2007, Mass Effect

Mass Effect is an <a title="Action role-playing game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_role-playing_game">action role-playing</a> <a title="Video game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game">video game</a> developed by <a title="BioWare" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare">BioWare</a> and published by <a class="mw-redirect" title="Microsoft Game Studios" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Game_Studios">Microsoft Game Studios</a> and <a title="Electronic Arts" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Arts">Electronic Arts</a>. Originally released for the <a title="Xbox 360" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360">Xbox 360</a> video game console in 2007, it is the first game of the <a title="Mass Effect" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect">Mass Effect</a> series. The game takes place within the <a title="Milky Way" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way">Milky Way</a> galaxy in the year 2183, where civilization is threatened by a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships. The player assumes the role of <a title="Commander Shepard" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commander_Shepard">Commander Shepard</a>, an elite human soldier who must stop a rogue agent from carrying out the machine race's galactic invasion. The gameplay requires the player to complete multiple <a title="Quest (video gaming)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quest_(video_gaming)">quests</a> that generally involve space exploration, squad and vehicular combat, and interaction with <a title="Non-player character" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-player_character">non-player characters</a>.

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<th class="fn" colspan="2">Mass Effect</th>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Video game developer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_developer">Developer(s)</a></th>

<td><a title="BioWare" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare">BioWare</a></td>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Video game publisher" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_publisher">Publisher(s)</a></th>

<td><a class="mw-redirect" title="Microsoft Game Studios" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Game_Studios">Microsoft Game Studios</a>
<a title="Electronic Arts" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Arts">Electronic Arts</a></td>

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<th scope="row">Director(s)</th>

<td><a title="Casey Hudson" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey_Hudson">Casey Hudson</a></td>

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<th scope="row"><a class="mw-redirect" title="Video game designer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_designer">Designer(s)</a></th>

<td>Preston Watamaniuk</td>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Video game programmer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_programmer">Programmer(s)</a></th>

<td>David Falkner</td>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Video game artist" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_artist">Artist(s)</a></th>

<td>Derek Watts</td>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Video game writer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_writer">Writer(s)</a></th>

<td><a title="Drew Karpyshyn" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Karpyshyn">Drew Karpyshyn</a></td>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Video game music" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_music">Composer(s)</a></th>

<td><a title="Jack Wall (composer)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Wall_(composer)">Jack Wall</a>
Sam Hulick
<a title="Richard Jacques" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Jacques">Richard Jacques</a>
David Kates</td>

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<th scope="row">Series</th>

<td><a title="Mass Effect" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect">Mass Effect</a></td>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Game engine" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_engine">Engine</a></th>

<td><a class="mw-redirect" title="Unreal Engine 3" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unreal_Engine_3">Unreal Engine 3</a></td>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Computing platform" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computing_platform">Platform(s)</a></th>

<td><a title="Xbox 360" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360">Xbox 360</a>
<a title="Microsoft Windows" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows">Microsoft Windows</a>
<a title="PlayStation 3" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3">PlayStation 3</a></td>

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<th scope="row">ReleaseNovember</th>

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<li>Xbox 360

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<li><a title="North America" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America">NA</a>:November 20, 2007</li>

<li><a title="Australasia" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasia">AU</a>:November 22, 2007</li>

<li><a title="Europe" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe">EU</a>:November 23, 2007</li>

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Microsoft Windows

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PlayStation 3

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<li><a title="North America" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America">NA</a>:December 4, 2012</li>

<li><a title="Europe" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe">EU</a>:December 7, 2012</li>

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<th scope="row"><a title="Video game genre" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_genre">Genre(s)</a></th>

<td><a title="Action role-playing game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_role-playing_game">Action role-playing</a></td>

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<td><a title="Single-player video game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-player_video_game">Single-player</a></td>

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Planned as the first chapter of a trilogy from the very beginning, Mass Effect was developed over the course of three and a half years and uses the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Unreal Engine 3" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unreal_Engine_3">Unreal Engine 3</a> as a groundwork. It was designed so that the player would assume the role of a central character that could make important decisions and impact the story of the game in numerous ways. The combat was designed to offer the tactics and customization of a role-playing game, but through a simpler and <a title="Turns, rounds and time-keeping systems in games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turns,_rounds_and_time-keeping_systems_in_games">real-time</a> <a title="Third-person shooter" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-person_shooter">third-person shooter</a> interface. In 2008 and 2009, two <a title="Downloadable content" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downloadable_content">downloadable content</a>packs that introduced new missions to the base game were released.

Mass Effect received critical acclaim from <a title="Video game journalism" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_journalism">video game publications</a> and sold more than one and a half million copies by January 2008. Critics praised the game's <a title="Interactive storytelling" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_storytelling">interactive storytelling</a>and cinematic design, but criticized its unbalanced combat mechanics and poor <a class="mw-redirect" title="Artificial intelligence (video games)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence(video_games)">artificial intelligence</a>. The game received several year-end awards, including Best RPG at the 2007 <a title="Spike Video Game Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Video_Game_Awards">Spike Video Game Awards</a> and Roleplaying Game of the Year at the 2008 <a title="Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Interactive_Arts%26_Sciences">Interactive Achievement Awards</a>. Mass Effect was <a title="Porting" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porting">ported</a> to the <a title="Microsoft Windows" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows">Microsoft Windows</a> and <a title="PlayStation 3" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3">PlayStation 3</a>platforms in 2008 and 2012, respectively. A sequel, <a title="Mass Effect 2" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_2">Mass Effect 2</a>, was released in 2010.

<h2 class="collapsible-heading" tabindex="0">Contents</h2>

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<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">Gameplay<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Gameplay" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=1" data-section="1">Edit</a></h2>

Mass Effect is a <a title="Single-player video game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-player_video_game">single-player</a> <a title="Action role-playing game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_role-playing_game">action role-playing game</a> in which the player takes the role of <a title="Commander Shepard" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commander_Shepard">Commander Shepard</a> from a <a title="Virtual camera system" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_camera_system">third-person perspective</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> Shepard's gender, appearance, military background, combat-training and first name are determined by the player before the game begins.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_New_Career-2">[2]</a> There are six different <a title="Character class" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_class">character classes</a> for the player to choose from and each of them have different talents that provide enhanced combat capabilities.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Talents-3">[3]</a> For example, the Soldier class is trained in weapon damage and has improved health, while the Sentinel class is trained in protecting and healing allies.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Talents-3">[3]</a> At one point in the game, players may evolve their base class talent into one of two specializations, which depend on the class chosen by the player.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Talents-3">[3]</a> Although any class can use any weapon type, each class is only effective with the weapons they are trained in.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Combat-4">[4]</a>

The game's <a title="Overworld" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overworld">overworld</a> is a galaxy map that the player can explore to find and complete <a title="Quest (video gaming)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quest(video_gaming)">quests</a>. Most of the quests that progress the story consist of combat missions, while optional quests generally involve the player gathering items or interacting with <a title="Non-player character" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-player_character">non-player characters</a>. As the player progresses throughout the game, six squad members become available, each with their own talents that can be developed.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> <a title="Experience point" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experience_point">Experience points</a> are gained in multiple ways, such as completing quests, defeating enemies, or finding and collecting items around the environment.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Playing-5">[5]</a> Each time a sufficient amount of experience is obtained, the player "levels up" and is awarded a number of Talent Points that can be used to develop talents for both Shepard and the members of the squad.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Playing-5">[5]</a> Each talent has 12 ranks that can be unlocked, with each rank costing one Talent Point.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Talents-3">[3]</a>

