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How Metascores Are Calculated
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4 Elements
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
As the first human on the galactic stage, you must uncover the greatest threat to civilization. Your job is complicated by the very fact of your humanity, as no one trusts you and you need to find a way to convince everyone of the grave threat. You will travel across an expansive universe to piece the mystery together. As you discover and explore the uncharted edges of the galaxy, you come closer to an overwhelming truth - learning that the placid and serene universe you know is about to come to a violent end and that you may be the only person who can stop it! In addition to the main story arc of the game, players are be able to visit a large number of uncharted, unexplored planets which are side quests independent from the main story. At any time during the campaign, a player can choose to explore one of these planets and have an opportunity to discover new alien life, resources, ruined civilizations and powerful technologies. Talents and abilities are upgradeable and advanced talent options become available at higher levels. Weapons and vehicles are customizable to include various effects, abilities and upgrades using the "X-Mod" system. Each character class have unique talents and abilities which increase in power as the player progresses through the game. Optimized controls have been designed specifically for the PC. Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like. Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action. New decryption mini-game. New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor. [Microsoft]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
VideoGamer
This is a port, but it's more than a port. BioWare, with a little help from a friend, has made one of the best RPGs ever made even better.
 100
GameSpy
If you missed it the first time around, or were waiting for the inevitable PC version, you won't be disappointed here.
100
G4 TV
Computer owners are getting everything found in the Xbox 360 game, including achievements and online leaderboards, but with better visuals, smoother action, and a more streamlined interface. That the game rings up at a lower retail price and offers the first expansion pack as a free download is simply icing on the cake.
96
Ferrago
Did I mention the last two hours are pure gaming and storytelling nirvana?
96
Pelit (Finland)
Quotation forthcoming. [June 2008]
95
GameZone
If you’ve held out until now, this is your chance to play one of the best RPGs to hit in the past several years.
95
GameFocus
Talk to NPCs, explore some of the solar systems and you will find a much deeper and enjoyable game then the quick experience of just playing the story.
95
GamerNode
The move to PC allowed the developers to focus on enhancing the visuals for the game with sharper textures and higher resolution support. Along with the crisper graphics, plenty of attention was given to the game's performance.
95
Game Informer
Nearly every one of the many praises and criticisms of the console version can accurately be applied to this port, but I'd recommend this edition of Mass Effect to anyone with a good PC.
95
PTGamers
Mass Effect PC wasn't rushed, this version has clearly been thoroughly thought-out to exploit the advantages of this platform.
94
Gamers.at
Mass Effect knocked me off my feet: The presentation is fantastic, and many small improvements compared to the Xbox 360 version make the game a great roleplaying experience. Anyone who hasn’t played the title yet should definitely give it a try now! [Issue#14]
92
Strategy Informer
Mass Effect is a superb game for its story, its breadth of characters and setting a new bar of standard for cinematic videogaming.
92
AtomicGamer
It still doesn't quite live up to the masterful story and whizzing lightsabers of Knights of the Old Republic, but for the first game in a new series, Mass Effect is an excellent start.
92
PC Zone UK
If you are a fan of what BioWare's done in the past, like action with a hefty dose of sci-fi and want something new, or just like playing a really good game, then you owe it to yourself to pick up this fantastic title.
92
IGN
It almost goes without saying that BioWare remains one of the very top single-player RPG makers on the planet, and Mass Effect only reinforces their position.
91
1UP
By all counts, Mass Effect for the PC is essentially the "definitive" version of the game; it runs much smoother on decent machines and just generally plays better...even if it still suffers from some of the original's fundamental flaws (along with a few new ones).
91
GameShark
While it may not offer the complexity of the old Baldur's Gate games, at its core, it's still an RPG fan's RPG.
91
PC Gamer
Mass Effect deserves a spot on your shelf next to the rest of the PC's great RPGs. [Aug 2008, p.58]
90
Boomtown
The words stunning, engrossing and addicting just don't do this game justice, and if it wasn't for my belief that no game will ever be truly perfect (as well as the vehicular silliness and the occasionally suicidal squad antics), the score you see below would have crept into double figures.
90
Level7.nu
Mass Effect for the PC is basically the same game as it was on Xbox 360. The dialogue system is still as innovative and the combat is still as intense and intuitive. There are some minor flaws such as occasional framerate issues and annoying loading sequences, but this is still as much of a fantastic game as it’s console counterpart.
90
GameDaily
The game that was already exceptional on the Xbox 360 is even better on the PC, so it's really a no brainer.
