Got my copy today..but I likely won't be able to play it until tomorrow. Hopefully it is as good as advertised.<BR><BR>The timing of the release is both genius and terrible. Release on a Tuesday of a short work week is a great move by Bioware. Meanwhile, that short week is also a time when many people tend to travel and have family obligations. It'll be interesting to see how many copies they can sell.
Mass Effect
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by strawman:<BR>I haven't been reading reviews. What are these flaws people speak of? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I was judging based on this review from Gamespot:<BR>http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/masseffect/review.html<BR><BR>They mention some texture clipping and frame-rate issues. Some awkward gameplay battles and awkward menu interface round it off I guess.
I thought you were taking the day off to play Mass Effect Semi?<BR><BR>Anyway I picked this up this morning with my free copy of SUPERMAN RETURNS. Guess which one I'll be playing first?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I thought you were taking the day off to play Mass Effect Semi? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Stupid people booked stupid meetings this afternoon that I need to attend. I'm leaving early, though, and will definitely be off tomorrow. I have to leave this weekend for Japan and I want some semblance of a holiday.<BR><BR>How did you get the free copy of SR?
Newegg upgraded me to 2 day shipping for free so I could get it before the holiday weekend. <3 for Newegg...
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I thought you were taking the day off to play Mass Effect Semi? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Stupid people booked stupid meetings this afternoon that I need to attend. I'm leaving early, though, and will definitely be off tomorrow. I have to leave this weekend for Japan and I want some semblance of a holiday.<BR><BR>How did you get the free copy of SR? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Think it was a <STRIKE>Best Buy</STRIKE> Future Shop deal. Buy Mass Effect and get a free copy of Superman Returns with it.<BR><BR>I got my copy of ME and it's ~2 hours till class is done. CAN'T WAIT!<BR><BR>Edit: Looks like Best Buy Canada deal as I see it on the .ca website, but not the .com site.<BR><BR>Edit 2: Sorry, Future Shop deal. I get the two confused now that we have them both.
Mass Effect is in my glovebox (along with Rescue Dawn on Blu-ray) and Rock Band is in my trunk... I'm suddenly very nervous about my car and I want to take the rest of the day off...
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Deviation:<BR>Mass Effect is in my glovebox (along with Rescue Dawn on Blu-ray) and Rock Band is in my trunk... I'm suddenly very nervous about my car and I want to take the rest of the day off... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Tell me where it's parked and I'll keep an eye on your stuff.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by keltorak:<br>Just a head's up, the game is selling as part of Dell Canada's days of gaming deal (as I'd hoped), for 44.99CAD. </div>
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<br>Future Shop price matched the Dell ad, plus 10% of the difference! $43.39 + taxes and now I can't wait to get home. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by keltorak:<br>Just a head's up, the game is selling as part of Dell Canada's days of gaming deal (as I'd hoped), for 44.99CAD. </div>
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<br>Future Shop price matched the Dell ad, plus 10% of the difference! $43.39 + taxes and now I can't wait to get home. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Agreschn:<br>Think it was a <strike>Best Buy</strike> Future Shop deal. Buy Mass Effect and get a free copy of Superman Returns with it.<br><br>I got my copy of ME and it's ~2 hours till class is done. CAN'T WAIT!<br><br>Edit: Looks like Best Buy Canada deal as I see it on the .ca website, but not the .com site.<br><br>Edit 2: Sorry, Future Shop deal. I get the two confused now that we have them both. </div>
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<br><br>Same deal here, and Blockbuster will take it as a trade in for 13$! Woohoo! -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Agreschn:<br>Think it was a <strike>Best Buy</strike> Future Shop deal. Buy Mass Effect and get a free copy of Superman Returns with it.<br><br>I got my copy of ME and it's ~2 hours till class is done. CAN'T WAIT!<br><br>Edit: Looks like Best Buy Canada deal as I see it on the .ca website, but not the .com site.<br><br>Edit 2: Sorry, Future Shop deal. I get the two confused now that we have them both. </div>
