Mass Effect is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare and later EA Games as well. It’s based in a universe populated by many different species. In terms of combat, Mass effect is a third-person shooter similar to Gear of War. Since Mass Effect is very story-driven, there is a lot of dialogue in the game, and the more you talk, the more you learn about the world around you.
The game is so popular that there have been three releases, Mass Effect 1, 2, 3 and Mass Effect Andromeda. Recently the developers also released a Mass Effect remastered version that encompasses all three games in one pack known as Mass Effect Legendary.
It’s available on Xbox, Playstation, Windows, iOS, Android, and Wii U. The system requirements are: 64-bit Windows 10 OS, Intel Core i5 3570, or AMD FX-8350 CPU, 8 GB RAM, 120 GB hard drive space, DirectX. Let’s take a look at how to play Mass Effect.
What is Mass Effect?
The game is based in a beautifully created sci-fi/space world where the player, Commander Sheppard, navigates through space trying to get an edge on the antagonist, Saren, and his army of Geth to save the galaxy.
As with most RPGs, your character starts off weaker and becomes stronger as you gain experience throughout the game. The storyline is driven by the dialogue as well as the players’ decisions and interactions. You can either follow the paragon route or the renegade route.
How to Play Mass Effect
Mass Effect has linear gameplay where you can select your missions or side quests to complete, and during these quests, you can interact with various characters you encounter. Let’s take a look at how to start playing the game.
Understand the Classes
There is a range of different classes that you can choose from. The class of your character will determine your strengths, weaknesses, and specialties. The classes that are available are:
- Soldier – Easy and straightforward class to play. A big focus on weapons and skill trees improves survivability.
- Engineer – This class focuses on tech powers such as hacking computers and opening locked crates. This is more of a supportive role, but you won’t have to add a tech specialist to your team.
- Adept – This class uses primarily biotic powers such as knocking enemies back, lifting them into the air, and even creating shields. There are more options for handling enemies than other classes, but the class requires some micromanagement.
- Vanguard – A combination of both soldier and adept.
- Sentinel – A combination of both engineer and adept.
- Infiltrator – A combination of both soldier and engineer.
Pick the Right Class
Make sure that you choose the character class that best suits your playing style. It is also worth noting that players who enjoy earning trophies and achievements might want to go with the Adept class (or combination of adept) as most of the trophies and achievements are awarded for using different biotic powers.
Create Your Character
Mass Effect was one of the few games that introduced character customizations and the ability to use a female character. This came at a time when most of the main characters in RPGs were white males.
Learn the Game Lore
The game lore is an important part of the storyline. Although you can complete the game without learning all the lore, it is a much more fulfilling aspect of the game when you understand some of the history. Learning the lore also opens up more dialogue options and ways to interact with other characters.
Use All Your Dialogue Options
When interacting with characters, make sure that you use all the available dialogue options. By doing this, you learn more about the history and interactions between characters, which will open up more interactions down the line. This is also a great way to get more side quests.
Mass Effect Tips and Tricks
To get even more out of your Mass Effect gaming experience, here are some more tips and tricks that you can use.
Max Out Your Charm or Intimidation Skill
As we mentioned, talking is one of the main things in Mass Effect. There will be a lot of talking in between missions. To progress on the Paragon or Renegade path, you’ll have to become a smooth talker. The only way to earn points to max out your charm or intimidation skills is by completing dialogues with characters.
Don’t Get Caught up in the Renegade Vs. Paragon Battle
When starting the game, you might get caught up in taking either the Paragon or Renegade paths, but the moral decisions become much more complex as the game continues. As such, we recommend that you don’t focus too much on which side you’re on and go with the dialogue that makes the most sense to you. This will ensure that you enjoy the game more.
Talk to Teammates
Talking to your teammates in between missions is essential as well. By talking to teammates regularly, you will unlock more relationships and missions, and it will affect the game’s progression.
Complete as Many Side Missions as You Can
There are many different side quests, or assignments, in Mass Effect. By completing as many of these as you can earn experience points so that your character can get stronger. You will also learn more about the worlds, different characters, and organizations within the game.
Do as Many Loyalty Missions as You Can
It is very important to complete as many loyalty missions for your crew members as you can, especially if you’re attached to the crew you’ve assembled. This not only creates a sense of camaraderie but also has a significant impact on the final mission.
Get your space game on!
Mass Effect is a top-rated gaming series. This is not without reason, and the game has a very compelling storyline that’s complemented by excellent graphics, soundtrack, and voice acting.
If you enjoy action RPGs, then Mass Effect is a must-try for any gamer. And if gaming isn’t your thing but you enjoy sci-fi, there are also Mass Effect comics.
