As a major fan of the OG Mass Effect Trilogy, I went into this game expecting to dislike it. I was very wrong.
The game reminds me very strongly of ME1. The RPG-style gear system, the mako-analog, scanning planets... it's back to basics in the most nostalgic way possible. Are there many well-documented bugs? Yep, but they're not game-breaking anymore. I enjoy my companions (minus Cora and Liam), though unfortunately not quite as much as the OG companions.
What really makes this game shine are the small details. This game is, in fact, all small details, from your companions chatting to the constant chatter in the marketplaces to enough immersive emails to outweigh the Tempest. The big choices don't matter very much, but honestly, how much do I care about that when there's an infinite deluge of tiny little cute, heartwarming, or deeply touching individual choices?
I don't think this game is particularly replayable, but given that I wasn't even expecting to play it once, I'm fine with that.
The game is also beautiful. The transition between each planets is slow (your ship literally pulls away and flies to the next planet, taking 5-8 seconds), but so soothing that even though you can skip it, I never do. This game is for people who like to balance their combat with slow-paced talking. If you loved the 10-hour citadel intro in ME1, this game is for you.
The combat is excellent. The multiplayer is fun. 100% reccommend based on that alone.
Oh, and you can change every aspect of your character's appearance (EVERY aspect, minus which Ryder you're playing) via a terminal in your bedroom, so that rocks.
Mods greatly improve the QOL when playing (shoutout to shut up SAM, faster kadara doors, and quickloot all in one) but are technically not necessary.
So, yeah, if you're craving more of that ME1 style but with the most beautiful graphics and exponentially improved combat, this is the game for you.
(Small note: I have not currently completed the game; it estimates 35% completion. Still, I'm having a great time so far. Will update if that changes.)

As a major fan of the OG Mass Effect Trilogy, I went into this game expecting to dislike it. I was very wrong. The game reminds me very strongly of ME1. The RPG-style gear system, the mako-analog, scanning planets... it's back to basics in the most nostalgic way possible. Are there many well-documented bugs? Yep, but they're not game-breaking anymore. I enjoy my companions (minus Cora and Liam), though unfortunately not quite as much as the OG companions. What really makes this game shine are the small details. This game is, in fact, all small details, from your companions chatting to the constant chatter in the marketplaces to enough immersive emails to outweigh the Tempest. The big choices don't matter very much, but honestly, how much do I care about that when there's an infinite deluge of tiny little cute, heartwarming, or deeply touching individual choices? I don't think this game is particularly replayable, but given that I wasn't even expecting to play it once, I'm fine with that. The game is also beautiful. The transition between each planets is slow (your ship literally pulls away and flies to the next planet, taking 5-8 seconds), but so soothing that even though you can skip it, I never do. This game is for people who like to balance their combat with slow-paced talking. If you loved the 10-hour citadel intro in ME1, this game is for you. The combat is excellent. The multiplayer is fun. 100% reccommend based on that alone. Oh, and you can change every aspect of your character's appearance (EVERY aspect, minus which Ryder you're playing) via a terminal in your bedroom, so that rocks. Mods greatly improve the QOL when playing (shoutout to shut up SAM, faster kadara doors, and quickloot all in one) but are technically not necessary. So, yeah, if you're craving more of that ME1 style but with the most beautiful graphics and exponentially improved combat, this is the game for you. (Small note: I have not currently completed the game; it estimates 35% completion. Still, I'm having a great time so far. Will update if that changes.)