The Mass Effect Trilogy has been around since late 2012 and has since been subject to discourse within the gamer community. It was even banned for a time in Singapore because of its 'pornographic' nature. Despite this, the trilogy is an alluring sci-fi adventure that deals with much more than just alien genitalia and the fandom's focus on Asari sexuality. Here are a few of the reasons why Mass Effect is worth your time.
1. Dynamic Romance Options
The Mass Effect Trilogy is ripe with different species of varying sexualities. As Commander Shepard, you are not limited by race in who you choose to romance. This being said, each romance option has their own preference. Tali, for example, is a straight female Quarian while Kaidan Alenko is a bisexual male human.
2. Relationships Between Player and NPC
While not all companions are available as romance options, you are still able to form close bonds with members of your crew. Wrex, for example, will dub you an honorary Krogan if you complete Mass Effect 3's story line in favor of the Krogan people.
3. Origin Based Dialogue
You have three origins to choose from at the start of the game. Spacer, Earthborn, and Colonist. Depending on which origin you choose, several NPCs will comment on this and you'll even have a few origin-specific side quests.
4. Biotics
This is pretty self explanatory. Who wouldn't want the ability to harness dark matter?
5. Large Variety of Origins and Power Classifications
You are not confined to one specific class in Mass Effect. Like most RPGs you are given a set to choose from. In Mass Effect these classes can focus from tech-oriented, to battle-oriented, to biotic-oriented.
6. Decisions That are Neither Completely Good or Bad
As Commander Shepard you walk a very morally gray line. There are many decisions in the game that have no completely favorable outcome no matter which option you pick.
7. You Call the Shots
Playing as Shepard, there isn't anything you can't do. You have complete soverignty over the Normandy and what goes on within.
8. Real Life Issues
It's easy for a video game to just include what people want to see-- fantasy, romance, first-person violence-- but Mass Effect takes it a step further and focuses on real world issues. An example of this would be the slack the Quarian people get at every turn.
9. Decoration Options and Customization
Don't like how plain your room looks? Don't like the color scheme of your armor? Mass Effect gives you the option to change it up whenever you want! You can even collect knickknacks during your space exploration.
10. Space Exploration
Speaking of space exploration, who hasn't wanted to uncover the mysteries beyond our solar system? Mass Effect gives you the chance to not only explore outside The Milky Way, but also experience various missions on different planets.
11. Liara T'soni
Perhaps this is just self-indulgent, but who doesn't want an attractive Asari girlfriend? Liara T'soni is the brain and the brawn all in one with the power to control dark energy AND uncover the galaxy's darkest secrets.
