Ultimately, Mass Effect comes out more than the sum of its parts. Each of its disparate elements--role-playing, action, and exploration--possesses discernible weaknesses. None of these shortcomings ever acutely scar the experience, instead mitigated amid a masterful blending of these mechanics. The fluid, nearly organic nature of gameplay coincides marvelously with the existential themes explored by its narrative. Beyond the sophomoric serenades of clichéd console role-playing games, Mass Effect explores the metaphysical universe as much as it does the corporeal. Life, sentience, coexistence, human nature--these are issues dealt with a profundity rarely--if ever--seen in a game.
Symbolism and implication relay the game's themes as much as dialogue and text. Interactions with characters certainly drive the plot forward, but the universe BioWare has created relates themes by means of its sheer existence. The desolation of an uncharted planet with craggy mountains, howling winds, and life-draining atmosphere evokes a sensation, for instance, unattainable through common role-playing conceits which would encourage linear sequences and scripted conversations. That isn't to detract from the carefully laid out plot, which evolves at a pace set by the player; moreover, innumerable side missions provide insight into the characters that join your party, the species that inhabit the Milky Way, and even Shepard's own past. This is more than peering at posters--Mass Effect takes a sophisticated step forward for interactive storytelling by cultivating a universe that reflects the complexity and beauty of our own reality.
In what appears to be an effort to minimize loading times, low-resolution textures are used upon entering a new area. A few seconds is all that passes before these muddy palettes are replaced by more detailed textures, but it's noticeable and annoying. Texture popping isn't the only problem with the presentation, as framerate drops are common. The incredible visual detail likely demands a lot from Xbox 360 hardware; however, it runs off of the Unreal Engine 3, which handles just fine in other titles. It seems clear that Mass Effect needed more time to tune its performance and eliminate these nagging little issues.
The flaws that Mass Effect possesses, while disappointing, also serve to highlight the amazing quality of its strengths. This is a masterful game that innovates in a genre that often sticks to tradition. Mass Effect is a gorgeous, thought-provoking adventure that is as captivating as action-packed. While it hasn't undergone the polish it deserves, that doesn't prevent it from emerging as one of the best examples of the artistry to be achieved in the development of a game.
