Mass Effect Galaxy
by Chris Thomas on Tuesday 23rd Jun 2009

As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Mass Effect when it was released on the Xbox 360 back in 2007 I’m definitely receptive to all mediums that might try to expand on this rich universe. Beyond the original game we’ve also seen a novel released and now even our iPhones can get in on the action. If Mass Effect Galaxy on the iDevices does anything well it is to prove that this IP would work wonderfully as a serialised cartoon or graphic novel series, unfortunately as a game it just doesn’t quite deliver the goods.

Assuming the role of Jacob Taylor, a super powered soldier, the story has you investigating a number of strange activities taking place across the galaxy, and these eventually unfold to reveal an evil and heinous plot larger than the sum of its parts. We could elaborate more but with the narrative being one of the games stronger appeals it would be irresponsible of us to do so. The plot, short though it may be, does a good job of keeping up the pace for the game, there really is little filler here which is merciful given the short time it will take for the average gamer to complete.

The story is told through gorgeously pseudo-animated cut scenes and through conversation sections that feature a similar dialogue tree system to the original game. Both of these boast a great art style very similar to that of a traditional graphic novel that really complements the design and architecture of the Mass Effect universe. Fans of the original game will recognise not just locations such as the Citadel but numerous alien races as well such as the Krogans, Salarians and Turians amongst others. During the actual cut scenes voice acting is used and this really elevates the production. So enjoyable are these animated scenes that a full digital graphic novel production might have been preferable over this slightly clunky mix of story telling and combat sequences.

Indeed the combat sections, also known as “the gameplay sections” are nearly all forgettable due to the strange shooting mechanics and the cramped environments presented by the developer. With a top down view similar to Smash TV you control Jacob by tilting your iDevice as if you are playing a marble labyrinth game. Using the accelerometer to manoeuvre Jacob in and out of cover he will both aim and shoot at enemies automatically leaving you to prioritise and select targets by tapping them on the screen. Once all enemies are good and dead you tilt Jacob over to the highlighted door and proceed to the next room.

Taking the aiming and shooting out of the players control in a game that is almost exclusively about aiming and shooting strikes us as being a very bizarre design choice. You do have a menu on the right from which to choose special attacks but none of them are flashy or impressive and on the whole fail to add any variety to proceedings. Making matters worse is the fact that all of the environments are no larger than the size of the screen; there is no scrolling, only a series of connected rooms. Consequently everything feels excruciatingly cramped; there is no sense of ambition here whatsoever in terms of the level design.

These flaws will leave you with the suspicion that what BioWare wanted to do was to just tell a story, these run and gun sections feel like a reluctant addition, like a child forced to eat his vegetables before he gets his ice cream. There were instances where death nearly claimed us and during these periods the game did become quite gripping but given what other games are accomplishing and charging significantly less for Mass Effect Galaxy strikes us as being a wasted opportunity.

The dialogue tree sections punctuate the tilty-shooty gameplay and give you the chance to influence (or feel like you’re influencing) the main story. As per the original Xbox 360 release you are offered a number of responses to select from when interacting with other characters. Typically you will find an easy going response, an aggressive response, a neutral response or a question although this varies from time to time. The core plot points of the story cannot be affected regardless of how you play out these conversations however it is possible to avoid or instigate combat sections based on your responses.

Mass Effect Galaxy is pure fan service. For the hardcore devotee hungry to consume every last scrap of Mass Effect canon this game is certainly worth the purchase. We’re introduced to a couple of characters from the upcoming game and treated to a series of lovingly crafted cut scenes that tell a neat story, albeit a short and straightforward one. For everyone else this app is probably one to avoid until the price drops. The gameplay sections are unambitious, uninvolving and generally feel tacked on to what would otherwise be a fun digital graphic novel.  EA Mobile have tried something unique here and continue to lead the way in terms of supporting the App Store and this deserves to be applauded. Should Bioware wish to continue releasing and refining these small Mass Effect iGames we will keep buying and keep playing them. It is a rich and wonderful universe and there are clearly many more stories to tell.

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