is a science fiction role-playing video game developed by BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released for the Xbox 360 and Windows in 2007. The game follows the story of Commander Shepard, a human soldier who must unite the galaxy to stop a race of ancient machines from destroying all organic life.

Gameplay

is a third-person shooter with role-playing elements. Players control Commander Shepard, who can be customized with a variety of skills and abilities. Shepard can choose to join one of three different classes: Soldier, Engineer, or Adept. Each class has its own unique abilities and weapons.

In addition to the main story, also features a variety of side quests and challenges. Players can explore the galaxy in the Normandy, Shepard’s ship, and visit different planets to complete quests, meet new characters, and find new weapons and armor.

Setting

is set in the Milky Way galaxy in the year 2183. The galaxy is home to a variety of different alien races, including the humans, asari, turians, salarians, and krogan. The races are united by the Citadel, a massive space station that serves as the political and economic center of the galaxy.

The galaxy is also home to the Reapers, a race of ancient machines that have been dormant for thousands of years. The Reapers are believed to be responsible for the extinction of several previous civilizations.

Story

The story of begins with Commander Shepard being assigned to investigate a geth attack on a human colony. Shepard quickly uncovers a plot by Saren Arterius, a rogue turian who is working with the Reapers. Shepard must race against time to stop Saren and prevent the Reapers from destroying the galaxy.

Along the way, Shepard meets a variety of allies, including Garrus Vakarian, a turian sniper; Tali’Zorah nar Rayya, a quarian engineer; and Liara T’Soni, an asari archaeologist. Shepard must also make difficult choices that will affect the fate of the galaxy.

Reception

was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its engaging story, well-developed characters, and innovative gameplay. has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year awards from several major publications.

Sequels

was followed by two sequels, 2 and 3. The sequels continued the story of Commander Shepard and the fight against the Reapers. The trilogy is considered one of the greatest video game trilogies of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the release date of ?
- was released on November 20, 2007.
What platforms is available on?
- is available on Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox One.
What is the Metacritic score of ?
- has a Metacritic score of 91/100.
What is the IGN score of ?
- IGN gave a score of 9.5/10.
What are the different classes in ?
- The different classes in are Soldier, Engineer, and Adept.
What are the different races in ?
- The different races in are the humans, asari, turians, salarians, and krogan.
What is the Citadel?
- The Citadel is a massive space station that serves as the political and economic center of the galaxy.
What are the Reapers?
- The Reapers are a race of ancient machines that have been dormant for thousands of years. They are believed to be responsible for the extinction of several previous civilizations.
Who is Commander Shepard?
- Commander Shepard is the protagonist of the trilogy. He is a human soldier who must unite the galaxy to stop the Reapers from destroying all organic life.

Table of Contents

Legendary Edition

In 2021, a remastered version of the trilogy, titled Legendary Edition, was released for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The Legendary Edition includes updated graphics and textures, as well as all of the DLC released for the original games.

Andromeda

In 2017, a new game, titled Andromeda, was released for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Andromeda is set in a new galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy, and follows the story of Ryder, a human explorer who is searching for a new home for the human race.

References

Role-Playing Video Games by BioWare

BioWare, a renowned video game developer, specializes in creating critically acclaimed role-playing games (RPGs). Their RPGs are known for their captivating storylines, complex characters, and immersive worlds.

Some of BioWare’s most notable RPG franchises include:

: A sci-fi RPG series that follows the adventures of Commander Shepard, exploring alien civilizations and confronting galactic threats.
Dragon Age: A fantasy RPG series set in the vibrant world of Thedas, where players navigate political intrigue, ancient evils, and personal quests.
Knights of the Old Republic: A prequel to the Star Wars movie franchise, set thousands of years before the original trilogy.
Baldur’s Gate: A classic Dungeons & Dragons-inspired RPG that takes players on epic quests through forgotten realms.
Neverwinter Nights: Another D&D-based RPG that allows players to create their own characters and stories in the Forgotten Realms setting.

