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[[quoteright:335:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Mass_Effect_title.jpg]]
->''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.''\\
''They called it the greatest discovery in human history.''\\
''The civilizations of the galaxy call it...''\\
'''[[TitleDrop MASS EFFECT]]'''
''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, ''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 got simultaneous release on all 3 platforms on March 6, 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]].
The series makes heavy use of a large number of science fiction tropes. Nearly every aspect of the setting is well thought-out, with hefty amounts of technical, cultural, and historical background data provided by an EncyclopediaExposita. It's a {{Reconstruction}} of the SpaceOpera.
The games' protagonist is Commander Shepard, who, in true Bioware fashion, is customizable right down to their sex. A distinguished military officer, Shepard is selected to become the first human Spectre, an elite group of galactic peacekeepers given carte blanche to go about their job as they see fit. Unfortunately, nothing about the review process goes as planned, and Shepard is soon thrust into a life-or-death struggle with Saren Arterius, a former Spectre, who plans to seize control of the galactic capital with the help of an immense warship named Sovereign and an army of robotic [[MechaMooks Geth]]. Nothing is as it seems, however, and soon the very survival of organic life is at stake due to the shadowy threat of the legendary [[EldritchAbomination Reapers]].
The franchise is a ThirdPersonShooter combining the [[RegeneratingHealth regenerating shields]] and integrated vehicle sections of ''{{Halo}}'', the stop-and-pop cover mechanics of ''GearsOfWar'' and WideOpenSandbox exploration elements as you fly around the galaxy in your CoolStarship, the ''Normandy'' SR-1. RPGElements are present in the form of a ClassAndLevelSystem for your party members, in addition to new guns and armor. Gameplay elements, and their revisions for the sequels, saw a [[BrokenBase mixed]] reception.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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.
Like previous [=BioWare=] games, ''Mass Effect'' employs a KarmaMeter with two moral endpoints. Essentially, the meter measures the player's place on the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism; Paragon choices move toward Idealism and Renegade choices toward Cynicism. Most responses tend to be either nice or mean ways of saying the same thing ("I'm sorry, but please tell me what happened" versus "Get over it and tell me what happened"), but as you climb each meter, you unlock new conversation options which can take things in a completely different direction ("I'm an ActionSurvivor too, let's bond"; "GetAHoldOfYourselfMan! QuitYourWhining!"). The {{Railroading}} on dialogue choices may be annoying, but it helps hold the plot together: whether you choose to play Shepard nice or mean, s/he is still a hero either way.
* 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 [[GoodIsNotSoft 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. Succinctly, this path is TheFettered.
* [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first" position. To put it simply, this path is TheUnfettered.
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]]. Of course, there are benefits to committing to either end; in every game but the last, there are dialogue options and even missions you can't access at all unless you have a high Paragon/Renegade score. (The third unlocks options based on your total Karma Points, and adds non-flavored "Reputation" points as well.) And in terms of replay value, it's kind of brilliant, since no matter what path you choose, there's always ''at least'' one other branch ([[TakeAThirdOption sometimes more]]) you consciously turned away from.
And these link up with the other theme of the franchise: ContinuityPorn, the ButterflyOfDoom and the OldSaveBonus. There are plenty of [=NPC=]s you can choose to kill, but if you don't, they will almost certainly appear in the next game. (Where, possibly, they can be killed a second time.) ''Mass Effect'' has hundreds of named characters, and the list of ones who don't re-appear in the next game is a ''lot'' shorter than the list of those who do; this creates a sense of not only a living, breathing universe, but the feeling that you, Commander Shepard, have some significance within it. And these are just the casual choices--what about the ones where you decide the fates of entire sentient species? Players of the franchise are known to run two or more saved games, playing and re-playing to see how their choices impact the galaxy.
In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''[[MassEffect/{{Revelation}} Mass Effect: Revelation]]'', ''[[MassEffect/{{Ascension}} Mass Effect: Ascension]]'' and ''[[MassEffect/{{Retribution}} 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, ''[[Literature/MassEffectDeception Mass Effect: Deception]]'', was written by outside writer William C. Dietz. It was released 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''.
There are also two {{iOS}} games, titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy'' and ''VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator'', respectively, as well as ''Mass Effect: Datapad'', a companion app for ''Mass Effect 3''. [[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.
