Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review
Mass Effect Legendary Edition – Is It Worth the Replay?
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition bundles the original trilogy (Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3) into one remastered package. If you’ve already played the series, is it worth experiencing again with slightly improved graphics? And if you’ve never played it before, is this the perfect time to dive into the series?
Convenient Launcher and Story Recap
The Legendary Edition includes all three games on a unified launcher. You can jump straight into any game you want—there’s no need to start with the first game if you prefer another part. For players who skip the earlier games, the second and third titles offer a comic-style recap of prior events, keeping you up to date with the story.
Unified Character Creation
One standout feature is the Unified Character Creation system, which allows you to create your character once and use it across all three games. This saves time and ensures consistency throughout the trilogy.
Photo Mode
The game includes a Photo Mode, allowing you to capture and edit in-game moments easily. It’s a welcome feature that enhances the overall experience.
Cross-Platform Saves
Save transfers between console generations are seamless on Xbox. If you start on Xbox One and upgrade to Xbox Series X or S, your progress carries over. However, this feature is unavailable on PlayStation, meaning saves won’t transfer from PS4 to PS5.
All DLCs Included
One of the best reasons to replay the trilogy is the inclusion of all DLCs—over 40 in total. This adds significant value to the package, with all additional weapons, armor, and expansions included. At $60, the Legendary Edition offers around 80 hours of content, making it a great deal compared to other remastered collections.
Mass Effect 1 – A Solid Upgrade
The first game in the series, being the oldest, received the most attention during the remaster process. Lighting, textures, and overall visuals have been improved significantly. However, some controls still feel outdated, like not being able to look around while running.
Mass Effect 2 – A Masterpiece
The second game remains a highlight, often considered one of the best RPGs ever made. With improved graphics and refined gameplay, it’s still a phenomenal experience.
Mass Effect 3 – The Best Visuals
Being the most recent game in the trilogy, Mass Effect 3 features the best graphics and smoothest controls. Some scenes feel entirely transformed compared to the original version, showcasing the effort put into the remaster.
Performance and Technical Details
Performance varies across platforms:
- PS4 and Xbox One: 1080p resolution at 30 or 60 FPS.
- PS4 Pro and Xbox One X: Choice between 4K at 30 FPS or 1440p at 60 FPS.
- PS5: 4K at 60 FPS (not always stable) or 1440p for a smoother experience.
- Xbox Series X: Best performance with 4K at 60 FPS or 1440p at 120 FPS.
Final Thoughts
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is an excellent package, offering three games with all DLCs, improved graphics, and an affordable price. Whether you’re revisiting the series or experiencing it for the first time, this is the best way to enjoy the trilogy.