The third and final instalment in Bioware's epic third-person shooter has arrived and proves to be a fitting finale to the series that millions of gamers have become deeply immersed in.
Although the story is a tried and tested one on the surface - typical aliens versus humans fare- it's the characters and presentation that lifts Mass Effect 3 above the rest. You get to choose between a male or female version of the main protagonist, Commander Shepard.
The story doesn't vary too much depending on which one you choose, but both options have different skill sets. What does mould the direction that the game takes are the choices that you make. Almost every action has a consequence and some seemingly harmless decisions can have devastating results for those you are trying to protect.
Using a combination of conventional weapons and "biotic" attacks, Shepard, along with a select squad, must take on the horde of Reapers in their seemingly futile attempt to save the planet. Squad members can be commanded using the controller, or gamers can use the Xbox 360 Kinect sensor to tell members to do anything from change weapons to flank enemies. Kinect is actually utilised very well, provided you don't mind barking orders at your TV.
Mass Effect 3 has a multiplayer mode that mimics Gears of War's "Horde Mode", and a similar cover system has also been introduced, although it can be a little clunky at times.
If you're looking for a thrilling shooter where you choose the path of the story, with characters that you become emotionally attached to and high replay value, then Mass Effect 3 is a must-buy.
