March 6 2012, Mass Effect 3 was released... now 20 days later it's time to go over what we've learned about this game so far. Please note, I am diving into this game with no previous Mass Effect experience, so there will be no bias towards this game whatsoever, I will only share what I've learned, liked and disliked thus far. When I first popped the disc into console (PS3) and fired her up, I was blown away with the cinematic start up. This game is beautiful!
I usually don't gush over fancy graphics, but this time I had too. I thought I had purchased a sci-fi action movie and not a video game, that's how in depth the intro was! Then the movie stopped and the game began and I again was surprized. Because apparently the movie doesn't stop, the whole game looks and feels like a sci-fi action movie. The environments are beautifully rendered, and almost seamless. I had repeatedly had to stop myself from gazing into the background and focus on the action in front of me. At first I thought I had purchased a shooter game, I even said out loud "I thought this was supposed to be a RPG/Action/Strategy game, not just a shooter". I was almost disappointed, but all I had to do was give it a few minutes to realize that this game is all of the above.
The intro throws you into the action right away and yes at first the game resembled 'just another shooter'. But I was wrong. This game combines the best aspects of all of the above genres. The combat system does resemble your typical shooter, but it's not... kind of hard to explain until you jump in and try it, but rest assured this ain't your Halo or COD type game, it's all of them and better!
Customization is also a staple of the RPG genre, and Mass Effect 3 doesn't pull any punches. You can upgrade the main character as well as other allies who join your fight, and not just the color of the armor they wear. You have the options to specialize your character into certain roles. (Soldiers, snipers etc...) The upgradable weapons was also a nice touch, and doing so can certainly change the outcome of a given engagement. This game ends up being much more customizable than I originally thought and thus much more entertaining and challenging. The AI of your allies is also pretty slick. They engage enemies appropriately, follow your commands and don't run off and get themselves killed leaving you to take out hoards of enemies solo.
And finally the strategy aspect of the game, it too is also pretty slick. From choosing where in the galaxy you venture and attack/defend next, to choosing the best defensive and offensive positions on the field of battle, this game does it all. My personal favorite has to be how one can decide where to station allies on the battle field. This makes setting traps, defending positions and laying down covering fire effective and can sway the outcome a engagement greatly ... especially when outnumbered.
All in all I have to say I am extremely impressed with Mass Effect 3. From the graphics, to the story, to the action and the customization options.. this game performs very well on all levels. I am certainly pleased that this game was not a waste of money, and equally impressed that I needed no previous Mass Effect experience to jump in and fully enjoy this game.
Mass Effect 3 gets a well earned 5 out of 5!
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