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[ParenegadeM]

Mass Effect 1's game play is extremely antiquated. There are two kinds of Mass Effect players people who think the series got worse and people who think it got better.

ME1 gameplay was terrible. But it had the best story. ME2 had didn't have the greatest overall story but it had the best character story. ME3 had the best gameplay and a really amazing multiplayer.

 

[ThoseDeafMutes]

No doubt that shhoting mechanics (and the lack of polishing and bugs) dragged the quality of the game. In it's defense, it successfully blend way better RPG elements and shooter that most similar games, since in the sequels it barely had any of those RPG elements.

Disagree strongly. The RPG mechanics were piss poor. The items you looted were extremely numerous but they were really poorly differentiated. Spectre gear was clearly the best and as soon as that got unlocked you never used anything else. There were only two or three different models for each class of weapon or armor and they all felt pretty much the same as each other because the differences were so small. Even vanilla ME2 felt like it had as much or more weapon diversity than ME1 ever did, despite having - 2 heavy pistols, 2 smgs, 4 assault rifles, 3 sniper rifles, 3 shotguns. Similarly, the skills in ME1 would have all these tiny upgrades. Each rank was a 1% buff in health and a 2% buff in weapon damage. The later two games made each rank up MUCH more noticeable, but less frequent (early ME1 leveling happened at a furious pace). The idea of morphing your abilities added a neat twist. ME3 reintroduced weapon mods and added the idea that instead of being trained for certain weapons, each weapon had a weight which impacted your power cooldown time. I'm not sure i'd call that a stroke of genius, but it was a fantastic change, easily the best implementation of the weapon limitations system in the series.

The idea that ME2 "removed ALL the RPG systems" is so ingrained on GAF, but it's not even close to as clear cut as people think. ME3 could be strongly argued to have the best and most robust RPG elements of the series. I've seen quite a few people talk about the series as though it was a linear decline in system depth, which is COMPLETELY untrue - ME2 is when it is mechanically the "simplest".

 

[Calibus]

I slogged through ME1 to get to ME2 and ME3, which are the best installments of the series for me (including their DLC of course).

That said, the final segments of ME1 were the best part of the first game. From Virmire on, the experience is an absolute joy.

 

[FloppyDelux]

weird i JUST beat the first one today and enjoyed it the entire game as a whole, and the last few hours where awesome.Cant wait to play Me2.

 

[Weiss]

This is going to sound completely insane, but Mass Effect 1's bad gameplay made the game stand out more to me.

ME2 and 3 had, objectively, better designed gameplay, but all they did was crib off every other third person shooter and then add in some sci-fi elements. All you are doing in those games is marching down hallways and ducking behind chest high walls, playing whack-a-mole with thugs and robots. ME1's fluid, sloppy, run and gun gameplay with pew pew lasers and overpowered biotics and vehicle sections that were smooth and intuitive as pushing a trolley down some jagged rocks made the game feel unique to me, and the level design was far, far superior, actually feeling like a galaxy inhabited by sentient beings rather than an endless supply of corridors.

I mean, in Mordin's recruitment mission, which takes place in a populated space station, the whole game zone is devoid of any signs of life. All you do is run around rustic brown zones. Or Thane's recruitment mission, which is set in a massive skyscraper run by a tyrant businesswoman in a glittering corporate city, which lacks any offices, restrooms, or even any goddamned desks. Just more chest high walls, even on the roof. Contrast that with, say, Noveria: You start out in a corporate-ran business facility, ride the Mako through a desolate, snow filled wasteland on your way to a laboratory, and then meet up with refugees, fighting Geth and Rachni through the laboratories, with no chest high walls in sight; you actually have to use your surroundings as cover. You don't just go from point A to point B killing everything in your way. You have to run around, talk to people, solve puzzles. Mass Effect 1 isn't perfect by any means, but I was simply so into the game's universe that I just didn't care.

 

[Basketball]

Skip both and enjoy the ending in ME3 because everything you do in ME1 and 2 is meaningless.

Truer words have never been spoken

 

[Mustainium]

Skip both and enjoy the ending in ME3 because everything you do in ME1 and 2 is meaningless.

Using this logic, no one should play any video games at all, because it's all meaningless.

Anyway OP, stick with ME1 not only because the ending pretty great, but because you can import your save over to the (superior) sequels.

On another note, count me in the ME2+3 > ME1 camp. The sequels were just better in every single way.