The player's primary mode of transportation is a starship which serves as Shepard's base of operations.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Transportation-6">[6]</a> Aboard the ship, the player can interact with the squad members, buy new equipment, and travel to numerous <a title="Planetary system" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_system">planetary systems</a>. Although the game features a large number of planets for the player to examine, only a few of them can actually be landed on and explored.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> Some of them can also be surveyed to search for valuable resources and quest-relevant items.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Transportation-6">[6]</a> Upon landing on a planet, the player can traverse on foot or by using an all-terrain infantry fighting vehicle called the M35 Mako. Most of the game's main quests are geared toward on-foot combat, but some segments may feature combat requiring the use of the M35 Mako. In contrast, secondary quests usually require the player to explore free-roam uncharted worlds with the vehicle.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Transportation-6">[6]</a> Equipment items, which include armor, weapon, and ammunition upgrades, can be found around the environment or purchased from merchants in settlements.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Equipment-7">[7]</a>

<h3 class="in-block">Combat<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Combat" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=2" data-section="2">Edit</a></h3>

<div class="thumbcaption">In combat, the player can pause the action to display the squad's <a title="User interface" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_interface">user interface</a> and calmly select different powers for the squad members to use. The squad's <a title="Health (gaming)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_(gaming)">health bars</a>and shields are displayed at the bottom left corner of the screen.</div>

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Combat in Mass Effect is squad-based and two squad members accompany the player on the battlefield.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Command-8">[8]</a> The player has direct control of Shepard while the squad members are controlled by the game's <a class="mw-redirect" title="Artificial intelligence (video games)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence(video_games)">artificial intelligence</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> Battles take place in <a title="Turns, rounds and time-keeping systems in games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turns,rounds_and_time-keeping_systems_in_games">real-time</a>, but the player can pause the action at any time to calmly target enemies and select different talent abilities for the squad members to use.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> The game uses an <a title="Over the shoulder shot" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over_the_shoulder_shot">over the shoulder perspective</a>akin to a <a title="Third-person shooter" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-person_shooter">third-person shooter</a>, and features a <a title="Cover system" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cover_system">cover system</a> which allows players to strategically hide behind objects while fighting enemy forces.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> The player may also issue orders to the squad members, such as sending them to take cover behind an object, scout ahead, regroup, or focus their fire on a designed target.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Combat-4">[4]</a>

Weapons range from <a title="Pistol" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistol">pistols</a> to <a title="Shotgun" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun">shotguns</a>, <a title="Assault rifle" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_rifle">assault rifles</a>, and <a title="Sniper rifle" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sniper_rifle">sniper rifles</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Combat-4">[4]</a> Although all of them have unlimited ammunition, they overheat if fired continuously for prolonged periods.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Command-8">[8]</a> In addition, the player can use <a title="Grenade" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenade">grenades</a> which latch onto targets or flat surfaces to be remotely detonated.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Combat-4">[4]</a> Shepard and the squad members are protected by a <a title="Health (gaming)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health(gaming)">health bar</a> and damage-absorbing shields. The health bar only takes damage once the shields have been destroyed, but environmental <a title="Hazard" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazard">hazards</a> like <a title="Heat" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat">heat</a> or <a title="Toxicity" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicity">toxic</a>agents may directly affect the health bar if they are not negated entirely by wearing appropriate armor.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Transportation-6">[6]</a> The health bar can be restored with the use of items called Medi-gels, while shields automatically regenerate when not taking fire for a brief period. Some talents and equipment items can improve the healing rate or shield regeneration.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Talents-3">[3]</a> The player can revive fallen squad members with the use of the Unity talent. However, if Shepard dies, the player must start the game again from the last saved point.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Talents-3">[3]</a>

<h3 class="in-block">Dialogue and morality<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Dialogue and morality" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=3" data-section="3">Edit</a></h3>

During conversations with characters, Mass Effect employs a <a title="Pie menu" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_menu">radial command menu</a>, called Dialogue Wheel, where the player's <a title="Interactive storytelling" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_storytelling">dialogue options</a> depend on wheel direction.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Playing-5">[5]</a> The left side of the wheel is normally reserved for options that will continue the conversation in depth, while options on the right side tend to move the conversation towards completion. Responses at the top are generally more polite and selfless, while those at the bottom are more aggressive and hostile.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Manual_Playing-5">[5]</a> Dialogue choices impact how others react to Shepard and affect the player's chosen morality. Morality is measured by Paragon (charm) and Renegade (intimidate) points. These points allow the player to develop talents that affect the availability of new special Paragon and Renegade dialogue options with significant impact in the game.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Prima_Guide_Morality-9">[9]</a>

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<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">Synopsis<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Synopsis" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=4" data-section="4">Edit</a></h2>

<h3 class="in-block">Setting and characters<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Setting and characters" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=5" data-section="5">Edit</a></h3>

<div class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">See also: <a title="List of Mass Effect characters" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mass_Effect_characters">List of Mass Effect characters</a></div>

<div class="thumbcaption"><a title="Mark Meer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Meer">Mark Meer</a> (left) and <a title="Jennifer Hale" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Hale">Jennifer Hale</a> (right) provided the voices for the male and female protagonist of the game, Commander Shepard.</div>

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Mass Effect is set within the <a title="Milky Way" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way">Milky Way</a> galaxy in the year 2183 where <a title="Interstellar travel" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_travel">interstellar travel</a> is possible through the use of mass transit devices called Mass Relays, a technology believed to have been built by an extinct alien race known as the Protheans.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Mass_Relays-10">[10]</a> The term "Mass Effect" is defined as a form of <a title="Mass" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass">mass</a>-negating technology, allowing the creation of physics phenomena, like <a title="Artificial gravity" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_gravity">artificial gravity</a> or <a title="Faster-than-light" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faster-than-light">FTL</a> travel.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Mass_Effect_Fields-11">[11]</a> A conglomerate body of governments known as the Citadel Council controls a large percentage of the galaxy and is responsible for maintaining law and order among races of the galactic community.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Citadel_Council-12">[12]</a> Races that belong to the Citadel Council include humans, asari, salarians, and turians. Other alien races seen in the game include the reptilian krogan, the environmental suited quarians, and a hostile race of networked <a title="Artificial intelligence" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence">artificial intelligences</a> called geth. Humanity is represented by the Systems Alliance, an organized body that joined the Citadel Council in 2157.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Systems_Alliance-13">[13]</a>

The protagonist of the game is Commander Shepard (voiced by <a title="Mark Meer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Meer">Mark Meer</a> or <a title="Jennifer Hale" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Hale">Jennifer Hale</a>), a graduate of the Systems Alliance special forces program and a candidate to become the first human member of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance (Spectre) force, agents given broad authority by the Citadel Council to protect the galaxy. Shepard's squad members include human Systems Alliance marine <a class="mw-redirect" title="Kaidan Alenko" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaidan_Alenko">Kaidan Alenko</a> (<a title="Raphael Sbarge" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Sbarge">Raphael Sbarge</a>), human Systems Alliance soldier <a class="mw-redirect" title="Characters of the Mass Effect universe" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_of_the_Mass_Effect_universe#Ashley_Williams">Ashley Williams</a> (<a title="Kimberly Brooks" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberly_Brooks">Kimberly Brooks</a>), turian Citadel Security officer <a title="Garrus Vakarian" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrus_Vakarian">Garrus Vakarian</a> (<a title="Brandon Keener" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Keener">Brandon Keener</a>), krogan mercenary <a title="Urdnot Wrex" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdnot_Wrex">Urdnot Wrex</a> (<a title="Steven Barr" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Barr">Steven Barr</a>), quarian mechanic <a title="Tali'Zorah" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tali%27Zorah">Tali'Zorah</a> (Ash Sroka), and asari <a title="Xenoarchaeology" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoarchaeology">exoarchaeologist</a> <a class="mw-redirect" title="Liara T'Soni" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liara_T%27Soni">Liara T'Soni</a> (<a title="Ali Hillis" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Hillis">Ali Hillis</a>). Other characters include SSV Normandy captain <a class="mw-redirect" title="Characters of the Mass Effect universe" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_of_the_Mass_Effect_universe#David_Anderson">David Anderson</a> (<a title="Keith David" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_David">Keith David</a>) and SSV Normandy's pilot <a class="mw-redirect" title="Characters of the Mass Effect universe" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_of_the_Mass_Effect_universe#Jeff%22Joker%22_Moreau">Jeff "Joker" Moreau</a> (<a title="Seth Green" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Green">Seth Green</a>).<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Mass_Effect_Credits-14">[14]</a>

