Mass Effect

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>_<

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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mark_oo:<br>Street date has been broken in Australia. Taking an early afternoon and heading off to pick up my copy now. <br><br>And Australia are 2/192 against Sri Lanka, with Jaques scoring back-to-back centuries. <br><br>Life is good. </div>
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<br><br>Where? I'll go pick up a copy on my way home...<br><br>Edit: Never mind, EB Australia are brazenly advertising it on their website http://www.ebgames.com.au/Xbox/product.cfm?ID=4754 and the Chatswood store are holding me a copy -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
 

Gendal

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2,617
<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>THis is a really bizarre complaint to level at Mass Effect given the reporting of a massive universe and a great deal of freedom in how one explores that universe. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Why? Who cares where the rooms are located in the galaxy? I haven't played the game so I can't really complain yet myself, it's just what other people I trust are saying.
 

Watcherq

Ars Scholae Palatinae
1,340
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by _Rand_:<br>Too slow perhaps, but I mostly just wanted to post inter-species lesbian love -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- </div>
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<br>You guys have *no* idea how p*ssed off I am right now. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif -- It was on Reuters and most if not all major game rags. They just doomed their multi-year multi-million dollar attempt of making here a game development center. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif --<br><br>Furthermore, the scene in question is already on Youtube. By banning it, they made a lot more people watched and view it than if they had kept it quiet.
 

Crolis

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Why? Who cares where the rooms are located in the galaxy? I haven't played the game so I can't really complain yet myself, it's just what other people I trust are saying. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Can you detail to me exactly what you are talking about? Oblivion's caves are just a series of rooms and corridors. You get there by walking around a world.<BR><BR>I've seen outside of a base missions in Mass Effect and inside base missions as well as space stations, etc. Ive seen the ability to drive around the planet's surface to go to various points of interest. <BR><BR>Maybe I'm just confused.
 

m666guy

Wise, Aged Ars Veteran
185
While reading the official forums, i encountered a thread that has me a bit worried. The thread mention a texture loading issue. The thing that is worrisome is that the issue was stated as much more severe then the occasional issue such as in Bioshock. <BR><BR>The man complainer, the only one saying it was a game killing issue, was a bit questionable. The number of friends/disks he had tried kept going up with the opposition to his statements. <BR><BR>So have any of you noticed the issue in question? If so, is it comparable to Bioshock? Is it much worse then Bioshock? I do not have a hard drive but would buy one if this changed the experience greatly. I have never had a reason to buy a hard drive.
 

Gendal

Ars Tribunus Militum
2,617
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Crolis:<BR>Can you detail to me exactly what you are talking about? Oblivion's caves are just a series of rooms and corridors. You get there by walking around a world.<BR><BR>I've seen outside of a base missions in Mass Effect and inside base missions as well as space stations, etc. Ive seen the ability to drive around the planet's surface to go to various points of interest. <BR><BR>Maybe I'm just confused. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Well no, I actually can't detail my fears because I haven't played the game yet as pointed out above. If you have and say that's bullshit then I am glad to hear it.
 

Evil_Superman

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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 m666guy:<BR>While reading the official forums, i encountered a thread that has me a bit worried. The thread mention a texture loading issue. The thing that is worrisome is that the issue was stated as much more severe then the occasional issue such as in Bioshock. <BR><BR>The man complainer, the only one saying it was a game killing issue, was a bit questionable. The number of friends/disks he had tried kept going up with the opposition to his statements. <BR><BR>So have any of you noticed the issue in question? If so, is it comparable to Bioshock? Is it much worse then Bioshock? I do not have a hard drive but would buy one if this changed the experience greatly. I have never had a reason to buy a hard drive. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>This was mentioned at CAD he said that sometimes the game will start a cutscene or load an environment before all the textures are loaded so for a few seconds you will see ugliness until they load. He also said while it was distracting when it happened it was far from a game killer.<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> The graphics in Mass Effect are outstanding, particularly the environments. I'm constantly amazed by the new planets I travel to. There is a slight obnoxious graphical tendency that so far as proved to be my biggest gripe with the game, and that's the texture pop-in. I recall it happened occasionally with Gears of War as well, but I find it to be far more frequent in Mass Effect. Essentially when you load a new area, or a new cutscene, sometimes the game gets going before the textures have finished. So for 3-5 seconds you're looking at blurry, vague models, and suddenly the gorgeous textures load and everything looks pretty again. It clearly doesn't hamper gameplay, but it is a bit distracting. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
 