-----
!!The ''Mass Effect'' universe encompasses:
[[index]]
[[WMG:Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Mass Effect|1}}''
* ''VideoGame/MassEffect2''
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes A-F}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes G-M}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes N-S}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes T-Z}}
* ''VideoGame/MassEffect3''
* ''Galaxy''
* ''[[VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator Infiltrator]]''
[[WMG:Books]]
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectRevelation Revelation]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectAscension Ascension]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectRetribution Retribution]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectDeception Deception]]''
[[WMG:Comics]]
* ''Redemption''
* ''Incursion:'' can be downloaded [[http://masseffect.bioware.com/resources/assets/market/books/incursion-01.pdf here]]
* ''Inquisition:'' can be read [[http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-10-25-masseffect25_ST_N.htm here]]
* ''Evolution''
* ''Conviction''
* ''Invasion''
* ''Homeworlds''
[[/index]]
!!The ''Mass Effect'' series as a whole contains the following tropes:
[[index]]
* MassEffect/{{Tropes A-D}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes E-H}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes I-L}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes M-P}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes Q-T}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes U-Z}}
[[/index]]
----
->''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.''\\
''They called it the greatest discovery in human history.''\\
''The civilizations of the galaxy call it...''\\
'''[[TitleDrop MASS EFFECT]]'''
''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, ''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 got simultaneous release on all 3 platforms on March 6, 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]].
The series makes heavy use of a large number of science fiction tropes. Nearly every aspect of the setting is well thought-out, with hefty amounts of technical, cultural, and historical background data provided by an EncyclopediaExposita. It's a {{Reconstruction}} of the SpaceOpera.
The games' protagonist is Commander Shepard, who, in true Bioware fashion, is customizable right down to their sex. A distinguished military officer, Shepard is selected to become the first human Spectre, an elite group of galactic peacekeepers given carte blanche to go about their job as they see fit. Unfortunately, nothing about the review process goes as planned, and Shepard is soon thrust into a life-or-death struggle with Saren Arterius, a former Spectre, who plans to seize control of the galactic capital with the help of an immense warship named Sovereign and an army of robotic [[MechaMooks Geth]]. Nothing is as it seems, however, and soon the very survival of organic life is at stake due to the shadowy threat of the legendary [[EldritchAbomination Reapers]].
The franchise is a ThirdPersonShooter combining the [[RegeneratingHealth regenerating shields]] and integrated vehicle sections of ''{{Halo}}'', the stop-and-pop cover mechanics of ''GearsOfWar'' and WideOpenSandbox exploration elements as you fly around the galaxy in your CoolStarship, the ''Normandy'' SR-1. RPGElements are present in the form of a ClassAndLevelSystem for your party members, in addition to new guns and armor. Gameplay elements, and their revisions for the sequels, saw a [[BrokenBase mixed]] reception.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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.
Like previous [=BioWare=] games, ''Mass Effect'' employs a KarmaMeter with two moral endpoints. Essentially, the meter measures the player's place on the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism; Paragon choices move toward Idealism and Renegade choices toward Cynicism. Most responses tend to be either nice or mean ways of saying the same thing ("I'm sorry, but please tell me what happened" versus "Get over it and tell me what happened"), but as you climb each meter, you unlock new conversation options which can take things in a completely different direction ("I'm an ActionSurvivor too, let's bond"; "GetAHoldOfYourselfMan! QuitYourWhining!"). The {{Railroading}} on dialogue choices may be annoying, but it helps hold the plot together: whether you choose to play Shepard nice or mean, s/he is still a hero either way.
* 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 [[GoodIsNotSoft 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. Succinctly, this path is TheFettered.
* [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first" position. To put it simply, this path is TheUnfettered.
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]]. Of course, there are benefits to committing to either end; in every game but the last, there are dialogue options and even missions you can't access at all unless you have a high Paragon/Renegade score. (The third unlocks options based on your total Karma Points, and adds non-flavored "Reputation" points as well.) And in terms of replay value, it's kind of brilliant, since no matter what path you choose, there's always ''at least'' one other branch ([[TakeAThirdOption sometimes more]]) you consciously turned away from.
And these link up with the other theme of the franchise: ContinuityPorn, the ButterflyOfDoom and the OldSaveBonus. There are plenty of [=NPC=]s you can choose to kill, but if you don't, they will almost certainly appear in the next game. (Where, possibly, they can be killed a second time.) ''Mass Effect'' has hundreds of named characters, and the list of ones who don't re-appear in the next game is a ''lot'' shorter than the list of those who do; this creates a sense of not only a living, breathing universe, but the feeling that you, Commander Shepard, have some significance within it. And these are just the casual choices--what about the ones where you decide the fates of entire sentient species? Players of the franchise are known to run two or more saved games, playing and re-playing to see how their choices impact the galaxy.
