An impressive game that is so addicting that I might fail my exams because of it! True Score: 9.25
Technical Pros:
Excellent graphics, lighting, and texture. Great voice performances. Great gameplay. Great control (minus the MAKO). Great camera. Great story. Great replay value.
Technical Cons:
Framerate is clunky. Graphic load times is long and awkward. Shadows are somewhat strange (you get this kind of airbrush shadow that isn't a complete shadow).
Now on to the general review:
Mass Effect's negatives are far surpassed by its gripping story that makes you very attached to the characters that you progress alongside. The remarkable ability of BioWare's development of the characters and your ability to connect with them is impressive. Although most significant conversations occur on the Normandy with your crew, the substance and the focus on creating friendships and relationships is so strong that it makes it difficult not to feel some sort of attachment to what happens to your team.
I personally went through most of the story and received the "completionist" achievement - which indicated that I went through the majority of the game. I felt extremely satisfied after completing the game. I did not complete all side missions but I did find that most were interesting and, though not entirely action-packed, were well designed in how they tied into NPCs and their need for help in a large galactic setting.
I was actually surprised that my romance was with Liara because I had been certain that Ashley would be the one I would end up with - so I was a little taken aback when that occurred - not that that's a bad thing - I was a little let down but kudos once again to BioWare because that's what a game in this day and age should make you do: feel some sort of emotion.
The ending was a topper for me: Not since Legend of Zelda when I was a 5 year old boy have I had such a sense of accomplishment after completing a game to see our protagonist rise from the rubble to stand victoriously as his teammates looked on in amazement.
The ending was something out of Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica combined. As the Alliance ships moved into position and began to unleash hell onto the Sovereign I could almost hear the Battlestar Galactica music play - the scene almost looked like in Revenge of the Sith when the Republic ships are attacking the Droid Army at the beginning.
The sad part was only when I realized that the ride was over - luckily, I began again with my weapons, armor, powers and all to continue again to see if maybe this time around I could get that relationship with Ashley kindled the right way...
This was truly a masterpiece and I urge everyone to purchase this game - be open, don't be such a hyped-up player who needs endless fast movement on the screen at the point of suffering from epilepsy for the game to be classified as "GREAT". You should take in this game as an unfolding space saga that is beyond gaming and is truly inspirational.