Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Release Date: May 14, 2021

Developer: BioWare

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Genres: Action role-playing game, third-person shooter

Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox One, PC

My Platform: PlayStation 5

Difficulty Levels: Casual, Normal, Veteran, Hardcore, Insanity

My Level: Normal

Game Difficulty: 3/10

Game Rating: 7/10

Time To Beat: 20hrs

Time To Platinum: 35hrs

             

"It's a classic, you definitely have to play it", "It's one of the best franchises out there", "As a gamer, this is a must play." These are some of the phrases I kept hearing/reading about this game. Yes, I am a 'Mass Effect' noob. Never played one of these games. So when the news came out, that BioWare was working on a 'Legendary Edition' which includes all three games and all DLC. I couldn't resist and just had to have it.

A few days ago I finished the first game. It took me 35hrs to do so and I picked up the platinum along the way. Were those 35hrs worth it? Absofreakinglutely! Even though the ending was a bit disappointing. The rest of the game made up for it. 

About the platinum. This game doesn't have free roam, after you finish the story. Once you go to Ilos, you are in the end game. When you are on that planet, you are at the point of no return. So, if you still have miscellaneous trophies to get. Make sure you save your game, before going to Ilos. Or clean them all up before you go there. It's what you prefer, how you like to play the game. I cleaned them all up before going to the end game. I wanted to get it all done in one go. 

Before you jump in to the game. You can pick your character. You can choose between a female and a male Shepard. You can go for the original option, or do some character customization.

Because the original game is so highly praised. I wanted to go for the default female Shepard. Usually I spent a lot of time in the customization menu. Probably more time then one should, but I like it. I just want the start the game of right. 

Another setting you can pick between, is playing the Legendary Mode or the Classic Mode. And this is all linked to the amount of levels you can gain. When you go for the Legendary Mode, your level cap is 30. When you pick Classic, you can get to level 60. The following link brings you to a website that explains perfectly what both modes are, the differences and how they work; denofgeek.com

But to sum it up, it's all about preference. Do you like to reach max level in one playthrough or do you want to dive back in, with a new game.

Time to get in to the game itself. When you start the game, you will soon learn that civilization is under threat. And of course you are the one who has to stop that from happening. No matter the cost, no matter the sacrifices.

From what I have heard before hand, the first game is kind of the setup for the next game. So I was not surprised that this game has a lot of dialogue. Plenty of characters to get to know, with all their own story. 

If you invest enough time in each character/squad member. You will gain their trust and you unlock missions, specific to that character. 

Our galaxy is massive, so is the one in this game. With the Normandy at your ready. You can keep yourself pretty busy with hopping from planet to planet. When you click on one it shows you all the information you need to know. Some just show the basics, while others will let you survey for  materials/collectibles. When you land on a planet, you pick your team to move out with and spawn in your Mako. It really pays of to mix up your team with the missions or when you are just exploring. If you pick the right team member, you will get some unique dialog. You otherwise would be missing. And to know which character is the right one to pick. You have to get to know them and learn/level up their skills. 

Driving the Mako needs some getting used to. But with your nitro, missile and turret, you are ready to go. Every planet has their own challenges and you never know who or what you might find. If you are a completionist. Make sure you take your Mako all over the planet. It will pay of in the end. 

A really cool feature in this game is, that throughout the game you can choose to go paragon or renegade. Are you going to be the good guy or the bad guy? Or are you going to mix it up? Make note, every choice you make. No matter if it's paragon or renegade or something in between, every choice has consequences. Some immediately, some further along the way.

I went paragon from start to finish. Although, I tried. I did get my renegade meter filled up a bit as well. Sometimes you just have to go rogue, go off the beaten path. Maybe I will go renegade all the way in the second game. Time will tell.

The beauty of this game, is really the connections that you develop. Combined with the actions/choices you have to make. Makes you want to pull out your hair at times. Because it's definitely not always easy. But it all depends on the path that you choose. 

Since I played on normal, I was kind of disappointed with the ending. Because normal felt as easy to me. During the whole game, I only died twice. Without giving anything big away. The ending was a bit meh, because it was easy. Especially because you are always with three people. You and two team members. So if you game a lot and are familiar with these type of games. And you like a challenge, go for at least veteran. Unless of course you like the main focus to be the dialog, the people, exploration. And not so much the combat.

Graphics wise, the game looks pretty damn good. More arcady, is that a word? Now it is, than I thought. But the planets are really beautiful and all different. I looked up how the first game looked, after I finished it. And you can definitely see the improvements. The controls are smooth and I had no problems with them. Well besides with the Mako. That thing has a mind of its own sometimes! 

All in all, I had a blast with this game! Can't believe I never played the original, but it's never to late. BioWare did an amazing job and I can't wait to see what happens in de sequel. You can absolutely keep playing this game over and over again. With so many options to choose from, so many different ways to go. You will see new stuff every single time. 

Thank you so much for reading my blog! Please leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Game on and I'll catch you on the flipside!