Shepard and Kaidan are sent to the human colony of Eden Prime to recover an unearthed Prothean beacon. They repel an attack by the geth, rescuing Ashley in the process. Rogue turian Spectre, Saren Arterius, activates the beacon before escaping. Shepard reaches the beacon and receives a vision showing scenes of war and death. The SSV Normandy and its crew are summoned by Ambassador Donnel Udina to the Citadel Station, but Shepard is unable to convince the Citadel Council of Saren's treason without solid evidence. Shepard meets Garrus and Wrex, and rescues Tali, who possesses a recording of a conversation between Saren and asari Matriarch, Benezia. The two discuss their victory while also mentioning an artifact called the "Conduit" and the return of the Reapers, a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships believed to eradicate all <a title="Organism" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organism">organic</a> civilization every 50,000 years. The Council revokes Saren's Spectre status and makes Shepard the first human Spectre. Shepard is also handed command of the Normandy by Anderson, and begins to follow several leads provided by him and Udina.

On the world of Therum, Shepard rescues Benezia's daughter Liara T'Soni, who joins Shepard's squad because of her biotic abilities and expertise of the Protheans. On the colony of Feros, Shepard fights off Saren's forces and learns that his flagship, Sovereign, possesses unique mind-control capabilities. On the world of Noveria, Shepard tracks down and defeats Benezia, who reveals that she and Saren are being indoctrinated by Sovereign. Meanwhile, the Council informs Shepard that a salarian infiltration unit has uncovered Saren's main base on Virmire. Upon arrival, Shepard learns that Saren has discovered a cure for the krogan genetic disease, the genophage, and plans to breed an army of unstoppable krogan warriors. Wrex clashes with Shepard over whether to destroy it, which results in him either standing down or being executed. After this conflict, Shepard assists the salarians in destroying the base by planting a bomb in it. Inside, Shepard is confronted by Sovereign, who reveals itself to be an actual Reaper.

Sovereign reveals that the Reapers remain outside the Milky Way waiting for organic life to develop and discover the Mass Relays, before harvesting them when they reach their peak. Afterwards, Shepard must choose between saving Ashley or Kaidan, who have both been pinned down with the bomb about to explode. Shepard also finds Saren, who claims that his allegiance to Sovereign will save organic life forms by demonstrating their usefulness to the Reapers. Liara is then able to pinpoint the Conduit's location back on the Normandy: a Prothean world known as Ilos. There, Shepard learns that the Citadel Station is actually a huge Mass Relay that the Reapers use to invade the galaxy. During the last <a title="Extinction" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinction">extinction</a> cycle, a few Protheans survived on Ilos via <a title="Cryopreservation" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryopreservation">cryopreservation</a> and then re-entered the Citadel Station via the Conduit, a reverse-engineered miniature Mass Relay disguised aboard the station as a statue. The Protheans sabotaged the Citadel to prevent the Reapers from remotely activating the Citadel Mass Relay, which Saren plans to undo to allow Sovereign to trigger the Reaper invasion.

After fighting through heavy geth forces at the Conduit, Shepard confronts Saren at the Citadel. Saren is either killed by Shepard or commits suicide if Shepard convinces him to rebel. The Destiny Ascension, the Citadel's <a title="Flagship" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagship">flagship</a> with the Council on board, then requests assistance; Shepard must either risk heavy human casualties to save them or sacrifice them to pursue Sovereign. Sovereign then reanimates Saren's corpse to attack Shepard, while simultaneously fighting off the Alliance. Eventually, Saren's corpse is destroyed, and Sovereign is dispatched by the Normandy. For prevailing, Humanity is either invited to join the Council if it was saved, or becomes its new leader if it was left to perish. Regardless, Shepard can nominate either Anderson or Udina to this new leadership position before leaving the proceedings, vowing to end the Reaper threat.

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<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">Development<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Development" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=7" data-section="7">Edit</a></h2>

Mass Effect was developed by <a title="BioWare" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare">BioWare</a> and directed by <a title="Casey Hudson" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey_Hudson">Casey Hudson</a>, who previously directed BioWare's 2003 title <a title="Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:Knights_of_the_Old_Republic">Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_interview_1-15">[15]</a> Preproduction of the game began in early 2004, shortly after the <a title="Microsoft Windows" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows">Microsoft Windows</a> version of Knights of the Old Republic was released.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a> As the development team was already experienced with the <a title="Xbox (console)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox(console)">Xbox</a> console, they decided to develop the game originally for its successor, the <a title="Xbox 360" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360">Xbox 360</a>, due to its improved processing power and development tools.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a> A total of 130 people were involved in the development of the game and the first six to eight months were spent conceiving how the game would look.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-CVG_interview-17">[17]</a> Mass Effectuses the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Unreal Engine 3" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unreal_Engine_3">Unreal Engine 3</a> as a groundwork, but on top of that the team developed additional components for advanced digital actors, space exploration, and squad combat, resulting in BioWare's largest programming project at the time.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a> During the game's three- to four-year development cycle, most of the time had been devoted to the development of these technologies.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a>

As BioWare wanted to create a big and memorable story, Mass Effect was envisioned as the first chapter of a trilogy from the very beginning, and having a considerable technological basis would help shorten the development cycle of its future sequels.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a> Instead of designing a role-playing game where the player would control a blank protagonist, the developers wanted players to assume the role of a central character that would have to make important decisions.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_interview_1-15">[15]</a> According to Hudson, this approach would allow them to create a unique "level of intensity and cinematic power", while at the same time give the player the same role-playing customization as previous BioWare games.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Amped_Interview_2-18">[18]</a> Choices and consequences were a high priority, as developers did not want players to follow a pre-determined path.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_character_creation-19">[19]</a> Since the game would feature a wide range of dialogue options when the player interacts with in-game characters, the team created the dialogue wheel to help players know which responses belong to which emotions.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_interview_2-20">[20]</a> The use of digital actors allowed developers to create conversations where characters would speak by using facial expressions and body movement.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_digital_actors-21">[21]</a>

Hudson explained that they wanted to evolve the pseudo-turn-based combat of Knights of the Old Republic into a real-time third-person shooter <a title="User interface" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_interface">interface</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_burning_questions-22">[22]</a> The combat was meant to offer the tactics and customization of a role-playing game, but through a simpler and more intuitive user interface.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Amped_Interview_2-18">[18]</a> It was also designed so that players would not need to press many buttons to pull off the squad's different attack combinations.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_interview_3-23">[23]</a> The team worked closely with <a title="Microsoft" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft">Microsoft</a> on several elements of the interface to make sure the combat was tactical enough,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Guardian_interview-24">[24]</a> and went through a lot of trial and error to balance the combat between role-playing game and <a title="Shooter game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooter_game">shooter</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Guardian_interview-24">[24]</a> Creating a great sense of discovery was a major goal. Developers wanted the game to feature an actual galaxy that could be explored beyond the core story locations.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a> Although a very large team manually built several parts of the galaxy, the tools and technologies they developed helped them extend the playable space significantly.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Amped_Interview_3-25">[25]</a>