 

[PBalfredo]

Disagree strongly. The RPG mechanics were piss poor. The items you looted were extremely numerous but they were really poorly differentiated. Spectre gear was clearly the best and as soon as that got unlocked you never used anything else. There were only two or three different models for each class of weapon or armor and they all felt pretty much the same as each other because the differences were so small. Even vanilla ME2 felt like it had as much or more weapon diversity than ME1 ever did, despite having - 2 heavy pistols, 2 smgs, 4 assault rifles, 3 sniper rifles, 3 shotguns. Similarly, the skills in ME1 would have all these tiny upgrades. Each rank was a 1% buff in health and a 2% buff in weapon damage. The later two games made each rank up MUCH more noticeable, but less frequent (early ME1 leveling happened at a furious pace). The idea of morphing your abilities added a neat twist. ME3 reintroduced weapon mods and added the idea that instead of being trained for certain weapons, each weapon had a weight which impacted your power cooldown time. I'm not sure i'd call that a stroke of genius, but it was a fantastic change, easily the best implementation of the weapon limitations system in the series.

The idea that ME2 "removed ALL the RPG systems" is so ingrained on GAF, but it's not even close to as clear cut as people think. ME3 could be strongly argued to have the best and most robust RPG elements of the series. I've seen quite a few people talk about the series as though it was a linear decline in system depth, which is COMPLETELY untrue - ME2 is when it is mechanically the "simplest".

I agree 100%. Which is why it's a bit maddening that ME1 was the most RPG game just because it had loot as one of it's bullet points, even though the way it was implemented negated all the reasons why loot is usually so appealing in a game. Meanwhile the degree to which players can customize and tweak their build in ME3 through the power tree, weapon choice, armor buffs and weapon mods completely blows ME1's lackluster customization out of the water.

 

[Extra Sauce]

If you're not enjoying the story in ME1, give up now. ME1 has a great ending but it's downhill from there.

 

[nel e nel]

The idea that ME2 "removed ALL the RPG systems" is so ingrained on GAF, but it's not even close to as clear cut as people think. ME3 could be strongly argued to have the best and most robust RPG elements of the series. I've seen quite a few people talk about the series as though it was a linear decline in system depth, which is COMPLETELY untrue - ME2 is when it is mechanically the "simplest".

I would agree that they weren't removed, but they were severely streamlined. I was totally OK with the weapons being stripped down to fewer items with more tangible differences, but I did miss the longer skill tree progressions.

I did like how they had the skill tree branchings in ME3 though, and the addition of weapons mods was also a great touch.

 

[SneakyStephan]

Congrats op, you have standards
ME is a bad game imo (especially the AI, the gunplay, the pacing and the animations and graphics and the UI) ,the second is a lot better (for all the shootbanging you have to do in both games they at least made the shootbanging a bit less shit) but it still isn't a very good game.

Quit and play something better, there are more good games than one person has time to play in a lifetime.

 

[Noahd41]

ME has the best story and ending of the series. Such an awesome set up and doesn't shoe horn your decisions into a forced ending. Short, efficient and simple. Mass Effect 2 starts strong, arguably has better gameplay.... but I think that's when the series just became a tunnel shooter in my opinion. The Illusive man is a compelling character but Shepard's development seems stunted. ME3 is more of the same but attempts to wrap up the series. Left me wanting more, but I still enjoyed all three games overall.

 

[Log4Girlz]

ME has the best story and ending of the series. Such an awesome set up and doesn't shoe horn your decisions into a forced ending. Short, efficient and simple. Mass Effect 2 starts strong, arguably has better gameplay.... but I think that's when the series just became a tunnel shooter in my opinion. The Illusive man is a compelling character but Shepard's development seems stunted. ME3 is more of the same but attempts to wrap up the series. Left me wanting more, but I still enjoyed all three games overall.

Update:

I haven't finished ME2 yet, but I'm pretty far along and boy, you guys were right...this is a tunnel shooter. And there's basically no character development for Shepard thus far. So...I'm much more engrossed in the story but at the same time, goddamn its holding your hand the whole way through. Very disappointing.

 

[Tokubetsu]

Update:

I haven't finished ME2 yet, but I'm pretty far along and boy, you guys were right...this is a tunnel shooter. And there's basically no character development for Shepard thus far. So...I'm much more engrossed in the story but at the same time, goddamn its holding your hand the whole way through. Very disappointing.

