i finally delved into Mass Effect last night. I am playing as a custom Shepard, and I am Earthborn, a Sole Survivor, and a Vanguard. I just reached the Citadel.
First impressions:
- holy moly, this game has the most incredible and detailed character models I've ever seen, and the animation is pretty swell as well. I am very impressed - this is one of the few games in which the final product matches the early, doctored screenshots.
- the locales and environments themselves are also eye-poppingly gorgeous. The way HDR and other effects are used is amazing. Aesthetically, it really is the real KotOR 2, in pretty much every way. Its basically what a next-gen KotOR would have looked like. Framerate hitches and tearing haven't even been noticeable, although texture pop-in is unmissable.
- jesus titty fucking christ awesome music. Most memorable score in a game in ages. Very Vangelis-like, as if Blade Runner had an alternate score that was never used.
- love the gameplay, which was the thing I was most worried about. I for one prefer how Mass Effect is like 10% RPG and 90% third person tactical shooter, as it worked out beautifully, and its actually a blast to play.
- incredibly improved direction of the cutscenes and dialogue scenes over previous games. Its like watching a big, cheesey, epic space saga, and I love it. Playing without subtitles is the only way to go. Some great VA talent in there too.
- really surprised and impressed at the depth of the menu systems, and the codex in particular, which was an unexpected treat.
- the only thing not blowing me away at this point is the story, in fact. Then again, Ive not progressed far, and Ive spent a lot of time simple drooling over the environments. Before shutting it off for the night, I spent several minutes just watching the planes zoom by overhead in the citadel, lol.
So far, its better than the hype. Kudos, Bioware!
