This is the best RPG since Star Wars The Old Republic.
Mass Effect takes place in a universe where Humanity has discovered life in other places using "Mass Relays" to greatly increase their speed and make it capable of traveling faster than if it were only with pure fuel. You would be able to get to a location halfway across the Milky Way within five minutes rather than five years. If you want to learn more about the story, go to youtube, i gaurantee they have a movie sized explanation of the story.
So: The actual review:
The gameplay is great. Unlike Bioware's previous RPGs which had you make third person combat decisions, you are capable of using tactics similar to third person shooters, such as free firing, reloading ammo, and squad tactics, which can be fun. It's roleplay element, however, is quite different, and similar to KOTOR (Knights of the Old Republic). You choose what decision you make depending on the situation. There are two sides to each situation. If you choose a positive choice, you gain paragon side, which is good and takes away facial scars. However, if you choose a negative choice, you will be taking the renegade side, which will make you grow more scars. Conversations can be long, but bioware made it easier to choose the main point by shortening down your choice of sentences. Instead of selecting"Should I go and blow up that Geth Starship in space," Bioware shortened it to "Should I blow that up". Makes it easier to see past the unneeded sentences and select a point. You say the basic part, and the game lengthens the sentence to fit a military perspective.
The graphics are fantastic, and almost real. There are of course some minor bugs and "shortcuts" programmers take to assemble a game, providing sloppy parts, but it isn't that big to take away the game's intuitive atmosphere. The designs of the aliens are fantastic. Unlike Star Trek, where all aliens LOOK LIKE HUMANS!!! They all look different than each other, and humans.
Sound is impressive, with different sounds adding the feel to the game. Such as a sharp scream when undead start charging at you, or background music in a dance club. The story is great, the writers really got interested. They don't jump back or forth, the main goal is always clearly in place, even though your dancing at a party. Okay, maybe not that far. The most repetitive part is having to get resources for upgrades, which takes a lot for one upgrade.
In all this game is great, and will provide hours of great fun.
The sequel will be even greater.