BioWare’s RPGs are praised for their well-written dialogue, memorable characters, and intricate gameplay systems that offer a high degree of customization and choice. They continue to push the boundaries of storytelling in video games, captivating audiences with their immersive experiences.

Classes

Soldier

Specialized in combat proficiency.
Equipped with powerful weapons and heavy armor.
Capable of dealing significant damage and absorbing heavy fire.

Vanguard

Biotic adept with focus on mobility and close-quarters combat.
Wields shotguns and biotic powers, allowing for aggressive gameplay.
Can charge into battle and deal devastating melee attacks.

Engineer

Technical specialist skilled in sabotage and repair.
Equipped with turrets, drones, and hacking abilities.
Can disable enemy shields, repair friendly equipment, and control the battlefield.

Adept

Biotic powerhouse with vast psychic abilities.
Uses biotic powers to levitate enemies, create barriers, and unleash powerful attacks.
Lacks physical defense but compensates with crowd control abilities.

Infiltrator

Stealthy assassin adept at long-range attacks and reconnaissance.
Equipped with sniper rifles, cloak devices, and hacking skills.
Can take down enemies from afar and gather valuable intelligence.

Sentinel

Balanced hybrid combining biotic and tech abilities.
Wields assault rifles and biotic powers, allowing for flexible combat.
Can provide support to allies with barriers and energy drain.

Weapons

The weapons in are divided into six main categories:

Pistols: These are lightweight, one-handed weapons that are ideal for close-quarters combat.
Assault Rifles: These are heavier, two-handed weapons that offer a good balance of power and accuracy.
Shotguns: These are powerful, close-range weapons that are devastating at short distances.
Sniper Rifles: These are long-range weapons that are ideal for taking down enemies from afar.
Heavy Weapons: These are the most powerful weapons in the game, but they are also slow and cumbersome.
Biotics: These are unique weapons that use biotic energy to damage and control enemies.

Characters

features a diverse cast of characters who play pivotal roles in the story. Some of the most notable include:

Commander Shepard: The player-controlled protagonist, whose customizable appearance, skills, and choices shape the game’s narrative.
Garrus Vakarian: A Turian sniper and former C-Sec officer known for his loyalty and exceptional marksmanship.
Tali’Zorah nar Rayya: A Quarian engineer skilled in hacking and support systems.
Liara T’Soni: A young Asari scientist and biotic prodigy who assists Shepard with information and insights.
Wrex: A Krogan mercenary and renowned fighter who provides valuable combat support and insights into Krogan culture.
Thane Krios: A Drell assassin hailing from an isolated monastery, struggling with a terminal illness.
Mordin Solus: A Salarian scientist and expert in multiple disciplines, including biology and genetics.
Jacob Taylor: A Cerberus operative with extensive military experience and connections.
Legion: A Geth AI who joins Shepard’s crew, exploring the nature of consciousness and free will.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack is a critically acclaimed collection of orchestral scores composed by Sam Hulick, Jack Wall, Jimmy Hinson, Cris Velasco, and Sascha Dikiciyan for the role-playing video game series of the same name.

Spanning over multiple games, the soundtrack blends a mix of ambient, electronic, and cinematic tracks to create an immersive and atmospheric soundscape. It incorporates elements of ethnic music from around the world, reflecting the diverse cultures and species featured in the universe.

The soundtrack has been praised for its emotional depth, soaring melodies, and epic grandeur. It has received numerous accolades, including the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Award for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition for 2.

Story Summary

is a science fiction role-playing game series set in a vast and expansive universe. The central protagonist is Commander Shepard, a human soldier who leads an elite team of intergalactic operatives known as the Normandy crew.

The story revolves around Shepard’s mission to stop the Reapers, an ancient and enigmatic race of machines that cyclically return to the galaxy to harvest all organic life. As Shepard and the Normandy crew travel the galaxy, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, form alliances with different alien species, and uncover the secrets of the Reapers and their plans.

