Support NeoGAF

shinobi602 · Oct 4, 2015

The original X05 reveal trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVF8Mpte0Ww
E3 2006 Gameplay Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwnWo4_Yjx0
X06 Caleston Gameplay Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRNG4Lhbj4k
E3 2007 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqmJJIbOjl4
Launch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqBpRJ7qgaM

One of the most well crafted and cinematic games of its time (and my personal best game of all time), Mass Effect, was revealed to the industry on October 4th, 2005 at Microsoft's X05 event in Amsterdam as BioWare's first next-generation RPG on the Xbox 360. It went on to become one of the most well-received games (and series as a whole) of last generation, scoring a 91 on Metacritic. By late 2006 and leading into 2007, this was probably the most excited I've ever been for a video game, and that still stands today.

The original press release read:

"Set 200 years in the future in an epic universe, "Mass Effect" places gamers in a vast galactic community in danger of being conquered by a legendary agent gone rogue. A spectacular new vision from legendary developers BioWare, "Mass Effect" challenges players to lead a squad of freedom fighters as they struggle against threatening armies to restore peace in the land. "Mass Effect" is the first in a trilogy of games with an overarching story, where the real conflict between organic beings and artificial intelligence comes to life in startling clarity."

Some old links for nostalgia:
-Gamespot: New 360 games unveiled at X05

The next trailer unveiled a new, all-original title from developer BioWare, the role-playing game specialists best known for Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Titled Mass Effect, it will be a real-time RPG, a la Jade Empire, set in a science-fiction universe. It puts gamers into the role of the first human member of Specter, a group sworn to uphold peace in the galaxy. Gamers will lead a squad as they protect the universe, through tyrannical or humanitarian means, from a former Specter agent and his new sinister army. Battles will take place between a variety of combatants, from alien beings to mechanical enemies.

In addition to progressing through the main story, users will also be able to explore alien worlds, uncovering new life forms, technologies, and archaic civilizations.

-Microsoft: The countdown for Xbox 360 begins at X05

-Engadget: BioWare's Mass Effect revealed--exclusive trilogy

During an X05 press conference, Microsoft revealed the identity of BioWare's previously undisclosed Xbox 360 project. What was widely believed to be Jade Empire 2, turned out to be Mass Effect, the first title in a trilogy of games that will be exclusive to the Xbox 360. Mass Effect is set 200 years in the future in a vast inter-galactic universe threatened by a legendary agent gone rogue. Players will lead a group of freedom fighters in an effort to save—what else—the universe. The trilogy will focus on the conflict between organic beings and artificial intelligence.

-1UP: BioWare reveals its next big original game (think KOTOR)

Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but the end result proved untrue: There is no Jade Empire 2 in the works -- as far as we know. But Xbox and Microsoft devotees Bioware did announce Mass Effect, their first Xbox 360 game at the X05 conference in Amsterdam with a brief teaser. The trailer was short, but showed promise of new sci-fi worlds to explore and alien races to, presumably, slay.

-Eurogamer: Bioware's Mass Effect for X360

Microsoft and Bioware have announced a brand new Xbox 360-exclusive RPG at the X05 event in Amsterdam. It's called Mass Effect, and it was just shown off at Microsoft's mammoth press conference, which has now concluded. It's the first game in a trilogy with an overarching story "where the real conflict between organic beings and artificial intelligence comes to life in startling clarity."

It's set in the 23rd century and exclusive to the platform. Microsoft says it places gamers "in a vast galactic community in danger of being conquered by a legendary agent gone rogue". Players get to lead a squad of freedom fighters struggling to restore peace. A short trailer was also shown. Bioware, of course, was the developer responsible for the two Knights of the Old Republic Star Wars RPGs that helped give the Xbox real credibility in that genre, as well as the more recent Jade Empire

Pre-Release Screenshots (2005 era)

2006 Screenshots

2007 Screenshots

If you remember this time, how did you feel about it? What got you excited the most? Share some of your thoughts or memories about the game, or X05 in general. It was a very exciting time to be a gamer.

