Armchair Dragoons Forums

Wargaming => Sci-fi & Fantasy Warfare => Topic started by: Martok on February 03, 2021, 08:49:24 AM

Title: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Martok on February 03, 2021, 08:49:24 AM
I confess I've never played the series.  This looks damn good, though. 





Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: judgedredd on February 03, 2021, 09:01:17 AM
I was into it for a bit...can't remember why I gave up on it - but it was a pretty solid space shooter iirc

I will be picking this up
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: BanzaiCat on February 03, 2021, 09:15:24 AM
The entire series is absolute outstanding story-telling. Stick with it and you'll get an eminently satisfying experience across all three. The build-up is a slow burn in any of the three titles, especially in the first one when you have no idea what's going on, but it pays off big time.

The choices you make in ME1 carry over to ME2, and the choices you make there carry over to ME3. There's a lot of character development - you can get to know your squad mates well (even 'closely' in some cases, nudge nudge), and take on missions pertaining to them to increase their loyalty and unlock talents, as well as story plot points you wouldn't otherwise see.

ME3 caught some flak upon release for having an awful ending, but I didn't think it was that bad. A little unsatisfying considering the massive marathon I'd been put through over all three titles, but still, the choices available were understandable given the storyline. Still, EA ended up doing a massive patch to ME3 to 'fix' these concerns people had. I never played ME3 to that point so I don't know how those end choices changed.

I've played them numerous times - in fact I was re-playing ME1 and ME2 late last year. I'd intended to go into ME3 fresh to see what those new endings offered.

I'll be having this at some point, I'm sure.

Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bob48 on February 03, 2021, 09:58:10 AM
I'm consistently useless at shoot-em-up type games :-(
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Barthheart on February 03, 2021, 10:18:38 AM
Me too... but if this has a super easy mode I might get it for the story.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: BanzaiCat on February 03, 2021, 12:20:10 PM
Me too... but if this has a super easy mode I might get it for the story.

I believe you can change the difficulty levels.

I used to despise shoot-em-up FPS type games, but HALO changed that in me. I still don't lean towards them and definitely don't do online play (not since some of us old folks rocked Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield Vietnam online, oh so many years ago). I've played CoD and a few others, but only because the storyline was engaging and not just mindless blow-sh*t-up kind of play for the sake of blowing sh*t up. :)
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Gusington on February 03, 2021, 12:54:37 PM
I never played any of the Mass Effect games either. Is there any space combat? Even if there isn't I was planning on getting this to finally try it out.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: BanzaiCat on February 03, 2021, 02:30:45 PM
No space combat, no. Solely ground combat. Your character (Commander Shephard) is accompanied by two others in your squad. You (usually) get to select which ones you want to take with you on missions.

The UI is somewhat archaic in the ME1 version, but improves with ME2 and 3. Makes me wonder if they're making any changes to it to make it more universal across the series.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on February 03, 2021, 05:17:21 PM
Episode 1 = great!

Episode 2 = OK

Episode 3 = hot garbage.



No space combat.  Episode 1 has a ground vehicle you get to bomb around in to explore and shoot up the occasional giant worm thingie.  Most people despised this section but I thought it was a lot of fun.  Especially using thrusters on low gravity worlds and seeing how far you could jump your buggy.  They removed this component for eps 2 and 3 and replaced it with a far less enjoyable sector scanning mini game.

The big selling point of the series was that it was "choices matter!" and that the end game outcome would reflect the choices you'd made during the campaign.  Sadly, it proved to be mostly a lie as you basically had to choose one of three options at the finale and your actions previously had almost no effect on your options.

Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: BanzaiCat on February 03, 2021, 07:22:32 PM
So that patch they released had no effect ultimately on ME3's ending(s)?
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: blackndecker on April 14, 2021, 08:40:18 PM
Great series. The final options for ME3 didn't bother me too much, given that they had to create a decision for the players to make, a la ME2. It also didn't bother me because I knew how closely they series drew inspiration from the Alastair Reynolds Revelation Space series... Sadly, ME:A got such a negative reaction that they didn't complete any of the DLCs. Hopefully ME4/5 will deliver...
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Martok on April 14, 2021, 10:36:25 PM
Hopefully ME4/5 will deliver...

For the sake of the gaming community, I hope so as well, but I'm skeptical.  Bioware today seems to be only a shadow of its former self. 


Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: judgedredd on May 14, 2021, 01:35:25 PM
I bought this last night on a whim, pre-installed it, then deleted it and asked for a refund.

I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't play the previous games more than I did and I remembered why. Chat. I really, really don't like games with chat options. What's really more annoying to me is chat options that lead into further chat options and so you head down a rabbit hole.

I know that's a harsh criticism. Developers get slated for making games on rails and when they do give options, people like me are meh about it.

I'm currently playing Horizon:Zero Dawn and it's that that reminded me because it does the same. Chat that's just too many options and just too long. I absolutely love a story in my game - but I don't want War and Peace.

