Remastered versions of classic games are nearly as common these days as wholly original experiences. And while the popular trend of revisiting old favourites has spawned a handful of worthy entries, many of these remasters are little more than nostalgia-preying cash-grabs.
Thankfully, Mass Effect Legendary Edition lands squarely in the former category, offering a fan-pleasing package that does so much more than slap a slightly prettier paint job on a nearly 15-year-old game. Yes, the 2007 debut that kicked off Commander Shepard's cinema-rivalling sci-fi trilogy is much easier on the eyes, but the spruced up presentation only scratches the surface of its many improvements.
Expected quality-of-life upgrades – like significantly reduced load times during those infamously long elevator rides – of course make for a smoother experience. But it's the numerous gameplay-enhancing tweaks that'll make your return to the Normandy more immersive. The lumbering, tank-like Mako is no longer a nightmare to drive, combat is far more intuitive and satisfying, and the user interface has been cleaned up to provide a more contemporary look and feel.
A must-play for both seasoned galaxy-savers and those yet to wear the N7 emblem.
While these account for some of the more noticeable updates, they, too, barely put a dent in the changes that have been implemented. It's very much a more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts experience, where the myriad improvements, both subtle and significant, organically coalesce to deliver a Mass Effect that feels much more modern.
Toss in the defining elements that made it a classic in the first place – from its rich, choice-and-consequence-steered storytelling and complex characters to its ambitious-for-the-time mix of action and RPG features – and it's a must-play for both seasoned galaxy-savers and those yet to wear the N7 emblem. And that recommendation comes without consideration for the rest of this ample edition. Mass Effect 2 and 3 fill out the package, as does most of the trilogy's DLC. The latter two entries don't contain the sweeping changes of their predecessor, but still sport a nice visual bump.
Make no mistake, none of the chapters have been magically transformed to appear as stunning as today's polygon powerhouses. If you're expecting the Normandy's crew to feature the photo-realistic fidelity of The Last of Us Part II's post-apocalyptic survivors, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Likewise, if you didn't connect with Commander Shepard's journey in 2007, this version won't suddenly see you cos-playing as Wrex. But if you're craving the definitive take on one of the sci-fi genre's most beloved series – or you're a new recruit wondering what all the fuss is about – the Legendary Edition easily earns its name.
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