<div class="thumbcaption"><a title="Jack Wall (composer)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Wall_(composer)">Jack Wall</a> was the main composer of Mass Effect.</div>

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<a title="Drew Karpyshyn" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Karpyshyn">Drew Karpyshyn</a>, who previously served as a senior writer for Knights of the Old Republic, was the lead writer for Mass Effect.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Karpyshyn_1-26">[26]</a> Despite the fact that each of the game's planets had one primary writer, all of the writers involved in the production had to review each other's work and offer criticism. This process of collaborative feedback and individual effort is common at BioWare, and it behooved Karpyshyn to make sure the style was consistent across all different areas.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Karpyshyn_1-26">[26]</a> One of the biggest challenges the writers faced was the amount of volume they were required to write to support the game's multiple dialogue paths and story outcomes.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Karpyshyn_1-26">[26]</a> It took them three years to get everything into the game, which featured about 400,000 words and more than 20,000 lines of spoken dialogue.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Karpyshyn_1-26">[26]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Karpyshyn_2-27">[27]</a>According to Karpyshyn, this is roughly the equivalent of 20 movies or 4-5 full novels.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Karpyshyn_2-27">[27]</a>

Films such as <a title="Star Wars (film)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars(film)">Star Wars</a>, <a title="Alien (film)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien(film)">Alien</a>, <a title="Blade Runner" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_Runner">Blade Runner</a>, <a title="Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek_II:The_Wrath_of_Khan">Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan</a>, and <a title="Starship Troopers (film)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Troopers(film)">Starship Troopers</a> were significant influences on the atmosphere and artistic qualities of the game.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Unlimited_Enabled-28">[28]</a> The team chose <a title="Jack Wall (composer)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Wall(composer)">Jack Wall</a>, who also penned the music for BioWare's 2005 title <a title="Jade Empire" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_Empire">Jade Empire</a>, as the main composer of Mass Effect due to his ability to produce a wide range of musical styles.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a> Hudson had a clear idea of what kind of music he wanted in the game, but gave Wall certain artistic freedom to express himself.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Wall_Interview_2-29">[29]</a> According to Wall, the main vision was to "marry the electronic instrument palatte [<a title="Sic" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic">sic</a>] of the late 70's/early 80's with more organic elements."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Wall_Interview_3-30">[30]</a> Wall had never written this style of music before,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Wall_Interview_3-30">[30]</a> but composer Sam Hulick helped him develop the electronic sound on a classic orchestral foundation.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Xbox_Gazette_interview-16">[16]</a> By the end of the project, composers <a title="Richard Jacques" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Jacques">Richard Jacques</a> and David Kates joined Wall and Hulick to finish the score on time.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Wall_Interview_4-31">[31]</a> While a total of 110 minutes of music was written for the game, all in-game and cinematic music was crafted as multiple stems to maximize their use and variety.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Wall_Interview_4-31">[31]</a> The game <a title="Software release life cycle" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle">went gold</a> on October 22, 2007.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_gold-32">[32]</a>

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<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">Marketing and release<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Marketing and release" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=8" data-section="8">Edit</a></h2>

Mass Effect was officially announced at the <a title="X (Xbox show)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/X(Xbox_show)">X05</a> trade show in <a title="Amsterdam" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam">Amsterdam</a> on October 4, 2005, as an Xbox 360 exclusive.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_digital_actors-21">[21]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_announcement-33">[33]</a> In May 2006, a demo of the game was presented at the <a title="Electronic Entertainment Expo" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Entertainment_Expo">Electronic Entertainment Expo</a> (E3) and subsequently won Best Role Playing Game at the <a title="Game Critics Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Critics_Awards">Game Critics Awards</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_E32006_Demo-34">[34]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-2006_GCA-35">[35]</a> <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a> editors awarded the game for Best Graphics Technology and Most Innovative Design at their Best of E3 2006 Awards.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_E32006_Awards_3-36">[36]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_E32006_Awards_5-37">[37]</a> They also listed it as one of the most anticipated games of 2007.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Most_Anticipated-38">[38]</a> New features of the game were detailed at the X06 trade show in <a title="Barcelona" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona">Barcelona</a> in September 2006,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_X06-39">[39]</a> while the first hour of gameplay was shown at the <a title="Game Developers Conference" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Developers_Conference">Game Developers Conference</a> in <a title="San Francisco" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco">San Francisco</a> in March 2007.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_GDC_2007-40">[40]</a> Mass Effect was then presented at E3 in July 2007, where it received Game Critics Awards for Best Console Game and Best Role Playing Game,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_GCA-41">[41]</a> and at the <a title="Games Convention" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Games_Convention">Games Convention</a> in <a title="Leipzig" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leipzig">Leipzig</a>, Germany in August 2007.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Leipzig-42">[42]</a> The game's release date was announced on August 30, 2007.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Date_Revealed-43">[43]</a> If the game was pre-ordered at certain retailers in Australia, players could receive a complimentary bonus disc which included a five-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, tracks from the game's soundtrack, and a number of <a title="Trailer (promotion)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trailer(promotion)">trailers</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_pre-order-44">[44]</a>

Mass Effect was released for the Xbox 360 on November 20, 2007, in North America.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Release_Date-45">[45]</a> However, the street date was broken in Australia on November 16, 2007, by <a title="EB Games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/EB_Games">EB Games</a>, which received copies of the game early and took it as a sign to begin distributing.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_EB_Games-46">[46]</a> The game was released in both Standard and Limited Collector's Edition format. The Limited Collector's Edition included a bonus disc of exclusive Mass Effect background material, a soundtrack, and design galleries featuring more than 600 pieces of artwork with full audio commentaries.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Collectors_Edition-47">[47]</a> A <a title="Soundtrack album" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundtrack_album">soundtrack album</a> titled Mass Effect Original Soundtrack, which features 37 tracks of the game and covers a duration of 1:15:59, was released in conjunction with the game.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_soundtrack_1-48">[48]</a> The album includes the song "<a title="M4 (EP)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4(EP)">M4 (Part II)</a>" by Canadian <a title="Electronics in rock music" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics_in_rock_music">electronic rock</a> band <a title="Faunts" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faunts">Faunts</a>, which is featured in the game during the <a title="Closing credits" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closing_credits">end credits</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_soundtrack_2-49">[49]</a>

A <a title="Microsoft Windows" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows">Microsoft Windows</a> version <a title="Porting" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porting">ported</a> by <a title="Demiurge Studios" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demiurge_Studios">Demiurge Studios</a> was released on May 28, 2008. This version features optimized controls designed specifically for <a title="Personal computer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_computer">personal computers</a>, high-resolution graphics, a new user interface, and other minor changes.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GameSpy_PC_version-50">[50]</a> BioWare initially intended to use <a title="SecuROM" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/SecuROM">SecuROM</a>, a <a title="Digital rights management" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management">digital rights management</a> software which would require online activation after installation and additional authentication checks every ten days. However, the company ultimately decided not to use it after listening to criticism from fans.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-SecuROM-51">[51]</a> In 2012, Mass Effectwas ported to <a title="Sony" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony">Sony</a>'s <a title="PlayStation 3" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3">PlayStation 3</a> console by <a title="Edge of Reality" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edge_of_Reality">Edge of Reality</a>, featuring lighting and visual effects improvements.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-PS3_release-52">[52]</a> It was released digitally on the <a title="PlayStation Network" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Network">PlayStation Network</a> and as part of the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Mass Effect Trilogy" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_Trilogy">Mass Effect Trilogy</a> compilation.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-PS3_release-52">[52]</a> In 2015, Mass Effect was added to the <a class="mw-redirect" title="List of Xbox 360 games compatible with Xbox One" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Xbox_360_games_compatible_with_Xbox_One">list of backward compatible Xbox 360 games</a> on <a title="Xbox One" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_One">Xbox One</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-BC_XONE-53">[53]</a>