In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''[[MassEffect/{{Revelation}} Mass Effect: Revelation]]'', ''[[MassEffect/{{Ascension}} Mass Effect: Ascension]]'' and ''[[MassEffect/{{Retribution}} 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, ''[[Literature/MassEffectDeception Mass Effect: Deception]]'', was written by outside writer William C. Dietz. It was released 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''.
There are also two {{iOS}} games, titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy'' and ''VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator'', respectively, as well as ''Mass Effect: Datapad'', a companion app for ''Mass Effect 3''. [[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.
-----
!!The ''Mass Effect'' universe encompasses:
[[index]]
[[WMG:Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Mass Effect|1}}''
* ''VideoGame/MassEffect2''
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes A-F}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes G-M}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes N-S}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes T-Z}}
* ''VideoGame/MassEffect3''
* ''Galaxy''
* ''[[VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator Infiltrator]]''
[[WMG:Books]]
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectRevelation Revelation]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectAscension Ascension]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectRetribution Retribution]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectDeception Deception]]''
[[WMG:Comics]]
* ''Redemption''
* ''Incursion:'' can be downloaded [[http://masseffect.bioware.com/resources/assets/market/books/incursion-01.pdf here]]
* ''Inquisition:'' can be read [[http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-10-25-masseffect25_ST_N.htm here]]
* ''Evolution''
* ''Conviction''
* ''Invasion''
* ''Homeworlds''
[[/index]]
!!The ''Mass Effect'' series as a whole contains the following tropes:
[[index]]
* MassEffect/{{Tropes A-D}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes E-H}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes I-L}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes M-P}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes Q-T}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes U-Z}}
[[/index]]
----
to:
->''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.''\\
''They called it the greatest discovery in human history.''\\
''The civilizations of the galaxy call it...''\\
'''[[TitleDrop MASS EFFECT]]'''
''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, ''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 got simultaneous release on all 3 platforms on March 6, 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]].
The series makes heavy use of a large number of science fiction tropes. Nearly every aspect of the setting is well thought-out, with hefty amounts of technical, cultural, and historical background data provided by an EncyclopediaExposita. It's a {{Reconstruction}} of the SpaceOpera.
The games' protagonist is Commander Shepard, who, in true Bioware fashion, is customizable right down to their sex. A distinguished military officer, Shepard is selected to become the first human Spectre, an elite group of galactic peacekeepers given carte blanche to go about their job as they see fit. Unfortunately, nothing about the review process goes as planned, and Shepard is soon thrust into a life-or-death struggle with Saren Arterius, a former Spectre, who plans to seize control of the galactic capital with the help of an immense warship named Sovereign and an army of robotic [[MechaMooks Geth]]. Nothing is as it seems, however, and soon the very survival of organic life is at stake due to the shadowy threat of the legendary [[EldritchAbomination Reapers]].
The franchise is a ThirdPersonShooter combining the [[RegeneratingHealth regenerating shields]] and integrated vehicle sections of ''{{Halo}}'', the stop-and-pop cover mechanics of ''GearsOfWar'' and WideOpenSandbox exploration elements as you fly around the galaxy in your CoolStarship, the ''Normandy'' SR-1. RPGElements are present in the form of a ClassAndLevelSystem for your party members, in addition to new guns and armor. Gameplay elements, and their revisions for the sequels, saw a [[BrokenBase mixed]] reception.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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.
Like previous [=BioWare=] games, ''Mass Effect'' employs a KarmaMeter with two moral endpoints. Essentially, the meter measures the player's place on the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism; Paragon choices move toward Idealism and Renegade choices toward Cynicism. Most responses tend to be either nice or mean ways of saying the same thing ("I'm sorry, but please tell me what happened" versus "Get over it and tell me what happened"), but as you climb each meter, you unlock new conversation options which can take things in a completely different direction ("I'm an ActionSurvivor too, let's bond"; "GetAHoldOfYourselfMan! QuitYourWhining!"). The {{Railroading}} on dialogue choices may be annoying, but it helps hold the plot together: whether you choose to play Shepard nice or mean, s/he is still a hero either way.
* 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 [[GoodIsNotSoft 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. Succinctly, this path is TheFettered.
