mass effect [mas-ih-fekt]
noun
1.
Mass Effect video game series. The effects of a field created through the manipulation of element zero, via an electric current via dark energy, to increase the mass of space-time. A positive charge increases mass and a negative charge decreases mass. The strength of the current affects the magnitude of the dark energy mass effect, i.e. the greater the current the greater the dark energy mass effect. This energy also creates a static charge of electricity that, unless dispersed, and cause massive damage to the producer of the energy. The energy is used in all fields of science, from the creation of new elements and materials to the evolution of high speed travel, and those with biotic talents can sense and manipulate these fields with varying effects.
EX. Let me start by getting this out of the way, I haven't played
Mass Effect 3 yet but, even supposing the end of the trilogy was ruined at the last minute, that doesn't change a simple fact; Mass Effect is one of the most potentially lucrative and interesting video game franchises of this generation and easily the best science fiction series and role playing game series of this generation.
Few games, if any since I can't think of any, could compare the perfect mix of role-playing, action game play, and cinematic story-telling that makes Mass Effect fascinating. Partially, this achieved through the technical heights that the series reached, improving between each game and pushing this generation's console hardware to the limits, to give us something that is, in my opinion, visually and audibly unchallengeable. The experience is enhanced by the voice over of all dialogue, with a variety of voices and characters, that give the Milky Way and its enemies depth. The game elements are engaging, rarely tedious, and increasingly functional to build a paramount gaming experience.
Now, while the technical elements allow for the proper tools to tell the story of Mass Effect, what is even more important is the skillful story-telling they do with those tools. The game mixes the best themes and elements of science fiction, from the intellectual altruism and character drama of Star Trek to the epic fantasy and kinetic action of Star Wars. They built a galaxy filled with incredible alien races, amazing locations, and threats, ancient and new alike, for you to overcome. The greatest genius of the story-telling is your unique version of Commander Shepard and his/her relationship with the party of comrades you earn through your adventures. They each fulfill different archetypes, with different agendas and story to unfold, and they really grow on you.
The genius of Mass Effect is all of these elements coming together in a way that appeals to casual player and hardcore critic alike; the series isn't just another sci-fi shooter, but a step in the right direction toward making video games an important genre in fiction. If the first and second Mass Effects could make me care so much about Garus, Wrex, and Tali, as much as I've ever cared about Spock, Han Solo, and Hermione Granger, I can easily imagine the next generation of media set in the Mass Effect universe to become the next great frontier of interactive media.
