Official Mass Effect Thread: Alien love in an elevator

[GauntletFan]

Stupid question time: why isn't this stickied?

I'm glad it isn't. Stickied threads tend to get overlooked

[Kabouter]

Yup. I was just chatting with Ryan O'Donnell today and we both agreed that I would love to play a 5 or 6 hour game that was nothing but an interactive "movie" with choose-your-own-adventure dialogue bits and critical decision bits that was meant to be played through in one sitting for a totally insane, awesome, over-the-top cinematic experience. A true in-game engine movie with no-holds-barred effects because they could optimize the shit out of it in terms of performance. I could totally picture a Mass Effect side story adventure like this, or even something using the Uncharted engine.

I'd totally play that.

[Gattsu25]

a lot of people have had problems with the ally achievements. i think they're broken too, cause i only got one of them. i don't give a shit about achievements though.

they give good bonuses

[Brashnir]

Stickied threads need 7000+ replies

what a stupid rule. It's like the mods around here want threads to be unreadable.

[Hunter D]

Just finished the first time. Clocked in at 34 hours. Everything from the beginning of Virmire on was fucking brilliant. Do you want to save the council? Muahahahahaha. So much goodness in a single game. Today when I get home from work I start my evil adept playthrough.

The ending was well done my friend.

[ShinAmano]

The achievements are my only complaint with this game. The Ally especially should be linked to main story quests...I am slightly disappointed that using lift/throw/ai hack ect with side characters does not count to the total uses as that basically requires you to have three 100% separate playthroughs with 3 different types of characters.

[Confidence Man]

Started a new game on Hardcore and goddamn it's like night and day. We should've been able to pick this difficulty from the beginning, you've really got to play tactically if you want to survive.

[Mojovonio]

The achievements are my only complaint with this game. The Ally especially should be linked to main story quests...I am slightly disappointed that using lift/throw/ai hack ect with side characters does not count to the total uses as that basically requires you to have three 100% separate playthroughs with 3 different types of characters.

It doesn't only count times you use it against enemies or in battle. You could walk around doing it and it'll count.

[ShinAmano]

It doesn't only count times you use it against enemies or in battle. You could walk around doing it and it'll count.

Yeah that is only the minor complaint the main one being the Ally one...After my Insanity run i am done with this one.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

I don't have a Wii so I can't play Mario Galaxy but I have played just about all the big games on the 360 and PS3 and even with all of it's problems, Mass Effect is GOTY for me. Sure there's issues with the inventory, the sidequests are all pretty similar, the dialogue wheel isn't a huge innovation, horrible elevator rides, and there's some slowdown (particularly on planets with a snowstorm) but the game manages to rise above all of these things that would kill just about any other title.

The story rocks, the graphic design is incredible, the soundtrack is mindblowingly awesome (I could listen to the galaxy map music all day), and as hard as it was initially to wrap my head around the combat when I first started, it all started to click with me as I gained more levels. I actually love the combat now.

Mass Effect >>>>>>>> KOTOR.

[Deacan]

they give good bonuses

What are bonuses?

[GauntletFan]

I have a Feros related question

I finished all the main and side missions, now there's one guy left who wants me to find his laptop and transfer some info onto a disc or something. I have no idea where to even start looking, any ideas? thanks

And another question.. I am playing as Infiltrator and I've been a commando for a while now. A friend of mine who finished it never became a commando.. what are the requirements, how do you change like this.

[Superblatt]

I thought Sarren looked and sounded familiar -- but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Until now...

Anyone remember Galaxy Quest from '99 with Tim Allen? The main villain's name was Sarris. And, he looks a lot like the Thorians:

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0177789/3

Also, a couple quick observations.
1. Why is the only place I can land in our solar system the Moon? I can't land on Earth or Mars? That doesn't make any sense at all. There should at least be a city to explore on each.
2. I was pumped yesterday to go home and play some more sidequests before I moved onto story planet #2, but quickly tired of palette swap planets. No wonder they could make the galaxy so huge -- it's all the same!
3. The moon base enemies inside the guarded fortress and damn near impossible to kill at lvl 23. Any recommendations on that sidequest? Or, should I just come back at a higher lvl later on?

[Vyse The Legend]

Mass Effect >>>>>>>> KOTOR.

I agree, for everything except the sidequests.

