[360] Mass Effect

Yeah, I really look forward to this. It's one of the reasons I might actually consider getting an xbox 360 (along with Gears of War).

Graphics, like you said, are shit-hot, but to me the combat looks a little simplistic. I don't think it will end up being much of an action game, although that may not be what it's going for. Regardless, the story, characters, and interactivity are what I'll be looking forward to.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Personally, ever hearing the E3 trailer I've been looking forward to the soundtrack. There aren't enough electronic-based soundtracks out today. Everything is going orchestra or big beat, to achieve that "huge" sound.

But as for game, yep, still hyped as hell.
Now that 360s have holiday bundles out that include Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance, I'm seriously thinking about making an Elite my Christmas present, and then just banking the money I end up getting.

Thoughts? Should I wait for better holiday deals, or go for the bundle?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Rotorblade

The writing and, in turn, dialogue and story still suffer from bland exposition. It has come a long way in Mass Effect, but there are still old flaws in the wood work. And the fact things are more animated in this respect are just cosmetic enhancements that are layed over the wrinkled and tired old face of Bioware's writing.

With KOTOR I believe some of the problems you mention stemmed from having a silent protagonist. It didn't bother me, particularly, but not hearing a voice or the inflection with it can really hurt a character for the audience.

I only played an hour or two of Mass Effect at a friend's house, but I was struck by how much better I felt playing a strong lead.

The dialogue is still divided, yes, but I think it is closer to what you might expect someone in real life to say. And I think that is in part because they're using an original universe, instead of falling back on "light" and "dark." You can act as the mediator, or the "renegade," or the neutral guy who just wants to get to the point, but all of them clearly have motivations that go beyond the black and white of past games.

I'm going to assume when you say more of the same, you mean dialogue trees. It's disingenuous to say so, though. The exposition sticks to dialogue trees because that's how they can best design a game with predictable results. What you're ultimately asking for is a virtual world, which, until technology catches up with us, is kind of silly to expect from any developer. Much less Bioware. Making them the standard for failure in story interaction is kind of shortsighted.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.