On November 20 2007 Mass Effect launched exclusively on Xbox 360. At the time it was a fresh science fiction space opera take on the RPG genre. Five years and two sequels later the trilogy was available on Xbox, PlayStation and PC and would become one of the most beloved series of the genre by millions.

Developed by BioWare, the series has managed to maintain relevance for nearly a decade and a half and while 2017’s Mass Effect: Andromeda didn’t quite have the same impact as the original trilogy, the franchise name and value has never been more important. With the launch of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition new and returning players alike can enjoy the adventure and exploits of Commander Shepard, YOUR Commander Shepard, and take their custom character through all three games with the choices and consequences carrying across the intergalactic space odyssey.

With significant visual, technical and performance enhancements, particularly for the first Mass Effect, the trilogy has never looked or played better and with the inclusion of all but one of the over 40 DLC packs that would go on to be released, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is not only the definite way to play the series, it is the definitive example of remaster excellence.

The original Mass Effect introduces an interesting and wonderfully fleshed out mythology and lore but most importantly it introduces players to Commander Shepard. Players can customise the gender, appearance and backstory of their Shepard as well as select from a handful of classes, each with unique abilities and proficiencies. From there Commander Shepard is lead on a journey laden with choices and of course the consequences of this choices. From branching dialogue, character relationships and key decisions that shape the narrative, players embark on a quest that is as personal to them as they are willing to make it by investing in the world and exploring all aspects of it physically and from a conversational, character engagement standpoint.

To briefly surmise the plot, Commander Shepard must lead an elite team to thwart the plans of Saren, a traitor from an alien race known as Turians, and his plans to facilitate the return of ancient mechanical race of beings known as Reapers. Responsible for the extermination of all sentient organic life in years gone by, the return of a Reaper fleet would see history repeat itself yet again and Commander Shepard will stop at nothing to prevent this.

A handful of characters can be recruited and customised, with two at a time able to be selected to accompany Shepard on story missions as well as the wealth of optional side missions. The relationships with these characters and decisions at key moments can influence their allegiance and loyalty to Shepard as well as their fate in some cases.

The gameplay in Mass Effect upon its original release was notably clunky and stiff, particularly the driving sequences featuring the Mako. Through cybernetic technology various abilities are accessible to the inhabits of the Mass Effect universe that include psionic abilities that could launch enemies into the air and dependent on which class the player chose various abilities are available to unlock and enhance. Blending these abilities with the decent gunplay which included elemental ammo types kept combat fun and engaging, diverse enough to encourage future replays in order to experiment all of the different combinations on offer.

Countless enhancements were made to the gameplay, visuals and overall performance of the original title in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, bringing it more in line with the quality and fluidity of the pair of instalments that followed. Seemingly receiving more and honestly much needed attention, the original Mass Effect is easily the standout of the trilogy in terms of its evolution in this remastered collection.

Set shortly after the events of the first game, Mass Effect 2 wastes little time in setting the stage for a sequel more grand in scope as it dives deeper into the looming galactic conquest of the Reapers. Mass Effect 2 wonderfully incorporated the ability to import a save file from the previous title, allowing players to bring their Shepard and all of the choices, relationships and consequences forward and to the sequel. The option to start fresh with a newly created Shepard exists but it it would be a severely missed opportunity not to continue the saga with the same character.

Shepard’s ship, the Normandy SSV is attacked by an unknown vessel and the crew is forced to abandon ship, losing it in the process. Two years later, Shepard wakes, brought back from the brink of death by Cerberus. Mass Effect 2 largely sees Shepard building a larger team of new and familiar teammates to take the fight to the newly emerged threat known as the Collectors while also uncovering more about the Reapers, their history and potential re-emergence.

The closing mission of Mass Effect 2 is thrilling and more so than the previous entry has potentially tragic consequences based on a large number of critical decisions. The fate of the entire squad is up in the air, who lives and who dies is entirely dictated by the players actions, completion of particular missions and specific upgrades prior.

With clearly improved gameplay elements compared to the original, Mass Effect 2 introduced new ability types, modified the gear and loot system and generally improved in every way over its predecessor. In Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, as with the other two titles, various technical and performance improvements were made to recapture the magic of an experience that originally launched in 2010 and manages to make it look and feel much more modern. Arguably the greatest entry in the franchise to date, Mass Effect 2 is one of the most enjoyable and player driven RPGs of all time and understandably beloved by many.

