Value-packed Steam-deal: RPG shooter trilogy with all DLCs available for $6 on Steam
Mass Effect is a sci-fi series from BioWare and one of the most iconic in the genre, known for its gripping story and meaningful player choices. The original game was released in 2007, followed by two sequels in 2010 and 2012. In 2021, the celebrated trilogy made a comeback as the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, featuring improved visuals, technical upgrades and all single-player DLCs in one package. The only thing missing is the multiplayer mode from Mass Effect 3, the Legendary Edition focuses entirely on the single-player experience.
Mass Effect is set in a classic sci-fi universe where humanity has joined a vast galactic community made up of diverse alien species. At the heart of the story is a conflict with the Reapers – an ancient, machine-like race determined on wiping out all organic life. The series blends third-person shooter mechanics with role-playing features like dialogue choices, skill trees and a moral system that lets players choose between idealistic (Paragon) or ruthless (Renegade) paths. What sets it apart is how choices carry over across the trilogy, shaping characters, storylines and even the fate of entire planets. Progress can be carried from one game to the next through save file transfers.
In the first Mass Effect, Commander Shepard uncovers an ancient threat and sets out to save the galaxy, with a strong emphasis on exploration and role-playing. Mass Effect 2 shifts the focus toward action and team dynamics, as Shepard recruits a new crew to take on the mysterious Collectors – each squad member has a unique backstory and their own loyalty mission. In Mass Effect 3, the war against the Reapers reaches its peak and the choices made in the earlier games come to full effect, shaping the outcome of the galaxy-wide conflict.
Well-crafted remaster that still shows its age
The German website Eurogamer.de reviewed the Mass Effect Legendary Edition and praised it as a well-rounded remaster of the trilogy, with the first game showing the most noticeable improvements. Thanks to modern upgrades like 4K resolution, high-res textures, enhanced effects and smoother performance, the games feel more up to date without losing their original charm. Updates to controls, the user interface and loading times also contribute to a more enjoyable experience. Eurogamer.de also highlighted the strong value for money – offering three full games plus all single-player DLCs for the price of a single new release.
Despite the solid improvements, it's worth keeping in mind that this is a remaster, not a full remake – so some core issues from the original games remain. In the first entry especially, certain mechanics feel outdated, such as the clunky cover system, repetitive mission design and awkward inventory management. The infamous Mako vehicle, while improved, still handles sluggishly. And while the first game received a major visual overhaul, the changes in parts 2 and 3 are more subtle, with aging animations and character models standing out more clearly.
Since its release in 2021, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition has received over 50,000 reviews on Steam, with 91% being positive. On Metacritic, the remastered trilogy holds a solid Metascore of 86. The user score tells a different story, landing at 6.7. This is likely due not only to technical issues at launch but also to the still-controversial ending of Mass Effect 3, which continues to divide fans more than a decade after its original release.
90% discount on Steam
Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition bundles all three main games along with nearly every DLC. It features over 30 expansions that add extra missions, characters, weapons, armor and story content to the single-player campaign. While the regular price on Steam is $60, the Legendary Edition is currently available for just $6 thanks to a 90% discount, running until March 27.
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.
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