**OFFICIAL** Mass Effect Thread

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: Modeps
I'm currently messing around on the Citadel, got 2 more members to my party and am off to take out some dude. I gotta say, the storytelling and voice acting in this game is just phenominal. The combat is a little weak (I still cant figure out what the deal is with grenades, press select, they fly out... and dont explode?) but it gets the job done. It really feels like a well made sci-fi movie.

You can detonate the grenades by pressing (holding down?) select again after you launch one. Otherwise I think it is either timed or some sort of proximity. I always just triggered the explosion.

Combat is probably the weakest aspect of the game, but since it is usually pretty stale in most RPGs I'd say it's not bad for what it is. Definitely room for improvement, though. Hopefully they will smooth things out in the sequel. Especially the equipment management - UGH!

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: R Nilla
You can detonate the grenades by pressing (holding down?) select again after you launch one. Otherwise I think it is either timed or some sort of proximity. I always just triggered the explosion.

Alright, I'll have to try that. Thx

Originally posted by: R Nilla Especially the equipment management - UGH!

Yeah, the inventory management is terrible. Its not intuitive at all. Everything else so far is making up for it though.

 

[oznerol]

I used grenades once in the game - and it was for a mission that required using them. As far as their use goes - they're remote detonating - so you hit select to launch it, then hit select again to have it explode.

I also think the button is "back" on the 360 controller, not select. Stupid Microsoft had to mess with the naming convention.

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: ducci
I used grenades once in the game - and it was for a mission that required using them. As far as their use goes - they're remote detonating - so you hit select to launch it, then hit select again to have it explode.

I also think the button is "back" on the 360 controller, not select. Stupid Microsoft had to mess with the naming convention.

Yeah, I don't care what they call it- it's the Select button. You can change the name of the other buttons, but don't mess with Select and Start. Back is for browsers.

At least the 360 doesn't have those stupid black and white buttons that the original Xbox did.

 

[EvilComputer92]

This game is amazing. I only rented it for one playthrough but I feel as though I should have bought it. I probably will. Best RPG I have ever played.

 

[Drako]

I started playing this game again this weekend. This will be my 5th play-through - wanted to do Insanity difficulty. Probably the best action RPG for any console I've played.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

I like the game, but the Combat is sort of lacking. The lag between button presses and action are just annoying. When I try to change to my pistol, it takes me freaing 5 tries to do it. And then I die from those really annoying kamikaze guys. Also The Menu's are...unintuitive. I keep pressing the wrong damn buttons. Especially on the Map. Im so tuned to pressing B to go back, instead of X. So I keep quitting out of the Map.

Also Loading Times are the worst thing I have EVER seen. If this game was on the PS3 and there was a mandatory install DMC4 style, I would do it in a second. Long Elevator rides, loading time every time I hit the map, loading every single area I walk into. Most ANNOYING thing I have ever seen.

Also, the Vehicle sequences are just plain annoying.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: tenshodo13
I like the game, but the Combat is sort of lacking. The lag between button presses and action are just annoying. When I try to change to my pistol, it takes me freaing 5 tries to do it. And then I die from those really annoying kamikaze guys. Also The Menu's are...unintuitive. I keep pressing the wrong damn buttons. Especially on the Map. Im so tuned to pressing B to go back, instead of X. So I keep quitting out of the Map.

Also Loading Times are the worst thing I have EVER seen. If this game was on the PS3 and there was a mandatory install DMC4 style, I would do it in a second. Long Elevator rides, loading time every time I hit the map, loading every single area I walk into. Most ANNOYING thing I have ever seen.

Also, the Vehicle sequences are just plain annoying.

I'm not too far in, but changing weapons pauses gameplay, so I don't know why you are having such issue taking your time to select the proper weapon.

Secondly, I wouldn't call the load times the worst thing ever. Booting up GTA:SA in a PS2, you'll find one of the longest and most painful (granted much of the games assets get loaded at that point but... ugh). In general, they do a decent job of hiding them. Right now, I don't mind the elevator loads because its at least consistent with the pacing of the game. This isn't a run through as fast as you can game... its a methodical slow moving space opera.

I haven't hit a vehicle sequence yet, but you're certainly not the first to say that from what I've read.

