Mass Effect Xbox 360 Video Game

It's no surprise BioWare's Mass Effect was PC-bound but what did raise an eyebrow, however, was the relatively short time-gap between the two releases. On Xbox 360 the sci-fi RPG launched last November to wide critical acclaim, and it's out this May on PC.

BioWare began whipping the PC iteration - which is due out May - into shape toward the tail-end of work on the Xbox 360 version. And it says it didn't simply want to do a straight port.

To this end, PC gamers can run Mass Effect in higher resolution with up-scaled textures, environments and character models, blah, blah blah...

More interestingly, on PC the game features an improved user interface, the ability to control squad members individually and what BioWare's terming "Run & Gun Control". Hmmm.

Run & Gun Control refers to the optional ability to assign biotics - essentially special powers for your character - to keys 1 to 8 for on-the-fly use. On Xbox 360, you had to pause the action and select a biotic from a radial menu. Lord bless the keyboard.

Mass Effect is game that is greater than the sum of its parts. Technical issues abound, but the majority of Mass Effect is so expertly delivered that it can transcend its weaknesses. Applying number ratings to a game like this doesn't do it justice because there is no way you can ignore its technical flaws. Simply put, Mass Effect is a game that must be played. Then it must be played again. Don't pass this one up.

9.4 rating

All told, Mass Effect is a great game with moments of brilliance and a number of small but significant obstacles that hold it back from reaching its true potential. But in the end, if you like RPGs and want to spend some time in an absorbing sci-world populated with a bunch of unique inhabitants, you'll definitely have plenty of fun with this one.

8.5 rating

Mass Effect goes beyond the television screen and into 3D with a 8" Commander Shepard Collectible Statue made by HyperChild. It's being offered at HighDome.com and is limited to only 2500 pieces.