History VideoGame / MassEffect

* The {{Manga}} [[http://kotaku.com/5888493/mass-effect-explained-with-cute-schoolgirls/gallery/1 ''Teach me! Professor Mordin!'']]

* ''Literature/MassEffectDeception''

''VideoGame/MassEffect1'' was, originally, a SpaceOpera RPG/Third Person Shooter game for the Xbox 360 and PC created by {{Bioware}}, which also created ''StarWars: {{Knights of the Old Republic}}'', ''BaldursGate'', ''JadeEmpire'', and ''NeverwinterNights''. The second chapter, ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'', was released on X360 and PC in 2010, and for PlayStation 3 in January of 2011. ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'' was formally announced on December 11, 2010, at the Spike Video Game Awards. It will see a simultaneous release on all 3 platforms on March 6th, 2012 in North America, with releases in Europe and Australia on the 8th and 9th. Its first trailer is [[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vga-10-mass-effect/708362 here]].

* [[Characters/MassEffect Series Character Index]]

* [[Characters/MassEffect (Series) Character Sheet]]

** [[Characters/MassEffect1 Character Sheet]]

** [[Characters/MassEffect2 Character Sheet]]

** [[Characters/MassEffect3 Character Sheet]]

In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''Mass Effect: Revelation'', ''Mass Effect: Ascension'' and ''Mass Effect: Retribution'' written by Drew Karpyshyn, one of the writers for the games. As a result of Karpyshyn moving from working on ''Mass Effect'' to working on ''StarWarsTheOldRepublic'', the fourth novel, ''Mass Effect: Deception'', was written by an outside writer, William C. Dietz, and [[TheyJustDidntCare it]] [[ContinuitySnarl shows]]. It was released on January 31, 2012.

There is also a game for the iPhone titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy''. [[http://io9.com/5546860/mass-effect-the-movie-coming-to-a-theater-near-you A movie]] and an [[http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/116/1160389p1.html anime]] have also been officially announced. The fandom is unsure how to take this.

In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''Mass Effect: Revelation'', ''Mass Effect: Ascension'' and ''Mass Effect: Retribution'' written by Drew Karpyshyn. The fourth novel, ''Mass Effect: Deception'', was written by William C. Dietz (Karpyshyn is no longer working on ''Mass Effect'' and is solely working on ''StarWarsTheOldRepublic'') and was released on January 31, 2012.

->''In the year 2148, explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious artifacts revealed startling new technologies, enabling travel to the furthest stars. The basis for this incredible technology was a force that controlled the very fabric of space and time.''\\

These choices are omnipresent, as every conversation in the game is interactive and most give a chance to score Paragon and Renegade points. Yes, Paragon ''and'' Renegade: you can climb both sides of the scale simultaneously. Instead of each choice pulling you in one direction or another, there are ''separate'' meters for Paragon and Renegade, and choosing towards one does not change your position on the other. This allows much more complex characterization; there's no reason you can't play (say) a moral xenophobe who is Paragon towards humans but Renegade towards aliens, a TrueNeutral character who adapts to fit each situation, or even [[BlueAndOrangeMorality alternate every time you're given a choice]], although the game ''does'' encourage committing to either end; the first game unlocks unique missions for characters with high morality of each type, while the second ditches the conversation skill by only allowing certain (more beneficial) dialogue options to be unlocked by a high Paragon/Renegade score instead.

* ''MassEffect/{{Deception}}''

In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''Mass Effect: Revelation'', ''Mass Effect: Ascension'' and ''Mass Effect: Retribution'' written by Drew Karpyshyn. The fourth novel, ''Mass Effect: Deception'', was be written by William C. Dietz (Karpyshyn is no longer working on ''Mass Effect'' and is solely working on ''StarWarsTheOldRepublic'') and was released on January 31, 2012.