 

[erwos]

The vehicle sequences are very annoying at first. They devolve into "slightly annoying" when you get the hang of the controls. It's probably one of the weaker parts of the game, IMHO.

I played through it twice in a row and got burned out. I'll return to it when the DLC comes out. Either way, it's the best $60 I've spent on a game in a very long time.

 

[oznerol]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: tenshodo13
I like the game, but the Combat is sort of lacking. The lag between button presses and action are just annoying. When I try to change to my pistol, it takes me freaing 5 tries to do it. And then I die from those really annoying kamikaze guys. Also The Menu's are...unintuitive. I keep pressing the wrong damn buttons. Especially on the Map. Im so tuned to pressing B to go back, instead of X. So I keep quitting out of the Map.

Also Loading Times are the worst thing I have EVER seen. If this game was on the PS3 and there was a mandatory install DMC4 style, I would do it in a second. Long Elevator rides, loading time every time I hit the map, loading every single area I walk into. Most ANNOYING thing I have ever seen.

Also, the Vehicle sequences are just plain annoying.

I'm not too far in, but changing weapons pauses gameplay, so I don't know why you are having such issue taking your time to select the proper weapon.

Secondly, I wouldn't call the load times the worst thing ever. Booting up GTA:SA in a PS2, you'll find one of the longest and most painful (granted much of the games assets get loaded at that point but... ugh). In general, they do a decent job of hiding them. Right now, I don't mind the elevator loads because its at least consistent with the pacing of the game. This isn't a run through as fast as you can game... its a methodical slow moving space opera.

I haven't hit a vehicle sequence yet, but you're certainly not the first to say that from what I've read.

In my experience, the people who complain about the combat are the ones who play it like a shooter. On the outside, it looks like a 3rd-person shooter, so I can see why they'd expect it to play like one - tapping a bumper, for example, in any other shooter would quickly switch weapons. They tried to have it work similarly in Mass Effect, but the best way to control the game is slow and methodical, holding the bumper down, picking your weapon/talent and targeting from there. This actually helps a ton against the "kamikaze guys" since you can pause, choose an attack wisely, and then jump back in before he even reaches you.

The Mako parts are alright. I died a lot at first, as I didn't know there was a "super cannon" on the thing (hit the right bumper). If you try to machine gun everyone down you're going to get wrecked. I wouldn't bother doing the extra planets, though (except for the moon mission). Those planets seem like they are large and hard to traverse for the sake of being large and hard to traverse.

You will learn to hate weapon/bullet/armor upgrades. The item system was really the only "broken" thing in the game - and by broken I just mean not thoroughly planned out. It is very unbalanced and by the end of the game you will most likely have the best equipment on all of your characters, maxed out money, and still need to sell bullet upgrades because your inventory is full.

I think I like KOTOR better.

 

[Modeps]

Last night, I really got sucked into this story. I know I'm barely scratching the surface, and the 'real game' is about to begin (became a Spectre) but man... I haven't salivated in wanting to see 'what happens next' in such a long time. So cool.

 

[warcrow]

Originally posted by: Modeps
Last night, I really got sucked into this story. I know I'm barely scratching the surface, and the 'real game' is about to begin (became a Spectre) but man... I haven't salivated in wanting to see 'what happens next' in such a long time. So cool.

Yup! That's actually about the time frame I was sucked into the game as well. This game still both amazes and baffles me. I've beaten the game twice now (once as a female bitch Vanguard Renegade and once as a upstanding male Soldier Paragon). I probably put in a total of 60-65 hours of total game time--and I still have a desire to go back and play it (and visit this thread as I enjoy just talking about it).

I'm surprised because I have some issues with the combat system, inventory and side missions. I recognize that there are some serious flaws in the game--but the sum of it's parts is so great that it's easy for me to over look that stuff. I love love love the music in this game. The conversation is so revolutionary and exciting that it makes me (like MoDeps it seems) look forward to engaging in more conversation to find out whats going to happen next. The voice actings is really stellar and--see here I go again.