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<br><br>Same deal here, and Blockbuster will take it as a trade in for 13$! Woohoo! -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR>I picked it up at lunch but I won't be able to play it for at least a couple more hours. For those that are already in, what are your thoughts on the classes?<BR><BR>My general play style tends to favor the soldier description, but the adept is intriguing if only for my own fantasies of fantastical mental powers. I'm assuming you will come across a specialized soldier, tech and adept so that you're never really without a given power. Is that so and how long roughly (without spoilers)? <BR><BR>I guess I'm favoring a paragon soldier the first play through and an adept renegade the second, at this point. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I would strongly recommend not playing a straight Adept. The biotic powers are all one use / battle (well, for your first 25 levels, anyway), and you're going to end up as the point -man/woman of your party because of AI issues. The only thing that the Adept gets you is that you'll be leading the charge with a pistol and a t-shirt rather than an assault rifle and actual armor.<BR><BR>You will be given appropriate party members to plug in regardless of which class you choose for yourself, if that helps.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Future Shop price matched the Dell ad, plus 10% of the difference! $43.39 + taxes and now I can't wait to get home. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>What the hell? Since when do Canadians get better deals on stuff than we do. Clearly, this improved CA$ thing has gone to your heads and it's time we annex your little country.<BR><BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I would strongly recommend not playing a straight Adept. The biotic powers are all one use / battle (well, for your first 25 levels, anyway), </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I was a little afraid of something similar, which is why I asked. Do the biotics add enough to bother with a Vanguard or would one of the combat/tech classes be better all around?
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What the hell? Since when do Canadians get better deals on stuff than we do. Clearly, this improved CA$ thing has gone to your heads and it's time we annex your little country. </div>
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<br><br>You and what army? Even most of your NG isn't on US soil -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --<br><br>Its about time we stopped paying a 20% premium for just being Canadian. Now if only the auto industry would follow suit.<br><br>I've commited to waiting to get this game as an Xmas present... and it sucks having to wait.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What the hell? Since when do Canadians get better deals on stuff than we do. Clearly, this improved CA$ thing has gone to your heads and it's time we annex your little country. </div>
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<br><br>You and what army? Even most of your NG isn't on US soil -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --<br><br>Its about time we stopped paying a 20% premium for just being Canadian. Now if only the auto industry would follow suit.<br><br>I've commited to waiting to get this game as an Xmas present... and it sucks having to wait.
Speaking of Canadian deals I also just picked up Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty 4 for $90 from Futureshop. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>Dell's website now lists Mass Effect for $59.99. What happened there?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR>I was a little afraid of something similar, which is why I asked. Do the biotics add enough to bother with a Vanguard or would one of the combat/tech classes be better all around? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>It seems to me like tech is more useful than biotics, though I might be overreacting because Adept seems like such a waste. Vanguards do get access to the most useful biotics, for what that's worth. Intermittent frame-rate issues make close combat a pain though, which is what you'd be in for since the Vanguard's unlockable weapon is the shotgun.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Rhaegar:<br>Speaking of Canadian deals I also just picked up Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty 4 for $90 from Futureshop. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>Dell's website now lists Mass Effect for $59.99. What happened there? </div>
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<br><br>Sold out of stock so you can't get instant savings on what's not there. Unfortunately, fucks over us people who already bought the game and were going to head back to get some money back tonight. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif -- Oh well... I got me my Mass Effect.<br><br>And I also got the Assassin's Creed/Call of Duty 4 deal for $90 the other day. Too many games!
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Rhaegar:<br>Speaking of Canadian deals I also just picked up Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty 4 for $90 from Futureshop. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>Dell's website now lists Mass Effect for $59.99. What happened there? </div>
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<br><br>Sold out of stock so you can't get instant savings on what's not there. Unfortunately, fucks over us people who already bought the game and were going to head back to get some money back tonight. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif -- Oh well... I got me my Mass Effect.<br><br>And I also got the Assassin's Creed/Call of Duty 4 deal for $90 the other day. Too many games!
