Mass Effect features a new approach to the standard "ask a question - get an answer" most adventures and some RPGs have. Only the idea of what you're about to say is suggested in the dialog options. Choosing "We'll see" as an option for example could make your character say "We'll think of what is the best way to approach the situation, and I'll let you know after I devise a plan". By the way, I'm just trying to make a point; you won't actually see that dialog in-game. After all, it's written by real pros, not just anyone you know...

Ok, so It's no doubt that the story and dialog options make the game what it is, but let's see what else it brings to the table. Well, as any respectable starship captain, you can and will explore those strange new worlds, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Once you are given the command of the Normandy, the first stealthy human ship, you can head out for various star clusters, and complete side missions that aren't related to the main story. They just happen to be a superhero's daily work. Of course, you can skip them and get straight to the point, but what's the fun then?

Once you land on a particular planet, you will use the Mako all-terrain vehicle to get to your mission location. Don't forget to search the whole area to find rare mineral deposits, or examine various anomalies. And remember that there are always many solutions and approaches to a single problem.

The Mako feels great and the controls are fantastic! I wanted to explore planets for days when I took my first Mako ride. Of course, the little thing is enhanced with a rifle and a decent canon, to take down those angry alien hostiles. Q to exit the vehicle by the way!

Once inside a complex, the game goes towards the first person shooter perspective, but with an added taste of the special biotic/tech abilities. As you may know, the PC version isn't the first version released on the market (shock!). It's actually 6 moths (-ish) later than the Xbox360 version. And with the help of the good ol' Unreal Engine, Bioware could've gotten out easy by just porting this game to the PC. Instead, it has been enhanced, tweaked and tuned, and had a whole interface make-up. Demiurge Studios has been employed to this end and they certainly did a fine job. Everything is accessible with a click of the mouse by pressing the pause key - space. Quick shortcuts can also be added to your 1,2,3,4... keys.

Combat is not easy, and requires a certain amount of skill and decent tactics to take on different scenarios the game throws at you. Grenades and your team members are invaluable, and you'd best do everything in your power to keep them alive.

You will find of course new weapons, items and armor for your character and your squad members. They can be sold at shops around the solar system, equipped of course, or turned into omni-gel. Omni-gel is used in-game to repair your Mako vehicle, or to decrypt impossible locks. Plus, you can also buy or gain upgrades that can be installed into weapon or armor slots. Properties will vary: add toxic damage, add freezing particles, add life regen on armors, etc.

Similar to the Xbox360, Mass Effect features what the developer calls "enhanced achievements". It's too bad you can't show off with your list of achievements on the PC as much as you'd want, but! But each achievement isn't just a shiny new medal. Each achievement gives you a bonus either right after you earn it, or on your next character. From increased damage, to increase healing and the ability to have a special skill on a new class that is totally opposite. So you can have a soldier with "singularity" ability or with knowledge in electronics for example if you like.