The Mass Effect Trilogy

by Chris

 

 

Set almost two centuries in the future, Mass Effect is an epic saga played out on a galactic scale. In this fictional universe, humanity stumbles upon an ancient alien technology on Mars which allows them to travel across the universe in mere moments. Referred to as mass relays, this technology will introduce mankind to a vast and highly sophisticated alien community encompassing dozens of species across hundreds of planets.The hub of interaction between species is a massive deep space station called The Citadel, where the three dominant species - the Turians, Asari, and Salarian - sit on a council that dictates interplanetary affairs. (See below)



So where, exactly, does the player factor into all of this? Well basically, you’re humanity’s best hope. You play as Commander Shepard (comes as a female, too!), and you’ve just been become a Spectre, aka a super awesome space cop that answers only to the Citadel Council. Humans are the newest species on the Citadel, and as such, they’re basically disregarded by every other species. You’ll change that. Throughout your adventures, you’ll explore vast regions of the galaxy; experience dozens of alien cultures; and forge many, many personal connections that transcend special boundaries. Yet the first time you walk around the Citadel (pictured from the inside and outside above, inside view also includes the members of the Citadel Council) you’ll be sure to hear xenophobic slurs from various aliens as they drink at bars, party in clubs, or lie drunk in alleys. Now’s a good time to mention the M+ rating of all three games in the series! Mass Effect is no Star Wars; in between zipping from planet to planet in your spaceship and annihilating enemies with assault rifles and biotic attacks (innate superhuman abilities), you’ll resolve domestic disputes, get in fist fights, and walk into insane alien strip clubs. 

Wait, wait, wait, did he just say spaceship? Yes, actually I did. As a spectre, you get reign over your very own ship: the SSV Normandy, a seek vessel with hyper-advanced stealth technologies that allow you to land on hostile planets without being detected. You’ll need it, as your first task as Spectre is to catch a murderous Spectre named Saren.

 

Why, exactly, would someone so honorable and trustworthy as to be given Spectre status go rogue and massacre an entire colony of humans? Well, the answer to that question is loaded with spoils. The answer to that question involves trillions of years of galactic history. The answer to that question lies at the very heart of Mass Effect. You’ll simply have to play the games to find out. However, what I will say is this: you’re gonna need a lot more than guns and biotic abilities: