Mass Effect?

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:37 am

Either you guys who are playing it are so disappointed that you can't bring yourself to post impressions, or so engrossed you can't tear yourself away to post impressions. (I'll assume the latter)

But I'd like to hear some detailed impressions of this game. It's on my radar, but as a guy who hates most RPG's (except for rocket propelled grenades-those are fun!), I'd like to know some things, like:

How heavy an element is the RPG, story notwithstanding? (I like the stories, just not all the item management, etc.)

Is the combat completely action RPG, or a mix? Is there more of one than the other? (I like action, not text and menus)

Is it as good as advertised, and would it appeal more to the Oblivion crowd, or the FF crowd?

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:22 am

I'm the latter. I couldn't tear myself away from it last night.

I'm playing as a soldier, so my impressions will be less "RPG"-ish, since the only skill upgrades I get have to do with armor and weapon effectiveness. I'm basically playing it like a story-driven shooter.

The combat is really fun for me. It's like you took this poor man's Gears of War engine and put it into an RPG. Run up to a wall and your character will take cover. Click LS to duck down if you take cover by a crate or something (unlike Gears, he won't do it on his own). Pull LT to zoom in and RT to fire, but weapons overheat if you fire them too much. To add to that, your targeting reticle spreads out like a tactical shooter if you auto-fire for too long.

Enemies will do some serious damage if you're not behind cover, as I died quite a bit in a few engagements. I had assassins flanking me on both sides and it was just a meat grinder. Had to replay it three or four times and had a "tactical retreat" back to a hallway that I could funnel them down and then just unload.

The combat is DEFINITELY "action heavy". The last section I was in had me fighting hordes of creatures in waves, and my wife looked at it and goes "this is an RPG? It looks like your Gears of War or Tabula Rasa". It has fast and furious combat, but you can pause with the LB or RB buttons to select weapons and powers. Why they couldn't have 3 buttons for powers, I'm not sure, though. You have one...but you have X and Y both pulling your weapon and B putting it away, with A as a "roadie run" while under fire for rapidly rushing the enemy or moving from cover to cover.

The overall pace of the game is probably going to appeal more to the FF crowd than Oblivion (when NOT in combat, that is...I'm talking story pacing and longggggg cut scenes and conversations), because the lands aren't as wide open. It is pretty linear, much like KOTOR before it. You're spawned into zones and off you go...you can't get too lost because there are only so many ways you can go at any time. You may have a force field blocking a door that funnels you right to the switch to turn off one of them, which funnels you to the next one, etc. The puzzles aren't too mind-bending or anything.

But the story sequences have me absolutely hooked. It's like literally controlling a movie experience. The conversation trees have no subtitles by default, and your responses give you a basic option, not exact text that Shepard will say, so you're sometimes wondering what his actual words will be. I've also had some segments already where Intimidation played a pretty pivotal role. Not sure I would have had the same outcome without it, as Shepard put a gun to a guy's head and got some information from him that wasn't available under the "normal" conversation trees (intimidate options show up in red).

Overall, it's a staggeringly good RPG. I was completely immersed in it, reading the Codex entries and backstory. The universe is just very alive, and they do a good job of making your story feel epic and far-reaching, involving a lot of people without going too far. From the minute you start creating your character, you're influencing how NPC's will interact with you based on your background choices. Are you a Space Navy brat who single-handedly fended off an alien invasion, making you a famous war hero? People are honored just to be in your presence from the start of the game. Are you a kid from the mean streets who just gets things done, no matter if you have to kill a few innocents or not? They'll be more wary of you. It's absolutely mind-boggling how much they tailor the story to your choices and character.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:39 am

I played for a few hours, pretty much what Terry said is spot on. I'm not sure how I feel about a shooter being in my rpg but setting that aspect aside for a moment the rest of the game is just so immersive it's scary. all the flavor text i usually skip is tucked nicely in a codex as you go and is read to you.

The conversations and how they evolve are also great and the voice acting is fantastic. So far definetly a good experience and can't wait to put some time in this long weekend with it.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:42 am

Danimal, did you feel like it had more than a passing resemblance to Gears of War-style combat? I couldn't get that out of my head last night as I was taking cover, stop-and-popping over ledges, rushing positions with A, etc.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:18 pm

Yeah the cover system and gaining tactical position really reminded me of Gow. Of course the AI of your suqad is kind of sketchy, they always seem to run into the area I am using for cover.

I can't imagine how this game would play if you were a solider, I mean I pretty much take down ever enemy myself at this point not my squadmates.

2 hours is certainly not enough time to judge a Bioware epic like this one, but the shooter aspect just seems a tad out of place.

I'd be willing to bet because of this aspect of the game Teal would actually really enjoy this game.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:45 pm

I played it for a few last night and I have to agree with Dan. Terry has it nailed.

Feels Like Gear of War meets Knights of the old Republic. The combat is 3rd person shooter and the rest of the game is just like KoTOR.

The more I played it the more I liked it.

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:46 pm

I only played a bit, about an hour (so gauge my comments accordingly) but I agree about the story. Really feels epic and like Terry I was reading the codex alot.

Teal, it doesn't yet seem like you'll have to micromanage player inventory like in an FF game or something. It's a simple interface with a reasonable amount of choices, not overwhelming.

It sure is perty.. even with the occasional stutters that occur. The control during battles I find enjoyable.. I'm a biotic, so I can use some guns like the soldier but I also get other fun skills to use like lift and warp.

The music is really appropriate as well. Really draws you into the feel of the world.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:04 pm

Terry:

That may be the finest impression I've ever read. Very thorough, very informative. Well done!

I admit, I'm liking what I'm hearing. GoW with a real story? Sounds great...

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:29 pm

Thanks

And it's a completely different experience based on class choice. My wife picked an Engineer or something and I watched her with her squad...she had a couple of grunts that she would direct out into the combat and she'd hang back. As they engaged and did all the damage, she'd run around healing and cleaning up stragglers. I haven't seen a game play so drastically different before...she barely ever actually engaged the enemy (she's not a shooter player), so she found a way to just play a support class instead. I have a feeling this one goes deeper than we can possibly imagine yet.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:01 pm

I'm assuming from the M rating that this is a game that I can't play while small children are in the room.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:05 pm

Tough to say. They have a couple of lines like "Bastards!!" and there's a strip club in there where the alien females are pole-dancing (but clothed). There are certainly parts of it I've seen that are pretty M-rated, but it's nothing like GoW or GTA or anything. Depends on what you let your kids see.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:39 pm

TCrouch wrote:Tough to say. They have a couple of lines like "Bastards!!" and there's a strip club in there where the alien females are pole-dancing (but clothed). There are certainly parts of it I've seen that are pretty M-rated, but it's nothing like GoW or GTA or anything. Depends on what you let your kids see.

Sorry to take it too far OT...but I'm very interested in this. My kids are still young (4 1/2, 3) so I'm more concerned about language (I swear worse than Bono on live TV when I'm not around them, but I'm trying to avoid embarrassment from them repeating at school more than anything), extreme graphic violence, and sexual content. I let them play Lego Star Wars, Mario, sports, and Spiderman games. I obviously would not let them see BioShock or GTA. My sons would usually rather run around our basement, play Legos, wrestle, etc. than watch me play, but there's still a chance they may hear/see something. Again, sorry to interrupt the very excellent impressions...

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:46 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
TCrouch wrote:Tough to say. They have a couple of lines like "Bastards!!" and there's a strip club in there where the alien females are pole-dancing (but clothed). There are certainly parts of it I've seen that are pretty M-rated, but it's nothing like GoW or GTA or anything. Depends on what you let your kids see.
Sorry to take it too far OT...but I'm very interested in this. My kids are still young (4 1/2, 3) so I'm more concerned about language (I swear worse than Bono on live TV when I'm not around them, but I'm trying to avoid embarrassment from them repeating at school more than anything), extreme graphic violence, and sexual content. I let them play Lego Star Wars, Mario, sports, and Spiderman games. I obviously would not let them see BioShock or GTA. My sons would usually rather run around our basement, play Legos, wrestle, etc. than watch me play, but there's still a chance they may hear/see something. Again, sorry to interrupt the very excellent impressions...

To further derail (although it's my thread, dammit, so who cares?

)...

The other night at dinner, my wife had prepared a meal that was not immediately familiar, apparently, to my oldest son, 7. Attempting to understand what was before him on the plate, he questioned, "What the hell is THAT?" He immediately cupped his hands over his mouth, and had an 'Uh-oh' look on his face.

...his mom glared at him, but I couldn't help it and broke out into uncontrollable laughter. Then she glared at ME...