[GauntletFan]

Also, a couple quick observations. 1. Why is the only place I can land in our solar system the Moon? I can't land on Earth or Mars? That doesn't make any sense at all. There should at least be a city to explore on each. 2. I was pumped yesterday to go home and play some more sidequests before I moved onto story planet #2, but quickly tired of palette swap planets. No wonder they could make the galaxy so huge -- it's all the same! 3. The moon base enemies inside the guarded fortress and damn near impossible to kill at lvl 23. Any recommendations on that sidequest? Or, should I just come back at a higher lvl later on?

1. Yeah, I agree.. DLC maybe??

2. I've done plenty of sidequests with varied looking planets, some with some cool atmospheres and terrain, so it's more than just 'palette swaps' - in fact I've had some of my favorite moments on the side planets.

3. I did the moon base enemies at lvl 21-22.. it just takes the right team and a lot of tactical skill. Save after each base is cleared, also. Or just come back later when you've levelled.

[Confidence Man]

3. The moon base enemies inside the guarded fortress and damn near impossible to kill at lvl 23. Any recommendations on that sidequest? Or, should I just come back at a higher lvl later on?

I didn't use it myself, but the AI hacking ability seems like it would come in handy there.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

I have a Feros related question I finished all the main and side missions, now there's one guy left who wants me to find his laptop and transfer some info onto a disc or something. I have no idea where to even start looking, any ideas? thanks

If you really finished the main quest on Feros (killed that mind controlling plant thing) and you didn't already get the data then you won't be able to now. You have to get the data from the same place where you closed the hanger door to sever the line between the building and the ship. The computer you get the data from is being guarded by 3 or 4 Kragan. After you get back to the colony, the skybridge closes for good so you don't get to go back if you missed it.

[GauntletFan]

If you really finished the main quest on Feros (killed that mind controlling plant thing) and you didn't already get the data then you won't be able to now. You have to get the data from the same place where you closed the hanger door to sever the line between the building and the ship. The computer you get the data from is being guarded by 3 or 4 Kragan. After you get back to the colony, the skybridge closes for good so you don't get to go back if you missed it.

Weird. I killed those dudes, and I always go round hacking, getting info etc.. maybe I just missed it this time :|

Anyway, thanks!

[ZeroEdge]

Hey Superblatt for the Moon base enemies, I found the easiest way for me to do it (this was at level 20 or 21 don't recall exactly but I know it was when my squad was still getting 2 points a level instead of 1) was to draw them into the hallway that lead from the first room of the base into the room where you encounter them.

I would basically tell the squad to wait out of the hall, then I would run down it open the door attract the drones, and run back through the hall. I would then turn and use overload or whatever skill disrupts shields, and the one that overheats enemy guns, I also made sure that any character that could shield boost or barrier did. It took a couple tries to get the placing right but it seemed to work pretty well.

[Vyse The Legend]

What are bonuses?

Asari Ally --- Stasis and Barrier recharge speeds reduced by 10%
Quarian Ally --- ??? (Something tech-related, I'm sure)
Sentinal Ally --- Lift and Throw recharge speeds reduced by 10%
Soldier Ally --- +10% Damage Reduction
Turian Ally --- Overload and Damping recharge speeds reduced by 10%
Krogan Ally --- ??? (No Clue)

There are a ton of benefits to other achievements also. The weapon, biotics and tech ones allow you to create a new character with a special skill not unique to their class. For example, if you get the barrier achievement, you can make a Soldier that has Barrier as a skill (incredibly powerful combo).

Aww, hell, here's the full list:


