Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, Mass Effect Legendary Edition launched in May 2021. This remastered collection brings together Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3 – along with more than 40 DLCs – into one complete package centered on the story of Commander Shepard. In addition to all major expansions and bonus content, the remaster introduces a range of technical and gameplay improvements, including enhanced textures, faster load times and much smoother Mako controls. However, the original games’ multiplayer modes are not included.
At its core, Mass Effect combines third-person shooter action with deep role-playing elements. Players take on the role of Commander Shepard, who must assemble a team of specialists in a futuristic universe to confront an intergalactic threat. Choices, moral dilemmas and relationships shape all three games, with decisions carrying over and directly influencing the story’s progression and ultimate outcome.
In the German review by PCGames, Mass Effect Legendary Edition stood out primarily for its technical overhaul. The updated visuals – especially in the first game – received high praise, as did the smoother gameplay experience made possible by shorter loading times. The seamless integration of all DLC content and the still gripping narrative were also highlighted as major strengths. However, the remaster wasn’t without flaws: some long-standing issues from the original trilogy remain unresolved. Mass Effect 1, in particular, still suffers from a clunky inventory system and occasionally underwhelming enemy AI.
Despite a few shortcomings, Mass Effect Legendary Edition received strong reviews across all platforms. PCGames awarded it an impressive 9 out of 10, calling it “a worthy remaster and a feast for fans.” On Metacritic, the collection holds a Metascore of 87, with a slightly lower user score of 7.7. Steam players have been especially positive: 91% of nearly 60,000 reviews are favorable, reflecting the community’s continued enthusiasm for the remastered trilogy.
92% off on Steam for the first time
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition normally sells for around $60 on Steam, but it’s currently available at a steep 92% discount – bringing the price down to under $5. According to SteamDB, this marks the lowest price ever offered, surpassing the previous maximum discount of 90%. The deal runs until October 27. On the Steam Deck (available on Amazon for around $430), the Legendary Edition is rated as “playable.” With a few minor tweaks, it should run smoothly, making it a solid choice for gaming on the go.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.