* [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first" position. To put it simply, this path is TheUnfettered.
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]]. Of course, there are benefits to committing to either end; in every game but the last, there are dialogue options and even missions you can't access at all unless you have a high Paragon/Renegade score. (The third unlocks options based on your total Karma Points, and adds non-flavored "Reputation" points as well.) And in terms of replay value, it's kind of brilliant, since no matter what path you choose, there's always ''at least'' one other branch ([[TakeAThirdOption sometimes more]]) you consciously turned away from.
And these link up with the other theme of the franchise: ContinuityPorn, the ButterflyOfDoom and the OldSaveBonus. There are plenty of [=NPC=]s you can choose to kill, but if you don't, they will almost certainly appear in the next game. (Where, possibly, they can be killed a second time.) ''Mass Effect'' has hundreds of named characters, and the list of ones who don't re-appear in the next game is a ''lot'' shorter than the list of those who do; this creates a sense of not only a living, breathing universe, but the feeling that you, Commander Shepard, have some significance within it. And these are just the casual choices--what about the ones where you decide the fates of entire sentient species? Players of the franchise are known to run two or more saved games, playing and re-playing to see how their choices impact the galaxy.
In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''[[MassEffect/{{Revelation}} Mass Effect: Revelation]]'', ''[[MassEffect/{{Ascension}} Mass Effect: Ascension]]'' and ''[[MassEffect/{{Retribution}} 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, ''[[Literature/MassEffectDeception Mass Effect: Deception]]'', was written by outside writer William C. Dietz. It was released 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''.
There are also two {{iOS}} games, titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy'' and ''VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator'', respectively, as well as ''Mass Effect: Datapad'', a companion app for ''Mass Effect 3''. [[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.
-----
!!The ''Mass Effect'' universe encompasses:
[[index]]
[[WMG:Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Mass Effect|1}}''
* ''VideoGame/MassEffect2''
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes A-F}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes G-M}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes N-S}}
** MassEffect2/{{Tropes T-Z}}
* ''VideoGame/MassEffect3''
* ''Galaxy''
* ''[[VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator Infiltrator]]''
[[WMG:Books]]
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectRevelation Revelation]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectAscension Ascension]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectRetribution Retribution]]''
* ''[[Literature/MassEffectDeception Deception]]''
[[WMG:Comics]]
* ''Redemption''
* ''Incursion:'' can be downloaded [[http://masseffect.bioware.com/resources/assets/market/books/incursion-01.pdf here]]
* ''Inquisition:'' can be read [[http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-10-25-masseffect25_ST_N.htm here]]
* ''Evolution''
* ''Conviction''
* ''Invasion''
* ''Homeworlds''
[[/index]]
!!The ''Mass Effect'' series as a whole contains the following tropes:
[[index]]
* MassEffect/{{Tropes A-D}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes E-H}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes I-L}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes M-P}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes Q-T}}
* MassEffect/{{Tropes U-Z}}
[[/index]]
----
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 32,33 (click to see context) from:
There are also two {{iOS}} games, titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy'' and ''[[MassEffect/{{Infiltrator}} Mass Effect: Infiltrator]]'', respectively, as well as ''Mass Effect: Datapad'', a companion app for ''Mass Effect 3''. [[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.
to:
There are also two {{iOS}} games, titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy'' and ''[[MassEffect/{{Infiltrator}} Mass Effect: Infiltrator]]'', ''VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator'', respectively, as well as ''Mass Effect: Datapad'', a companion app for ''Mass Effect 3''. [[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.
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* ''MassEffect/{{Infiltrator}}''
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* ''MassEffect/{{Infiltrator}}''
''[[VideoGame/MassEffectInfiltrator Infiltrator]]''
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* ''MassEffect/{{Revelation}}''
* ''MassEffect/{{Ascension}}''
* ''MassEffect/{{Retribution}}''
* ''MassEffect/{{Ascension}}''
* ''MassEffect/{{Retribution}}''
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* ''MassEffect/{{Revelation}}''
''[[Literature/MassEffectRevelation Revelation]]''
*''MassEffect/{{Ascension}}''
''[[Literature/MassEffectAscension Ascension]]''
*''MassEffect/{{Retribution}}''''[[Literature/MassEffectRetribution Retribution]]''
*
*
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[[quoteright:335:~~VideoGame, ThirdPersonShooter, ActionRPG ~~]]
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''MassEffect'' 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 got simultaneous release on all 3 platforms on March 6, 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]].
