37 Facts About Mass Effect (Video Game)

The Universe of Mass Effect

The Mass Effect series is a rich tapestry of interstellar politics, alien species, and epic storytelling. Here are some fascinating facts about this beloved video game franchise.

1. Mass Effect was developed by BioWare, a Canadian video game company known for its role-playing games.
2. The first game in the series was released in 2007 for the Xbox 360.
3. Players take on the role of Commander Shepard, a customizable character who can be male or female.
4. The game is set in the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century.
5. The story revolves around an ancient race of machines known as the Reapers, who periodically wipe out all advanced civilizations.

Characters and Species

The characters and species in Mass Effect are diverse and complex, each contributing to the game's rich narrative.

6. Garrus Vakarian, a Turian, is one of the most popular characters in the series.
7. Tali'Zorah nar Rayya is a Quarian engineer and a fan favorite.
8. The Asari are a mono-gendered species known for their biotic abilities.
9. Krogans are a reptilian species known for their incredible strength and resilience.
10. The Geth are a race of networked artificial intelligences created by the Quarians.

Gameplay Mechanics

Mass Effect offers a unique blend of role-playing and third-person shooter elements, making it a standout in the gaming world.

11. Players can make choices that affect the game's story and relationships with other characters.
12. The Paragon-Renegade system allows players to choose between good and bad actions.
13. The game features a cover-based shooting system, adding a tactical element to combat.
14. Players can upgrade their weapons and armor throughout the game.
15. Biotic powers, similar to magic in fantasy games, add another layer of strategy.

Development and Inspiration

The creation of Mass Effect involved a lot of inspiration from various sources, making it a unique blend of different ideas.

16. The game was inspired by classic science fiction, including works like "Star Wars" and "Star Trek."
17. BioWare spent over three years developing the first game in the series.
18. The game's dialogue system was revolutionary at the time, allowing for more natural conversations.
19. The developers consulted with scientists to ensure the game's space travel mechanics were plausible.
20. The music for the game was composed by Jack Wall, known for his work on other video games.

Reception and Impact

Mass Effect has had a significant impact on the gaming industry and has been well-received by both critics and players.

21. The first game received critical acclaim, with praise for its story, characters, and voice acting.
22. The series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
23. Mass Effect 2 is often considered one of the greatest video games of all time.
24. The series has won numerous awards, including several Game of the Year awards.
25. The game's influence can be seen in other sci-fi games that followed.

Expanded Universe

The Mass Effect universe extends beyond the video games, offering fans more ways to explore its rich lore.

26. There are several novels set in the Mass Effect universe, expanding on the game's story.
27. The series also includes comic books that delve into the backstories of various characters.
28. An animated film, "Mass Effect: Paragon Lost," was released in 2012.
29. There are several spin-off games, including "Mass Effect: Galaxy" for mobile devices.
30. A new game in the series, Mass Effect: Andromeda, was released in 2017, exploring a new galaxy.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Mass Effect that even hardcore fans might not know.

31. The voice of male Commander Shepard is provided by Mark Meer, while Jennifer Hale voices the female version.
32. The game's dialogue includes over 20,000 lines, making it one of the most dialogue-heavy games of its time.
33. The Normandy, Shepard's ship, was named after the Normandy landings in World War II.
34. The game's developers included several Easter eggs, such as hidden messages and references to other BioWare games.
35. Mass Effect 3's controversial ending led to the release of an Extended Cut, which provided more closure for fans.
36. The series' iconic "Mass Relay" structures were inspired by the concept of wormholes in theoretical physics.
37. The character of Liara T'Soni was originally intended to be a male character but was changed during development.

Final Thoughts on Mass Effect

Mass Effect's universe is rich with lore, characters, and choices that keep players coming back. From the intricate storylines to the diverse alien species, there's always something new to discover. The game's moral decisions and branching narratives make each playthrough unique. Whether you're a veteran Commander Shepard or a newcomer, the series offers endless adventures and challenges.

The attention to detail in the game's design, from the dialogue options to the stunning visuals, sets it apart from other RPGs. Fans appreciate the depth and complexity of the relationships they can build with their crew.

Mass Effect isn't just a game; it's an experience that leaves a lasting impact. Dive into this epic saga and see why it remains a beloved classic in the gaming world.