The game is to - with some points of criticism - in fact very successful. At the core story one must not go big, you personified a given character names Shepard, whose basic characteristics (eg its origin) and appearance can be modified, and to save the universe with him.
What then unfolds as to universe-saving front of the player, has the entertainment value of an outstanding sci-fi epic and the comparison with the Star Wars or Star Trek universe is quite justified. Be it the various races and their history co- (and sometimes counter) side, the technology or the planet - here you have made an effort, and anyone who is reasonably SciFi-inspired will, immersing in the shortest time in Mass Effect.
Additional depth and voltage obtained by the ME interaction of games character with its surroundings. This reduces not only the simple decision of whether you as an upright, loyal soldier or a line slob progresses through the game, but even includes love stories, dealing with the past or the way to do it on his missions. The player must also make quite moral choices and this - decide between Mission and self-interest - as in many sci-fi classics.
In short, it's up to the player to fill the roughly predetermined character shape "Shepard" with life. This makes for the most part - graphically and accompanied with music very nice addition to and as I said excellent thoughtful game world - the charm of ME out.
Weaknesses shows the game when it comes to the more "traditional" elements. The missions are indeed often its approach thrilling, but the process often monotonous - you end up on a planet moves around a bit with the Mako, runs a bit, makes various opponents flat. Fortunately, the struggles are varied, constantly arise new enemy types, and one gains new abilities and weapons that must try it. See also the planetary surfaces, depending on climatic and geological conditions, different from what really makes up for the seemingly monotonous missions. In addition, one is often very interesting to see how, then, continues the story or how the relationship with a specific character developed by the Mission course that you actually never lose the motivation to fight through another contract.
Other negative points are also not really fun disturbing - occasional stuttering and relatively rare times conversations that revolve "in circles", also you do not have to act and freedom of movement, which can, for example, has in Oblivion, Bioware typical one moves more frequently " Level tubes ".
Umterm line remains that Mass Effect in the way that it can interact with the player of the environment, as well as, an absolute piece of software has become the exception in the design of the game world. About graphics and sound you need not discuss here as well standards are set. The few negative points fall only marginally significant. Altogether buy recommendation for fans of science fiction or that it might want to be ...