Mass Effect 3 Demo2

Like many people, I was eagerly awaiting the release of the Mass Effect 3 demo today. However, the PC version did not arrive on Origin until 18:00 GMT. Xbox gamers got their mitts on the demo at 10:00 GMT, a full eight hours earlier. But then again the games biggest market is the console platforms so it’s not that surprising. The demo features two single player levels and two multi-player maps. This is more than enough of the game to sell it to those who are unfamiliar with the franchise. Those who played the previous two instalments have more than likely pre-ordered already and this is simply a formality.

As you would expect form Bioware, the narrative is superb and within minutes you are back with old favourite characters. It’s like slipping into a comfortable pair of slippers, except in this case, the slippers just keep getting better as opposed to warn out and threadbare. The game engine runs well and the transition between cutscenes and the game itself is very smooth. The use of music is sublime and the story (what we see) works because we actually give a crap about the characters (film makers take note). There are three distinct gaming modes that allow players to enjoy the game in a manner that they personally prefer. Pure action (light on the dialogue), pure RP (both action and full dialogue options) and finally a narrative driven mode (action lite).

The Mass Effect franchise is a excellent combination of all the best aspects of gaming. It doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but it certainly refines it. This is a real ‘A’ list product and no mistake. The voice casting is great (as the above video shows). It is also worthy of note for having a female lead that is not a two dimensional stereotype. I personally feel that the female incarnation (femshep) of Commander Shepard is actually dramatically superior to the male version. As a man the concept of the war hero, burdened leader and cross species lover is somewhat clichéd, bordering on pure Jim Kirk. But as a female the character become far more complex, sympathetic, dignified and plausible. A real woman and a real person. The best written female character since Ellen Ripley.

But let’s not lose perspective. Although there are element of Mass Effect that are more cerebral than usual, there is still a few examples of boys being boys. The guns are big, the armour is snug and the breasts are pert. But these are not deal breakers and the games are still streets ahead of the competition. The stories always have the balls to tackle the big issues such as the realities of command, racial politics, sexuality and friendship. The demo even features a sad scene regarding civilian casualties during war. So roll on the March 9th (for us punters based in the UK).