Space... The final frontier. In 2148, humanity found ruins of an ancient and now extinct alien race on Mars. By analyzing the data found inside the ruins, we've managed to reconstruct technology that allowed faster than light travel. It's called Mass Effect...

Paired with special relays designed to boost every ship's mass effect drive by using the same principle as a slingshot, humanity encountered the first alien races in 2183. First contact wasn't always easy, but we've managed to survive in rough times, and fight for our cause.

But now, a new threat appears in the universe. And without many being aware, it may actually be an end to civilization as we know it! You are the destined one to save the galaxy from this huge threat.

In Mass Effect, you assume the role of Commander Shepard, a distinguished soldier that stood out in the past and is considered one of humanity's best. You not only have the possibility to customize the appearance of your character in extreme detail - height, eyebrows color, ear size, you name it! - but also you can customize your background, past and your general personality and attitude when interacting with the game.

Mass Effect is that impressive game only Bioware can make, in which every decision counts, and everything matters. If you are known to be ruthless with your enemies, or maybe you were a pour orphan raised in the streets - everything matters - even the gender you pick. Dialog possibilities, decisions and eventually the actions you take are influenced by the choices you made when you've created your character, and your previous choices. You can take a path of evil or good, but this doesn't necessarily mean you can't chose an evil answer if you are good or vice-versa. Each course of actions will give you Paragon or Renegade points, and achieving a great number of them will unlock further dialog possibilities and skills.

But don't get me wrong, Mass Effect is not just a "talk to, or be talked with" game. It's one of the best games I've ever played, a truly cinematic experience that you have to experience. If you are eagerly waiting for Star Trek XI early next year, or maybe for the grand finale of Battlestar Galactica; or you are the world's greatest StarWars fan and seen every episode there is then this is the game to play! If you don't usually play/watch sci-fi, but enjoy a good story, drama, with a little touch of comedy and romance, then this is the game for you. Finally if you are a passionate or casual gamer, and wanted to try something you'll remember for a long time, this... is the game for you.