MrTroubleMaker · Oct 4, 2015

Those early videos are great. It really got me hyped when I first watched them.

LegalEagleMike · Oct 4, 2015

Well my first response was why cant we have more KOTOR? But I got over that quick. Mass Effect trilogy was the defining experience of last gen for me.

Arcayne · Oct 4, 2015

Never play this series, but those screens still hold up today. Looks fantastic.

TheGravemind · Oct 4, 2015

shinobi602 said:
The original X05 reveal trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVF8Mpte0Ww
E3 2006 Gameplay Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwnWo4_Yjx0
E3 2007 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqmJJIbOjl4
Launch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqBpRJ7qgaM

One of the most well crafted games (and my personal best game of all time), Mass Effect, was revealed to the industry on October 4th, 2005 at Microsoft's X05 event in Amsterdam as BioWare's first next-generation RPG on the Xbox 360. It went on to become one of the most well-received games (and series as a whole) of last generation, scoring a 91 on Metacritic. By late 2006 and leading into 2007, this was probably the most excited I've ever been for a video game, and that still stands today.

The original press release read:

Some old links for nostalgia:
-Gamespot: New 360 games unveiled at X05

-Microsoft: The countdown for Xbox 360 begins at X05

-Engadget: BioWare's Mass Effect revealed--exclusive trilogy

-1UP: BioWare reveals its next big original game (think KOTOR)

-Eurogamer: Bioware's Mass Effect for X360

Pre-Release Screenshots (2005 era)

2006 Screenshots

2007 Screenshots

If you remember this time, how did you feel about it? What got you excited the most? Share some of your thoughts or memories about the game, or X05 in general. It was a very exciting time to be a gamer.

and i was desperately waiting for kotor 3 or jade empire 2

Hawk269 · Oct 4, 2015

I played this game so many damn hours. I visited every planet and drove the Mako(sp) 100% on every planet I could land on. It was such a fantastic and unique game. I loved the RPG elements better than the sequels, which still were good, but to me the original was the best.

zahran · Oct 4, 2015

damn i love that game

The Yo Tornado · Oct 4, 2015

Mass Effect, more than any other game to that point, was what compelled me to upgrade to the next generation. I loved Jade Empire and KOTOR, so Bioware getting a space opera all their own sounded too good to be true. I dunno if it reached the sky high expectations I had for it, but it was still a very, very good game, and a good series overall.

I miss the dorky 70s sci-fi vibe the original had, though. I felt like they got away from that in the sequels with removing the film grain and toning down the ridiculousness of the armors, and it took away some of the appeal for me.

TheGravemind said:
and i was desperately waiting for kotor 3 or jade empire 2

Hell I'm STILL waiting for Jade Empire 2. One day.

Zach · Oct 4, 2015

I don't even remember why I played Mass Effect. I had no expectations and it was glorious. This thread makes me want to revisit the series.

RipperGrim · Oct 4, 2015

Man I remember watching the first video of it and getting hyped as fuck, compelled me to get a decent PC at the time to play it. (No PS3 version killed me lol)

what a fantastic ride that series was and I actually used my same character from my first playthrough for all 3 games, it felt like no other game out there.

The Dear Leader · Oct 4, 2015

This game was the sole reason I sold my Wii to buy an Xbox 360 and it was my first game I ever pre-ordered too. I was that hyped, it's still one of my favorite game series of all time.

watershed · Oct 4, 2015

I remember being blown away by the initial reveal and demo gameplay with the dialogue options in a bar scene. It was pretty amazing at the time.

The God · Oct 4, 2015

I missed out on these games last gen. Any chance of a trilogy remaster?

m23 · Oct 4, 2015

Brilliant game and franchise, my favourite new IP of last gen. So many memorable moments in this game, if only I was able to experience it for the first time again.

EatChildren · Oct 4, 2015

Despite being such a big fan, my intro to the series was pretty underwhelming in terms of fan excitement. I had in my head this idea of it being essentially a successor to Knights of the Old Republic, which I loved, in an entirely new universe and as a trilogy. I remember seeing the first shots and information (including that Salarian bar convo video) and being super fucking excited, then a bit bummed when it turned out to be Xbox 360 (timed) exclusive. I didn't own 360 nor had any intention to buy one, so my anticipation kinda just dwindled into "oh, I'll get it when/if it comes to PC".

