Ineffective, in the sense that the game hasn't really grabbed me.

So, the quarter is winding down and I find myself with some time and a little 'extra' cash - meaning I was bored and wanted to buy something. What else to do than check my favorite online garage sale that is Craigslist. After thinking about what I could possibly want, I of course looked up games that I'm currently back-logged to play.

With The Orange Box and Assassin's Creed being atop my list I started my search. Alas, no copies of Orange Box, and AC was much too far away to consider it a deal. Next on the list is Guitar Hero 3, but I didn't even bother. Finally, Mass Effect. I had seen some deals on it before, but I was always just too slow; this time, however, I got lucky.

After a frustrating drive to find an ATM, a round-about drive and $40 later, I finally procured a used copy of said game. Prior to my purchase the seller tacked on a disclaimer: "So yeah, the game froze on me twice, but I've read a few reviews and they say it's pretty common. If you have any problems just get in touch."

Meh. So far I've been pretty lucky with my Microsoft + CL purchases. My 360 hasn't RROD and I picked up Gears for only $45, new.

All of that is beside the point, however. I've had a little less than six collective hours with the action/RPG, and I can't say I'm that impressed. I feel like all of the reviews have really down-played technical issues which are all too common and pervasive. Loading times, texture-popping, lag/frame rate problems all destroy a completely entertaining story.

I loved Knights of the Old Republic; this on the other hand, isn't shaping up too well. Aside from the technical issues, it seems like there must have been an indecision to go either completely RPG or 3rd-person shooter. Thus far, the action seems bland and uninspired. I, think, I would have been okay with turn-based action, similar to KOTOR.

AI issues seem to plague your team as they just stand around and get shot, to only contribute once-in-awhile. Problems with AI aren't only with your teammates however, as the enemy is either completely stupid or outright kamikaze. For the most part, enemies simply round around aimlessly - yet, still hit you quite accurately - or run right towards you, guns blazing. While the cover system is pretty effective, it's not very useful when your foe runs right up and around to kill you (after your buddy just sat there and got killed).

The saving grace - and only thing that's keeping me with it - is the story/dialogue. I love the writing and the options of what to say/do. I also feel that I may be going through it just for the sake of it - which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

All of this, remember, is only based on a few hours and not very much exploration. I've only recently left the Citadel, and just started my first mission. I guess I can't be too critical just yet as there's more to explore, but for the most part, my biggest issues with the game don't seem to be affected by where one is.

I'm willing to plug through it however; I am just really hoping for a reason to hold on to it for more than just one play-through. I really, really want to like this game, but it just feels rushed. Hopefully the sequel will be more polished and fix all of these minor bugs! 

In any case, there will be plenty of time to explore the galaxies following noon, Monday. At that point I will have completed 1/3 of my last year at college, and start a month's worth of vegetation and relaxation.  

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