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<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">Downloadable content<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Downloadable content" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=9" data-section="9">Edit</a></h2>

Mass Effect features two <a title="Downloadable content" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downloadable_content">downloadable content</a> packs. The first pack, Bring Down the Sky, was released as a paid download for the Xbox 360 on March 10, 2008, and as a free download for Microsoft Windows on May 28, 2008.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_Interview-54">[54]</a> The pack is included in the PlayStation 3 version of the game, which was released on December 4, 2012.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_PS3-55">[55]</a> Bring Down the Sky introduces a new mission where the player must explore an asteroid using the Mako and prevent it from striking an Earth-like planet. It also includes a new alien race and additional side-quest content.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_IGN_impressions-56">[56]</a> According to BioWare, the adventure takes 90 minutes to complete.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_Interview-54">[54]</a> Ryan Geddes of IGN highlighted the pack's included extras and "stunning" visuals,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_IGN_impressions-56">[56]</a> while Dan Whitehead of <a title="Eurogamer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogamer">Eurogamer</a> criticized its lack of narrative weight and reuse of outpost maps that are also available in the base game.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_EuroG_Review-57">[57]</a>

The second pack, Pinnacle Station, was released as a paid download for the Xbox 360 and as a free download for Microsoft Windows on August 25, 2009.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_PS3-55">[55]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC2_IGN_review-58">[58]</a> However, it remains absent on the PlayStation 3 version of the game.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC1_PS3-55">[55]</a> The pack introduces a training facility where the player can compete in eight <a title="Virtual reality" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality">virtual reality</a> combat scenarios, divided into four different game types like <a title="Deathmatch" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deathmatch">Deathmatch</a> and <a title="Capture the flag" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_the_flag">Capture the flag</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC2_IGN_review-58">[58]</a> After beating the combat scenarios, the player needs to complete four more to unlock a special survival mode, which is the same as the previous survival challenges but requires players to last five minutes.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC2_IGN_review-58">[58]</a> BioWare described Pinnacle Station as "a <a title="Fight Club" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight_Club">Fight Club</a>-style arena" and originally intended to include a similar arena in the base game, but the idea was ultimately dropped because they were not able to do it well enough.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC2_announced-59">[59]</a> The pack received mediocre reviews from critics,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC2_metacritic-60">[60]</a> who called it uninspiring and unnecessary.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DLC2_IGN_review-58">[58]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-DLC2_GSpot_review-61">[61]</a>

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<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">Reception<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Reception" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=10" data-section="10">Edit</a></h2>

<h3 class="in-block">Critical response<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Critical response" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=11" data-section="11">Edit</a></h3>

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<th class="Reception">ReceptionAggregate</th>

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<th colspan="2">scoreAggregatorScore</th>

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<td><a title="Metacritic" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacritic">Metacritic</a></td>

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<td><a title="Eurogamer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogamer">Eurogamer</a></td>

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<td><a title="Game Informer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Informer">Game Informer</a></td>

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<td><a title="GamePro" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GamePro">GamePro</a></td>

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<td><a title="GameSpot" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameSpot">GameSpot</a></td>

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<td><a title="GameSpy" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameSpy">GameSpy</a></td>

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<td><a title="GameTrailers" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameTrailers">GameTrailers</a></td>

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<td>GameCritics.com10</td>

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Upon release, Mass Effect received critical acclaim from <a title="Video game journalism" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_journalism">video game publications</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Metacritic_X360-64">[64]</a> The game's <a title="Interactive storytelling" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_storytelling">interactive storytelling</a> and cinematic design were highlighted very positively, while the combat and vehicle navigation were generally seen as the game's weakest features.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GI_Review-69">[69]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_review-76">[76]</a> Kevin VanOrd of <a title="GameSpot" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameSpot">GameSpot</a> described Mass Effect as "a great game with moments of brilliance and a number of small but significant obstacles that hold it back from reaching its true potential."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> Similarly, IGN's Erik Brudvig considered it greater than the sum of its parts, stating that although Mass Effect features numerous technical issues, most of the game "is so expertly delivered that it can transcend its weaknesses."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_review-76">[76]</a>

Writing for <a title="Game Informer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Informer">Game Informer</a>, Andrew Reiner said that the game's interactive storytelling encourages <a title="Replay value" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Replay_value">replay</a> and that its detailed story "makes the relationships feel real—you care about your crew, and you really feel like you have a voice that resonates throughout the galaxy."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GI_Review-69">[69]</a> Alex Dale of <a title="Computer and Video Games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_and_Video_Games">CVG</a> stated similar pros, stating that "never before has storytelling been so competently ingrained into a videogame, and never before has a player had so much freedom to dictate the course of a linear storyline."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-CVG_review-66">[66]</a> Similar praise was given to the game's detailed character models, facial animations, and voice acting.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GT_review-73">[73]</a> Jennifer Tsao of <a title="1UP.com" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1UP.com">1UP.com</a> felt the digital actors evoked real-life expressions, but admitted that the <a title="Lip sync" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lip_sync">lip sync</a> had some issues.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-1UP_review-65">[65]</a> Although the visuals were credited for their dramatic set pieces and evocative soundtrack, critics noted the game's inconsistent <a title="Frame rate" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frame_rate">frame rate</a> and long <a title="Loading screen" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loading_screen">loading times</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-EuroG_review-68">[68]</a>

Cameron Lewis of <a title="GamePro" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GamePro">GamePro</a> praised the game's story, depth, and presentation,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GamePro_review-70">[70]</a> while Paul Curthoys of <a title="Official Xbox Magazine" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_Xbox_Magazine">Official Xbox Magazine</a> remarked that the game "bothers with emotions and moments that most games don't concern themselves with", describing it as "a great <a class="mw-redirect" title="Science-fiction" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science-fiction">science-fiction</a>novel in video game form."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-OXM_review-77">[77]</a> In contrast, <a title="Edge (magazine)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edge(magazine)">Edge</a> concluded that the <a title="Space opera" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera">space opera</a> setting failed to provide "the myth and exotica to adequately follow <a title="Star Wars" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars">Star Wars</a>".<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Edge_review-67">[67]</a> The publication also criticized the cast of characters and overall tone, saying that Mass Effect "strives so hard to be taken seriously that it winds up feeling relentlessly dour."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Edge_review-67">[67]</a> Kristan Reed of Eurogamer noted the game's slow start and overwhelming setting, observing that it would confuse players before they know what the main game is about.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-EuroG_review-68">[68]</a>

The combat was generally criticized for its unbalanced mechanics and poor artificial intelligence of the squad members.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GI_Review-69">[69]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_review-76">[76]</a> Edgecommented that the game's role-playing elements did not blend well with its action,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Edge_review-67">[67]</a> while IGN criticized the squad mechanics for not having enough weight, stating that the squad members "are quite often no more useful than cannon fodder to draw the enemy away from you."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_review-76">[76]</a> The inventory management was also a subject of criticism, with 1UP.com describing it as painful and tedious.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-1UP_review-65">[65]</a> The galaxy exploration was favorably compared to the 1986 <a title="Adventure game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_game">adventure</a> game <a title="Starflight" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starflight">Starflight</a> and the number of optional missions was highlighted positively,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-CVG_review-66">[66]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpy_review-72">[72]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GameCritics_review-78">[78]</a> but the Mako sections were disparaged for their rocky planetary design and clumsy combat mechanics.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_review-1">[1]</a> The Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 3 versions of the game received similar criticism to the Xbox 360 version.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-GSpot_PC_review-71">[71]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_PC_review-74">[74]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_PS3_review-75">[75]</a>