Rounding out the original trilogy in 2012, Mass Effect 3 had to follow two excellent entires and wrap up the story of Commander Shepard and the war against the returning Reapers in an effort to prevent them from once again exterminating all sentient organic life. To much controversy the ending was poorly received by players and critics alike, so much so that an “Extended Cut” pack was added by Bioware to not replace the original ending but rather to expand upon it. Personally, the ending didn’t bother me, it managed to wrap up the story in my opinion, concluding a trilogy of dire conflict with monumental consequences likely to affect the franchise forever.

The stakes have never been higher in the series than in Mass Effect 3. A full-scale galactic Reaper invasion is underway with the reapers wiping out planets left, right and centre. Shepard is once again drawn into the conflict with new and recurring team mates to take the fight to the Reapers and save the universe from extermination. The opening mission instils a sense of hopelessness, insurmountable odds that have an emotional impact on the journey that follows to prevent the seemingly inevitable Reaper victory.

Some of the biggest decisions of the franchise exist in Mass Effect 3, on a character level and in regards to how the actual ending unfolds. The stakes have never felt higher, the cause have never felt more lost and the thought of triumph is squashed at nearly every turn. The story is tightly focused, interesting and depending on your interpretation of whether or not the trilogy is satisfyingly concluded, a rewarding culmination of five years and three entries of one of the greatest franchises to grace the genre.

Additional tweaks, improvements and substitutions to various gameplay elements are again present since Mass Effect 2 and the gameplay overall has never felt or played smoother. Concluding the journey with the same imported Commander Shepard is such a unique experience, carrying the weight of three titles worth of consequences and tackling near impossible odds to single handedly defeat the Reapers and put an end to their reign of terror once and for all.

What Mass Effect: Legendary Edition does above all is bring the quality and performance of three great titles that span nearly a decade and a half up to speed to more closely resemble more recent titles. For the most part it succeeds. While the visuals and animations are obviously not quite as slick as a new title released in 2021 it still manages to look amazing. The inclusion of a photo mode allows for some truly stunning captures that franchise veterans are likely to find themselves lost in.

It’s fun to witness the gradual evolution of the series from 2007’s Mass Effect through to 2012’s Mass Effect 3. The gameplay, loot, gear, squad and driving in particular change greatly with each release. Having over 40 pieces of DLC content thrown in as well that spans all three titles turns the trilogy into an experience that could keep players immersed in the incredibly interesting world for dozens of hours, and that’s not even taking into consideration additional playthroughs making alternate choices along the way or playing on harder difficulties. Content is certainly the one aspect this experience is not lacking.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is more than a remastered collection of a beloved trilogy of RPG’s, it’s a gateway for new players to enter a franchise they may have left behind due to fear of getting into their dated looks and mechanics. For returning players it’s the opportunity to relive the epic saga in a close-to-current gen state. Mass Effect has never been more accessible, more enjoyable and more exciting to think about in terms of it’s future prospects than in 2021 with Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.

+ Incredible branching narratives

+ Commander Shepard import from previous games

+ Choice and customisation

+ Sharp and stunning visuals

+ Amount of overall content

+ Replay value

– Gameplay and animations still feel dated

– Driving still isn’t fun

– Exclusion of Multiplayer component of Mass Effect 3

– Some plot points aren’t followed through in follow-up entries

Developed by: BioWare

Published by: EA

Release Date: May 14 2021

Platforms: Xbox One/Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5 and PC

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All digital photography was captured in-game on Xbox Series X by Games of DAYNE

The post Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

Assuming control of some of the most iconic starfighters in the galaxy has never felt so satisfying. Star Wars: Squadrons is an authentic Star Wars experience epic in scope.

Star Wars: Squadrons thrusts players into the cockpit of opposing factions in this first person blend of arcade and simulation gameplay. Initially overwhelming, the gameplay mechanics are cleverly integrated with the HUD, allowing for a seamless visual presentation that doesn’t unnecessarily clutter the screen. Learning the ropes to become one of the galaxies most esteemed pilots is fun and consistently engaging.

Vanguard 5 and Titan 3 standing by

Opening with a brief and very limited pilot customisation menu that allows the player to select one of 10 generic faces, their gender, a voice and name for each pilot, the player may initially think there is little customisation. Fear not as the customisation for the multiplayer component is far more diverse and flexible. The pilots for the purpose of the story receive very little screen time, these choices here do little more than attempt to add a bit of personality to the players characters.

The customisation, and 14 mission story that includes a prologue that follows, serves largely as a tutorial for the multiplayer component. With story progression comes the introduction of new mechanics, transitioning the gameplay from a semi-arcade feel to an experience that feels more like a simulation. These diverse mechanics are fun and keep the player constantly engaged and thinking about their next move, leaning towards a more strategic and tactical approach to combat.

Set after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, the opening mission sets up the key characters of the 6-8 hour single player experience ahead with some cool cameos that are well implemented.

