Played about 3 hours. It's fun enough so far. Claims of greatest game ever are vastly overstated. There's far too much running back and forth for the optional quests, and there's a bit of a lack of polish that's uncharacteristic for Bioware. This is one game that you really should read up on the mechanics before you play because you get very little in the way of in-game instruction.<BR><BR>So far I'd say it's well worth a buy, but I'm hoping it gets better.
Mass Effect
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This game really doesn't hold your hand regarding how to do, well, pretty much everything.<br><br>Also, Deus Ex: Invisible War already conclusively proved that interfaces based on circles and moving the stick around to choose options really fucking suck. Why Bioware didn't get the message is beyond me, but I like game options in a list, thank you very much. Grrrr. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif --<br><br>The game doesn't seem to use any anti-aliasing or anisotropic filtering. This is kind of depressing, but Bioware have never been known for the technical excellence of their game engines, so it's pretty much par for course I suppose. The motion blur and film grain effects in this game both suck, which must be why Bioware gave me the option to turn them off. So I did. The depth of field effects are very nice in cutscenes though and add a suitable cinematic feel.<br><br>Judging from the achievements, it looks like you should go all Paragon or all Renegade if you want the best unlocks. Going all Neutral is probably as useless in this game as it was in KOTOR. I wish Bioware would include a third option, like Boring or something for people who always choose the boring middle option.
Anyone know of a place with a full confirmed list of the voice actors? I wont go into detail in case people don't want it spoiled for them for some reason, but thus far (only a few hours in) I have identified a number of celebs, other then the few people listed on IMDB. <BR><BR>The most recent was the voice of Barla Von... I cant be certain, but I am 99% sure I have it pegged, and thank god because it was driving me insane.<BR><BR>Rot 13ed for your pleasure:<BR>Xvrsre Fhgureynaq... V guvax
If you watch the credits for a bit, it lists all the voice actors. Also the credits theme song is quite good.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Lord_Byron:<BR><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. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I'm pretty sure paragon unlocks charm levels and renegade unlocks intimidate. At least that's what I remember from the screen where you upgrade talents.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Rhaegar:<BR>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. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I don't think you have the required skill at that point in the game as a soldier. If you start off as another class, you might be able to do it - you'll know when you can do it because when the buttons light up, they'll be the correct colour on the controller.<BR><BR>That being said, once you get to pick your squad, you can choose members which better compliment the character class you want to develop.
WOW. Sci-Fi <I>Flavor</I>.<BR><BR>I've never played much of any RPG in a serious manner; none that I've tried have been my thing. But I love good science fiction. <BR><BR>Mass Effect is <I>great</I> science-fiction. I've never been as awed by a game as I have been by this one thus far.<BR><BR>The story is irresistible, the graphics are the best I've seen from the Unreal engine yet, the circular menus seem natural to me, and the gameplay is completely engrossing. There's a learning curve for me as far as responsibility is concerned, but I love the mix of RPG/FPS.. definitely a stroke of genius.<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> I'm pretty sure paragon unlocks charm levels and renegade unlocks intimidate. At least that's what I remember from the screen where you upgrade talents. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> <BR><BR>Too bad; I keep asking myself "what would The Dude do?"
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrubber:<BR>Played about 3 hours. It's fun enough so far. Claims of greatest game ever are vastly overstated. There's far too much running back and forth for the optional quests, and there's a bit of a lack of polish that's uncharacteristic for Bioware. This is one game that you really should read up on the mechanics before you play because you get very little in the way of in-game instruction.<BR><BR>So far I'd say it's well worth a buy, but I'm hoping it gets better. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>WARNING: Do not consume Shrubber on an emppty stomach, may cause vommiting, diaherrea, flatulence, more vomitting, ear spasms, and possibley imputence.<BR><BR>aka, shrubber is a big whiney cynic on IRC, so if he gives it this much of a glowing review, it must be awesome! <3<BR><BR>- CG
Damn those pop-ups! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>This screen actually illustrates a problem I have with the subtitles: they are always that high up on the screen, like the 1/3 of the way from the bottom of the image. It makes sense in the context of making room for the dialogue tree UI, but when there is no dialogue selection to be made, why couldn't Bioware move the subtitles down more so they didn't completely get in the way of the image?