Oh, and as a side tip for anyone playing through for the first time that's wont spoil anything--pick up everything you can and sell it to reach $1,000,000 (you actually have to reach that amount--not total that amount so dont buy anything you dont need). Once you reach that amount, it unlocks the uber-weapons (forget their real name) that you can buy from the guy on your ship. So sweet and they do make a difference. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Guuts]

Originally posted by: warcrow

Originally posted by: Modeps
Last night, I really got sucked into this story. I know I'm barely scratching the surface, and the 'real game' is about to begin (became a Spectre) but man... I haven't salivated in wanting to see 'what happens next' in such a long time. So cool.

Yup! That's actually about the time frame I was sucked into the game as well. This game still both amazes and baffles me. I've beaten the game twice now (once as a female bitch Vanguard Renegade and once as a upstanding male Soldier Paragon). I probably put in a total of 60-65 hours of total game time--and I still have a desire to go back and play it (and visit this thread as I enjoy just talking about it).

I'm surprised because I have some issues with the combat system, inventory and side missions. I recognize that there are some serious flaws in the game--but the sum of it's parts is so great that it's easy for me to over look that stuff. I love love love the music in this game. The conversation is so revolutionary and exciting that it makes me (like MoDeps it seems) look forward to engaging in more conversation to find out whats going to happen next. The voice actings is really stellar and--see here I go again.

Oh, and as a side tip for anyone playing through for the first time that's wont spoil anything--pick up everything you can and sell it to reach $1,000,000 (you actually have to reach that amount--not total that amount so dont buy anything you dont need). Once you reach that amount, it unlocks the uber-weapons (forget their real name) that you can buy from the guy on your ship. So sweet and they do make a difference. Good luck and have fun!

And sell it to the Doctor in the Medical area on the Citidel...she gives better prices, if you've "helped" her with her problems.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Guuts

Originally posted by: warcrow

Originally posted by: Modeps
Last night, I really got sucked into this story. I know I'm barely scratching the surface, and the 'real game' is about to begin (became a Spectre) but man... I haven't salivated in wanting to see 'what happens next' in such a long time. So cool.

Yup! That's actually about the time frame I was sucked into the game as well. This game still both amazes and baffles me. I've beaten the game twice now (once as a female bitch Vanguard Renegade and once as a upstanding male Soldier Paragon). I probably put in a total of 60-65 hours of total game time--and I still have a desire to go back and play it (and visit this thread as I enjoy just talking about it).

I'm surprised because I have some issues with the combat system, inventory and side missions. I recognize that there are some serious flaws in the game--but the sum of it's parts is so great that it's easy for me to over look that stuff. I love love love the music in this game. The conversation is so revolutionary and exciting that it makes me (like MoDeps it seems) look forward to engaging in more conversation to find out whats going to happen next. The voice actings is really stellar and--see here I go again.

Oh, and as a side tip for anyone playing through for the first time that's wont spoil anything--pick up everything you can and sell it to reach $1,000,000 (you actually have to reach that amount--not total that amount so dont buy anything you dont need). Once you reach that amount, it unlocks the uber-weapons (forget their real name) that you can buy from the guy on your ship. So sweet and they do make a difference. Good luck and have fun!

And sell it to the Doctor in the Medical area on the Citidel...she gives better prices, if you've "helped" her with her problems.

I've been cautious in not selling anything yet... Does the game warn you if you're about to sell something that is equipped or have anything to protect you against selling things that are 'in use' (ie, how you've got 4 weapons for each person, I dont want to sell my only shotgun or whatever)

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: Modeps
I've been cautious in not selling anything yet... Does the game warn you if you're about to sell something that is equipped or have anything to protect you against selling things that are 'in use' (ie, how you've got 4 weapons for each person, I dont want to sell my only shotgun or whatever)

IIRC: you can't sell items that are currently equipped, they simply won't appear as an option in the sell menu. Also, there's a buyback menu, and I think you can buy things back for what you sold them for (or near that price) rather than full retail.

This game spams you with so much inventory throughout the game it's ridiculous. I found most of it to be worse than the weapons I currently had equipped.

Originally posted by: warcrow
Oh, and as a side tip for anyone playing through for the first time that's wont spoil anything--pick up everything you can and sell it to reach $1,000,000 (you actually have to reach that amount--not total that amount so dont buy anything you dont need). Once you reach that amount, it unlocks the uber-weapons (forget their real name) that you can buy from the guy on your ship.

