as you will have to flee and come back when the Reapers aren't aware of you presence.

There have been a number of tweaks to the combat system that make fighting more enjoyable than in the previous games. I think Commander Shepard has been hanging out with Marcus Fenix, because he moves a lot like him on the battle field. That's right, you can finally dodge. Additionally the cover system has been adjusted as well. You can now move between short gaps and stay in cover. These changes make it much easier to evade oncoming fire.

Voice commands have been added for all you Kinect owners out there. To get Commander Shepard to use "Warp", just say "Warp". Want to use your squad mates powers? Here's an example of how to do so. Just say "Ashley", "Concussive Shot". The voice commands are simple to do and they make combat in Mass Effect 3 a much freer experience. Players no longer have to stop the game-play to switch weapons or use biotics. You can even use them in conversations in lieu of the controller. To make full use of Kinect, take a minute to adjust your settings. It's no fun getting shot while you're yelling "Shockwave" at the top of you lungs.

Multi-player

The biggest change to Mass Effect is the addition of multi-player. At first I was skeptical just how this mode would fit in the game. However after a few rounds my doubts vanished. Not only is multi-player good, but its down right addictive. Much like the horde mode in Gears of War, players are expected to survive waves of different enemy types. Its not just about survival however.
Some waves you will be asked to complete tasks like taking out a specific target or hack a computer. This helps keep the action from getting stale. You can choose from any one of the 6 classes, but in the beginning, only the human race is available. Completing waves earn you credits, which can be used to unlock weapons, and the other races. While I do like the bulk of multi-player, I don't like the looting system. To earn new items you are forced to buy packs which give you a totally random group of items. This means getting really good gear and unlockables are left completely up to luck. This aside, its still great to use your biotic powers and gun down Geth with a group of friends. Your results in multi-player contribute to your galactic readiness which effects the ending you receive in the main story.

Rating:

Liara & Shepard

Mass Effect 3 truly closes out the series in style. The story is top-notch, the graphics are amazing and the game-play is the best in the series.
Multi-player is well done and adds another element to an already amazing game.
All these things included give this game a high amount a replay value. There are some minor technical issues here and there, but this shouldn't stop anyone from picking this up.
I haven't been able to put my controller down since I bought it. This is one title you shouldn't miss. I give Mass Effect 3 a 9 out of 10.