The experiment was a success

So I've been playing the hell out of Mass Effect. Got to the end and was pretty happy with the overall experience. I actually found myself giving a crap about the characters and the situations they were in.

There were a few times that the immersion was killed due to texture pop-in or some other random glitch. But most of the time i was in it completely. And thats really the first time I can walk away from a game and say that.

I also found myself not caring about the achievements, or going back to get ones that I missed. I played the story how I wanted and got what I wanted out of it. I'm satisfied with how my Shepard did things, and was happy with the outcome. Starting up the 2nd Mass Effect game made me appreciate it even more. I applaud BioWare on allowing the player to transfer their Shepard from the previous game...and that you get certain bonuses for doing so. It keeps the stories unified.

I started ME2 last night and found myself getting sad as the events of the introduction began to unfold. I won't spoil anything for those who haven't played. But I really think the impact was as hard as it was for me is because I took the time and played through the first Mass Effect.

If you haven't played them and are into RPG's and shooters at all....I STRONGLY recommend them. Let yourself get pulled into the story, forget about achievements and focus on the characters and whats going on in that universe. Its well worth it.

My only complaint about ME2 so far is the harsh language. Hearing an alien say "don't fuck with me" is kind of laughable. I honestly would have preferred a more Farscape-like approach and have them use their own made up foul language. Usually language doesn't bother me. I curse a lot myself.....but for some reason it just really struck me as odd and out of place. Oh well.

Anyway...go buy them....play them. And love them.

- Gat