That’s over 13 years ago Mass Effect was released, with the sequels in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Whether you have played the games or not, you have certainly heard of them, and there are many who have the game series among their favorites.
Now Bioware has refurbished the games, and prepared them for newer hardware. Almost all of the downloadable content is in place and integrated into the story, with the exception of The Pinnacle Code, where the source code has unfortunately been lost.
A good overhaul
Mass Effect, the first game in the series, has received the biggest upgrades here. It is probably also quite natural, as this was released already in 2007, and is starting to show good signs of aging. Throughout the year, the developers have updated the visuals. There are new lighting effects, the areas you move through are much more detailed, and both equipment and figure design have been refurbished.
In any case, it is worth remembering that this is an old game, and it in no way looks like a modern shooter by today’s standards. This seems especially good on faces and character animation, which is still stiff and unnatural in most cases. Many of the areas you visit are still colorless and monotonous even after being fixed. In any case, the overall impression of the visual upgrade of Mass Effect is a good improvement, but still clearly an aging game.
But it is not only the visual that has changed. The combat system, and especially aiming and shooting with weapons, feels much better, and is much closer to the feeling from the sequels. It’s still stiff, but perhaps the biggest noticeable change from the original game to Legendary Edition. The interface has also received some adjustments here and there, and some game systems have been changed for the better (everyone can use all kinds of weapons, for example).
Mass Effect is still a game with rough edges, just like it was in 2007, but I still love the game. The story kicks off incredibly fast, you gather the gang with wonderful characters in a short time and the story is driven forward all the time. The voice acting is good, and historically this Bioware is close to top form.
Still great games
The two sequels have also received many of the same upgrades, but not as comprehensive as in the first game. There are small details and general visual improvements on armor, faces and areas here as well. There are still noticeably stiff and weird facial animations when the characters talk, but beyond that, the last two games also generally look better. The loading times are noticeably better compared to the original ones, although at the same time they are longer than what we are used to in modern games, on modern hardware.
All three run well, with no significant drop in frame rate or other technical problems. I play on PlayStation 5, but there is only one PlayStation 4 version of Legendary Edition, so full power from the latest generation of consoles is not on the table here.
If we remove all improvements, visual upgrades or changes made to the collection package, then the Mass Effect trilogy is still a series of games I am a big fan of. Bioware weaves together a great space drama, they mix in one of the better character galleries I have experienced in games, and tell an intense and exciting story that spans three very good games.
The way they incorporate very good downloadable packages like The Shadow Broker and Citadel works excellently, and it’s great to have the whole trilogy gathered in one total package in this way. Although I know how it all ends, it did not take long for Mass Effect before I felt the urge to experience the next part of the story, to turn off the next chat with Garrus or Tali, or to scan the next planet for resources.
Conclusion
The trilogy is not perfect, it still has many of the same weaknesses it had when the original games were released. But this collection pack improves enough elements that it is without a doubt the best way to experience Shephard’s journey through the universe.
The story is brilliantly told, you are thrown straight into conflict that encompasses the entire universe and is about ancient, extinct races you had not even heard of five minutes ago. At the same time, it balances with close, good stories and a character gallery taken from the top shelf. I want to take almost everyone with me on every mission (No, not you Kaidan), and I’m always looking forward to the next conversation with all my companions at Normandy.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition stays true to the game series, while it’s a big enough upgrade to be worth the price you pay.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is out now for PlayStation 4 (tested), Xbox One and PC. The console versions are compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S.
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