However many months and low and behold I learn the PC build is on the verge of release. I'd let the official announcement and hype and whatever else slip away, and to be perfectly honest was tossing up whether to buy it at all. I was just kinda apathetic towards the whole thing, figuring I'd play it eventually but no rush. IIRC I wound up pre-ordering a legit copy from this eBay retailer based in India that always managed to ship shit to Australia fairly quickly. It arrived, I played, and was instantly hooked. I think I played it three times back-to-back.

But yeah. Shit series. Shit game. Etc etc.

ATOMICJORGE · Oct 4, 2015

TheGravemind said:
and i was desperately waiting for kotor 3 or jade empire 2

I'm still waiting for Kotor 3

foxtrot3d · Oct 4, 2015

ATOMICJORGE said:
I'm still waiting for Kotor 3

But we got KOTOR 3, 4, 5, 6, AND 7.

SliChillax · Oct 4, 2015

I remember buying this game when I was in high school. I went to the local store to buy Gears of War 2 and they were out of stock so I didn't wanna return home empty handed. I looked and saw this game called Mass Effect which was a bit cheap compared to the other games so I bought it without knowing anything about it. Today I still replay it from time to time and I simply love it, my favourite franchise easily. Knowing nothing about the game and experiencing everything without having seen a single trailer or read anything about it, the moment when you get immersed in this new universe, the moment you discover who and what Sovereign is etc etc... just amazing. Wish I could go back in time and experience it over again. I wish that someday they properly remaster the game.

- J - D - · Oct 4, 2015

The early proto shot of the salarian bathed in neon light was the one that sold me on the series.

DrakeNathan · Oct 4, 2015

that x05 trailer reminds me of i edited an 2005 games trailer mv,uploaded on gt
the mv
also just watched MEA trailer again,hype this new game

bluecapsule · Oct 4, 2015

Mass Effect more than any other game at the time really felt like a "next-gen" experience to me instead of just another PS2 or Xbox game with 720p graphics.

Despite the clunky shooting mechanics, it's still my favorite out of the three.

Guri · Oct 4, 2015

Was hyped from the start. I got it as a Christmas gift. Since I wasn't at home, I read the whole manual. It was also the first game I played from beginning to end without removing the disk from my Xbox 360 to play another game. Definitely my favourite new franchise from last generation.

bluecapsule said:
Mass Effect more than any other game at the time really felt like a "next-gen" experience to me instead of just another PS2 or Xbox game with 720p graphics.

Despite the clunky shooting mechanics, it's still my favorite out of the three.

Also this.

Kieli · Oct 4, 2015

I liked Mass Effect a lot.

Did not like Mass Effect 2 as much with its dumbing down of RPG stuff. I know people will call me crazy, but I kind of miss being able to traverse a planet (although it wasn't very well done, but I liked seeing random fauna in a fjord on random planet x).

Guri · Oct 4, 2015

Kieli said:
I liked Mass Effect a lot.

Did not like Mass Effect 2 as much with its dumbing down of RPG stuff. I know people will call me crazy, but I kind of miss being able to traverse a planet (although it wasn't very well done, but I liked seeing random fauna in a fjord on random planet x).

You will find many people sharing the same feeling!

Death Metalist · Oct 4, 2015

I loved Saren, great villain and a damn fine VO performance as well. My favorite one is ME2 though.

Glass · Oct 4, 2015

The graphics blew my tiny mind, it was such a leap. Even just walking through the Normandy was amazing. Saren was a great villain. My favourite game in the series. Cannot wait to dive back into this universe with the next instalment.

Samurai G0SU · Oct 4, 2015

Graphics still are good. Bioware why mist you. Ot upgrade from that time?

I Hope mass effect 4 blows my mind into a black hole.

Davide · Oct 4, 2015

Funny, Mass Effect was on my mind a lot today. I remember looking at the graphics of the first game and though it looked like real life.

