Mass Effect 3

UPC: 014633195859

Platform: Xbox 360

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: BioWare Corp.

Category: Role-Playing

Style(s): Third-Person 3D Action RPG

Synopsis: Bioware's original space-opera trilogy concludes with Mass Effect 3, in the signature RPG-shooter style of its predecessors. Players resume the role of series protagonist Commander Shepard, once again customizable in appearance and character development. Combat is made more challenging by smarter computer-controlled opponents that adjust their tactics in the middle of a fight. An increased emphasis on melee and movement leads to closer, more furious battles. Players chart the course of the adventure, by traveling to remote planets and choosing which missions to attempt.


Decimated by a force of soulless invaders, known only as the Reapers, the human race is on the brink of extinction. It is left to the player to ply influence, make alliances, and discover the galactic secrets that are the last hope for human survival. Players have the option to import saved data from both previous Mass Effect games, in order to continue their own personalized narratives, or to start fresh with a new iteration of the hero. Shepard adventures along with a diverse crew of specialists, also customizable by the player. Weapons can be upgraded with scopes, grips, and other looted parts.


For the first time in the series a multiplayer mode is included. Up to four players can team up online to face off against the computer-controlled opponents and gain experience with which to upgrade their characters. Leveing up in the game's online mode also impacts the single-player game by increasing the user's "Galaxy at War Readiness" rating. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Package Contents: Online Pass Code

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

Developer BioWare draws its sweeping science fiction opera to a close with the third installment of the Mass Effect series. Back in the shoes of the battle-weary Commander Shepard, players must once again face the threat of the Reapers with their loyal crew in tow. Waiting patiently on the fringes of the galaxy for thousands of years, the Reapers have returned to destroy all life across the known universe. With Earth left decimated in their first attack, Shepard has no choice but to leave his home behind and build a formidable army capable of facing them.

Mass Effect has always put player choice at the forefront of its series, with every decision made -- from silencing a bothersome reporter to eradicating an entire alien race -- having a profound impact on the way the series matures. With many of the decisions made in the first two titles carrying over into this third installment, the result is a universe that players can feel they have genuinely shaped during their time in the far reaches of space. The arrival of the now infamous Reapers has been teased throughout the series, and with the unknown menace finally taking center stage, each decision a player makes will have consequences that could decide the fate of the entire galaxy.

With this new sense of urgency comes a greater focus on the story of Mass Effect 3, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient feel that leaves some of the series' more celebrated role playing elements behind. Mass Effect 3 can sometimes feel limited, dropping much of its depth in favor of creating a more concisely told story and dramatic pace. The result is a game that feels smaller in scope, but delivers some of the best storytelling in the series so far, successfully giving every encounter pressure previous games have often missed, and all scored perfectly by movie maestro, Clint Mansell. Combat is also far more accomplished, leaving behind the loose, floating feel that previously left a bad taste in many players' mouths.

Rather than forcing players to put together a fresh batch of unknown recruits for their daring final mission, Mass Effect 3 plays more like a greatest-hits package, bringing back beloved characters and old faces for a fitting send-off packed with fan service. Players are now asked to build up war assets by forming treaties and securing fleets for their final fight against the Reapers. Although this fits the scale the series now demands, the more intimate relationship between Shepard and his crew suffers, failing to help players connect with new faces in the same way as their favorite allies.

With such a sprawling, rich universe packed with memorable characters, successfully tying up the thousands of loose ends for a fitting conclusion to the series was always going to be a challenge. Mass Effect 3 strives to tackle the big questions left dangling, but stumbles in its final moments, struggling to keep the plates spinning until the end. It might not please everyone, but BioWare has chosen a brave and challenging ending to their long-running series that at the very least leaves players with a sense of closure.

The Mass Effect series has long been considered one of the greatest science fiction titles of this generation, and Mass Effect 3 delivers a fitting end to the long-running trilogy. Many will be disappointed with the more streamlined approach, but this focus has allowed BioWare to create the emotional and compelling ending the series so richly deserves. Let's hope we see more of this amazing universe in the future.

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.