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:53 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
TCrouch wrote:Tough to say. They have a couple of lines like "Bastards!!" and there's a strip club in there where the alien females are pole-dancing (but clothed). There are certainly parts of it I've seen that are pretty M-rated, but it's nothing like GoW or GTA or anything. Depends on what you let your kids see.
Sorry to take it too far OT...but I'm very interested in this. My kids are still young (4 1/2, 3) so I'm more concerned about language (I swear worse than Bono on live TV when I'm not around them, but I'm trying to avoid embarrassment from them repeating at school more than anything), extreme graphic violence, and sexual content. I let them play Lego Star Wars, Mario, sports, and Spiderman games. I obviously would not let them see BioShock or GTA. My sons would usually rather run around our basement, play Legos, wrestle, etc. than watch me play, but there's still a chance they may hear/see something. Again, sorry to interrupt the very excellent impressions...

Yeah this is on the verge of going way way way OT, but I had a discussion similar to this a while back. With me, the hard and fast rule in my house is "reality vs unbelievable". My younger kids aren't allowed to watch any game with believable real-world violence like Kane & Lynch or the military shooters. The "humans vs. aliens" stuff is pretty much fair game, though. I know there are tons of views on the subject, but to me, it's up to parents to teach their kids from right and wrong with all that video game violence crap. It's easier for me to explain to my kid why it's ok to shoot aliens and not to carry a .45 around town and shoot at people. The language is another matter...my kids watch the games a lot and sometimes those words just fly out there. One time, that's questionable. If it's every other word, then it's a "well, that's enough for you, go play". There's been a couple of instances in Mass Effect with "bastards" and "pissed me off", but no F bombs or anything like that...yet.

It's all so debatable...I just figure I'm worried about shielding them TOO much, to where they run off to a friend's house and see it there, etc. There are limits, but as long as I can keep them talking to me about it and not sneaking around, I can keep the explanations coming.

I know that probably won't sit well with some people here, but there's no book on parenting and it's been pretty successful for me personally so far, so I just keep on keepin' on

Back on topic, I just explored some of the "uncharted" worlds in the game at lunch, and it was a very open-ended, exploration-type of game. Driving around in the Mako, climbing mountains, getting out and investigating some debris or ruins...it was very, very cool.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:59 pm

Terry, your stance is pretty much the same as mine. Thanks for the info and thanks for costing me yet another $60. My wife thanks you.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:06 pm

Leebo33 wrote:Terry, your stance is pretty much the same as mine. Thanks for the info and thanks for costing me yet another $60. My wife thanks you.

Yeah, dammit...there goes another 60 bones.

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 10:06 pm

Thoughts still positive on this game.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 10:11 pm

Zlax45 wrote:Thoughts still positive on this game.

Yes...

Only thing that bothers me is the vehicle. It get annoying....but if you liked KoTOR you will love this.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:04 am

Once I figured out how to jump to avoid shots and use the rockets as my primary weapon instead of the machine gun, the vehicle was a lot more fun.

Beat it, turned right around and started a different character to see the other choices.

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:16 am

TCrouch wrote:Once I figured out how to jump to avoid shots and use the rockets as my primary weapon instead of the machine gun, the vehicle was a lot more fun.

Beat it, turned right around and started a different character to see the other choices.

I loved KOTOR only RPG I ever finished....Was it worth the 60?

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:35 am

More than...

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:07 am

TCrouch wrote:More than...

Picked it up tonight and all I can say is WOW!!

Metman24 · Post by **Metman24** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:33 pm

I find the combat to be a little more like GRAW than GOW, it seems a bit slower paced. It's not as realistic as GRAW, which is probably a good thing, but I would kind of like to be a bit more realistic. I'm still trying to figure some stuff out, but I'm definitely enjoying it.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:45 pm

Metman24 wrote:I'm still trying to figure some stuff out, but I'm definitely enjoying it.

Me too. Im 15 hours in and still figuring stuff out.

Im taking my time trying to do all the side quests.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:52 pm

After getting by the begining and getting your own ship well the game has certainly picked up.

I am still puzzeled by many things.

- Why can't my crew use thier hig decryption skills on some of the crates etc? My guy is a solider and I am SOL sometimes?

- Who thought this vechile thing was a good idea? It's easier now that I figured out you have a canon, but I hate this part of the game.

- Sometimes bad guys just stop right in front of me, usually stuck on a wall or something and let me kill them.

- How do I get more grenades? I never see them sold anywhere.