<h3 class="in-block">Sales<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Sales" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=12" data-section="12">Edit</a></h3>

In the United States, Mass Effect debuted at #6 on <a title="The NPD Group" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_NPD_Group">The NPD Group</a>'s video game sales chart for November 2007, with sales of 473,000 copies.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-gamasutrasales-79">[79]</a> <a title="The simExchange" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_simExchange">The simExchange</a> had previously forecast 328,000 sales for the period.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-3_Weeks_Sales-80">[80]</a> By the following month, the game was absent from NPD's top 10.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-gisales1-81">[81]</a> Mass Effect proceeded to sell over one million units worldwide within fewer than three weeks on shelves, according to Microsoft vice president <a title="Jeff Bell (executive)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Bell(executive)">Jeff Bell</a>.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-3_Weeks_Sales-80">[80]</a> Sales rose to 1.6 million copies after six weeks of availability,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-gamedailysales-82">[82]</a> and <a title="VentureBeat" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/VentureBeat">VentureBeat</a>'s Dean Takahashi noted in March 2008 that the game was "expected to cross 2 million in sales, generating an estimated $120 million".<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-venturebeatsales-83">[83]</a> In November 2008, the game's Xbox 360 version received a "Gold" certification from the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_and_Leisure_Software_Publishers_Association">Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association</a>, indicating lifetime sales of at least 200,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-UK_Gold-84">[84]</a> In April 2011, it was reported that both Mass Effect and its sequel have combined sold more than seven million units worldwide.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-7_million_units-85">[85]</a>

<h3 class="in-block">Accolades<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Accolades" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=13" data-section="13">Edit</a></h3>

Mass Effect received several year-end awards, including Best RPG at the 2007 <a title="Spike Video Game Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Video_Game_Awards">Spike Video Game Awards</a>,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Spike_winners-86">[86]</a> Roleplaying Game of the Year at the 11th Annual <a class="mw-redirect" title="Interactive Achievement Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_Achievement_Awards">Interactive Achievement Awards</a>,<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-DICE_Awards-87">[87]</a> and Best RPG at the IGN Best of 2007 Awards.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Awards_RPG_Overall-88">[88]</a> In addition, <a title="The New York Times" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times">The New York Times</a> selected Mass Effect as its Game of the Year.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-NYT_Best_Game-89">[89]</a> In 2008, IGN editors ranked the game number 1 on their list of Top 25 Xbox 360 games.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_Top_25-90">[90]</a>

<tbody>

<tr>

<th>List of awards and nominationsYearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef.2007</th>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>

<tbody>

<tr>

</tr>

<tr>

<td rowspan="5"><a title="Spike Video Game Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Video_Game_Awards">Spike Video Game Awards</a></td>

<td>Game of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best RPGMass</td>

<td> EffectWonBest</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>GraphicsMass</td>

<td> EffectNominatedBest</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Xbox 360 GameMass</td>

<td> EffectNominatedBest</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Original ScoreMass</td>

<td> EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td rowspan="3"><a title="TeamXbox" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TeamXbox">TeamXbox</a> Game of the Year Awards</td>

<td>Best Role-Playing Game of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Story of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Game of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td rowspan="12"><a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a> Best of 2007 Awards</td>

<td>Mass EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Artistic Design (Xbox 360)</td>

<td>Mass EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best End Credit Song (Xbox 360)</td>

<td>Mass EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Story (Xbox 360)</td>

<td>Mass EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Xbox 360 Game of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best RPG (Overall)</td>

<td>Mass EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Artistic Design (Overall)</td>

<td>Mass EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Original Score (Overall)</td>

<td>Mass EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Use of Sound (Overall)</td>

<td>Mass EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Story (Overall)</td>

<td>Mass EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Developer (Overall)</td>

<td>BioWareNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Overall Game of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td rowspan="4">11th Annual <a class="mw-redirect" title="Interactive Achievement Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_Achievement_Awards">Interactive Achievement Awards</a></td>

<td>Roleplaying Game of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Console Game of the YearMass</td>

<td> EffectNominatedOutstanding</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Achievement in Story DevelopmentMass</td>

<td> EffectNominatedOutstanding</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Character PerformanceMass</td>

<td> EffectNominated8th</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td rowspan="4">Annual <a title="Game Developers Choice Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Developers_Choice_Awards">Game Developers Choice Awards</a></td>

<td>Innovation AwardMass</td>

<td> EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>AudioMass</td>

<td> EffectNominatedGame</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>DesignMass</td>

<td> EffectNominatedWritingMass</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td> EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td rowspan="4"><a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a> Best of 2008 Awards</td>

<td>Mass EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Original Score (PC)</td>

<td>Mass EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Voice Acting (PC)</td>

<td>Mass EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Best Story (PC)</td>

<td>Mass EffectWon</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td><a title="5th British Academy Games Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/5th_British_Academy_Games_Awards">5th British Academy Games Awards</a></td>

<td>Story and CharacterMass</td>

<td> EffectNominated</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

<h3 class="in-block">Controversy<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Controversy" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=14" data-section="14">Edit</a></h3>

Mass Effect has an optional subplot where the player can develop a romantic relationship with a non-player character. If the relationship becomes more intimate, a <a title="Cutscene" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutscene">cutscene</a> containing partial <a title="Nudity" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nudity">nudity</a> and sexual activity is shown. The scene first came under scrutiny in an article by <a title="Neoconservatism" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoconservatism">neoconservative</a> blogger Kevin McCullough, who employed statements such as "Mass Effect can be customized to sodomise whatever, whomever, however, the game player wishes", and "with its over the net capabilities virtual orgasmic rape is just the push of a button away."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Townhall-113">[113]</a> The article was criticized by the gaming community and long-time anti-obscenity campaigner <a title="Jack Thompson (activist)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Thompson(activist)">Jack Thompson</a>, who said that "this contrived controversy is absolutely ridiculous."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Thompson-114">[114]</a> Although McCullough ultimately issued an apology, he still considered the material offensive.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Apology-115">[115]</a>

Similarly, a <a class="mw-redirect" title="Fox News Channel" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_News_Channel">Fox News</a> program by <a title="Martha MacCallum" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_MacCallum">Martha MacCallum</a> discussed the sexual content of the game.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Fox_News-116">[116]</a> MacCallum stated that the game "leaves nothing to the imagination" and features the ability for players to "engage in full graphic sex."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Top_10_controversies-117">[117]</a> Self-proclaimed psychology specialist Cooper Lawrence and video game journalist <a title="Geoff Keighley" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Keighley">Geoff Keighley</a> were also interviewed. Lawrence described sexual content in video games as teaching their active users to consider women as objects of desire valued solely for their sexuality. She added that the game's player character is a man who decides how many women he wants to be with.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Fox_News-116">[116]</a> Keighley focused on challenging the accuracy of her statements and asked her if she actually played the game, to which she responded "No".<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Fox_News-116">[116]</a> BioWare's parent company <a title="Electronic Arts" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Arts">Electronic Arts</a>requested a correction from Fox News, but they simply responded that the company had been offered a chance to appear on the channel.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Fox_News-116">[116]</a>

After watching someone play the game for about two-and-a-half hours, Lawrence eventually retracted her earlier statements.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Fox_News-116">[116]</a> She added that she had been told the game was similar to <a title="Pornography" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pornography">pornography</a>, and noted that she "has seen episodes of <a title="Lost (TV series)" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost(TV_series)">Lost</a> that are more sexually explicit."<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Fox_News-116">[116]</a> In the interim, largely as a reaction from an offended gaming community, her latest book attracted many customer reviews on <a class="mw-redirect" title="Amazon.com" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon.com">Amazon</a> which rated it one star out of five. Many of these reviews satirically noted that they had not read her book, but heard from someone else that the book was bad, and thus voted low.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Fox_News-116">[116]</a> Mass Effect was also banned in <a title="Singapore" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore">Singapore</a> for a short time before it was lifted with an M18 rating. Censors in the country said that a scene with an alien and human female caressing was the main reason why the game was not allowed to be sold in video game stores.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_note-Singapore_bans_ME-118">[118]</a>