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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 outside writer William C. Dietz. It was released on January 31, 2012.
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In addition to the games, the series contains four prequel/interquel novels: ''Mass ''[[MassEffect/{{Revelation}} Mass Effect: Revelation'', ''Mass Revelation]]'', ''[[MassEffect/{{Ascension}} Mass Effect: Ascension'' Ascension]]'' and ''Mass ''[[MassEffect/{{Retribution}} Mass Effect: Retribution'' 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 ''[[Literature/MassEffectDeception Mass Effect: Deception'', Deception]]'', was written by outside writer William C. Dietz. It was released on January 31, 2012.
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There is also a game for the iPhone titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy'' and another two ''Mass_Effect: Infiltrator'' and ''Mass Effect: Datapad'' are set to be released. [[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.
to:
There is are also a game for the iPhone two {{iOS}} games, titled ''Mass Effect: Galaxy'' and another two ''Mass_Effect: Infiltrator'' and ''[[MassEffect/{{Infiltrator}} Mass Effect: Infiltrator]]'', respectively, as well as ''Mass Effect: Datapad'' are set to be released.Datapad'', a companion app for ''Mass Effect 3''. [[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.
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* ''VideoGame/MassEffect1''
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* ''VideoGame/MassEffect1''''VideoGame/{{Mass Effect|1}}''
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*** MassEffect2/{{Tropes A-F}}
*** MassEffect2/{{Tropes G-M}}
*** MassEffect2/{{Tropes N-S}}
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* ''Mass Effect: Galaxy''
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* ''Mass Effect: Galaxy''''Galaxy''
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* ''Mass Effect/{{Infiltrator}}''
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* ''Mass Effect/{{Infiltrator}}''
''MassEffect/{{Infiltrator}}''
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Added link to Infiltrator. Fill it up if you can!
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* ''Mass Effect: Infiltrator''
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* ''Mass Effect: Infiltrator''
Effect/{{Infiltrator}}''
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Readding so people can go directly to those subpages instead of clicking on the Mass Effect 2 page, then the subpage they want to go to.
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And these link up with the other theme of the franchise: ContinuityPorn, the ButterflyOfDoom and the OldSaveBonus. There are plenty of NPCs you can choose to kill, but if you don't, they will almost certainly appear in the next game. (Where, possibly, they can be killed a second time.) ''Mass Effect'' has hundreds of named characters, and the list of ones who don't re-appear in the next game is a ''lot'' shorter than the list of those who do; this creates a sense of not only a living, breathing universe, but the feeling that you, Commander Shepard, have some significance within it. And these are just the casual choices--what about the ones where you decide the fates of entire sentient species? Players of the franchise are known to run two or more saved games, playing and re-playing to see how their choices impact the galaxy.
to:
And these link up with the other theme of the franchise: ContinuityPorn, the ButterflyOfDoom and the OldSaveBonus. There are plenty of NPCs [=NPC=]s you can choose to kill, but if you don't, they will almost certainly appear in the next game. (Where, possibly, they can be killed a second time.) ''Mass Effect'' has hundreds of named characters, and the list of ones who don't re-appear in the next game is a ''lot'' shorter than the list of those who do; this creates a sense of not only a living, breathing universe, but the feeling that you, Commander Shepard, have some significance within it. And these are just the casual choices--what about the ones where you decide the fates of entire sentient species? Players of the franchise are known to run two or more saved games, playing and re-playing to see how their choices impact the galaxy.
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[[index]]
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[[/index]]
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notice is redundant with the tabs
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The series has a [[Characters/MassEffect character sheet]], which also had to be split. The pages for ''VideoGame/MassEffect1'' and ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'' are [[Characters/MassEffect1 here]] and [[Characters/MassEffect2 here]].
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* 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 [[GoodIsNotSoft 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.
* [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first" position.
* [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first" position.
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* 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 [[GoodIsNotSoft 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.
Council. Succinctly, this path is TheFettered.
* [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first"position.
position. To put it simply, this path is TheUnfettered.
* [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first"
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''MassEffect'' 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]].
to:
''MassEffect'' 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 got simultaneous release on all 3 platforms on March 6th, 6, 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]].