These choices are omnipresent, as every conversation in the game is interactive and most give a chance to score Paragon and Renegade points. Yes, Paragon ''and'' Renegade: you can climb both sides of the scale simultaneously. Instead of each choice pulling you in one direction or another, there are ''separate'' meters for Paragon and Renegade, and choosing towards one does not change your position on the other. This allows much more complex characterization; there's no reason you can't play (say) a moral xenophobe who is Paragon towards humans but Renegade towards aliens, a TrueNeutral character who adapts to fit each situation, or even [[BlueAndOrangeMorality alternate every time you're given a choice]], although the game ''does'' encourage commiting to either end; the first game unlocks unique missions for characters with high morality of each type, while the second ditches the conversation skill by only allowing certain (more beneficial) dialogue options to be unlocked by a high Paragon/Renegade score instead.

In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''Mass Effect: Revelation'', ''Mass Effect: Ascension'' and ''Mass Effect: Retribution'' written by Drew Karpyshyn. The fourth novel, ''Mass Effect: Deception'', will be written by William C. Dietz (Karpyshyn is no longer working on ''Mass Effect'' and is solely working on ''StarWarsTheOldRepublic'') and is slated for release on January 31, 2012.

The series also contains several comics: ''Mass Effect: Redemption'', ''Mass Effect: Evolution'', and ''Mass Effect: Invasion'' are graphic novels that consist of four issues each, while ''Mass Effect: Incursion'', ''Mass Effect: Inquisition'', and ''Mass Effect: Conviction'' are short 8 page stories. A fourth multiple issue comic, ''Mass Effect: Homeworlds'' is due to begin in April 2012, with each issue focusing on a main character of Mass Effect 3.

* ''Deception''

The classes presented to you are divided up between three affinities: Combat, Tech and Biotic. Combat classes have abilities based on amplifying their weapons and [[BulletTime own reflexes]] to make them more vicious in combat. Tech classes counter the opponents' technology (jamming their weapons, overloading their shields, sending out attack drones) and hacking {{Mecha Mook}}s to attack their own. Biotic classes use MindOverMatter enhancements that are based on warping space and gravity (and have some PsychicPowers outside of combat) and providing [[DeflectorShields biotic barriers]]. Shepard can choose one of three specialized classes for maximum effectiveness in one style, or one of the three hybrid classes, [[NecessaryDrawback sacrificing the full range of options and abilities of either class type]] for maximum flexibility. Your own team tends to be an eclectic mix of all three and you are only allowed to take two members with you on any given mission, so choosing which ones would be helpful for the circumstances is vital (Generally, the best way to counter those affinities is with those same affinities on your squad).

->''"In the year 2148, explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious artifacts revealed startling new technologies, enabling travel to the furthest stars. The basis for this incredible technology was a force that controlled the very fabric of space and time.''\\

''The civilizations of the galaxy call it..."''\\

-> ''In the year 2148, explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious artifacts revealed startling new technologies, enabling travel to the furthest stars. The basis for this incredible technology was a force that controlled the very fabric of space and time.''\\

''The civilizations of the galaxy call it...''\\

These choices are omnipresent, as every conversation in the game is interactive and most give a chance to score Paragon and Renegade points. Yes, Paragon ''and'' Renegade: you can climb both sides of the scale simultaneously. Instead of each choice pulling you in one direction or another, there are ''separate'' meters for Paragon and Renegade, and choosing towards one does not change your position on the other. This allows much more complex characterization; there's no reason you can't play (say) a moral xenophobe who is Paragon towards humans but Renegade towards aliens, a TrueNeutral character who adapts to fit each situation, or even [[BlueAndOrangeMorality alternate every time you're given a choice]], although the game ''does'' encourage commiting to either end, by only allowing certain (more beneficial) dialogue options to be unlocked by a high Paragon/Renegade score.

The series also contains several comics: ''Mass Effect: Redemption'' and ''Mass Effect: Evolution'' are graphic novels that consist of four issues each, while ''Mass Effect: Incursion'', ''Mass Effect: Inquisition'', and ''Mass Effect: Conviction'' are short 8 page stories. A third 4-issue comic series, ''Mass Effect: Invasion'' began on October 19, 2011. The final issue will be out on January 18, 2012. A fourth multiple issue comic, ''Mass Effect: Homeworlds'' is due to begin in April 2012, with each issue focusing on a main character of Mass Effect 3.