ME2 is almost entirely about the supporting cast. Which was part of the complaints levied against it. In terms of the series story, a lot of ME2 can feel like some sort of side story, a spinoff.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

ME2 is a lot better. There are people who will tell you that ME2 ruined everything and ME1 is the pinnacle of the series. They are wrong. It removes the god-awful Mako and makes the shooting mechanics actually bearable. It is a truly brilliant game.

 

[Nessus]

I really had a hard time getting into Mass Effect 1.

I found the combat to be awful, really unbalanced and frustrating, especially if you pick the "wrong" class, with no way of knowing which are good, and was forced to change the difficulty to "casual" despite the fact that I've been playing RPGs and FPS games for nearly 20 years. The game is also very glitchy and feels unfinished (graphical glitches, poor audio mix, the score abruptly changing, etc.)

Finally pushed myself to finish it.

Then I started ME2 and I was pleasantly surprised how much better it was.

Controls and combat felt good, it felt like a much more finished product. From there I finished ME2 in a week or so and was hooked, and it forced me to actually download Origin and buy ME3.

The series as a whole has perhaps the best characterisation/bonding with characters I've experienced in any game. Now that's a little unfair because you spend like 60+ hours with these characters, but still.

I really like how everyone's playthrough is different, because they made different choices. Different characters died or survived, they chose to support different factions, etc.

 

[NoPiece]

Mass Effect is the best in the series by a mile. Play on PC for better load times and fixed inventory.

 

[Qrusher14242]

Never could get into ME1, so skipped to ME2. I beat it, but cant remember that much that about it, just a lot of cover shooting. The Story just didnt do anything for me.

Now, if all the missions were like Shadowbroker, it would of been great. One of the few missions that i really liked. Being on the outside of that ship was amazing. Also that

Spoiler

stupid hammerhead dlc, was sooo hard to control and would die in an instant. Glad it didnt last very long

 

[LackingSaint]

I'm definitely in the camp that prefers ME2 to 1, mostly because of those damn Mako driving sections. Really couldn't stand how that thing handled! Luckily the story was good enough to push me through, but I think they struck a great story/gameplay quality balance next time around.

 

[Log4Girlz]

Mass Effect is the best in the series by a mile. Play on PC for better load times and fixed inventory.

I've been in houses bigger than the Citadel in ME2. I was actually shocked by how small they decided to make areas. Like, holy fuck.

 

[Veggy]

I'm at that part where you are preparing a nuke and Saran comes down to tussle with you. I heard ME2 is pretty great so I figured, ok well I've bought both on Steam let me start with the first game. Oh I just find it such a chore. And that fucking Mako or whatever shit is so annoying. Is it worth finishing? Is ME2 a lot better?

ME1 hasn't aged very well to be honest, I went back to it recently and the combat was pretty bad and yes, the mako parts are very annoying. Not to mention the citadel was annoying

ME2 combat system is great though, and they took out the annoying stuff

 

[Tokubetsu]

Definitely think ME1 is one of those games where you "had to have been there." I would never go back to it now. Just watch important dialogue stuff on YT and then play ME2.

 

[MonkeyDot]

Mass Effect 1 has really really bad pacing, people seem to be missing this.

Bad pacing, bad combat,etc. The only thing I really like about it is the story and characters. I love Mass Effect (including 3, except the ending), but when I tried to replay, knowing what happened, I just couldn't play it, it was unbearable. I played it for the first time when I was 14 or 15, I didn't know better, and didn't play many of the side missions. I'm realizing now how good that was, meaning I didn't get bored of it. The side quests themselves aren't really boring, but they feel like a chore, especially on a second playthrough.

 

[rbanke]

It took me 3 tries to get through Mass Effect. I played a few hours of, and hated Dragon Age, and after trying to play Mass Effect a few times (getting roughly 2-3 hours in each time), I figured I simply didn't like Bioware games. For some reason after ME 3 came out, I went back and gave ME1 another shot and this time I was hooked. I ended up playing Mass Effect to completion twice, then went right into 2 and then 3. I can't explain what changed, but I am certainly glad I gave it another shot. Makes me think I should try out Dragon Age again.

Mass Effect is such a great universe that I'd suggest at least giving another shot at a later time if you just aren't feeling it right now.

 

[Gillian Seed]

Mass Effect 1 aged really bad. Unplayable right now.

ME2 and ME3 are alot better, relax.

Lmao!

 

[Gurrry]

Beat ME1...

Im struggling to get through 2. I know, I know. But like the OP said, some parts are feeling like a chore. I dont want to keep helping out all my fucking crew memebers and their shitty problems. I want to get on with the fucking war!

