Mass Effect is a giant leap forward for videogames in terms of storytelling and it’s probably the biggest, most sophisticated game on Xbox 360. But with combat requiring you to dip into menus every few seconds, it isn’t likely to win over the Halo brigade - and with this much dialogue, it’s not going to be your bag if you’re the guy who hits ‘start’ every second in an effort to get characters to stop talking.
8.5 Presentation
Great looks, great sound and superb art direction - a galaxy as well realised as those of Star Wars or Star Trek.
8.5 Graphics
The cut-scenes are lip-smackingly good looking, but the rest of the game engine - while pretty sharp - isn’t quite as good-looking as Bioshock or Gears of War.
8.0 Sound
Voice acting is consistently well done - and not as insanely camp as most other voice-RPG fests.
9.0 Gameplay
Talk, shoot, collect, skill up - this blends a lot of play styles together well, but it’s the plot that’s the driver, not the gunfights.
9.5 Lasting Appeal
This is meaty stuff - plenty of skills, classes and areas to explore ensure
you’ll be playing for 50-plus hours.
Note : 9.1