bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Mass Effect Limited Edition (XB360)

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Amazing graphics and sound, almost limitless re-playability, fantastic storyline

Weaknesses: Graphical hiccups, inventory/biotics control system, load times

Summary: Mass Effect is a fantastic sci-fi action RPG for the 360, and it's an amazingly well-done game with a few flaws. The storyline is some of the best done yet in a sci-fi RPG, with some real feeling that there's consequences to all the actions throughout the game. The game's scope is massive, with plenty of content to last through numerous replays of the game, due to the diverse character creation system. The game looks and sounds amazing, though some of the amazing graphics causes some hiccups in the framerate. The loading times are more than a little annoying, and the elevator scene between areas gets more than a little tiresome. The inventory and control system for the biotics is a bit of a jumbled mess, so it adds a bit into the difficulty. Overall, they're very small issues to an amazingly well-done game. The LE package adds some nice behind-the-scenes content, as well as gamerpics and themes for the 360, plus a bestiary of creatures encountered through the game. It's also packed in a nice metal tin.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 6

Strengths: Amazing visuals, deep gameplay, engrossing storyline, tons of side-content.

Weaknesses: The loading times can seem excessive, causes insomnia.

Summary: Mass Effect delivers on the hype. It looks great, plays great. It plays like a tactical shooter to an extent, yet feels like an RPG. That sounds odd, but once you play it, you'll know what I mean. It turned me off at first, to be honest, but once you get the hang of it, it's more than a little enjoyable. Good, solid science fiction storyline, impressive effects (best looking game I've yet to see) and a very open-ended structure. The endgame is particularly satisfying and leaves the game wide-open for sequels, which it should get. If you have a 360, this one is more than worth picking up.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 5

Strengths: Great story plot, awesome battle system, character customization

Weaknesses: Some little loading times

Summary: This is one of the best RPG made for the XBOX 360. From the creators of the best RPG of the year Knights of the Old Republic. Bioware makes another hot selling RPG. This game features with awesome packed graphics and The story plot one of the best, its based on space setting time. Features unique type of characters and attitude. The game has a lot of interesting missions and sidequests so you can build a powerful character. The battle system is free moving and controls are very user friendly. I will recommend this game to all Xbox 360 users. Is a must have in your collection.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1

Strengths: great scale, intriguing story, good graphics, lots of options

Weaknesses: some technical troubles

Summary: Mass Effect is a epic space RPG that in my opinion is a must play for anyone remotely interested in it.The game is huge in scale, and in true BioWare fashion, you get to choose how your player responds in every situation, which gives the game immense replay value.The graphics and sound production are awesome and the world is truly realized. The gameplay is psuedo third person action a la Gears of War, but with some RPG influence.The story is great and the endgame is truly epic. In the end this game is a must have.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Great graphics, awesome storyline

Weaknesses: some slowdown

Summary: Mass Effect is one of the best games of 2007. The graphics in this game are just amazing, as also is the storyline. I am about 20 hours into the game and it is just amazing. For those who like RPG's I highly recommend this game.