The story itself is interesting, presenting a dual narrative that shifts perspectives from missions that often set up the following mission for the opposing faction. Opting to intertwine the tale of the rising New Republic and the crumbling Empire as opposed to two separate campaigns adds to the intrigue, knowing that the actions of one faction during a mission will have direct consequences for the other in their next mission.

Flying as Vanguard 5 for Vanguard Squadron of the New Republic and Titan 3 of Titan Squadron for the Empire, a missed opportunity exists in that the two playable characters and their respective squadrons at no point come head to head. While their stories are influenced by the actions of the other, it is very unfortunate to not have any kind of playable payoff to the conflict.

The players’ pair of pilot characters have no personality and the supporting cast to fail to feel meaningful or appear any less than stiff. Captain Lindon Javes of the New Republic is the only character with a story that feels fleshed out, largely defined by a singular act in the prologue that is built upon throughout the story. Imperial Captain Terisa Kerill meanwhile is the lone character of the Empire to receive much depth, not enough so to remain particularly interesting or memorable.

Unfortunately mission variety leaves a lot to be desired. Escort missions, protect this, destroy that type of objectives feel very familiar very quickly. It would have been nice to see a little more complexion within these objectives if they were to be so limited in scope. Luckily, playing on the higher difficulties is significantly more challenging and the approach to tackle these mundane objectives becomes a lot more dangerous. This causes the player to switch lanes in terms of their boldness to push the objective and encourages a more tactical and strategic focus to accomplish the task at hand.

No cockpit? No action

In between the missions, the player is able to inspect their starfighter and interact with characters from a first person perspective that is limited to looking around the hangar. The character interactions in these moments are for the most part optional and its easy to see why. The conversations lack purpose or meaningful contribution to the overall story, instead they mostly offer insight into the characters backgrounds that bear no consequence, inclusion or mention in the main story. This redundant dialogue can be skipped if the player loses interest.

This aspect of the gameplay feels very disconnected with the interaction limited to looking around, interacting with few points of interest and no actual movement. These sequences come across bland and eliminate any pacing established between the missions.

The player always starts in the hangar after a mission and any cinematic that may follow. When the player is ready for the next mission, they enter the briefing room. Here, a very in depth mission briefing plays out with the cast surrounding a war table with holographic images visualising the mission objectives. These are surprisingly detailed and make the missions feel more legitimate and structured, full of purpose and intent.

“I’ll try spinning, that’s a good trick!”

Outside of the cinematics in between missions, the gameplay is excellent. The depth of the mechanics layered into every aspect of the actual gameplay is so intuitive and engaging. The integrating of a traditional HUD into the console of the actual starfighter the player pilots is clever and manages to declutter the screen while also providing a more simulation type of experience.

Visual indicators for the boost gauge, laser overheating, health, shields and radar for instance feel much more enjoyable to monitor than being simply plastered over the screen obstructing the view of incoming enemy fighters or debris that may damage the players starfighter. This visual dynamic extends in that each of the 4 available starfighters for both factions are completely unique in the way the cockpits and displays are laid out. The colour co-ordination and underlying design of each mechanic remains consistent however, eliminating any concerns of struggling to read the integrated HUD dispute the unique layouts.

Managing speed to increase maneuverability or diverting power from weapons to engines for an additional speed boost are such fun features to experiment with, as is rerouting the power to the front or rear deflector shields to strengthen one while exposing the other. Star Wars: Squadrons is very tactical, very strategic and very much a case of making on the fly decisions and calculated risks.

Diverting power to weapons, engines and shields obviously strengthens that particular function at the expense of the others. Simple button presses of the D-Pad make this accessible and instantaneous to execute. The power can be redistributed evenly across the 3 systems by simply pressing down on the D-Pad.

Resupply can be requested from ally Support class starfighters to replenish health, provide special ammunition such as missiles and countermeasures. Resupply can also occur by flying to your fleets Capital Ship and approaching the hangar. Here the player is also able to switch to a different type of Starfighter.

The player is able to direct their squadron to attack objectives or enemies as well as defend targeted ships for instance. These commands are a huge asset when playing with AI to provide a more focused combat experience.

The different classes each have different strengths and weaknesses as far as the stats of their starfighter is concerned as well as some exclusive offensive capabilities. The Fighter class is a solid all-rounder, the Interceptor class is faster and more agile but at the expense of Hull and Shield durability, the Bomber class uses Ion Cannons and missile payloads to immobilise and deal massive damage to Capital Ships and finally the Support class is useful for projecting shields on friendly targets to provide additional defence.