</div>

<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">Sequel<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: Sequel" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=15" data-section="15">Edit</a></h2>

<div class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable">Main article: <a title="Mass Effect 2" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_2">Mass Effect 2</a></div>

Since Mass Effect was planned as the first chapter of a trilogy, development of a sequel began shortly before the game was released.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-Starting_development-119">[119]</a>The sequel, entitled <a title="Mass Effect 2" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_2">Mass Effect 2</a>, was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 on January 26, 2010, and for PlayStation 3 on January 18, 2011. With the import of a completed <a title="Saved game" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saved_game">saved game</a> of the original Mass Effect, the player can impact the story of Mass Effect 2 in numerous ways.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-IGN_ME2_Review-120">[120]</a> The sequel was a critical success and received multiple year-end awards, including Game of the Year at the 2011 D.I.C.E. Awards and Best Game at the 2011 <a title="British Academy of Film and Television Arts" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Academy_of_Film_and_Television_Arts">British Academy of Film and Television Arts</a> Awards.<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-AIAS_Game_of_the_Year-121">[121]</a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_note-BAFTA_Game_of_the_Year-122">[122]</a>

</div>

<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">References<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: References" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=16" data-section="16">Edit</a></h2>

<li id="cite_note-GSpot_review-1">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-1">b</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-2">c</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-3">d</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-4">e</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-5">f</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-6">g</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-7">h</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-8">i</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-9">j</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-10">k</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-GSpot_review_1-11">l</a> <cite class="citation web">Kevin VanOrd (November 19, 2007). <a class="external text" href="http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mass-effect-review/1900-6183119/" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect Review"</a>. <a title="GameSpot" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameSpot">GameSpot</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160114150216/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mass-effect-review/1900-6183119" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on January 14, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Prima_Guide_New_Career-2"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_New_Career_2-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation book">Brad Anthony; Bryan Stratton; Stephen Stratton (November 23, 2007). "Start New Career". Mass Effect Prima Official Game guide. <a title="Prima Games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_Games">Prima Games</a>. pp. 6–8. <a title="International Standard Book Number" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number">ISBN</a> <a title="Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0">978-0-7615-5408-0</a>.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Prima_Guide_Talents-3">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Talents_3-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Talents_3-1">b</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Talents_3-2">c</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Talents_3-3">d</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Talents_3-4">e</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Talents_3-5">f</a> <cite class="citation book">Brad Anthony; Bryan Stratton; Stephen Stratton (November 23, 2007). "Talents and Abilities". Mass Effect Prima Official Game guide. <a title="Prima Games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_Games">Prima Games</a>. pp. 23–35. <a title="International Standard Book Number" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number">ISBN</a> <a title="Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0">978-0-7615-5408-0</a>.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Manual_Combat-4">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Combat_4-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Combat_4-1">b</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Combat_4-2">c</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Combat_4-3">d</a> <cite class="citation book"><a title="BioWare" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare">BioWare</a>, ed. (2007). "Combat Details". Mass Effect Instruction Manual. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Microsoft Game Studios" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Game_Studios">Microsoft Game Studios</a>. pp. 14–17.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Manual_Playing-5">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Playing_5-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Playing_5-1">b</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Playing_5-2">c</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Playing_5-3">d</a> <cite class="citation book"><a title="BioWare" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare">BioWare</a>, ed. (2007). "Playing The Game". Mass Effect Instruction Manual. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Microsoft Game Studios" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Game_Studios">Microsoft Game Studios</a>. pp. 8–11.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Prima_Guide_Transportation-6">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Transportation_6-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Transportation_6-1">b</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Transportation_6-2">c</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Transportation_6-3">d</a> <cite class="citation book">Brad Anthony; Bryan Stratton; Stephen Stratton (November 23, 2007). "Transportation". Mass Effect Prima Official Game guide. <a title="Prima Games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_Games">Prima Games</a>. pp. 15–17. <a title="International Standard Book Number" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number">ISBN</a> <a title="Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0">978-0-7615-5408-0</a>.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Manual_Equipment-7"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Manual_Equipment_7-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation book"><a title="BioWare" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare">BioWare</a>, ed. (2007). "Equipment". Mass Effect Instruction Manual. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Microsoft Game Studios" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Game_Studios">Microsoft Game Studios</a>. pp. 18–19.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Prima_Guide_Command-8">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Command_8-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-Prima_Guide_Command_8-1">b</a> <cite class="citation book">Brad Anthony; Bryan Stratton; Stephen Stratton (November 23, 2007). "Command Structure". Mass Effect Prima Official Game guide. <a title="Prima Games" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_Games">Prima Games</a>. pp. 20–22. <a title="International Standard Book Number" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number">ISBN</a> <a title="Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7615-5408-0">978-0-7615-5408-0</a>.</cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-Mass_Effect_Fields-11"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Mass_Effect_Fields_11-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation book"><a title="BioWare" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare">BioWare</a>. Mass Effect. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Microsoft Game Studios" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Game_Studios">Microsoft Game Studios</a>. <q>Codex - Technology - Mass Effect Fields: Element zero can increase or decrease the mass of a volume of space-time when subjected to an electrical current. With a positive current, mass is increased. With a negative current, mass is decreased. The stronger the current, the greater the magnitude of the dark energy mass effect.</q></cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-PS3_release-52">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-PS3_release_52-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-PS3_release_52-1">b</a> <cite class="citation web">Ryan Warden (December 5, 2012). <a class="external text" href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/12/05/back-to-the-beginning-bringing-mass-effect-to-ps3/" rel="nofollow">"Back to the Beginning: Bringing Mass Effect to PS3"</a>. <a title="PlayStation Blog" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Blog">PlayStation Blog</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150905163933/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/12/05/back-to-the-beginning-bringing-mass-effect-to-ps3/" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2016.</cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-DLC1_Interview-54">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_Interview_54-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_Interview_54-1">b</a> <cite class="citation web">Erik Brudvig (February 25, 2008). <a class="external text" href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/25/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-interview" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect: Bring Down the Sky Interview"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130216182140/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/25/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-interview" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-DLC1_PS3-55">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_PS3_55-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_PS3_55-1">b</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_PS3_55-2">c</a> <cite class="citation web">Kate Cox (November 1, 2012). <a class="external text" href="http://kotaku.com/5957401/original-mass-effect-available-for-ps3-on-december-4-some-dlc-included" rel="nofollow">"Original Mass Effect Available For PS3 On December 4, Some DLC Included"</a>. <a title="Kotaku" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotaku">Kotaku</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160824083020/http://kotaku.com/5957401/original-mass-effect-available-for-ps3-on-december-4-some-dlc-included" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on August 24, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-DLC1_IGN_impressions-56">^ <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_IGN_impressions_56-0">a</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_IGN_impressions_56-1">b</a> <cite class="citation web">Ryan Geddes (March 10, 2008). <a class="external text" href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/10/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-impressions" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect: Bring Down the Sky Impressions"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160111024900/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/10/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-impressions" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-DLC1_EuroG_Review-57"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC1_EuroG_Review_57-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Dan Whitehead (March 25, 2008). <a class="external text" href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-review" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect: Bring Down The Sky"</a>. <a title="Eurogamer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogamer">Eurogamer</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160321083931/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-review" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on March 21, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.</cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-DLC2_announced-59"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC2_announced_59-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Robert Purchese (February 17, 2009). <a class="external text" href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mass-effect-to-get-arena-dlc-next" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect to get arena DLC next"</a>. <a title="Eurogamer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogamer">Eurogamer</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130708052358/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mass-effect-to-get-arena-dlc-next" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on July 8, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-DLC2_metacritic-60"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-DLC2_metacritic_60-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/mass-effect-pinnacle-station" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station"</a>. <a title="Metacritic" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacritic">Metacritic</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160107060112/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/mass-effect-pinnacle-station" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on January 7, 2016. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-Metacritic_PC-62"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Metacritic_PC_62-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/mass-effect" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect"</a>. <a title="Metacritic" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacritic">Metacritic</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160609215339/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/mass-effect" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on June 9, 2016. Retrieved September 24, 2016.</cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_RPG_X360-95"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_RPG_X360_95-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080119114655/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/7.html" rel="nofollow">"Best RPG (Xbox 360)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/7.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on January 19, 2008. Retrieved January 19, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Design_X360-96"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Design_X360_96-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080517062810/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/10.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Artistic Design (Xbox 360)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/10.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on May 17, 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Song_X360-97"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Song_X360_97-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080517054834/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/13.html" rel="nofollow">"Best End Credit Song (Xbox 360)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/13.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on May 17, 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Story_X360-98"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Story_X360_98-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080404183854/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/15.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Story (Xbox 360)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/15.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on April 4, 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Game_X360-99"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Game_X360_99-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080517054853/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/24.html" rel="nofollow">"Xbox 360 Game of the Year"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/24.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on May 17, 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Design_Overall-100"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Design_Overall_100-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080405014111/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/13.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Artistic Design (Overall)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/13.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on April 5, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Score_Overall-101"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Score_Overall_101-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080405150909/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/14.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Original Score (Overall)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/14.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on April 5, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Sound_Overall-102"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Sound_Overall_102-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080405151930/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/16.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Use of Sound (Overall)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/16.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on April 5, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Story_Overall-103"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Story_Overall_103-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080404184751/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/17.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Story (Overall)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/17.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on April 4, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Developer_Overall-104"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Developer_Overall_104-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080404184756/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/24.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Developer (Overall)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/24.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on April 4, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Game_Overall-105"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Game_Overall_105-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080404184821/http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/25.html" rel="nofollow">"Overall Game of the Year"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2007/overall/25.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on April 4, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-GDCA_Awards-106"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-GDCA_Awards_106-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_8th.html" rel="nofollow">"8th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards"</a>. <a title="Game Developers Choice Awards" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Developers_Choice_Awards">Game Developers Choice Awards</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://www.webcitation.org/5xAXGFp7p?url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_8th.html" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on March 14, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_PRG_PC-107"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_PRG_PC_107-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131103113205/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/8.html" rel="nofollow">"Best RPG (PC)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/8.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Score_PC-108"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Score_PC_108-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131103113152/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/13.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Original Score (PC)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/13.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Voice_PC-109"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Voice_PC_109-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131102000204/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/15.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Voice Acting (PC)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/15.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a>on November 2, 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2013.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-IGN_Awards_Story_PC-110"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_Awards_Story_PC_110-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web"><a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131103113146/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/16.html" rel="nofollow">"Best Story (PC)"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/16.html" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-BAFTA_nominees-111"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-BAFTA_nominees_111-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Claudine Beaumont (February 10, 2009). <a class="external text" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/4580502/Bafta-video-games-nominations-announced.html" rel="nofollow">"Bafta video games nominations announced"</a>. <a title="The Daily Telegraph" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Daily_Telegraph">The Daily Telegraph</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160810214659/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/4580502/Bafta-video-games-nominations-announced.html" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-BAFTA_winners-112"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-BAFTA_winners_112-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Luke Plunkett (March 10, 2009). <a class="external text" href="http://kotaku.com/5167835/here-are-your-bafta-winners" rel="nofollow">"Here Are Your BAFTA Winners"</a>. <a title="Kotaku" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotaku">Kotaku</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://www.webcitation.org/6l0yWh3Ld?url=http://kotaku.com/5167835/here-are-your-bafta-winners" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on October 4, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Townhall-113"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Townhall_113-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Kevin McCullough (January 13, 2008). <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080116085204/http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/KevinMcCullough/2008/01/13/the_sex-box_race_for_president?page=full&comments=true" rel="nofollow">"The "Sex-Box" Race for President"</a>. <a title="Townhall" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Townhall">Townhall</a>. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/KevinMcCullough/2008/01/13/the_sex-box_race_for_president?page=full&comments=true" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on January 16, 2008. Retrieved October 6, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Thompson-114"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Thompson_114-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Ross Miller (January 28, 2008). <a class="external text" href="https://www.engadget.com/2008/01/28/jack-thompson-mass-effect-controversy-ridiculous/" rel="nofollow">"Jack Thompson: Mass Effect controversy 'ridiculous'"</a>. <a title="Engadget" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engadget">Engadget</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160307234829/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/28/jack-thompson-mass-effect-controversy-ridiculous/" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016.</cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-Top_10_controversies-117"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Top_10_controversies_117-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Kristan Reed (November 30, 2009). <a class="external text" href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/30/top-10-gaming-controversies" rel="nofollow">"Top 10 Gaming Controversies"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150923054431/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/30/top-10-gaming-controversies" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2016.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-Singapore_bans_ME-118"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-Singapore_bans_ME_118-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Emma Boyes (November 16, 2007). <a class="external text" href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/singapore-unbans-mass-effect/1100-6183016/" rel="nofollow">"Singapore unbans Mass Effect"</a>. <a title="GameSpot" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameSpot">GameSpot</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140317132439/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/singapore-unbans-mass-effect/1100-6183016/" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2016.</cite></li>