90
GamePro
If you've already tackled the console version, you certainly don't need to shell out for the PC version, too, but if you haven't yet experienced this magnum opus, this is the version you should play.
90
GameSpot
Whether you're a seasoned Spectre looking to suit up again, or a newcomer who has never set foot on the Normandy, the refined PC version is your best choice for experiencing this excellent game.
90
2404.org
However long your initial play-through is, Mass Effect will only impress with its cinematic dialogue sequences, intense combat, and addicting exploration aspect.
90
NZGamer
The game looks even more fantastic than ever and a few extra features are on its way for lucky PC users.
90
Cynamite
If you can’t wait to run to the next store and buy Mass Effect now, you should be aware of one thing: Its luxurious graphics need a luxurious PC.
90
MEGamers
Bioware have succeeded in making Mass Effect a sci-fi universe gaming with great and interesting races and characters. The gameplay is an impressive merging between third person shooter and RPG without compromising with any of each genre functions.
90
BigPond GameArena
If you haven't already played it on the 360, get it right now and see what you have been missing. If you have played it on the 360, get it right now and play it properly, the way it should have been in the first place.
89
Worth Playing
By far Mass Effect's strongest suit, as the screenshots can attest, is the quality of the visuals.
89
PC Gamer UK
Large, engrossing and exquisite. [July 2008, p.68]
88
RPG Fan
BioWare has created a top-shelf RPG with Mass Effect, though it's not without its flaws. Many of the issues present in the Xbox 360 version of the title are gone, and while there are new issues thrown into the PC version, they are minor in comparison.
88
ActionTrip
It terms of visuals, Mass Effect delivers in every sense.
87
Computer Games Online RO
Mass Effect is without doubt the best Xbox 360 RPG at the moment. But we’re on PC market here, so it’s a bit more obvious that BioWare just wanted to test the waters a bit with its very own Star Wars brand. Not to mention that Mass Effect simply has too many alternatives on the PC.
85
Game Over Online
The story is original, compelling, and told in a way that builds suspense. It's the other stuff, 10% of the game tops, that Mass Effect could have done without.
85
GameStar
The abundance of details about politics, technology, planets and the different alien races create an unparalleled depth for a role-playing game. The story is captivating right until the impressive and dramatic finale. If it wasn't for the more or less necessary but repetitive side quests, the game would be exceptional. There is room for improvement, but as far as story telling is concerned, Mass Effect wipes the floor with the competition.
85
PALGN
Mass Effect might be shovelled into an ill-fitting RPG suit with a few loose threads and unsightly stains, but if you stand back and squint, it's still a damn sight better than what everyone else is wearing.
84
PC Format
Mass Effect's impressive storytelling struggles against remarkably clunky combat action, and wins - but only just. [July 2008, p.100]
84
Cheat Code Central
As a whole, the main plotline makes for a decent "save-the-galaxy-from-a-terrible-and-seemingly-invincible-threat" story. On its own, the main narrative probably wouldn't amount to much, but fused with the side missions and background stories of all the characters, it just works.
80
DarkZero
Visually, the port doesn’t do much that the 360 version didn’t - but then the game looked pretty incredible to begin with, so that’s hardly a criticism.
80
Play (Poland)
It's not a game for everyone. Not all enjoy spending upwards to 70% of game time talking to the NPC's. The combat system has its faults as does the AI, the new items look just like the old ones, and graphics, while pretty, is not spectacular. But I had a great time with this SF story written with a lot of vigor, creativity and depth. [July 2008]
80
EuroGamer
But you also suspect BioWare's on the right track, and until it pulls it off - and the initial noises about the sequel seem promising - Mass Effect offers us a singular universe of excitement and drama to lose ourselves in.
80
PC PowerPlay
Over the course of its 30 or so hours, Mass Effect defies many of your assumptions about the modern RPG. It’s as innovative as it is traditional and succeeds where you least expect. However, one assumption remains: Bioware still know how to make a terrific game. [Sept 2008, p.55]
80
Thunderbolt
Though Citadel Action News rarely provides an editorial stance, we believe that all citizens across the galaxy should support Commander Shepard and his mission.
75
FiringSquad
As captivating as Mass Effect is in terms of story, setting, and core game mechanics, it sort of falls apart when it comes to basic gameplay.
Ian B. gave it a10: Ralph w. gave it a10: Mark G gave it an8: M. A. gave it a9: Steve P gave it a0: Simon O. gave it a10: Frans P. gave it a10: |
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