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Luke-Alexander Johnson:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by strawman:<BR>I haven't been reading reviews. What are these flaws people speak of? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I was judging based on this review from Gamespot:<BR>http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/masseffect/review.html<BR><BR>They mention some texture clipping and frame-rate issues. Some awkward gameplay battles and awkward menu interface round it off I guess. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>The gametrailers review seems nicely balanced and puts the flaws into perspective. I mean, certainly as described here and elsewhere, they're the kind of flaws I'm just not going to care about.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by senduran:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Luke-Alexander Johnson:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by strawman:<BR>I haven't been reading reviews. What are these flaws people speak of? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I was judging based on this review from Gamespot:<BR>http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/masseffect/review.html<BR><BR>They mention some texture clipping and frame-rate issues. Some awkward gameplay battles and awkward menu interface round it off I guess. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>The gametrailers review seems nicely balanced and puts the flaws into perspective. I mean, certainly as described here and elsewhere, they're the kind of flaws I'm just not going to care about. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>In the spirit of Gamespy's declaration that Mass Effect is one of the greatest games ever, I wrote a mini-review. I think it's fairly balanced...<BR><BR>Mass Effect's sweeping vision elevates video gaming to a new previously unknown plateau of level design and offers unparalleled vistas into the emotionally obscure depths of the soul. This RPG-cum-FPS for Xbox 360 is truly a masterwork of the human condition, inspired by the very existence of humanity and its position and place in the universe. It struggles with the existential questions which we all ask, Why are we here? What purpose do we serve? and in one deft, unflinching wave, it answers all of them. Mass Effect, then, is undoubtedly a magnum opus of mankind. Before it, the Mona Lisa, the extermination of smallpox, the Great Wall of China, and the Theory of General Relativity fall aside as mere playthings of the imagination and possibilities of man. This space-shooter is the purest distillation of our people's hopes, dreams, and glorious failures ever made. It is a must play for every man, woman, and child on Earth.<BR><BR>10.0 - An unparalleled achievement.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Yip:<BR>In the spirit of Gamespy's declaration that Mass Effect is one of the greatest games ever, I wrote a mini-review. I think it's fairly balanced...<BR><BR>Mass Effect's sweeping vision elevates video gaming to a new previously unknown plateau of level design and offers unparalleled vistas into the emotionally obscure depths of the soul. This RPG-cum-FPS for Xbox 360 is truly a masterwork of the human condition, inspired by the very existence of humanity and its position and place in the universe. It struggles with the existential questions which we all ask, Why are we here? What purpose do we serve? and in one deft, unflinching wave, it answers all of them. Mass Effect, then, is undoubtedly a magnum opus of mankind. Before it, the Mona Lisa, the extermination of smallpox, the Great Wall of China, and the Theory of General Relativity fall aside as mere playthings of the imagination and possibilities of man. This space-shooter is the purest distillation of our people's hopes, dreams, and glorious failures ever made. It is a must play for every man, woman, and child on Earth.<BR><BR>10.0 - An unparalleled achievement. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Don't be a dick. <BR><BR>This is exactly why number scores are so iffy and Ars' "Buy/Rent/Abstain" system works so well. The flaws the reviews are pointing out mean different things to different people. How would you rate texture pop in? -1 point? -.5 points? -.1 points?<BR><BR>I've played about 4 hours of the game so far, and so far I would rate it a definite <B>buy</B>.<BR><BR>*edit<BR>And watching their review, I would agree with them. For me, the problems really are nitpicks and have yet to distract me from an incredible game.
Stupid, stupid question, but I need to ask: If I enjoyed sparefare games in the past (ie: starflight!) where I got a kick out of discovering new worlds and exploring the reaches of space will I also like Mass Effect? I've played all the other bioware offerings before, so I know about production value and so forth. It's the exploration and discovery element that I'm keen on.