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<li id="cite_note-IGN_ME2_Review-120"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-IGN_ME2_Review_120-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Erik Brudvig (January 23, 2010). <a class="external text" href="http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/106/1062898p1.html" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect 2 Review"</a>. <a title="IGN" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGN">IGN</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20100126080011/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/106/1062898p1.html" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on January 26, 2010. Retrieved July 4, 2012.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-AIAS_Game_of_the_Year-121"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-AIAS_Game_of_the_Year_121-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">Robert Purchese (February 11, 2011). <a class="external text" href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-11-mass-effect-2-is-aias-game-of-the-year" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect 2 is AIAS game of the year"</a>. <a title="Eurogamer" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogamer">Eurogamer</a>. <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120325071153/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-11-mass-effect-2-is-aias-game-of-the-year" rel="nofollow">Archived</a> from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2012.</cite></li>

<li id="cite_note-BAFTA_Game_of_the_Year-122"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_(video_game)#cite_ref-BAFTA_Game_of_the_Year_122-0">^{</a> }<cite class="citation web">James Brightman (March 16, 2011). <a class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120526122636/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/mass-effect-2-wins-bafta-game-of-the-year/" rel="nofollow">"Mass Effect 2 Wins BAFTA Game of the Year"</a>. Industry Gamers. Archived from <a class="external text" href="http://www.industrygamers.com/news/mass-effect-2-wins-bafta-game-of-the-year/" rel="nofollow">the original</a> on May 26, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2012.</cite></li>

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<h2 class="in-block section-heading collapsible-heading open-block" tabindex="0">External links<a class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-minerva-edit-enabled edit-page" title="Edit section: External links" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mass_Effect_(video_game)&action=edit&section=17" data-section="17">Edit</a></h2>

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<li><a class="external text" href="http://masseffect.bioware.com/me1" rel="nofollow">Official website</a></li>

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2007, Mass Effect

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