Key Takeaways
1. Mass Effect is a beloved sci-fi franchise known for its engaging narrative and player choices, with the original trilogy released between 2007 and 2012.
2. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition, released in 2021, features enhanced visuals and includes all single-player DLC, but lacks the multiplayer mode from Mass Effect 3.
3. The series is set in a rich sci-fi universe where player choices significantly impact the storyline, characters, and outcomes across the trilogy.
4. While the remaster improves visuals and performance, some outdated mechanics from the original games, particularly in the first installment, remain.
5. The Legendary Edition offers great value with three full games and over 30 expansions for a discounted price, receiving a positive reception on platforms like Steam and Metacritic.
Mass Effect is a beloved sci-fi franchise from BioWare that stands out in the genre for its captivating narrative and significant player choices. The first installment debuted in 2007, followed by sequels in 2010 and 2012. In 2021, the renowned trilogy returned as the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which boasts enhanced visuals, technical improvements, and includes all single-player downloadable content in one bundle. However, the multiplayer mode from Mass Effect 3 is absent, as the Legendary Edition focuses solely on the single-player journey.
A Rich Sci-Fi Universe
The Mass Effect universe is a classic sci-fi setting where humans are part of a vast galactic alliance with various alien species. Central to the plot is the conflict with the Reapers, an ancient race of machines intent on exterminating all organic life. The games combine third-person shooter gameplay with role-playing elements, such as dialogue choices, skill trees, and a moral system that allows players to take either an idealistic (Paragon) or brutal (Renegade) approach. What distinguishes the series is how decisions affect the entire trilogy, influencing characters, plotlines, and the destinies of entire planets. Players can transfer progress from one game to another via save files.
Gameplay Evolution
In the initial Mass Effect, Commander Shepard discovers a long-dormant threat and embarks on a mission to save the galaxy, emphasizing exploration and role-playing. Mass Effect 2 shifts the emphasis to action and team relationships, as Shepard gathers a new crew to confront the enigmatic Collectors, each with their own backstory and loyalty missions. The conflict against the Reapers culminates in Mass Effect 3, where choices from prior games come to fruition, impacting the galaxy-wide war’s outcome.
The German site Eurogamer.de reviewed the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, commending it for being a well-rounded remaster of the trilogy, with the first game showing the most significant enhancements. Thanks to modern upgrades like 4K resolution, high-resolution textures, improved effects, and smoother performance, the games feel more contemporary while retaining their original appeal. Enhancements to controls, user interface, and loading times also make for a more pleasant experience. Eurogamer.de noted the great value, as players receive three full games along with all single-player DLCs for the price of a single new title.
Room for Improvement
While the updates are commendable, it’s important to remember that this is a remaster, not a complete remake—so some fundamental issues from the original games persist. In particular, the first game has dated mechanics, like a clunky cover system, repetitive mission designs, and awkward inventory management. The notorious Mako vehicle, though improved, still feels slow and cumbersome. Although the first installment received a substantial visual facelift, the changes in parts 2 and 3 are subtler, with aging animations and character models becoming more noticeable.
Since its launch in 2021, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition has garnered over 50,000 reviews on Steam, of which 91% are positive. On Metacritic, the remastered trilogy enjoys a solid Metascore of 86. However, the user score tells a slightly different tale, standing at 6.7. This discrepancy can be attributed not only to technical problems at launch but also to the still-contentious ending of Mass Effect 3, which has continued to divide fans more than ten years after its original release.
Bundle of Content
Created by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition includes all three main games and nearly every downloadable content. It offers over 30 expansions that introduce additional missions, characters, weapons, armor, and story elements to the single-player campaign. The standard price on Steam is $60, but the Legendary Edition is currently available for just $6 due to a 90% discount, which lasts until March 27.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not accountable for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this article was valid at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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