Mass Effect – Legendary Edition is set in the 22nd century, a time when humanity, aided by alien technology, has expanded into space. While the cosmos holds many wonders, it also harbors grave threats, chief among them the Geth, a race of mechanical enemies determined to eradicate all organic life. The fate of the galaxy now rests on the shoulders of John (or Jane) Shepard.
The Mass Effect trilogy, originally released on the Xbox 360, is widely regarded as an epic space saga. Player choices significantly impact the narrative, shaping relationships and determining pivotal decisions, including mission assignments and sacrifices made during critical moments. This branching narrative lends itself to high replayability, offering a fresh experience with each playthrough. However, the original release of Mass Effect on the Xbox 360 (2007) left it visually dated by today’s high-resolution standards. Therefore, the announcement of Mass Effect – Legendary Edition by EA and BioWare was met with considerable anticipation.
Mass Effect – Legendary Edition was primarily tested on an Xbox One X. The enhanced visuals, offering 4K resolution at 30fps and 60fps at 1440p, provide a significant upgrade. For those with next-gen consoles, the game supports 120Hz (scaled down to 1440p) on Xbox Series X, but remains at 60fps on PS5 (at least at launch). It’s worth noting that even on the powerful One X, occasional lag was observed, highlighting the increasing demands on last-gen hardware. The developers have invested considerable effort in revitalizing Mass Effect for a new console generation. Environments have been enhanced with higher resolution and increased detail. Certain areas have been redesigned to eliminate walls that previously served to minimize loading times. The faster SSDs in the new consoles contribute to a more seamless experience. The classic elevator sequences, used for loading, remain, but now offer an option to skip dialogue due to significantly reduced loading times.
Beyond the visual enhancements, gameplay refinements are also apparent. Notably, weapon handling and aiming mechanics have been improved. However, the original weapon overheating mechanic, particularly frustrating in the first game, remains. Shepard can now sprint to evade danger, and squadmate commands can be issued individually, a welcome change from the original game. The MAKO (terrain vehicle) has also received an overhaul, offering more realistic handling, although the original control scheme can be selected if preferred.
The controversial ending of the third game has been replaced with the extended cut ending from the DLC release, a change many players will appreciate. Mass Effect – Legendary Edition is equally suited for veterans seeking to revisit this space opera and newcomers experiencing it for the first time. While the concept of player choice impacting the narrative isn’t entirely unique, Mass Effect distinguishes itself through the depth and complexity of its branching storylines. Seemingly minor dialogue choices can have significant and unexpected consequences. The selection of squad members for each mission also influences the story. Choosing the “wrong” team members can restrict access or dialogue options, while the “right” choices can unlock hidden content. The bonds forged with squadmates carry weight throughout the trilogy, with decisions made in earlier games impacting later events. Character progression and modifications also persist across all three games. Consequently, playing through all games sequentially is highly recommended.
In conclusion, Mass Effect – Legendary Edition is a definitive addition to any gamer’s library. While minor irritations from the original game persist, preventing a perfect score, the enhancements to visuals, gameplay, and overall experience make it a worthwhile investment.
