Mass Effect

Platform: Xbox 360/PC (Windows)
Genre: Shooter/RPG
Developer: Bioware/Demiurge Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios/Electronic Arts
Release: 20 November 2007
Rating: Mature
Price: $15-19

It is hard to think of a game developed by Bioware that has not been excellent. While very different from their other fare, Mass Effect contains the same brilliant dialogue and world-building that all their games do. A hybrid third-person-shooter/RPG, Mass Effect shakes up even that formula, by emphasizing the RPG over the shooter aspects. Most are shooters with occasional RPG elements, but Mass Effect is more like an RPG that happens to have shooter combat.
The only complaint I have against this game is the awkwardness of inventory management. Swapping out weapons, armors, and upgrades can be rather annoying once you've built up a large stock, and the shopping system only services to make obtaining the items you want more aggravating.
Almost everything else about Mass Effect is excellent, however. A gripping plot, likable characters, an enormous and atmospheric galaxy to explore, and a well-made dialogue and choice system all make it a worthwhile game.
Mass Effect 2 is far more streamlined than this one, but one should definitely play the first game first, because every choice made here does affect the plot of the next game, giving an entirely different (and much greater) experience.
The original Xbox 360 version of Mass Effect costs $19, and the improved PC port costs only $15.
Play, save, and enjoy. See you next week.

--Kotaro