One last question. Does going solidly renegade or paragon give you any perks or are they simply character playing? In KOTOR, you were motivated to max your light or dark side because of the bonuses, but that watered down the role playing element. If there's no real benefit, I can play some shade of gray with less concern.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by pcgeek86:<BR>Can't they patch consoles now that they've got hard drives in them?<BR><BR>I'd rather see it on PC myself, but I don't want to wait <B>that</B> long ... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>They can, and I don't see any reason why they wouldn't. No telling how long it's going to take though.<BR><BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NinjaMutha:<BR>Is anyone else daunted by the size of this? While not every planet is explorable...it's like you go to a new sector. Within that sector is usually 3-5 systems, and within each system is 4-6 individual planets. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>How many sectors are there?<BR><BR>EDIT: From the Gametrailers review:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It's certainly not perfect, but the minor performance issues and the needlessly complex menus are like tiny specks in a celestial sea of awesomeness. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I LOL'ed
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR>One last question. Does going solidly renegade or paragon give you any perks or are they simply character playing? In KOTOR, you were motivated to max your light or dark side because of the bonuses, but that watered down the role playing element. If there's no real benefit, I can play some shade of gray with less concern. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I don't think they change your abilities or skills, no. They might load the dice as far as initial reactions from later NPCs, but I haven't noticed any direct effects.
We lucky Australians were able to play Mass Effect over the weekend. So far I'm yet to encounter any noticable frame rate or combat issues. Combat does take some getting used to, but I found using cover seems to be the key. The only show stopping bug I have enocuntered was a terrain bug which locked my character in place, had to load a save game on that one.
,|,, to BestBuy.<BR><BR>I pre-ordered my copy. It shipped yesterday, it was not waiting for me after my 10 hour shift today :sad:.<BR><BR>If it doesn't come by Thursday (my first short shift of the week, only work til 4PM) then I will cry.<BR><BR>Luckily I have Assassins Creed to keep me company.<BR><BR>- CG
I'm still trying to get my RROD 360 fixed by Microsoft. The wait for Mass Effect and Call of Duty 4 is killing me. I suppose it's character building or something, but I'd rather make a character in Mass Effect.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">,|,, to BestBuy. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Funny, I had to go to three stores to find a copy, and Best Buy was the one who had it. Of course, the Best Buy near me has consistently been the best and easiest place for me to go buy consumer electronics short of taking a trek of an hour to the "local" Fry's.<BR><BR>Loving the game, hating the "maginc" system. I'm seriously considering going back and respeccing as a soldier just to not have to deal with it much. Seriously, how did they think this was a good idea? I only played the KOTORs on the PC, was that interface this clunky?<BR><BR>[EDIT] Oh yah, that is the slowest elevator <B>evar</B>.
Whating a hype show on SciFi. Devs confirm that your actions in this one will effect the 2nd and 3rd (Woot) game. Man, I might just have to buy a 360 for this.
From everything I've heard, I'm definitely leaning towards a soldier, which is disappointing. I had really looked forward to the biotics.
Fun, fun, fun, absorbing and cinematic. Really like the dialogue system. Man, am I hopeless in combat! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif -- <br>/looks lovingly over at keyboard/mouse.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<BR>Do you have to get to Nihlus fast in order to prevent him from dying or does it join later? I got a shit load of gear for him on the first level but he's a corpse. Do I need to replay the level or will this resolve itself later? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>The turian that joins you later is not Nihilus. Nihilus is dead forever.
The nearest Costco here in Seattle had it for $51.99, but they didn't actually bother to put any empty boxes out. I had to flag someone down as they walked past the cage near the front and ask for a copy.
Broke down and bought it today (blew a ton of money today, poor credit card). Only got to play for 30 minutes before I had to go to bed. <BR><BR>I almost bought Rock Band as well since the Best Buy had a ton of them sitting out. Unfortunately I have no one to play with.
So I tried decrypting the three doors/containers on Eden Prime and failed every time. I get the game. You press the button that lights up. But do you just tap the button or do you have to hold it down for a certain amount of time. My character is a soldier so I'm just wondering if don't have the required skill. I have to say the game wasn't too helpful in explaining what was going on.
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