I think I easily maxed out my cash my first time through (9,999,999?) by adopting the philosophy that everything that was not currently equipped should be sold. I would equip all of my teammates with the best items available, and sell just about everything else.

 

[Drako]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: Guuts

Originally posted by: warcrow

Originally posted by: Modeps
Last night, I really got sucked into this story. I know I'm barely scratching the surface, and the 'real game' is about to begin (became a Spectre) but man... I haven't salivated in wanting to see 'what happens next' in such a long time. So cool.

Yup! That's actually about the time frame I was sucked into the game as well. This game still both amazes and baffles me. I've beaten the game twice now (once as a female bitch Vanguard Renegade and once as a upstanding male Soldier Paragon). I probably put in a total of 60-65 hours of total game time--and I still have a desire to go back and play it (and visit this thread as I enjoy just talking about it).

I'm surprised because I have some issues with the combat system, inventory and side missions. I recognize that there are some serious flaws in the game--but the sum of it's parts is so great that it's easy for me to over look that stuff. I love love love the music in this game. The conversation is so revolutionary and exciting that it makes me (like MoDeps it seems) look forward to engaging in more conversation to find out whats going to happen next. The voice actings is really stellar and--see here I go again.

Oh, and as a side tip for anyone playing through for the first time that's wont spoil anything--pick up everything you can and sell it to reach $1,000,000 (you actually have to reach that amount--not total that amount so dont buy anything you dont need). Once you reach that amount, it unlocks the uber-weapons (forget their real name) that you can buy from the guy on your ship. So sweet and they do make a difference. Good luck and have fun!

And sell it to the Doctor in the Medical area on the Citidel...she gives better prices, if you've "helped" her with her problems.

I've been cautious in not selling anything yet... Does the game warn you if you're about to sell something that is equipped or have anything to protect you against selling things that are 'in use' (ie, how you've got 4 weapons for each person, I dont want to sell my only shotgun or whatever)

You cannot sell or convert equiped items, they do not show up on the inventory list. You have to unequip them first.

 

[Modeps]

cool, thanks for the info

 

[Modeps]

I just gave my first speech, addressing the crew as commander of the Normandy. That was f'n epically awesome. I figured something like that would have just been a cutscene style thang, but the fact you get to lead the speech how you want to? so awesome.

 

[Guuts]

You're making me want to go back and do a 4th playthrough, Modeps.

Such a great game!

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Guuts
You're making me want to go back and do a 4th playthrough, Modeps.

Such a great game!

4th? :Q
I determined last night that I'm going the Renegade route right now... I'll be nice to my crew, but I'm going to do what I gotta do to get the job done.

 

[bucwylde23]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: Guuts
You're making me want to go back and do a 4th playthrough, Modeps.

Such a great game!

4th? :Q
I determined last night that I'm going the Renegade route right now... I'll be nice to my crew, but I'm going to do what I gotta do to get the job done.

I"m doing renegade also and I am having a blast disconnecting on the council.

Commander the council would like to speak with you, should I patch them through?

commander: Yes

Council: Commander I hope you will be civil this time.

*disconnect*

 

[Guuts]

Well, I want(ed) to try out different classes, different paths, different squadmates, and see how it all played out.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Guuts
Well, I want(ed) to try out different classes, different paths, different squadmates, and see how it all played out.

Yeah, right now I'm using Tali'Zorah nar Rayya and Urdnot Wrex. While people complain about the elevator rides, I like their banter during them.

 

[Guuts]

Yeah, I always liked that part, too. The banter, and the news stories you hear in the elevator about some mission you were just on...and of course the news putting their own spin on what actually happened, heh.

The only really annoying elevator is the one on the Normandy...no banter, no news... just... agonizingly slow for no apparent reason. I mean, it's a super-advanced prototype ship!

*grumble*

 

[warcrow]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: Guuts
Well, I want(ed) to try out different classes, different paths, different squadmates, and see how it all played out.

Yeah, right now I'm using Tali'Zorah nar Rayya and Urdnot Wrex. While people complain about the elevator rides, I like their banter during them.

Wrex with a shotgun = tank.