Coalescent

Wise, Aged Ars Veteran
125
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Watcherq:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by _Rand_:<br>Too slow perhaps, but I mostly just wanted to post inter-species lesbian love -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- </div>
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<br>You guys have *no* idea how p*ssed off I am right now. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif -- It was on Reuters and most if not all major game rags. They just doomed their multi-year multi-million dollar attempt of making here a game development center. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif --<br><br>Furthermore, the scene in question is already on Youtube. By banning it, they made a lot more people watched and view it than if they had kept it quiet. </div>
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<br><br>Good news! Looks like Singapore decided to un-ban Mass Effect:<br><br>"Today, however, The Straits Times is reporting that the ban has been lifted and the game has been issued an M18 rating instead."<br><br>Singapore un-bans Mass Effect
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Harbinger:<BR>and the common thread between the three (Gears, Bioshock, and Mass Effect that is) is that they use the Unreal engine. Sounds like an engine problem, rather than a problem in any particular game. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Though I believe that problem only surfaced with Gears after the most recent patch, so I wonder what's actually causing it.
 

Evil_Superman

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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 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 Harbinger:<BR>and the common thread between the three (Gears, Bioshock, and Mass Effect that is) is that they use the Unreal engine. Sounds like an engine problem, rather than a problem in any particular game. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Though I believe that problem only surfaced with Gears after the most recent patch, so I wonder what's actually causing it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I experienced it with gears from the get go.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I experienced it with gears from the get go. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Same here. Not that I care too much, but it is a little strange.<BR><BR>So what does everyone think of the classes? Personally, I plan on playing through as a vanguard paragon for my first time. For the second I think it would be fun to play as a ruthless soldier type. Four days. Almost. There.
 

Evil_Superman

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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nobe:<br>can you say "I just received mass effect?"<br><br><br><br>I can.<br><br>-- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- </div>
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<br><br>by mail or did you happen upon it on a shelf?
 

Watcherq

Ars Scholae Palatinae
1,340
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Coalescent:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Watcherq:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by _Rand_:<br>Too slow perhaps, but I mostly just wanted to post inter-species lesbian love -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- </div>
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<br>You guys have *no* idea how p*ssed off I am right now. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif -- It was on Reuters and most if not all major game rags. They just doomed their multi-year multi-million dollar attempt of making here a game development center. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif --<br><br>Furthermore, the scene in question is already on Youtube. By banning it, they made a lot more people watched and view it than if they had kept it quiet. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>Good news! Looks like Singapore decided to un-ban Mass Effect:<br><br>"Today, however, The Straits Times is reporting that the ban has been lifted and the game has been issued an M18 rating instead."<br><br>Singapore un-bans Mass Effect </div>
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<br>Thanks! All the good anger wasted -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --<br><br>I guess the higher-ups (ie Minister of Information, yes, yes, a real appointment) saw the bigger picture, the potential for disaster on the reputation and oh those wasted millions. The reputation of being the most conservative non-religious country is going to sting. It must have gone under the radar of the Minister (ironic isn't it) who is preparing for a huge event regional this weekend.<br><br>It also helps that the Prime Minister's 3 sons are in the prime demographics of 18-30 IIRC -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --
 
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nobe:<br>can you say "I just received mass effect?"<br><br><br><br>I can.<br><br>-- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- </div>
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<br><br>Same here. God bless Dell for shipping me a product that wasn't even properly in their catalog yet, and for DHL delivering it 6 days before it was supposed to get here.
 

Diabolical

Senator
28,471
Subscriptor++
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nobe:<BR>I got it by mail. <BR><BR>I'm about an hour in and i'm loving it. There is a bit of frame rate drop but nothing to crazy. There is also a bit of texture popping - but I didn't buy this game for the graphics, I bought it for the gameplay and it's delivering in spades.<BR><BR>I did get a DRE though, but that is my ugly xboxens fault. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>You know how tempted I am to go out to medical lake and start burning down houses until you come running out with disc-in-hand?<BR><BR>There aren't that many houses in Medical Lake. I know, almost bought one out there....<BR><BR>Unless you are in one of the "Fox" sub-divisions. Then I'm fucked...<BR><BR>Must rethink plan....<BR><BR><BR><small>Envy+++</small>
 

Gendal

Ars Tribunus Militum
2,617
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Crolis:<BR>Im not saying its bullshit but Im trying to figure out what you are looking for. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I like worlds that don't feel like a bunch of disparate 3D levels. I don't really mind loading times (total lie, I loathe them) but I want the world to feel like I can go anywhere anytime minus the fact I would get my butt kicked. Zero to few games do this 100%, but I love the ones that at least try. Oblivion for instance went above and beyond in this aspect, while obviously failing in solutions to counteract it (leveled creatures).The Gothic series is an awesome example of how to do it right, while KoTOR is a perfect example of not even trying. <BR><BR>Mass Effect sounded like it would at least try, but apparently it didn't. This isn't a 100% thing, there are all kinds of degrees, and I can't weight in my opinion till my copy is delivered. Would love to hear from everybody else though that has it already.
 

