Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition
" Emotionally rich sci-fi RPG trilogy with deep choices and improved gameplay but intrusive launcher "
Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition Review
Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition is widely celebrated as a definitive remaster of the iconic sci-fi RPG trilogy, combining all three games and their DLCs with updated graphics and improved gameplay. Players praise the deep storylines, memorable characters, and meaningful choices that carry across the trilogy, creating an immersive and emotional experience. The remaster notably enhances visuals, especially for the first game, and offers native controller support, making it more accessible to modern audiences.
However, a significant pain point for many users is the mandatory EA App launcher, which complicates offline play, especially on portable devices like the Steam Deck, and is often described as intrusive and unstable. Technical issues such as bugs, crashes, and unresolved graphical glitches on modern displays also detract from the experience for some. Despite these drawbacks, the trilogy's narrative and character depth continue to resonate strongly with players, solidifying its status as a beloved classic in the gaming community.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the trilogy's engaging storyline and rich character development, emphasizing the emotional depth and impactful player decisions. The gameplay, particularly in Mass Effect 2 and 3, holds up well with satisfying combat mechanics and tactical depth. The remastered graphics breathe new life into the series, especially improving textures and visual fidelity in the first game. The inclusion of all DLC content and quality-of-life improvements make the Legendary Edition a comprehensive package. Fans also highlight the outstanding voice acting, soundtrack, and immersive sci-fi universe as standout elements that elevate the overall experience.
Criticisms
The most common criticism revolves around the mandatory EA App launcher, which many find intrusive, unreliable, and a barrier to offline or portable play. This causes frustration especially for Steam Deck users and those wanting a seamless experience without constant internet checks. Technical issues persist, including crashes, bugs, and poor optimization on some systems. Some players note that the first game’s gameplay feels dated and clunky despite graphical improvements. Additionally, the controversial ending of Mass Effect 3 still divides opinions, with some players feeling it detracts from the otherwise strong narrative.
Pros
- • The trilogy offers an emotionally rich and memorable sci-fi storyline with impactful player choices.
- • Mass Effect 2 features improved gameplay and deep character arcs that captivate players.
- • Remastered graphics notably enhance visual fidelity, especially in the first game.
- • All DLC content is included, providing a complete and immersive experience.
- • Native controller support improves accessibility across platforms.
- • Outstanding voice acting and soundtrack contribute to the immersive atmosphere.
- • The ability to carry save files across games enhances narrative continuity.
Cons
- • Mandatory EA App launcher is intrusive, unreliable, and complicates offline play.
- • EA App issues make the game difficult or unplayable on Steam Deck.
- • Technical bugs, crashes, and graphical glitches remain unresolved for some users.
- • First game’s gameplay feels dated and clunky despite visual updates.
- • Some players find the Mass Effect 3 ending unsatisfactory and divisive.
- • Launcher crashes and bugs cause frequent game startup failures.
- • Poor optimization leads to FPS drops and performance issues on some systems.