Also - I have Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 - so I can play those. This is 4K and I don't have a 4k compatible monitor.

I'd still like to hear people's opinions if anyone is getting it mind
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 14, 2021, 02:09:38 PM
I've never heard anyone complain about the game having too many dialogue choices. It's a hallmark of Bioware RPGs. KOTOR was renowned for the story choices. It's generally considered a major strength of Bioware games. Anyway, I think the settings give you an option for action over story. I was always interested in the story so I didn't feel a need to dial it back. I like a role-playing element in my RPGs.

I love the series. I have all the games and pretty much all the DLC for Xbox. I have Legendary Edition coming. I don't really care about 4K graphics, but I am looking forward to the game tweaks. Anything that improves the shitty driving controls of the goddamn Mako will be welcome.

I played the original ME series through to completion twice. I've never played another series multiple times. There's hundreds of hours of gaming in ME even if you're not an uber-completionist.
The first game was absolutely epic. It had a real cinematic quality that I loved. The rest of the series is also excellent if a little uneven at times. Some of the side quests are bland and redundant. The final act of ME3 was heavily criticized, but I was okay with it. I was ready for an ending at that point.

I'm looking forward to another play with Legendary Edition and finding my favorite shop on the Citadel.


Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bob48 on May 14, 2021, 02:40:30 PM
It certainly looks impressive and very polished.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bbmike on May 14, 2021, 02:48:53 PM
I remember trying the first one but was put off by the UI. I really need to give it another go as everyone I talk to about it says the same thing as mirth.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bob48 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:33 PM
Again, the big problem for me is that I suck at FPS games.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 14, 2021, 03:13:00 PM
Again, the big problem for me is that I suck at FPS games.

It's not really an FPS. The combat doesn't have to be a major part of the game. To be successful, you need to balance your team and make use of the NPC abilities.
I was never a big fan of the combat because it got in the way of the story elements. I learned how to get through the battles as quickly as possible.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 14, 2021, 03:15:09 PM
I remember trying the first one but was put off by the UI. I really need to give it another go as everyone I talk to about it says the same thing as mirth.

The UI wasn't great, but it was serviceable. I didn't care for some of the UI changes in the later games, but it was nothing game breaking.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: judgedredd on May 14, 2021, 05:36:26 PM
I've never heard anyone complain about the game having too many dialogue choices. It's a hallmark of Bioware RPGs. KOTOR was renowned for the story choices. It's generally considered a major strength of Bioware games. Anyway, I think the settings give you an option for action over story. I was always interested in the story so I didn't feel a need to dial it back. I like a role-playing element in my RPGs.
That's what I mean though - I like stories, I just don't like too much chit chat and options. I just don't think those kind of games keep me interested for very long.

I should add I wouldn't say it was a bad game - not at all - just the type of game that eventually makes me sigh when I have to interact with NPCs
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 14, 2021, 05:53:35 PM
That's what I mean though - I like stories, I just don't like too much chit chat and options. I just don't think those kind of games keep me interested for very long.

I should add I wouldn't say it was a bad game - not at all - just the type of game that eventually makes me sigh when I have to interact with NPCs

Since you already own the first two games, I'm not sure what you were expecting. Deep story and branching dialogue are key elements and widely touted as strengths of the series. It seems like your experience is akin to buying a Forza game if you don't like cars or racing.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: judgedredd on May 15, 2021, 03:33:46 AM
That's what I mean though - I like stories, I just don't like too much chit chat and options. I just don't think those kind of games keep me interested for very long.

I should add I wouldn't say it was a bad game - not at all - just the type of game that eventually makes me sigh when I have to interact with NPCs

Since you already own the first two games, I'm not sure what you were expecting. Deep story and branching dialogue are key elements and widely touted as strengths of the series. It seems like your experience is akin to buying a Forza game if you don't like cars or racing.

In my first post on this thread I said
Quote
I was into it for a bit...can't remember why I gave up on it - but it was a pretty solid space shooter iirc
It was only playing Horizon Zero Dawn recently that something clicked (with chatting to NPCs) that made me think. I re-loaded the first one last night to make sure I wasn't making it.

And I likely bought the second one without recalling why I gave up on the first one. And that was back in the day when Steam didn't do refunds.

It's the mechanic of "I'll select that option to talk to the NPC" and then you find yourself not talking but with 4 other options...which could lead to more. I actually think it's not necessarily the amount of chat - but how it's presented.

You get 4 options to talk to an NPC. Selecting one of those provides another 3 options and selecting one of them might provide even more. It's about not knowing you are going down a rabbit hole until you start down it - and importantly not knowing when the NPC chat will end - on each strand.

I think it's similar to that feeling the Army used to put you through when they took you out on a run. You'd do 5 miles and on the last mile you knew you were heading back to camp...but they would take you down a different road which meant you were going back to camp. They'd probably do that again until you'd done 10 miles or more.