Throughout the series, Shepard faces moral dilemmas and makes choices that shape the course of galactic history. The story explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the consequences of war, while also showcasing a vast and immersive universe filled with rich characters, alien races, and thrilling adventures.

Romance Options

The trilogy features a wide array of romance options, allowing players to forge meaningful relationships with characters from various races and backgrounds.

Liara T’Soni: A brilliant Asari scientist and Prothean expert.
Ashley Williams: A steadfast and loyal human Marine.
Kaidan Alenko: A capable and compassionate human Sentinel.
Wrex: A gruff but honorable Krogan warrior.

Garrus Vakarian: A loyal and skilled Turian sniper.
Tali’Zorah vas Normandy: A resourceful and intelligent Quarian engineer.
Miranda Lawson: A brilliant and ambitious Cerberus operative.
Jack: A volatile and rebellious human biotic.

Thane Krios: A dying Drell assassin with a tragic past.
Samantha Traynor: A capable and professional human communications specialist.
James Vega: A fiery and determined human soldier.
Liara T’Soni (continued): If romanced in 1, Liara returns as a potential romance option in 3.

Mods

mods provide significant enhancements to the franchise, offering players:

Expanded Gameplay: Mods introduce new game modes, levels, and quests, extending the game’s longevity and replayability.
Improved Graphics and Texture Enhancements: Mods upgrade the visuals, enhancing textures, lighting, and overall graphical fidelity.
New Characters and Missions: Modders create custom characters with their own unique abilities, storylines, and missions, expanding the game’s universe.
Quality-of-Life Improvements: Mods enhance gameplay by adding features like faster loading times, improved inventory management, and skippable cutscenes.
Community Mods: Players collaborate to create mods that address specific community needs or requests, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared creativity.

Multiplayer

multiplayer is a cooperative mode in the series of video games. Players can control one of four different character classes, each with their own unique abilities. Teams of up to four players can work together to complete objectives and kill enemies.

Multiplayer was first introduced in 3 and has since been included in : Andromeda. The multiplayer in each game is similar, but there are some key differences. In 3, multiplayer is a separate mode that is not connected to the single-player campaign. In : Andromeda, multiplayer is more integrated with the single-player campaign and players can earn rewards that can be used in both modes.

Multiplayer in is fast-paced and action-packed. Players must work together to complete objectives and survive waves of enemies. The game features a variety of different enemy types, each with their own unique abilities and weaknesses. Players must use their weapons, abilities, and teamwork to defeat their enemies and complete their objectives.

Multiplayer in is a great way to experience the universe with friends. The game is challenging and rewarding, and it offers a lot of variety. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran of the series, there’s something for everyone in multiplayer.

Lore

The universe is a rich sci-fi setting filled with a vast history, diverse cultures, and complex civilizations. It is set in a distant future where humanity has achieved interstellar travel and discovered numerous alien species.

At the center of the universe is the Citadel, an ancient space station that serves as the political and cultural hub of the galaxy. The Citadel Council, composed of representatives from the Citadel races, maintains order and resolves conflicts among its members.

The humans are a relatively young and ambitious race, having only made contact with the Citadel races in the 22nd century. They are known for their adaptability and determination, but also their tendency towards isolationism and conflict.

Among the alien species, the Asari are a highly advanced race with long lifespans and the ability to meld with other species. The Salarians are known for their intelligence and military prowess, while the Turians are a stoic and disciplined warrior race. The Krogan are a brutal and resilient species, but their violent nature has led them to be feared and shunned.

The Geth are a race of sentient synthetic beings created by the Quarians, who were exiled from their homeworld after the Geth rebelled. The Reapers are a mysterious and ancient race of machines that periodically return to the galaxy to destroy all organic life.

The universe is constantly evolving and expanding, with new stories, characters, and factions being introduced in each installment of the game series. The lore is incredibly rich and detailed, offering players a deep and immersive experience that explores themes of morality, war, and the nature of existence.