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Faceless Rebel:<br>Damn those pop-ups! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>This screen actually illustrates a problem I have with the subtitles: they are always that high up on the screen, like the 1/3 of the way from the bottom of the image. It makes sense in the context of making room for the dialogue tree UI, but when there is no dialogue selection to be made, why couldn't Bioware move the subtitles down more so they didn't completely get in the way of the image? </div>
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<br><br>You can't turn subtitles off? Why do you need them? Isn't the whole idea for conversation to be more cinematic, where you look at the person's face and not a transcript of what they're saying? Or are there different kinds of subtitling, like extra descriptive text not conveyed by speech?
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Faceless Rebel:<br>Damn those pop-ups! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>This screen actually illustrates a problem I have with the subtitles: they are always that high up on the screen, like the 1/3 of the way from the bottom of the image. It makes sense in the context of making room for the dialogue tree UI, but when there is no dialogue selection to be made, why couldn't Bioware move the subtitles down more so they didn't completely get in the way of the image? </div>
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<br><br>You can't turn subtitles off? Why do you need them? Isn't the whole idea for conversation to be more cinematic, where you look at the person's face and not a transcript of what they're saying? Or are there different kinds of subtitling, like extra descriptive text not conveyed by speech?
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<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 The Faceless Rebel:<br>Damn those pop-ups! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>This screen actually illustrates a problem I have with the subtitles: they are always that high up on the screen, like the 1/3 of the way from the bottom of the image. It makes sense in the context of making room for the dialogue tree UI, but when there is no dialogue selection to be made, why couldn't Bioware move the subtitles down more so they didn't completely get in the way of the image? </div>
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<br><br>You can't turn subtitles off? Why do you need them? Isn't the whole idea for conversation to be more cinematic, where you look at the person's face and not a transcript of what they're saying? Or are there different kinds of subtitling, like extra descriptive text not conveyed by speech? </div>
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<br>You can turn them off.
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<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 The Faceless Rebel:<br>Damn those pop-ups! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>This screen actually illustrates a problem I have with the subtitles: they are always that high up on the screen, like the 1/3 of the way from the bottom of the image. It makes sense in the context of making room for the dialogue tree UI, but when there is no dialogue selection to be made, why couldn't Bioware move the subtitles down more so they didn't completely get in the way of the image? </div>
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<br><br>You can't turn subtitles off? Why do you need them? Isn't the whole idea for conversation to be more cinematic, where you look at the person's face and not a transcript of what they're saying? Or are there different kinds of subtitling, like extra descriptive text not conveyed by speech? </div>
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<br>You can turn them off.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Faceless Rebel:<br>Damn those pop-ups! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>This screen actually illustrates a problem I have with the subtitles: they are always that high up on the screen, like the 1/3 of the way from the bottom of the image. It makes sense in the context of making room for the dialogue tree UI, but when there is no dialogue selection to be made, why couldn't Bioware move the subtitles down more so they didn't completely get in the way of the image? </div>
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<br><br>Subtitles? Ack. Do you <i>need</i> to have subtitles on or is the voice acting convincing enough to have them turned off? They're distracting when you already know English. I know in ancient times they've been necessary what with bad lip syncing and poor audio, but I hope we can move away from them soon enough. <br><br>I'm playing Assassin's Creed at the mo' and while the voice acting is a bit lame at times the audio is clear enough not to need subs.<br><br>Then again subtitles sometimes help the dialogue to stick in your head better.<br><br>EDIT: ^^------ Well it's comforting to see I'm not the only one enraged by the prospect of listening and reading at the same time.
