Metascore
89 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. This is a port, but it's more than a port. BioWare, with a little help from a friend, has made one of the best RPGs ever made even better.
  2. 100
    Computer owners are getting everything found in the Xbox 360 game, including achievements and online leaderboards, but with better visuals, smoother action, and a more streamlined interface. That the game rings up at a lower retail price and offers the first expansion pack as a free download is simply icing on the cake.
  3. 100
    If you missed it the first time around, or were waiting for the inevitable PC version, you won't be disappointed here.
  4. 96
    Did I mention the last two hours are pure gaming and storytelling nirvana?
  5. Quotation forthcoming. [June 2008]
  6. If you’ve held out until now, this is your chance to play one of the best RPGs to hit in the past several years.
  7. Nearly every one of the many praises and criticisms of the console version can accurately be applied to this port, but I'd recommend this edition of Mass Effect to anyone with a good PC.
  8. The move to PC allowed the developers to focus on enhancing the visuals for the game with sharper textures and higher resolution support. Along with the crisper graphics, plenty of attention was given to the game's performance.
  9. Mass Effect PC wasn't rushed, this version has clearly been thoroughly thought-out to exploit the advantages of this platform.
  10. Talk to NPCs, explore some of the solar systems and you will find a much deeper and enjoyable game then the quick experience of just playing the story.
  11. Mass Effect knocked me off my feet: The presentation is fantastic, and many small improvements compared to the Xbox 360 version make the game a great roleplaying experience. Anyone who hasn’t played the title yet should definitely give it a try now! [Issue#14]
  12. 92
    It almost goes without saying that BioWare remains one of the very top single-player RPG makers on the planet, and Mass Effect only reinforces their position.
  13. If you are a fan of what BioWare's done in the past, like action with a hefty dose of sci-fi and want something new, or just like playing a really good game, then you owe it to yourself to pick up this fantastic title.
  14. Mass Effect is a superb game for its story, its breadth of characters and setting a new bar of standard for cinematic videogaming.
  15. It still doesn't quite live up to the masterful story and whizzing lightsabers of Knights of the Old Republic, but for the first game in a new series, Mass Effect is an excellent start.
  16. Mass Effect deserves a spot on your shelf next to the rest of the PC's great RPGs. [Aug 2008, p.58]
  17. While it may not offer the complexity of the old Baldur's Gate games, at its core, it's still an RPG fan's RPG.
  18. 91
    By all counts, Mass Effect for the PC is essentially the "definitive" version of the game; it runs much smoother on decent machines and just generally plays better...even if it still suffers from some of the original's fundamental flaws (along with a few new ones).
  19. The words stunning, engrossing and addicting just don't do this game justice, and if it wasn't for my belief that no game will ever be truly perfect (as well as the vehicular silliness and the occasionally suicidal squad antics), the score you see below would have crept into double figures.
  20. The game that was already exceptional on the Xbox 360 is even better on the PC, so it's really a no brainer.
  21. Mass Effect for the PC is basically the same game as it was on Xbox 360. The dialogue system is still as innovative and the combat is still as intense and intuitive. There are some minor flaws such as occasional framerate issues and annoying loading sequences, but this is still as much of a fantastic game as it’s console counterpart.
  22. If you can’t wait to run to the next store and buy Mass Effect now, you should be aware of one thing: Its luxurious graphics need a luxurious PC.
  23. Whether you're a seasoned Spectre looking to suit up again, or a newcomer who has never set foot on the Normandy, the refined PC version is your best choice for experiencing this excellent game.
  24. However long your initial play-through is, Mass Effect will only impress with its cinematic dialogue sequences, intense combat, and addicting exploration aspect.
  25. 90
    The game looks even more fantastic than ever and a few extra features are on its way for lucky PC users.
  26. Bioware have succeeded in making Mass Effect a sci-fi universe gaming with great and interesting races and characters. The gameplay is an impressive merging between third person shooter and RPG without compromising with any of each genre functions.
  27. If you haven't already played it on the 360, get it right now and see what you have been missing. If you have played it on the 360, get it right now and play it properly, the way it should have been in the first place.
  28. 90
    If you've already tackled the console version, you certainly don't need to shell out for the PC version, too, but if you haven't yet experienced this magnum opus, this is the version you should play.
  29. By far Mass Effect's strongest suit, as the screenshots can attest, is the quality of the visuals.
  30. Large, engrossing and exquisite. [July 2008, p.68]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1178 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 25 out of 239
  1. GeorgeC.
    10
    At first, I didn't know what to expect, and almost turned away from playing the game because it was a bit confusing at first. But people said the game was good, and I decided to really give it a try. Sure enough, by the time I was about 1/3 through it, I absolutely could not stop playing the game. It's been said this game is much like kotor, since you can control the fate of your character through your choices, pursue a "good/bad" path, and take on missions in a rather non-linear fashion. However, when I played kotor, I don't think I experienced anything close to the enjoymjent and involvement I felt with this game. The game's real-time combat system, plentiful cinematics, intriguing storyline made me feel as if I'd just finished watching a great movie. I wanted more, and I can't remember the last time any game has ever made me do that. Full Review »
  2. "Mass Effect" is a great, superb game. Yes, it has quite some glitches as well as a monotonous start with repetitive missions, but after a few hours you'll get over it. The great thing about this game was the sexy graphics, solid gameplay, character customization, and DIALOGUE. Every decision you make affects YOU. Overall if you are a PC gamer, this is one great game you shouldn't miss. Full Review »
  3. The start of the BEST story-driven trilogy in gaming history. It literally rivals Star Wars in terms of history / content. You'd be a fool not to play this game. Full Review »