Mass Effect makes its anticipated PC debut six months after earning accolades on Xbox 360. The first offspring from the surprise union of mega-publisher Electronic Arts and developer extraordinaire BioWare, Mass Effect doesn't fall prey to the ghastly images likely running through your head. There are no in-game advertisements for Madden NFL 2009, no micro-transactions for individual weapons or party members, and more importantly, no cut corners in terms of slapping the Xbox 360 version on a disc and calling it a day. Mass Effect is an enhanced version of the console game that takes advantage of the computer's strengths as a platform.

Mass Appeal

Since you'll play through the same storyline and content found in the Xbox 360 version, those expecting new characters, planets, items, missions, or more romantic interludes might be disappointed. Yet considering this is the first title in a planned trilogy, it doesn't make sense to add significant story threads that would leave console owners out of the loop. Mass Effect is still an unforgettable experience that will quickly captivate any sci-fi fan. It is the most action-oriented game thus far in BioWare's library, but the story is just as rich as anything the Canadian developer has done in the past. You honestly care about these characters and the decisions you make throughout the course of play. For more on what makes the game sizzle, grab a pair of sunglasses and check out X-Play's glowing review of the original from the venerable Adam Sessler himself.

Cutting the Clutter

Suffice it to say that the PC game has all the strengths of the Xbox 360 title but fewer of its weaknesses. Instead of shoehorning the console's control scheme onto PC, the developers reworked the layout to accommodate the mouse and keyboard. The changes make the already engaging real-time combat more satisfying. Not only is targeting more precise with the mouse, but the interface is more intuitive. Scrolling the mouse wheel quickly switches weapons, and instead of using a radial menu to choose Commander Shepard's biotic powers, you can assign them to eight hotkeys. No more pauses as you sort through your available attacks -- each is now a keystroke away.

Frustrated by the lack of help (or the lack of living) from your two computer-controlled squad mates in the console version? The PC game lets you issue individual commands to your team instead of one global order. The new tactical heads-up display lets you do what should have been possible on Xbox 360: let characters proficient in melee or short-range attacks fight up close and personal, while ranged or frail characters keep their distance. The Mako vehicle has also been tweaked, with the developers removing the disorienting, camera-dependent steering for a camera-independent scheme. In other words, the Mako moves forward when you press forward, regardless of its turret position. Other changes include a more challenging mini-game for decrypting locks and a more efficient inventory system that lets you see all items and upgrades at once. While you are free to customize the controls, it should be noted that there is no support for gamepads. Yet it's hard to imagine anyone being disappointed after experiencing how fluid the current arrangement feels.

Star Gazing

Mass Effect's improved visuals over the Xbox 360 version are a result of higher resolutions and adjustable settings in the following categories: particle effects, texture detail, filtering, dynamic shadows, motion blur, and film grain. There is no anti-aliasing option, which means jagged edges are still detectable, but the overall gains make this a minor issue at best. Another noticeable change is in the area of texture "popping" that was prevalent in the console version. While there are a few isolated cases here and there, it's not nearly as obvious. Loading times during the elevator sequences have also been significantly reduced, which along with the interface changes, help trim some of the fat found in the original.

Though early reports of a copy system forged in the bowels of hell helped BioWare re-think the DRM process, the game still relies on SecuROM technology to prevent piracy. It's just far less intrusive. After installing the game, an Internet connection is required for verification. From that point on, however, you don't need an online connection or even the disc in the drive. Adding expansion packs and patches are the only other instances requiring online verification, and each is a one-time process. The biggest annoyance with the system is not the verification procedure, but that you are initially limited to three authorizations per game. Thus changing your computer's hardware configuration, installing the game on both a laptop and computer, or reformatting a hard drive can gobble up your allotted authentications. This could be a sticking point for some buyers, depending on how difficult it is to receive additional authentications in times of computer trouble (or changes).

Set Phasers to Stunning

Mass Effect may not have originally been conceived for PC, but you'd never know it based on how well it plays, sounds, and looks. It's a must-have title for any RPG fan who missed out on the original version or who couldn't get past some of its control and interface quirks. 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.

Review by: Scott Alan Marriott