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by The Faceless Rebel:<br>Damn those pop-ups! -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --<br><br>This screen actually illustrates a problem I have with the subtitles: they are always that high up on the screen, like the 1/3 of the way from the bottom of the image. It makes sense in the context of making room for the dialogue tree UI, but when there is no dialogue selection to be made, why couldn't Bioware move the subtitles down more so they didn't completely get in the way of the image? </div>
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<br><br>Subtitles? Ack. Do you <i>need</i> to have subtitles on or is the voice acting convincing enough to have them turned off? They're distracting when you already know English. I know in ancient times they've been necessary what with bad lip syncing and poor audio, but I hope we can move away from them soon enough. <br><br>I'm playing Assassin's Creed at the mo' and while the voice acting is a bit lame at times the audio is clear enough not to need subs.<br><br>Then again subtitles sometimes help the dialogue to stick in your head better.<br><br>EDIT: ^^------ Well it's comforting to see I'm not the only one enraged by the prospect of listening and reading at the same time.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Subtitles? Ack. Do you need to have subtitles on or is the voice acting convincing enough to have them turned off? They're distracting when you already know English. I know in ancient times they've been necessary what with bad lip syncing and poor audio, but I hope we can move away from them soon enough. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I actually prefer subtitles because I can read a lot quicker than I can listen, so if I'm talking to someone boring I can just fly through the dialog, rather than wait and listen to all the nonsense they have to say. <BR><BR>I can't even think of a game (especially a Bioware one) that didn't offer subtitles for impatient people, but I'm glad that you can turn them off to increase the immersion if desired.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Subtitles? Ack. Do you need to have subtitles on or is the voice acting convincing enough to have them turned off? They're distracting when you already know English. I know in ancient times they've been necessary what with bad lip syncing and poor audio, but I hope we can move away from them soon enough. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I use subtitles because sometimes I have a hard time hearing what the fuck the person on the screen is saying. This gets worse when a garbage truck or a train drives by and makes a bunch of noise; it is frustrating to not understand what to do next in a game because you missed some dialog for one reason or another.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by morello:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Subtitles? Ack. Do you need to have subtitles on or is the voice acting convincing enough to have them turned off? They're distracting when you already know English. I know in ancient times they've been necessary what with bad lip syncing and poor audio, but I hope we can move away from them soon enough. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I actually prefer subtitles because I can read a lot quicker than I can listen, so if I'm talking to someone boring I can just fly through the dialog, rather than wait and listen to all the nonsense they have to say. <BR><BR>I can't even think of a game (especially a Bioware one) that didn't offer subtitles for impatient people, but I'm glad that you can turn them off to increase the immersion if desired. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I use subtitles for both of the reasons listed above by Morello and Drutro.<BR><BR>1) I can read quickly and hit X to skip to the next line in Mass Effect<BR>2) Sometimes it's hard to understand what people are saying, especially when they're talking about some completely non-English alien race
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">it is frustrating to not understand what to do next in a game because you missed some dialog for one reason or another. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Mass Effect is good about that, though. The journal helps a lot in figuring out what to do next, but I agree with your overall point.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Comp Guru:<BR>aka, shrubber is a big whiney cynic on IRC, so if he gives it this much of a glowing review, it must be awesome! <3<BR> </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Also! What's with the slowdown and occasional frame rate choppiness? I can understand that on a PC where they can't tune for every configuration, but I really don't see how that's something you let fly as a developer on a console.<BR><BR>I like it so far, I'm going to keep playing, I'm just hoping it's a case of a slow beginning and then really takes off like KOTOR before you started getting your Jedi powers. It's a little tedious so far.<BR><BR>Also the Penny Arcade comics about it have all been spot on but especially about the elevators.
I like listening to the purty voices.<BR><BR>Besides, if you have subtitles off, you can still get the subtitle of the last thing said if you wait on the conversation selection screen.<BR><BR>*edit<BR><BR>And yeah, there are a lot of things to whine or... nitpick about 
<BR>The game is still fucking awesome though. <BR><BR>There was this one fight I was totally unprepared for and just kept losing on. But after probably the 14th or so time doing it, I won because of executing the fight really well. And the momentary frustrations of all the losing, I was otherwise grinning ear to ear because it reminded me of some BG2 fights where you would pretty much lose instantly if you didn't execute the fight with precision. Theres just something about this game where the framerate issues, and the oddly slow elevators were just immaterial to how I felt about it.<BR><BR>I should write a review/impressions thread.
<BR>The game is still fucking awesome though. <BR><BR>There was this one fight I was totally unprepared for and just kept losing on. But after probably the 14th or so time doing it, I won because of executing the fight really well. And the momentary frustrations of all the losing, I was otherwise grinning ear to ear because it reminded me of some BG2 fights where you would pretty much lose instantly if you didn't execute the fight with precision. Theres just something about this game where the framerate issues, and the oddly slow elevators were just immaterial to how I felt about it.<BR><BR>I should write a review/impressions thread.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Also! What's with the slowdown and occasional frame rate choppiness? I can understand that on a PC where they can't tune for every configuration, but I really don't see how that's something you let fly as a developer on a console. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR><BR>this is what really gets me about the game. all the reviews are making this sound like a game that had a year to build the story and 6 months to program the engine/get it out the door. yes, they all say their small issues, but in the realm of 4-600 dollar consoles and all this next gen horseshit, this stuff just shouldn't fly.<BR><BR>i know kotor wasn't exactly a smooth flowing marvel but i expect more from a much more powerful system. it almost seems like they should have used a different engine since the ut3 engine seems to run all over the place on the 360.
You guys can't kill my enthusiasm for this game no matter how hard you try! Too bad I won't get the game till later this afternoon right before I have to leave town for Thanksgiving.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">1) I can read quickly and hit X to skip to the next line in Mass Effect </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>This has led to me repeatedly pressing X just as the dialog pops up and picking the wrong dialog option. I really need to get better at that. I'm about four hours in and loving it. Vanguard is definitely a fun class. My only gripe is that I got stuck in place while running across a bridge. Just stuck, right in the middle. I had to crouch-walk to escape. Oh well, save a lot.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I don't think you have the required skill at that point in the game as a soldier. If you start off as another class, you might be able to do it - you'll know when you can do it because when the buttons light up, they'll be the correct colour on the controller. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>You don't, but the guy with you can, if you put points there. I was able to open those doors. They contained:<BR><BR>N fpvragvfg naq ure penml nffvfgnag va bar. Gur arkg unq guerr snezref gung tvir lbh n qrprag cvfgby naq fbzrguvat ryfr. V pna'g erzrzore jung'f va gur guveq.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RisingTide:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Rhaegar:<BR>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. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I don't think you have the required skill at that point in the game as a soldier. If you start off as another class, you might be able to do it - you'll know when you can do it because when the buttons light up, they'll be the correct colour on the controller.<BR><BR>That being said, once you get to pick your squad, you can choose members which better compliment the character class you want to develop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Dunno about other people but Kaidan had the skills necessary to unlock the doors for me and I'm playing as a Vanguard. Just give him a point or two in decrpytion and you're good to go.<BR><BR>To play the 'lockpick' minigame, select the 'Manual Override' or whatever. When the 360 buttons pop up, watch for the one that lights up and hit it right after. If you wait too long to hit it, you fail. No holding or anything, just tap it ASAP and keep going till it unlocks. I don't know if you get a second chance at hacking or if you have to use omni-gel afterwards since I haven't failed one yet. I thought the in-game description was fine for this, but I make sure to read all the pop-ups that I get regarding controls and whatnot.<BR><BR>Saving the farmers before the 1st spaceport part got me some nice weapons... upgraded pistol and an armor upgrade, I think and also gave me an option which led to me getting grenade research which increases their damage and radius. Score!<BR><BR>Also, somebody mentioned paragon vs. renegade regarding charm/intimidate. It doesn't matter which choices you make, you can level up both charm and intimidate. My good guy, sole survivor Ms. Shephard is going paragon so I've leveled Charm all the way already but I could still put points into intimidate if I want.