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The franchise is a ThirdPersonShooter combining the [[RegeneratingHealth regenerating shields]] and integrated vehicle sections of ''{{Halo}}'', the stop-and-pop cover mechanics of ''GearsOfWar'' and WideOpenSandbox exploration elements as you fly around the galaxy in your CoolStarship, the ''Normandy'' SR-1. RPGElements are present in the form of a ClassAndLevelSystem for your party members, in addition to new guns and armor. Gameplay elements, and their revisions for the sequel, saw a [[BrokenBase mixed]] reception.
to:
The franchise is a ThirdPersonShooter combining the [[RegeneratingHealth regenerating shields]] and integrated vehicle sections of ''{{Halo}}'', the stop-and-pop cover mechanics of ''GearsOfWar'' and WideOpenSandbox exploration elements as you fly around the galaxy in your CoolStarship, the ''Normandy'' SR-1. RPGElements are present in the form of a ClassAndLevelSystem for your party members, in addition to new guns and armor. Gameplay elements, and their revisions for the sequel, sequels, saw a [[BrokenBase mixed]] reception.
reception.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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.
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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]]. Of course, there are benefits to committing to either end; the first game unlocks the highest levels of conversation skills (in the [[NewGamePlus first playthrough]], at least) and 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. And in terms of replay value, it's kind of brilliant, since no matter what path you choose to take there's always ''at least'' one other branch ([[TakeAThirdOption sometimes more]]) you consciously turned Shepard away from.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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.
to:
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]]. Of course, there are benefits to committing to either end; the first in every game unlocks but the highest levels of conversation skills (in the [[NewGamePlus first playthrough]], at least) and unique missions for characters with high morality of each type, while the second ditches the conversation skill by only allowing certain (more beneficial) last, there are dialogue options to be unlocked by and even missions you can't access at all unless you have a high Paragon/Renegade score instead. score. (The third unlocks options based on your total Karma Points, and adds non-flavored "Reputation" points as well.) And in terms of replay value, it's kind of brilliant, since no matter what path you choose to take choose, there's always ''at least'' one other branch ([[TakeAThirdOption sometimes more]]) you consciously turned Shepard away from.
The classes presented to you are divided And these link 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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that the other theme of the franchise: ContinuityPorn, the ButterflyOfDoom and the OldSaveBonus. There are based on warping space and gravity and providing [[DeflectorShields biotic barriers]]. Shepard plenty of NPCs you can choose one to kill, but if you don't, they will almost certainly appear in the next game. (Where, possibly, they can be killed a second time.) ''Mass Effect'' has hundreds of three specialized classes for maximum effectiveness named characters, and the list of ones who don't re-appear in one style, or one the next game is a ''lot'' shorter than the list of those who do; this creates a sense of not only a living, breathing universe, but the feeling that you, Commander Shepard, have some significance within it. And these are just the casual choices--what about the ones where you decide the fates of entire sentient species? Players of the three hybrid classes, [[NecessaryDrawback sacrificing franchise are known to run two or more saved games, playing and re-playing to see how their choices impact 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.
galaxy.
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[[quoteright:250:~~VideoGame, ThirdPersonShooter, ActionRPG ~~]]
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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 the highest levels of conversation skills (in the [[NewGamePlus first playthrough]], at least) and 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.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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).
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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).
to:
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 choice]]. Of course, there are benefits to committing to either end; the first game unlocks the highest levels of conversation skills (in the [[NewGamePlus first playthrough]], at least) and 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.
instead. And in terms of replay value, it's kind of brilliant, since no matter what path you choose to take there's always ''at least'' one other branch ([[TakeAThirdOption sometimes more]]) you consciously turned Shepard away from.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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 isvital (Generally, the best way to counter those affinities is with those same affinities on your squad).
vital.
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 project the eponymous Mass Effect with their own bodies, giving them MindOverMatter powers that are based on warping space and gravity 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
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That comic is...interesting, yes (there\'s an English translation floating around somewhere, but I can\'t for the life of me remember where it is), but it\'s not an official Mass Effect comic, so it doesn\'t belong on the list.
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* The {{Manga}} ''[[http://kotaku.com/5888493/mass-effect-explained-with-cute-schoolgirls/gallery/1 Teach me! Professor Mordin!]]''
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Why not have both the names be blue?
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* The Renegade is [[AntiHero a more ruthless hero]] who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first" position.
to:
* The Renegade is [[AntiHero The Renegade]] is a more ruthless hero]] hero who believes in solving problems and disputes by force, intimidation, and an "IDidWhatIHadToDo" philosophy, preferring to kill the enemy at all costs and allowing petty immoral acts to slip by to achieve the bigger goal. Renegade conversation options tend to show little regard for the council and more of a "humans first" position.