 

[Marvel]

2 is my personal favorite.

 

[Nerokis]

Mass Effect is the best in the series by a mile. Play on PC for better load times and fixed inventory.

Hahaha... Is that picture making fun of ME2, or is it a parody of the "level design in x, level design in y" meme? The downsized Citadel was a big disappointment for me, but at the same time, it's hardly the whole story. Most of ME1 didn't have particularly intricate level design, and ME2's Citadel equivalent was actually Omega (which is at least a fairer comparison, especially considering intricacy isn't everything).

 

[N2NOther]

Skip both and enjoy the ending in ME3 because everything you do in ME1 and 2 is meaningless.

100% false. Everything to do in ME 1 and 2 is paid off throughout the entirety of ME3. There is more to that game than the last 10 minutes.

 

[TheContact]

ME1 was better than 2 and 3 in so many ways, just less polished. Patches I'm sure have fixed that now.

[inconsiderate statement]

you're in a thread where the OP admits not having played the 2nd or the 3rd game and you go out and talk about your opinion of the ending without spoiler tags? for real?

 

[Xisiqomelir]

ME2 is just a Whac-A-Mole game

It's "popamole"!

 

[Log4Girlz]

So I finished this amusement park ride of a game. Ok, well the story was nice. Loved the characters. But goddamn if every area wasn't a corridor. Ok, what I really hated though (I enjoyed the game as a whole mind you)

Spoiler


Unlike the first game which made it abundantly clear someone was going to die and you had to choose whom...this game has a mission at the end that gives you no real indicator that who you choose during different facets of the mission may die (just a vague hint of possible death, no that the particular person you chose was gonna bite it). FUCK. So I notice the game did a save (which I hadn't like a dolt) just before the mission. EUREKA. Oh look, fuck you Log4Girlz, the save is after your first choices and there is no way to take them back. Goodbye Mordin, you're gonna die.

FUCK. And the last main save I made was ten hours previously. FUCK. This is the type of game where quicksaves always override the previous one. MAN TEARS.

Is it worth getting the DLC for part 2 and just gritting my teeth and refinishing the game? Or should I go into part 3? Mordin and Thane passed on during the suicide mission even though no one had to die if I chose correctly

 

[phaze]

So I finished this amusement park ride of a game. Ok, well the story was nice. Loved the characters. But goddamn if every area wasn't a corridor. Ok, what I really hated though (I enjoyed the game as a whole mind you)

Spoiler


Unlike the first game which made it abundantly clear someone was going to die and you had to choose whom...this game has a mission at the end that gives you no real indicator that who you choose during different facets of the mission may die (just a vague hint of possible death, no that the particular person you chose was gonna bite it). FUCK. So I notice the game did a save (which I hadn't like a dolt) just before the mission. EUREKA. Oh look, fuck you Log4Girlz, the save is after your first choices and there is no way to take them back. Goodbye Mordin, you're gonna die.

FUCK. And the last main save I made was ten hours previously. FUCK. This is the type of game where quicksaves always override the previous one. MAN TEARS.

Is it worth getting the DLC for part 2 and just gritting my teeth and refinishing the game? Or should I go into part 3? Mordin and Thane passed on during the suicide mission even though no one had to die if I chose correctly

The story arc with Mordin is my favorite thing in ME3 and should not be experienced without him. So yes I would recommend redoing suicide mission so that you have all characters alive at the end of it.
As to DLC, the Lair of Shadow Broker is pretty neat. I liked Zaeed and Kasumi but they only appear for a moment in ME3 so I dunno. It depends on the price. Other than that I wouldn't bother, if you want to get some

Spoiler

Harbinger dialogue

(small DLC spoilers, tagged just to be perfectly safe) simply watch Arrival's ending on youtube.

 

[Vecks]

So I finished this amusement park ride of a game. Ok, well the story was nice. Loved the characters. But goddamn if every area wasn't a corridor. Ok, what I really hated though (I enjoyed the game as a whole mind you)

Spoiler


Unlike the first game which made it abundantly clear someone was going to die and you had to choose whom...this game has a mission at the end that gives you no real indicator that who you choose during different facets of the mission may die (just a vague hint of possible death, no that the particular person you chose was gonna bite it). FUCK. So I notice the game did a save (which I hadn't like a dolt) just before the mission. EUREKA. Oh look, fuck you Log4Girlz, the save is after your first choices and there is no way to take them back. Goodbye Mordin, you're gonna die.