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">To play the 'lockpick' minigame, select the 'Manual Override' or whatever. When the 360 buttons pop up, watch for the one that lights up and hit it right after. If you wait too long to hit it, you fail. No holding or anything, just tap it ASAP and keep going till it unlocks. I don't know if you get a second chance at hacking or if you have to use omni-gel afterwards since I haven't failed one yet. I thought the in-game description was fine for this, but I make sure to read all the pop-ups that I get regarding controls and whatnot. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR> If you fail you don't get a second chance you have to use omni-gel.<BR><BR>Is Seth Green the voice of the pilot?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Evil_Superman:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">To play the 'lockpick' minigame, select the 'Manual Override' or whatever. When the 360 buttons pop up, watch for the one that lights up and hit it right after. If you wait too long to hit it, you fail. No holding or anything, just tap it ASAP and keep going till it unlocks. I don't know if you get a second chance at hacking or if you have to use omni-gel afterwards since I haven't failed one yet. I thought the in-game description was fine for this, but I make sure to read all the pop-ups that I get regarding controls and whatnot. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR> If you fail you don't get a second chance you have to use omni-gel.<BR><BR>Is Seth Green the voice of the pilot? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Thanks, Evil. And yes, he is. IGN or GameSpy had some video of his outtakes when he went for his recording session.
I save before I do them. Omni-gel is precious.<BR><BR>And if you didn't know (it took me a while to figure it out myself) to get omni-gel, you more or less melt your equipment down for them. In the Equipment screen you can press Y to convert an item to Omni-gel. You only get 4 per (although I think you can get that up with Electronics?) item, and an omni-gel override costs 15+.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Also, somebody mentioned paragon vs. renegade regarding charm/intimidate. It doesn't matter which choices you make, you can level up both charm and intimidate. My good guy, sole survivor Ms. Shephard is going paragon so I've leveled Charm all the way already but I could still put points into intimidate if I want. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>This is important, this is not a good vs evil scale. You can have both Paragon *and* Renegade points. Supposedly having higher totals in either has some effects such as unlocking the ability to get higher levels of charm and intimidate (I've got 5 in each now) and changes as to initial disposition of NPCS.<BR><BR>But you can gain both. Think of it as two glasses you are filling up rather than a scale tilting one way or another.
Interesting. I'm curious to learn more about how that part of the system works.<BR><BR>I started an Infiltrator last night but I'm finding things a little too shootery. I like the cover and sniping, but on the other hand I've played a lot of shooters this year already. Plus, the hacking minigame is just Simon Says. Does the hacking ever get any more interesting? If not, I may go back to my initial inclination and play straight Adept.<BR><BR>Added: Oh, just saw the discussion about Adepts on page 16. Maybe a Vanguard... or maybe I'll be a mostly Paragon Vanguard next time versus being a mostly Renegade Infiltrator this time.
As someone who repeatedly failed the lockpicking before I finally "got" how it works, they lockers and whatnot will eventually reset. Possibly when you die.
While the game has its flaws, it is probably the most engrossing game I have played yet. I had a hell of a time stopping myself from playing at 1am last night.<BR><BR>I had to turn off motion blur though. It was annoying me. Surprisingly, the game seems to run a bit smoother after this.<BR><BR>I'm having a blast. This is very much a Bioware game, which means if you like any of their previous games, you will enjoy Mass Effect.<BR><BR>And intimidating people is major fun. I can't wait to explore more (I'm still running around the Citadel trying to discover everything!)
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by pToast:<BR>I save before I do them. Omni-gel is precious.<BR> </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Haha, just you wait. Soon enough, you'll be getting at least ten redundant weapons upgrades from every encounter, and you'll be absolutely drowning in gel because you're too far away from a merchant to sell the excess crap.
Anybody have combat tips? I've been reading the manual but I haven't really gotten a grip on all the action. It seems like the other people in my party are doing all the work. I see all kinds of crazy lights going off and I have no idea what they are doing. I thought their was a tactical pause where you could position each memeber where you wanted them, but all I see is a attack/defend mechanic ala Freedom Fighters.
