This Unit Prefers Mass Effect

I’m here with my good friend Kyle who’s going to share with us some thoughts about his favorite game. It’s no surprise that he’s chosen one of the most beloved (and acclaimed) games in recent history. I would make a joke about the Reapers, but I don’t want to be indoctrinated. I wouldn’t look good with computer eyes. Anyway, let’s hear what he has to say.

What is your favorite game, or game series, and why?

My answer to this question cycles between 4 responses but to save time I’ll go with the Mass Effect series. Mass Effect has some of the most unique art direction, lore and characters in gaming. The music is gorgeous, the story telling is flawlessly paced. I could go on forever about what I love about Mass Effect.

When did you first play the game and what drew you to it?

Being a Playstation 3 owner I picked up Mass Effect pretty late since the first game only recently became available on the console. Originally I was drawn to BioWare from playing the Dragon Age games, I was so impressed by those games I wanted to play more from the company and picked up Mass Effect 2 about a year after its release.

I know you’re big on character, so who is your favorite character? Any particular reason?

My favorite character hands down is Jeff “Joker” Moreau pilot of the Normandy. Joker is one of an extremely small number of physically disabled characters in a work of fiction that isn’t saddled with tired tropes like a disability doubling as a super power or even worse “Inspiration Porn”. His Brittle Bone Disease impedes him, it slows him down and being disabled myself I relate to him on a profound level.

What about the game did you like mechanically? Level design? Difficulty? Or was it more game aesthetics and art?

I’ve mentioned the design of the game and how unique it is but it’s also an open love letter to other sci-fi books, movies and games. Mass Effect gives you so much to take in and if you take your time you can see references to everything from Blade Runner to I, Robot.

If they were to do a remake of the game in the future, would you play it? Why or why not?

Given Mass Effect’s use of choice and how those choices can make each time you pick up the games a completely different experience from the last. I’m not too sure how a remake would benefit them besides a graphical facelift so if a remake were done I doubt I’d play it.

Thanks, Kyle! Do you agree with his interpretation of the series? Sound off in the comments.