Each starfighter can be customised in a number of ways, not unlike constructing a build in an RPG. Offering a myriad of options to personalise the starfighter to the player’s personal preferences, alternative primary weapons, auxiliary components, countermeasures, hull and engines each have at least 4 to choose from. Aside from the default loadout for each component, each has its share of advantages and disadvantages.

For example, switching out the default Standard Hull for the Sienar Laminasteel Hull reduces auxiliary damage by 50% but increases primary damage taken by 20%. Just the like balance in the force, the player must exercise balance with their starfighter’s loadout to ensure the pros outweigh the cons. New components are unlocked by spending Requisition which is earned from increasing in Pilot Rank from playing the multiplayer modes.

MP is MVP

A surprisingly light Multiplayer mode in terms of mode variety is the real highlight of Star Wars: Squadrons. Offering only Dogfight and Fleet Battles (Ranked and Unranked vs AI). The Ranked Fleet Battles become unlocked once the player reaches Pilot Level 5 which requires only a handful of games to achieve.

Dogfight puts two squadrons comprised of up to 5 pilots each against each other in a classic team deathmatch. Upon defeat, a brief redeployment countdown follows the kill cam before the player re-enters the fray. Before respawning the player is able to switch Starfighters, potentially providing a tactical edge dependent on the class structure of each squadrons Starfighters.

Fleet Battles are the main event of Star Wars: Squadrons. Co-ordinating with your squadron on offensive and defensive objectives to destroy the enemies Flagship before they destroy yours is an intense and action packed aerial warzone like no other. The action feels grand in scope, the vastness of the galactic battlefield this war is being waged on is stunningly detailed.

In Fleet Battles, enemy Starfighters must be defeated to increase your fleet’s morale. Once morale is max, the Fleet will feel more confident to attack the enemies Capital Ships. Defeating player controlled Starfighters as opposed to AI will increase the morale awarded. Defeating enough enemy Starfighters will see Imperial Raiders or New Republic Corvettes enter the battle. Destroying these will award major morale boost before ultimately allowing the enemy Flagship to be attacked.

Attacking the subsystems of Flagships is the most effective way to bring them down as it deals damage as well as disrupting their shield generators, or turret systems, allowing the attack to be pressed with less interruption. This mode certainly has the largest replayability of the two, encouraging teamwork and strategy to win the day in truly epic fashion.

You look good, you fly good

Pilot customisation is respectably deep considering outside of the pre-match and post-match lobbies the pilot isn’t seen. Alternate heads, helmets, flight suits, tops, bottoms, gloves, emotes and poses are all unlcokable with Glory, the primary in-game currency earned by playing games, increasing in Rank and completing the daily and operation challenges. 3 challenges refresh every day and the operation challenge lasts a lot longer, the current one available has a duration of just over 60 days and awards an Epic helmet for the New Republic pilots.

The Starfighters themselves can be customised beyond their component loadout with paint jobs, decals, holograms, dashboard trinkets and hanging flair available to unlock and personalise each Starfighter. These are all, like the Pilot customisation suite, unlockable by spending Glory earned from playing, completing challenges and increasing in Rank.

There’s enough customisation for the Pilots and Starfighters for the player to have their own completely unique squadron and the currency earned to unlock them is unlocked at a respectable rate.

Looks and sounds like Star Wars

The visuals are absolutely incredible. From the stunning backdrops of new and familiar Star Wars environments, the incredible attention to detail in the Starfighters and cockpits, there is a lot to look at in wonder.

An appropriately authentic Star Wars score and classic sound effects round out a legitimate Star Wars presentation that adds drama and elevates the tension of the fast paced combat gameplay.

“Do or do not, there is no try”

Star Wars: Squadrons is a lot more strategic and simulation-like than many may have anticipated. The more arcade feeling presentation of the Starfighter combat modes of the Battlefront series for instance is nowhere to be seen. Deep gameplay mechanics may have a brief learning curve but by playing through the story mode first, players will be competent and confident in their abilities to tackle other players in the intense pair of multiplayer modes on offer.

With dramatic action set pieces as seen in the film franchise, Star Wars: Squadrons is an excellent foundation for a fun multiplayer experience that will likely be expanded upon for years. This experience is well worth checking out for fans of Star Wars and aerial simulation titles.

+ Excellent visual integration of HUD into the gameplay

+ Depth of game mechanics

+ A lot of fun once familiar with the gameplay

+ Fleet Battles

– Story loses focus and connection with disjointed hangar segments and forgettable characters

Games of DAYNE Rating

Developed by: Motive Studios

Published by: EA

Release Date: October 2 2020

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC

– Additional links –

For more of my reviews, click HERE.

To see this review and other content from my associates at BG4G, click HERE.

The post Star Wars: Squadrons Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.