Anyone happen to know how the medi-gel and grenade mechanic works?<BR><BR>I know that both cap at 5 early on, and that this can be raised later. What I am wondering however is how these items are replenished. Do they "recharge" over time, or do you find them as automatic loot from kills or boxes?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrikebtr:<BR>Anyone happen to know how the medi-gel and grenade mechanic works?<BR><BR>I know that both cap at 5 early on, and that this can be raised later. What I am wondering however is how these items are replenished. Do they "recharge" over time, or do you find them as automatic loot from kills or boxes? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Medi-gel can be found in crates, or picked up from a few different dispensers (the infirmary on the Normandy; the medical clinic in the Wards at Citadel). Grenades--and this took forever to figure out--can only be recharged as loot. I've only seen one point in the game where you're told that you've recovered grenades from a chest though, and that was during a mission where grenades were a key plot point.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jonathan Hart:<BR>Anybody have combat tips? I've been reading the manual but I haven't really gotten a grip on all the action. It seems like the other people in my party are doing all the work. I see all kinds of crazy lights going off and I have no idea what they are doing. I thought their was a tactical pause where you could position each memeber where you wanted them, but all I see is a attack/defend mechanic ala Freedom Fighters. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Because of my character class, I suck with weapons. I usually get close, use the throw ability to knock down my enemies, and pwn them with the shottie.<BR><BR><B>Edit:</B> Add teabagging for humiliation
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Lord_Byron:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shrikebtr:<BR>Anyone happen to know how the medi-gel and grenade mechanic works?<BR><BR>I know that both cap at 5 early on, and that this can be raised later. What I am wondering however is how these items are replenished. Do they "recharge" over time, or do you find them as automatic loot from kills or boxes? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Medi-gel can be found in crates, or picked up from a few different dispensers (the infirmary on the Normandy; the medical clinic in the Wards at Citadel). Grenades--and this took forever to figure out--can only be recharged as loot. I've only seen one point in the game where you're told that you've recovered grenades from a chest though, and that was during a mission where grenades were a key plot point. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Ok so Medi-Gel should be used somewhat sparingly, but grenades may get recharged from random corpse loot? Because I dig grenades :-D<BR><BR>As for combat, I am playing through my first run as a female renegade/bitch adept. Being limited to pistols is meh, but I am putting as many points into recharge reductions as I can so I can throw biotics around like crazy. As it is, popping fools in the face with the pistol, whipping around to Throw a guy against a wall, and then lobbing a grenade into some Krogan's face is all the fun I need. Although I die super easy, so I am trying to be as smart as possible with cover and ordering the squad to give me covering fire and take good positions and such.
An RPG that rewards you XP for roleplaying instead of pure GRINDING?!<BR><BR>Loving it so far. It was quite awesome to boost myself <I>several</I> levels just talking to people and exploring the Citadel, not to mention earning a ton of coinage.
Medi-gel also comes as corpse loot (and in some cases omni-gel also). <BR><BR>Oh, and is it just me or:<BR><BR> gur ghevna qrgrpgvir ba gur pvgnqry, gur bar jub tvirf lbh gur zvffvba gb tb cvpx hc gur jrncbaf zbqf fb gurl pna znxr n ohfg naq gur onegraqre pna yrnir pubenf qra, qbrf ur unir 2 qvssrerag ibvprf? Zbfg yvarf ner va bar ibvpr, ohg n pbhcyr fbhaq pbzcyrgryl qvssrerag.<BR><BR>Am I crazy, or did you notice it too?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">the turian detective on the citadel, the one who gives you the mission to go pick up the weapons mods so they can make a bust and the bartender can leave choras den, does he have 2 different voices? Most lines are in one voice, but a couple sound completely different. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Yep, the thing I think it is there is occasionally a lack of the reverb effect they put on Turians to give them distinctive voices. It sounds like a couple of his lines slipped through and are just straight unfiltered speech so it sounds different.
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