AI Hacking Specialist --- Unlocks Talent 'Reverse Engineering' for future characters.
Assault Rifle Expert --- Unlocks Talent 'Assault Rifle' for future characters.
Barrier Mastery --- Unlocks Talent 'Barrier' for future characters.
Charismatic --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Completionist --- +5% Experience Reward Bonus
Council Legion of Merit --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Damping Specialist --- Unlocks Talent 'Shielding' for future characters.
Distinguished Combat Medal --- Unlocks Insanity Difficulty and Gamer Picture(Final Boss)
Distinguished Service Medal --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Dog of War --- +10% Health Bonus
Extreme Power Gamer --- Another XP bonus (Reach Level 60)
First Aid Specialist --- First-aid/Fitness for all (150 Medi-Gel Uses)
Geth Hunter --- +10% Shield Strength Bonus
Honorarium of Corporate Service --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Lift Mastery --- Unlocks Talent 'Lift' for future characters.
Long Service Medal --- 5% Weapon Damage Bonus
Medal of Exploration --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Medal of Heroism --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Medal of Honor --- Unlock Hardcore Difficulty, Unlock Levels 51-60
Medal of Valor --- Gamertag pic (Beat Insanity)
Neural Shock Specialist --- Unlocks Talent 'Medicine' for future characters.
Overlord Specialist --- Unlocks Talent 'Electronics' for future characters.
Paragon --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Paramour --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore (And Sweet Lovin')
Pistol Expert --- Marksman Duration +25%
Power Gamer --- +10% Experience Reward Bonus (When combined with RIch, allows purchase of Spectre Weapons at grade X)
Renegade --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Rich --- Spectre Weapons available for Purchase
Sabotage Specialist --- Unlocks Talent 'Decryption' for future characters.
Search and Rescue --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore
Shotgun Expert --- Unlocks Talent 'Shotgun' for future characters.
Singularity Mastery --- Unlocks Talent 'Singularity' for future characters.
Sniper Expert --- Unlocks Talent 'Sniper Rifle' for future characters.
Spectre Inductee --- No Benefit other than Gamerscore.
Stasis Mastery --- Unlocks Talent 'Stasis' for future characters.
Tactician --- +10% Shield Strength
Throw Mastery --- Unlocks Talent 'Throw' for future characters.
Warp Mastery --- Unlocks Talent 'Warp' for future characters.

[GauntletFan]

Hey Superblatt for the Moon base enemies, I found the easiest way for me to do it (this was at level 20 or 21 don't recall exactly but I know it was when my squad was still getting 2 points a level instead of 1) was to draw them into the hallway that lead from the first room of the base into the room where you encounter them. I would basically tell the squad to wait out of the hall, then I would run down it open the door attract the drones, and run back through the hall. I would then turn and use overload or whatever skill disrupts shields, and the one that overheats enemy guns, I also made sure that any character that could shield boost or barrier did. It took a couple tries to get the placing right but it seemed to work pretty well.

Yeah I definitely hung back in the corridors too. Good tactic.

[dsunit1]

Where do you guys get the spectre weapons from?

[Haklong]

Where do you guys get the spectre weapons from?

Get the Rich achievement (1 million credits). After you get that achievement the guy that sells stuff on the Normandy will have them in stock.

[Superblatt]

Hey Superblatt for the Moon base enemies, I found the easiest way for me to do it (this was at level 20 or 21 don't recall exactly but I know it was when my squad was still getting 2 points a level instead of 1) was to draw them into the hallway that lead from the first room of the base into the room where you encounter them. I would basically tell the squad to wait out of the hall, then I would run down it open the door attract the drones, and run back through the hall. I would then turn and use overload or whatever skill disrupts shields, and the one that overheats enemy guns, I also made sure that any character that could shield boost or barrier did. It took a couple tries to get the placing right but it seemed to work pretty well.

Awesome -- much appreciated. I'll keep my squad huddled in the corridor while I bait 'em out. I think I've been such a badass up to this point that it's just a little surprising that I can't keep that tactic going.

[ALeperMessiah]

what are the requirements for going to the moon? Also, can't you pick a secondary class for your character? What triggers both of these.

[Confidence Man]

what are the requirements for going to the moon? Also, can't you pick a secondary class for your character? What triggers both of these.

Completing the moon mission gets you the secondary class. I'm not sure what triggers it, maybe you just have to be a certain level?

[Captain Blood]

The secondary class choice just popped up for me when I completed the moon mission but I was around level 25 i think

[JdFoX187]

How do you get to the moon mission? I just mutinied against the council and stole the Normandy and went to this orange planet. I keep hearing things about this moon mission.

[Mojovonio]

How do you get to the moon mission? I just mutinied against the council and stole the Normandy and went to this orange planet. I keep hearing things about this moon mission.

In the Local System?

Also, does anyone else feel like money is worthless in this game?

[harSon]

I'm roughly 5 hours into the game and am absolutely loving it. I have had some slow down here and there but nothing that interferes with the overall experience of the game, I'm actually quite surprised considering I am typically anal about an uneven frame rate. The only thing that has bothered me thus far has been my allies getting stuck behind objects (Specifically the fat ass Wrex). Other then that my time with Mass Effect has been pretty damn awesome.