FUCK. And the last main save I made was ten hours previously. FUCK. This is the type of game where quicksaves always override the previous one. MAN TEARS.

Is it worth getting the DLC for part 2 and just gritting my teeth and refinishing the game? Or should I go into part 3? Mordin and Thane passed on during the suicide mission even though no one had to die if I chose correctly

I'd suggest saving Mordin. Thane doesn't really get much screen time in 3, iirc.

 

[Mr_Zombie]

Unlike the first game which made it abundantly clear someone was going to die and you had to choose whom...this game has a mission at the end that gives you no real indicator that who you choose during different facets of the mission may die (just a vague hint of possible death, no that the particular person you chose was gonna bite it). FUCK.

What do you mean "no real indicator"? It's a suicide mission - that term was repeated throughout the game for fuck knows how many times.

And as others said, if you want to play ME3 go back and repeat the suicide mission to have Mordin alive in ME3. His story arc in 3 is really well done. Don't bother about Thane, though.

Is it worth getting the DLC for part 2 and just gritting my teeth and refinishing the game? Or should I go into part 3? Mordin and Thane passed on during the suicide mission even though no one had to die if I chose correctly

At least get Lair of the Shadow Broker. It's awesome. Get it. Get it now!

Kasumi: Stolen Memory is interesting, because first half of the mission is completely devoid of shooting - it's exploration and dialogs only. And Kasumi is an interesting character (both as a character and as a teammate to use during battle).
Zaeed's DLC is boring. Another pew, pew corridor level with a simple choice. The characters is a fine teammate, though.

Arrival - it's a solo mission (i.e. it's boring), but it ties directly into ME3 storyline (explains why Shepard is on Earth at the beginning of the game and how can Repears be so close so soon).
Normady Crash Site is meh. You just walk around crashed Normady, clicking at various objects and seeing static flashbacks of your crew and ship. Not worth it.
Firewalker Pack - I haven't even finish it. The vehicle was annoying to drive and too fragile to the point it was frustrating. (give me back my Mako ).

I haven't played Overlord yet. Heard it is good, though.

 

[Skunkers]

What do you mean "no real indicator"? It's a suicide mission - that term was repeated throughout the game for fuck knows how many times

No, he's right. The choices you have to make on the suicide mission can easily get full loyalty characters killed without any explanation on what causes it. It's not indicated well in the game that choosing the wrong tech for the tube, leader for the second group, biotic for the bubble, or especially leaving weaker characters to hold the line (a completely invisible stat hilariously). Mordin for example almost *must* be sent to escort the survivors back to the Normandy, because if he is left to hold the line it is *really* probable he'll die.

Log4Girlz, if you do replay it, and I recommend you do, it would really serve you well to look at a wiki/walkthrough for the suicide mission to make sure it doesn't happen again. You're right, it was a stupid decision on Bioware's part, but a guide will make sure nobody dies as long as everyone has full loyalty and you have the ship upgrades.

 

[Melchiah]

ME2 has basically a forgetable story, few to no RPG elements, annoying planet mining, no exploring, generic corridor shooting and its a total downgrade from what ME was...

The planet mining was far less annoying and time-consuming, than driving around similar looking planets, with copy-paste shooting halls. I liked all three MEs, but the repetitive sidequests nearly killed the first for me. It did have the best story and ending though.

 

[Log4Girlz]

No, he's right. The choices you have to make on the suicide mission can easily get full loyalty characters killed without any explanation on what causes it. It's not indicated well in the game that choosing the wrong tech for the tube, leader for the second group, biotic for the bubble, or especially leaving weaker characters to hold the line (a completely invisible stat hilariously). Mordin for example almost *must* be sent to escort the survivors back to the Normandy, because if he is left to hold the line it is *really* probable he'll die.

Log4Girlz, if you do replay it, and I recommend you do, it would really serve you well to look at a wiki/walkthrough for the suicide mission to make sure it doesn't happen again. You're right, it was a stupid decision on Bioware's part, but a guide will make sure nobody dies as long as everyone has full loyalty and you have the ship upgrades.

Yeah when I first played, I thought it was inevitable someone died. You know, suicide mission and what not. It wasn't until I saw a walkthrough that I saw that they can all be saved. So again, I go back to the save the game made automatically. FUCK YOU LOG FUCKER YOU CAN'T TAKE YOUR INITIAL CHOICES BACK MORDIN IS A DEAD MAN. Stupid me for having the egg-head super tech do the first tube thing that required an egg-head super tech. STUPID ME.