MichaelC

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33,910
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Semi On:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">They said something similar with Jade Empire. <br><br>I'll wait patiently for the PC version. </div>
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<br><br>I'm going to be playing this thing all day next Tuesday. Track me down in three years and let me know what you thought of it. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>Sure! I do that all the time as it is, posting my "ooh shiny!" threads months or years after so many others have already played. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
 
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Diabolical:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nobe:<br>I got it by mail. <br><br>I'm about an hour in and i'm loving it. There is a bit of frame rate drop but nothing to crazy. There is also a bit of texture popping - but I didn't buy this game for the graphics, I bought it for the gameplay and it's delivering in spades.<br><br>I did get a DRE though, but that is my ugly xboxens fault. </div>
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<br><br>You know how tempted I am to go out to medical lake and start burning down houses until you come running out with disc-in-hand?<br><br>There aren't that many houses in Medical Lake. I know, almost bought one out there....<br><br>Unless you are in one of the "Fox" sub-divisions. Then I'm fucked...<br><br>Must rethink plan....<br><br><br><small>Envy+++</small> </div>
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<br><br>I've covered my home in asbestos seeing as you are not in the right state of mind. <br><br>-- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --<br><br><br><strike>envy</strike> <br>joyous laughter+++
 

Jehos

Ars Legatus Legionis
55,560
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nobe:<br>I've covered my home in asbestos seeing as you are not in the right state of mind. <br><br>-- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif --<br><br><br><strike>envy</strike> <br>joyous laughter+++ </div>
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<br>Attention internets, there's a copy of Mass Effect in the asbestos-covered house on or near Medical Lake.<br><br><small>Checkmate!</small>
 

Matrices

Ars Legatus Legionis
13,156
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">So for 3-5 seconds you're looking at blurry, vague models, and suddenly the gorgeous textures load and everything looks pretty again. It clearly doesn't hamper gameplay, but it is a bit distracting. </div>
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<br><br>This happens to me every time I load a level in Crysis. Far from a big deal. Just close your eyes at first. -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/gavel.gif --
 

Rhaegar

Ars Tribunus Angusticlavius
7,588
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Matrices:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">So for 3-5 seconds you're looking at blurry, vague models, and suddenly the gorgeous textures load and everything looks pretty again. It clearly doesn't hamper gameplay, but it is a bit distracting. </div>
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<br><br>This happens to me every time I load a level in Crysis. Far from a big deal. Just close your eyes at first. -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/gavel.gif -- </div>
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<br><br>Or drink heavily.
 

The Faceless Rebel

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Penny-Arcade criticizes the game's load times, a Bioware specialty, the load times in Bioware games have been shit since KOTOR on original Xbox:<BR><BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">At the same time, Microsoft's dogged insistence that they retain a model without a Hard Disc has done the game a bad turn. It's an experience that either needs a full install option or a significant cache, and it's got neither. So you're stuck in these ridiculously long elevators, or loading just for fun as you run down a hall. It's happening all the time, and the product is worse for it. The elevator in the Normandy is especially bad: other elevators in the game are long, so you're trapped in a box, but it's a box that moves quickly. The one in the core of the ship moves a centimeter at a time, inching its way to the belly of a ship the way a basketball might travel through a python. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
 

Comp Guru

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Here's how I'm laying it out.<br><br>All I know about Mass Effect is what I've learned from the various video trailers online / at trade shows. I've read abit about it but haven't been following it all that much.<br><br>I ordered the Collectors Edition on Friday. Purely based on how fun the game looks and how much hype the hive mind has been giving it, because if something sucks, usually people aren't afraid to say it.<br><br>It should be here monday/tuesday. You asses better be right about this one -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/gavel.gif --<br><br>- CG
 
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Comp Guru:<br>Here's how I'm laying it out.<br><br>All I know about Mass Effect is what I've learned from the various video trailers online / at trade shows. I've read abit about it but haven't been following it all that much.<br><br>I ordered the Collectors Edition on Friday. Purely based on how fun the game looks and how much hype the hive mind has been giving it, because if something sucks, usually people aren't afraid to say it.<br><br>It should be here monday/tuesday. You asses better be right about this one -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin.gif -- -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/gavel.gif --<br><br>- CG </div>
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<br><br>I've spent about 6 hours with it so far -- if you liked KOTOR, you'll like this. If you didn't like KOTOR, I can imagine ME being harder to get into.
 
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