Guide Note

Mass Effect is a 2007 action role-playing game developed by BioWare utilizing the Unreal Engine 3.0. Taking place in an epic space opera setting, the game is the first in a planned trilogy of games.

Fast Facts

1. Developer: BioWare
2. Platform: Xbox 360, PC
3. 2006: Game Critics Awards: Best Role Playing Game
4. Genre: Action/ RPG
5. First of a planned trilogy
6. ESRB Rating: Mature (M)
7. Release Date: November 20, 2007

Set in the year 2183 A.D., the human race has achieved technological advances great enough to reach warp speed, and consequently intergalactic space travel. The technology was left behind by an ancient and mysterious species known as the Protheans, now extinct though far superior. Upon achieving warp speed mankind ventures out into space, establishing relations with various alien races, building space colonies, and in general becoming a respectable figure in eyes of the galaxy-wide alliance, known as the “Council.” 35 years after the discovery of warp travel, the game begins, putting you in the role of Commander Shephard (a man or a woman, depending on what you choose), a member of the Humans Systems Alliance military. Your commanding officer Captain Anderson sends you and a small team down to the planet Eden Prime, in order to recover a recently discovered Prothean Beacon. The beacon could contain invaluable technological information. However, the aggressive alien race known as the Geth are also seeking the beacon.