The series also contains several comics: ''Mass Effect: Redemption'' and ''Mass Effect: Evolution'' are graphic novels that consist of four issues each, while ''Mass Effect: Incursion'', ''Mass Effect: Inquisition'', and ''Mass Effect: Conviction'' are short 8 page stories. A new 4-issue comic series, ''Mass Effect: Invasion'' began on October 19, 2011. The final issue will be out on January 18, 2012.

* ''MassEffect2''

* ''MassEffect3''

The series also contains several comics: ''Mass Effect: Redemption'' and ''Mass Effect: Evolution'' are graphic novels that consist of four issues each, while ''Mass Effect: Incursion'', ''Mass Effect: Inquisition'', and ''Mass Effect: Conviction'' are short 8 page stories. A new comic series, ''Mass Effect: Invasion'' is due to begin on October 19, 2011.

* TheParagon is the more humane, compassionate, diplomatic end of the spectrum, one who tries to solve problems and disputes as peacefully as possible, or at least with the motive of protecting the innocent, but shows little if any pity towards [[GoodIsNotNice corruption or immoral actions]]. Paragon dialogue also tends to take a more cooperative, egalitarian stance to the other sentient species of the galaxy and the Citadel Council.

''VideoGame/MassEffect1'' was, originally, a SpaceOpera RPG/Third Person Shooter game for the Xbox 360 and PC created by {{Bioware}}, which also created ''StarWars: {{Knights of the Old Republic}}'', ''BaldursGate'', ''JadeEmpire'', and ''NeverwinterNights''. The second chapter, ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'', was released on X360 and PC in 2010, and for PlayStation 3 in January of 2011. ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'' was formally announced on December 11, 2010, at the Spike Video Game Awards, with a Q1 2012 release date announced. It will see a simultaneous release on all 3 platforms. Its first trailer is [[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vga-10-mass-effect/708362 here]].

''[[MassEffect1 Mass Effect]]'' was, originally, a SpaceOpera RPG/Third Person Shooter game for the Xbox 360 and PC created by {{Bioware}}, which also created ''StarWars: {{Knights of the Old Republic}}'', ''BaldursGate'', ''JadeEmpire'', and ''NeverwinterNights''. The second chapter, ''MassEffect2'', was released on X360 and PC in 2010, and for PlayStation 3 in January of 2011. ''MassEffect3'' was formally announced on December 11, 2010, at the Spike Video Game Awards, with a Q1 2012 release date announced. It will see a simultaneous release on all 3 platforms. Its first trailer is [[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vga-10-mass-effect/708362 here]].

The series has a [[Characters/MassEffect character sheet]], which also had to be split. The pages for ''MassEffect1'' and ''MassEffect2'' are [[Characters/MassEffect1 here]] and [[Characters/MassEffect2 here]].

* ''MassEffect1''

There is also a game for the iPhone titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy''. [[http://io9.com/5546860/mass-effect-the-movie-coming-to-a-theater-near-you A movie]] and an [[http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/116/1160389p1.html anime]] have also been officially announced. [[YourMileageMayVary The fandom is unsure how to take this.]]

These choices are omnipresent, as every conversation in the game is interactive and most give a chance to score Paragon and Renegade points. Yes, Paragon ''and'' Renegade: you can climb both sides of the scale simultaneously. Instead of each choice pulling you in one direction or another, there are ''separate'' meters for Paragon and Renegade, and choosing towards one does not change your position on the other. This allows much more complex characterization; there's no reason you can't play (say) a moral xenophobe who is Paragon towards humans but Renegade towards aliens, a TrueNeutral character who adapts to fit each situation, or even [[BlueAndOrangeMorality alternate every time you're given a choice]].