Really hope Bluepoints Games would make a remaster.

Brakke · Oct 4, 2015

What a special game and series. This is the only Special Edition I ever preordered. Unstoppable hype.

VinFTW · Oct 4, 2015

The original is still my all time favorite game ever. An amazing trilogy and possibly my favorite franchise in gaming.

Alpha Phoenix · Oct 4, 2015

This honestly just shows how underwhelming this generation has been so far.

karasu · Oct 4, 2015

That series was such a letdown. I enjoyed it but there was always something about the experience that was off.

Codeblue · Oct 4, 2015

Kieli said:
I liked Mass Effect a lot.

Did not like Mass Effect 2 as much with its dumbing down of RPG stuff. I know people will call me crazy, but I kind of miss being able to traverse a planet (although it wasn't very well done, but I liked seeing random fauna in a fjord on random planet x).

The biggest let down about Mass Effect 2 for me was that they removed exploring planets rather than trying to make it not terrible.

I don't have super fond feelings for Mass Effect aside from it being a fun, if frustrating or bland at certain points, game. I felt like the first game built a solid foundation for a truly amazing game but Bioware never capitalized on it.

TheUnsunghero26 · Oct 4, 2015

My favourite game of the last generation. Doing another playthrough on Xbox One. The early videos are so intriguing. I always loved the original galaxy map.

SpiritSlayer · Oct 4, 2015

1 and 2 were fine, I really enjoyed those games. Haven't finished 3 yet due to losing interest after the internet exploded due to how the game ended and SPOILING EVERYTHING.

DeadlyParasite · Oct 4, 2015

This game almost caused me to fail my physics class in high school. So good.

Sanctuary · Oct 4, 2015

Thankfully they released the PC version of the first game, or else I might not have even bothered with the series. I rented the first game for the 360 and gave up around eight hours in due to the way the combat felt, but especially because of the Mako--which I had assumed was largely due to the controls, but it wasn't. It was just poorly designed in general. Still, the PC version was a much better experience overall.

EatinOlives · Oct 4, 2015

I really liked 1, warts and all. Loved the scope of the gameplay and in-game universe and really liked what they were going for.

I liked 2 a lot as well but for different reasons. I didn't like that they removed the space exploration aspect or the RPG elements but I really liked the character-driven story.

I hated how they marketed ME3 as a generic shootbang and it really killed my anticipation for the game, because that was the exact opposite direction of where I wanted the third game to go (I basically wanted them to take the polish of ME2 and try to go back to the open space exploration of ME1). Then the game came out and I heard about all the shenanigans with the shit story and that was the final nail in the coffin for me. I bought it on PC for like 6 bucks way later, played for maybe 2 hours and haven't touched it since. Now that I know that the conclusion sucks and that they never bothered with bringing back the RPG elements I realized I had no reason to play ME3 so I haven't. I guess I can go back to it one day if I ever feel like I really have nothing to play.

Bowdz · Oct 4, 2015

Mass Effect is my all time favorite game/series just barely beating out the Uncharted series and TLoU. I remember the original trailers made me so goddamn jealous that I had a PS3 and not a 360. Also, when I finally did get my 360, it got the RRoD literally one day before ME released. To top things off, there was some crazy 360 shortage around November/December/January 2007/2008 that prevented me from playing ME for way to long. In the end, it was well worth the wait.

No EA needs to get off their ass and put out a ME Trilogy remaster.

Yabberwocky · Oct 4, 2015

Ah, so it was between 2006 and 2007 that Mark Vanderloo Shepard was born. Thank you for the eye candy, Bioware.

I'm cautiously optimistic for Andromeda! Even with ME3's ending, I'll always have a huge soft spot for the series. ME1 has incredible atmosphere/intrigue that few games can match, ME2 is a great all-rounder (best squad!), and ME3's gameplay is extremely polished. I'd love a remaster, as my PS3's current uses are for JRPGs and Mass Effect/DA2 replays.

