10 Things You Need To Know Before Playing Mass Effect

10. Hunt The Good Stuff

It's is truly a double-edged sword when it comes to becoming an iconic gaming franchise, and the Mass Effect series is no different. These games were put on a pedestal for being incredible science fiction games the likes of which the world had never seen. But they’re not perfect, and reputations may sour an initial assessment.

Mass Effect 1’s combat is clunky and the Mako is a pain to drive. Mass Effect 2 simplifies many of the complex mechanisms purists loved from the first. 3 had a disappointing mid-level boss with Kai Leung, and an ending that lives in infamy. Andromeda had…issues. Lots and lots of issues.

But that doesn’t mean that each game is inherently bad. There might be something to a new player absolutely adores in the complexity of the first game, or the deep interpersonal conflicts of the crew in its sequel. You might even enjoy the heavy introspection Mass Effect 3 explores in Shepherd’s survivor’s guilt. Even Andromeda, warts and all, tried something new, albeit with some resulting flaws.

Opinions run rampant on the internet, but new players shouldn’t feel dissuaded by them. If a series as lofty as this one intimidates, or you've an inherent fear of disappointment from the trilogy’s end, remember that scores of people adore the series in its entirety. Curious about the games? Pick them up and let the opinion be your own.