It was mentally fatiguing.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Martok on May 15, 2021, 04:28:14 AM
Reviews seem to be decent so far, both from the "professional" sites and the gaming community at large.  I have no intention of forking over $60.00 for it, but it's on my wishlist for when it goes on sale (yes, I realize that probably won't be until next year). 


Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 15, 2021, 05:43:38 AM
In my first post on this thread I said
Quote
I was into it for a bit...can't remember why I gave up on it - but it was a pretty solid space shooter iirc

Part of the confusion I guess since it really isn't a space shooter. It's a deep RPG with some action/shooter elements, but the focus is on RPG not shooter.

Quote
It's the mechanic of "I'll select that option to talk to the NPC" and then you find yourself not talking but with 4 other options...which could lead to more. I actually think it's not necessarily the amount of chat - but how it's presented.

You get 4 options to talk to an NPC. Selecting one of those provides another 3 options and selecting one of them might provide even more. It's about not knowing you are going down a rabbit hole until you start down it - and importantly not knowing when the NPC chat will end - on each strand.

It was mentally fatiguing.

After 14 years and two complete plays of the series, I am very familiar with how the branching dialogue works. It's something Bioware has implemented and refined over many games - Mass Effect, KOTOR, Jade Empire, Dragon Age, their D&D games. Those are some of the most successful and acclaimed RPGs in video game history.

I understand if you're not a fan of deep, dialogue driven RPGs, but the style they developed has worked for most players and critics. Finding it "mentally fatiguing" is not a common complaint. It's best that you refunded the game. It was never going to make you happy.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bbmike on May 15, 2021, 08:11:24 AM
...
Part of the confusion I guess since it really isn't a space shooter. It's a deep RPG with some action/shooter elements, but the focus is on RPG not shooter.
...

Dang, now I really want to play it. I have 1-3 so I don't need to drop $60. Yet.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 15, 2021, 08:35:05 AM
...
Part of the confusion I guess since it really isn't a space shooter. It's a deep RPG with some action/shooter elements, but the focus is on RPG not shooter.
...

Dang, now I really want to play it. I have 1-3 so I don't need to drop $60. Yet.

To be honest, $60 for the complete series (remastered with all DLC) is a bargain.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bbmike on May 15, 2021, 08:43:39 AM
Must...resist...logic....
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 15, 2021, 09:27:59 AM
"Yet" = okay fine, tomorrow I will get it
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Martok on May 15, 2021, 05:39:28 PM
To be honest, $60 for the complete series (remastered with all DLC) is a bargain.

You're not wrong.  However, when put in the context of my already owning so many games I've not touched (or barely), it's much easier to justify waiting for a price drop.  :waiting: 


Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: thecommandtent on May 15, 2021, 08:42:58 PM
Always heard good things about these games but never played them. Looks like this goes to the wishlist and awaits a sale....
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Gusington on May 16, 2021, 01:40:57 PM
I have to come down here to the depths of the ME thread to find Mirth?
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bob48 on May 16, 2021, 01:43:00 PM
He 's taken to playing hide and seek.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Gusington on May 16, 2021, 01:44:06 PM
You guys should let him out for air once in a while.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bob48 on May 16, 2021, 01:46:05 PM
Just you wait until you open the beer store and he jumps out and shout 'BOO' at ya.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Gusington on May 16, 2021, 01:55:12 PM
I wish 😪
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 16, 2021, 05:08:23 PM
I have my copy, but I was too fried today to dive in.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bbmike on May 16, 2021, 05:09:57 PM
I was thinking about firing up the first one but after looking at the discussion forum on Steam I'm starting to think the new edition is the way to go.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 18, 2021, 08:36:42 PM
Started playing this tonight. The remastered game is gorgeous. I love the intro for ME 1.


I'm going to be busy for a while replaying the series.
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bbmike on May 18, 2021, 09:05:13 PM
Must...resist...positive...information...
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 18, 2021, 09:22:56 PM
Must...resist...positive...information...

I'm sure it will go on sale soon
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: thecommandtent on May 18, 2021, 09:36:50 PM
Must...resist...positive...information...

I'm sure it will go on sale soon

Knowing my luck I'll give in and get it and then it will go on sale
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 19, 2021, 07:03:20 AM
Knowing my luck I'll give in and get it and then it will go on sale


well then hurry up already so that everyone else can get their discounts, sheesh!  :tickedoff:
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: Martok on May 19, 2021, 03:44:42 PM
 :ROFL:

Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: thecommandtent on May 19, 2021, 10:08:05 PM
Knowing my luck I'll give in and get it and then it will go on sale


well then hurry up already so that everyone else can get their discounts, sheesh!  :tickedoff:

 :face:
Title: Re: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Post by: mirth on May 19, 2021, 10:11:24 PM
Knowing my luck I'll give in and get it and then it will go on sale


well then hurry up already so that everyone else can get their discounts, sheesh!  :tickedoff:

 :face:

Losers. Buy the damn game.