Mass Effect (Xbox 360, 2007)

"Mass Effect is an amazing game; but in the sequels is where it will truly shine."
After waiting almost forever for Bioware's next generation introduction; Mass Effect, for the Xbox 360 is finally here. Mass Effect takes place One Hundred years into the future; in a milky way galaxy where Humans are united with alien alike. Humans are somewhat new to the new found galaxy, and some of the alien species are not fond of them. Humans are arrogant, determined and strong; their stay in the galaxy will bring them some unwanted beef with the wrong races.

This is where you come in.

You play as Commander Shepard of the Normandy crew; allied with a ship full of humans at your side. The humans are becoming more and more popular by the minute, and you are to help them by doing your military duties and meeting with the intergalactic council for meetings. (Which consist of a Turian, an Asari, etc.) Humans are struggling in the universe; growing too rapidly. What even makes things worse is that 'Saren', the main enemy in the game; goes rogue and goes around looking for ancient artifacts to wipe humanity out.

He has a Geth at his command; and he won't stop until he has wiped humanity off the face of the galaxy!

Before jumping into the game, you get to modify your Commander Shepard. You choose background information and important events which happened before the current incidents you are in; which can affect the storyline. You choose his first name, and get to modify what he looks like. Now I wont lie here. The customisation is weak, no doubt about it. For the most part, your Shepard will look great. But until you begin to edit the eyes and nose, as soon as you jump into the game, you will wish you changed them.

There are few sets of eyes in the game; half of which look Asian. The other three eyes which look like they belong to caucasion or African American are either too big or too squinted. The eyes will tick you off for most of the game; due to the limits. The nose customisation is great, but what really gets me is the camera angles you are presented with whilst you are creating Shepard. You only get to move his head to the side, or up and down; when you boot up the game, and see him from a proper side on angle, you will realise you made another mistake.

But these small flaws are not enough to ruin the game!

The story, as said above, is very deep and obviously I will not say any more about it to prevent spoiling it. The conversations are fun to be in, as you can blatantly interrupt someone whilst they are talking or pull of a kick ass line due to your renegade or paragon points. Each conversation involves you; you choose what you want to say, when you want to say it. Also to say, each action contributes to the storyline, so you are looking at an awesome storyline.

The graphics are amazing; probably the best on the 360. Their are some minor bugs but when you get into the game, they become overlooked. It is amazing that a game with this much content can fit on such a small disc; and for this, I really couldn't care about the frame rate.

The sound is amazing as well. The music not so much, but the sound effects literally blew me off my seat. I sometimes even turned my volume down to how much the games sound immersed me. The sound makes you feel like you are Commander Shepard, and you are in the game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10

Game Release: Mass Effect (US, 11/20/07)