[Captain Blood]

At some point while you are playing you get a message from a guy from the alliance I believe asking you to help them out on the moon

[Captain Blood]

it will be in the assignments folder I also am at the part where you steal the Normandy and I did the moon mission a while ago so you might already have the moon assignment

[Kabouter]

Also, does anyone else feel like money is worthless in this game?

Everyone does.

[Mojovonio]

Everyone does.

ok, i thought I was just really good at the game.

[Vyse The Legend]

Also, does anyone else feel like money is worthless in this game?

Sort of. I just bought 3 weapons (best ones in the game), and each cost about 1 million each. So, you'll need the money eventually.

[Jirotrom]

After the long and slow beginning this game just got addicting, I've already played for 11 hours and only have done 3 missions since taking hold of the Normandy.

[medze]

It boggles my mind why more games don't give you a little extra for the achievements. It seems a lot more rewarding to get unlockables when you gain achievements. After Mass Effect, other games' achievements feel empty when I know theres no bonus attached aside from a gamerscore boost.

Are there other games that reward you for achievements in the way ME does? I'm curious to know

[SIP YEK NOD]

It boggles my mind why more games don't give you a little extra for the achievements. It seems a lot more rewarding to get unlockables when you gain achievements. After Mass Effect, other games' achievements feel empty when I know theres no bonus attached aside from a gamerscore boost. Are there other games that reward you for achievements in the way ME does? I'm curious to know

test drive unlimited uses achievements to determine your rank in the game

[timmy]

After playing for eight hours I got so sick of my Adept that I started over and rerolled a soldier. I'm like three hours in now and enjoying the game much more.

Is this game acknowledged to have some class balance issues, or am I just kind of bad?

[GauntletFan]

ithe part where you steal the Normandy

???

Is this at the beginning?

[ALeperMessiah]

It boggles my mind why more games don't give you a little extra for the achievements. It seems a lot more rewarding to get unlockables when you gain achievements. After Mass Effect, other games' achievements feel empty when I know theres no bonus attached aside from a gamerscore boost. Are there other games that reward you for achievements in the way ME does? I'm curious to know

Gears of War gave you a gamerpic if you got 10,000 online kills. But yeah, the mass effect thing is nice, and gives extra incentive to play through multiple times.

[jet1911]

??? Is this at the beginning?

No

[medze]

After playing for eight hours I got so sick of my Adept that I started over and rerolled a soldier. I'm like three hours in now and enjoying the game much more. Is this game acknowledged to have some class balance issues, or am I just kind of bad?

I had the same problem, my Soldier seemed ridiculously good compared to my Vanguard. I ended up just using my teammates for biotics/tech Liara and Tali and just obliterated everything. Maybe it's because I'm more used to the shooter genre but you may be right about balancing problems.

And touching again on achievements, it really has been a huge motivator to play the game through a couple more times. Most games I haven't been adamant about getting 1000/1000 but if it means improving my character, and future characters on the profile, I'm striving to get all the points.

[Imperial Hot]

Yup. I was just chatting with Ryan O'Donnell today and we both agreed that I would love to play a 5 or 6 hour game that was nothing but an interactive "movie" with choose-your-own-adventure dialogue bits and critical decision bits that was meant to be played through in one sitting for a totally insane, awesome, over-the-top cinematic experience. A true in-game engine movie with no-holds-barred effects because they could optimize the shit out of it in terms of performance. I could totally picture a Mass Effect side story adventure like this, or even something using the Uncharted engine.

Peter Jackson project...

[Belgorim]

Peter Jackson project...

One can only hope.

[MaizeRage25]

Where can I buy permits at?

[GuessWho]

Yeah it is. You get the key from the Asari consort in the Citadel after completing her request (the first sidequest IRC) and when you insert it into the ruin it activates it and you have a vision (detailed through text, i.e. no cutscene) of the life of an early human (cro-magnon?) and his experience with Protheans studying/monitoring him.

she didn't give me any key.

[U K Narayan]

Where can I buy permits at?

Merchants will have them.

[Superblatt]

Merchants will have them.

Although the shop guy in your ship will rip you off, regardless.

[WrikaWrek]

Finished the game 3 times now.

1st - Custom male
2nd - Custom female
3rd - Official male Shepard

The game rocks, took me more time each time. Combined playtime of 50+. So yeah even though it doesn't have the lenght of a Dungeon crawler, which is cool because it has the pace of an action game, it has the replay value of...whatever game you think has replay value.

I'm gonna take a break from it now, trying to finish that AC6 mission with the BIG ships, but jesus, it's impossible.