Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Mass Effect DLC

[Ninchilla]

So can you start a new game with the abilities you finished your previous playthrough(s) with then? I got the impression you couldn't....

Yes, you can. There's no way to hit level 60 on one playthrough.

What are the difficulty modes available?  Is it Easy/Normal/Hard or just Easy/Hard?

I'm thinking I might start this again.  Loved the story, atmosphere and characters; hated the combat.  If it's Easy/Normal/Hard, then I would have picked Normal and would probably enjoy the game much more on a suitably lightweight setting.

Casual/Normal/Veteran/Hardcore/Insanity.

[aniki]

Redundant.

[Garwoofoo]

I played bits on Normal, bits on Easy, I enjoyed it far more on the latter.

Can you adjust it on the fly? Although I might start again anyway....

[Luscan]

Redundant.

Rub it in why don't you...

[cavalcade]

There's a GAME sale on at the moment, the Mass Effect Strategy Guide and Art Book are in it for £4.99, which is a good deal. The guide is nice and clarifies some of the class distinctions, and what you get for earning particular chieves, and the art book is OK (though you end up realising it could have been even more awesome).

[Minx]

As a tip, in the first briefing with Captain Anderson before Eden Prime, make sure you ask for further info on the Protheans. I didn't my first time through and that blocked me from filling the codex for the Scholar achievement.

[And]

As a tip, in the first briefing with Captain Anderson before Eden Prime, make sure you ask for further info on the Protheans. I didn't my first time through and that blocked me from filling the codex for the Scholar achievement.

Noted, ta.

Any other top tips folks?

So far am thinking
Quick blast through as soldier, replay with all side quests as biotic guy.

[aniki]

Rub it in why don't you...

The "redundant" was referring to my own post; I'd written about the difficulties but Ninchilla beat me to it. Also, I'd gotten the details entirely incorrect, and wanted to hide the details of my outrageous error.

[Luscan]

The "redundant" was referring to my own post; I'd written about the difficulties but Ninchilla beat me to it. Also, I'd gotten the details entirely incorrect, and wanted to hide the details of my outrageous error.

Jerk.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

And now, in the immortal words of Dok7.

[And]

Jerk.

I gather theres still been no luck on the job front then?
I would have thought having "Lead Zombie Moan" on the greatest game ever ™ on your cv would have had the development houses of Scotchland beating a path to your door?

[Luscan]

I gather theres still been no luck on the job front then?
I would have thought having "Lead Zombie Moan" on the greatest game ever ™ on your cv would have had the development houses of Scotchland beating a path to your door?

*shrugs*

[Brian Bloodaxe]

Noted, ta.

Any other top tips folks?

So far am thinking
Quick blast through as soldier, replay with all side quests as biotic guy.

So far I'm on the same plan but on your first playthrough you will get companions in each of the other classes so by the end of the first playthrough you will have a better idea of what to play for your secon run.

Also: click on everything and everyone. Apparently the only thing RPGs have been lacking over the years is XP for clearing out a dialogue tree!

[And]

*shrugs*

chin up.

[cavalcade]

So far I'm on the same plan but on your first playthrough you will get companions in each of the other classes so by the end of the first playthrough you will have a better idea of what to play for your secon run.

Also: click on everything and everyone. Apparently the only thing RPGs have been lacking over the years is XP for clearing out a dialogue tree!

Sounds like a good plan (because it's MY DAMN plan). Good thing if you save the DLC for the second run through is obv. is the 50 extra gamerpoints to help the motivation factor. I would plan to take only a couple of the characters along with you on away parties, saving the others for playthrough two (pick complimentary characters to your own). Also, I would say, at each moral descision, play it one way, and don't reload and check what might have happened. That also will give you more incentive to replay.

Finally, general gameplay tips. Always remember to cross check that all your characters in your team are using the best weapons and armour they can. Including ammo.

Don't forget you have grenades.

Don't forget the Mako has two guns.... (people have played it for 40 hours and not realised)

Kill the space monkeys. You won't get penalised for it.

Pay attention, and read the Codex occasionally. For the story to work its charm you need to be familiar with the main species that interplay with one another.

Don't play a custom soundtrack.

I would say, and this is contentious, stick with the default avatar, as he just feels.... right for the adventure. Change on your second playthrough.

When learning skills put lots of points into fewer categories. Make your team have the wide skill base, not you.

Don't neglect putting points into Intimidate and Charm. Like no other game, specific dialogue options at critical moments can make huge differences.

[Luscan]

Don't neglect putting points into Intimidate and Charm. Like no other game, specific dialogue options at critical moments can make huge differences.

Play. Vampire. Bloodlines.

[cavalcade]

Play. Vampire. Bloodlines.

Been there, got the T-shirt.

Overrated.

[Luscan]

Been there, got the T-shirt.

Overrated.

Again you've made the mistake of thinking that watching the opening cutscene and then listening to Bender berate you for 3 minutes is 'Playing'.

Do it again. Get the fan patches and do it again.

[cavalcade]

Again you've made the mistake of thinking that watching the opening cutscene and then listening to Bender berate you for 3 minutes is 'Playing'.

Do it again. Get the fan patches and do it again.

I got stuck with it on holiday once. I played it longer than that. Fucking awful.

[Luscan]

I got stuck with it on holiday once. I played it longer than that. Fucking awful.

And now for my next trick: You hated bioshock and therefore don't count.

[cavalcade]

And now for my next trick: You hated bioshock and therefore don't count.

I didn't hate Bioshock, I just don't think it's as good as it thinks it is.

It's no Surf's Up that's for sure! I'm hoping Ken Levine is at the Edinburgh game festival and I can tell him that to his face.

I'll reserve full on hate for when I can be arsed finishing it. It's about 3 in the pile of shame.