Like any RolePlaying games, your character evolves and gains levels with experience. Up to sixty of them in fact, though you can't have more than fifty the first time you play. Which means you can use the same character to start the game all over again on a harder difficulty. Easy, normal and hard are available at first, but two more modes are unlocked once you finish a game.

You can choose one of the six classes available at the beginning of the game - three basic ones: Soldier, Engineer and Adept; and three hybrid ones: Infiltrator, Sentinel and Vanguard. Soldiers are specialists in any and all weapons, while at the other end of the table Adepts are special individuals that use mind-manipulative biotic abilities with the help of a special implant chip. Engineers use an OmniTool, a special device that allows them to hack into systems, crack encryption keys or code, and be very efficient when fighting robots or mechanical creatures of all sorts.

Infiltrators are more of an assassin type, specialized in sniper rifles and tech. Sentinels can use both biotics and tech powers, while Vanguards are proficient in the use of shotguns, pistols and have limited biotic knowledge.

With each level, more points are given to you and your party members. Similar to Final Fantasy for example, you have two more members under your control at a time. They are partially AI controlled, which means they follow you, fight with you and share a bit of the story moments with you as well. But you are ultimately in control and can order them to attack a specific target, get behind cover, or use certain abilities. Furthermore, their abilities complete your "arsenal". For instance, if you are not so proficient at decrypting storage lockers, but you want that modified Avenger IV plasma pistol really bad, Tali, the resident tech specialist on your ship can make a fine addition to your party.

Speaking of your squad, here's what they know best:

Ashley Williams (Ash) - Our resident weapons specialist

Kaidan Alenko (Kaidan) - a Bio/Tech hybrid, one of the last L2 implants - the new trend is L3 now

Liara T'Soni (Liara) - the Bio expert (don't forget to rescue her first chance you get! Forget the other missions for a while)

Urdnot Wrex (Wrex) - a Bio/Combat hybrid, the mercenary with a shady past

Garrius Vakarain (Garrius) - a Tech/Combat hybrid, my least favorite for some reason... maybe it's his character... who knows

Tali'zorah nar Rayya (Tali) - the cute Tech expert

Each of them evolves, and gains skillpoints as you do.