Sanctuary · Oct 4, 2015

EatinOlives said:
I hated how they marketed ME3 as a generic shootbang and it really killed my anticipation for the game, because that was the exact opposite direction of where I wanted the third game to go (I basically wanted them to take the polish of ME2 and try to go back to the open space exploration of ME1). Then the game came out and I heard about all the shenanigans with the shit story and that was the final nail in the coffin for me. I bought it on PC for like 6 bucks way later, played for maybe 2 hours and haven't touched it since. Now that I know that the conclusion sucks and that they never bothered with bringing back the RPG elements I realized I had no reason to play ME3 so I haven't. I guess I can go back to it one day if I ever feel like I really have nothing to play.

You spared yourself a lot of boredom. Because despite the ending being the biggest complaint by the vocal minority, it was the "shoot bang" shooting gallery style gameplay and the extremely lackluster squad members that were actually the worst part. By the time I had finally reached the end, I couldn't wait for it to be over, so the ending didn't even get much more than a shrug from me.

AppleBlade · Oct 4, 2015

This series is one that didn't click with me but i plan to give it another try. I think partly because I didn't get a 360 until well into the gen so I missed the hype train. I also for some reason can not get into Bioware games which is weird because WRPG's are my favorite genre and I love story-driven games. I gave Kotor a shot and stopped playing, I gave Dragon Age: Origins a shot and stopped playing. I finished Mass Effect 1 but it felt like a chore and I sped through it, I started Mass Effect 2 and stopped playing.

If they release a Mass Effect Trilogy Definitive Edition for PS4 I want to give this series it's due. I'll play it when I have a long vacation and dedicate some real time to it so I can appreciate.

I really want to like this series, it feels like my thing but the stars did not align with the series last gen.

Game4life · Oct 4, 2015

Utterly forgettable series in the end in my opinion.

Soltype · Oct 4, 2015

So much wasted potential after ME1 , I really hope the series can get back on track with 4.

Hesemonni · Oct 4, 2015

I remember playing my first playthrough like watching a movie: not skipping any dialogue. It really felt like a sci-fi epic at times and I love the music even today.

Sojgat · Oct 4, 2015

Amazing game and series. It's kind of nuts how many times I've replayed the first two.

Would kill for a trilogy remaster.

Raldoh · Oct 4, 2015

MrVargas said:
This series is one that didn't click with me but i plan to give it another try. I think partly because I didn't get a 360 until well into the gen so I missed the hype train. I also for some reason can not get into Bioware games which is weird because WRPG's are my favorite genre and I love story-driven games. I gave Kotor a shot and stopped playing, I gave Dragon Age: Origins a shot and stopped playing. I finished Mass Effect 1 but it felt like a chore and I sped through it, I started Mass Effect 2 and stopped playing.

If they release a Mass Effect Trilogy Definitive Edition for PS4 I want to give this series it's due. I'll play it when I have a long vacation and dedicate some real time to it so I can appreciate.

I really want to like this series, it feels like my thing but the stars did not align with the series last gen.

I feel the exact same way about Bioware, with the exception of ME1. I tried KOTOR last year but gave up after about 15 hours (got stuck in front ofthe Tusken raider camp in Dantooine). The story didn't click with me at all, found characters tropey and a bit generic. Voice acting left a lot to be desired as well, but given that the game was made in the early 2000s I'm able to look past it.

Perhaps ME1 is just as overrated as well, but I'm probably not able to overlook most of it's flaws due to nostalgia.

Zakalwe · Oct 4, 2015

Took me three tries for the game to click. Got to the citadel twice and just stopped/uninstalled shortly after.

I remember being bored and forcing myself to try again. Glad I did.

ME and ME2 are both incredible.

super6646 · Oct 4, 2015

One of my favorite RPG's of all time. Its up there with The Witcher.

bigace33 · Oct 4, 2015

One of the greatest gaming series of all time.

Support NeoGAF

10 years ago today: Mass Effect was unveiled to the industry

Member

Member

Member

Member

Banned

Member

Neo Member

Member

Member

Member

Banned

Banned

Member

Member

Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.

Member

Banned

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Banned

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Banned

Member

Banned

Member

Member

Banned

Banned

Member

Similar threads