I finally finished off Mass Effect today (my first play through). I don't think I've played a game in a long time that was so good, that as soon as I finished it, I immediately started it again on a higher difficulty. Absolutely brilliant. Bioware have managed, in single game, what many authors, film makers and TV writers fail to do over a period of years. They crafted a fantastic cast of characters that you empathise with and grow with, they give you at least the fantastic illusion of choice as to the fate of these characters, and they've created an epic science fiction story that doesn't feel stale and familiar.
The plot isn't the most original science fiction I've ever seen, but in a genre that's done to death, they keep it believable, with a few moments that really catch you off guard. The first section of the game actually sees a RPG developer create a reasonably freeform game without grind and full of personality and variety, whilst the final act or two of the game features at least one brilliant "oh shit" moment where you discover who the real antagonist of the game is, and then steps the action up by not coping out with a happily ever after ending. The dialogue throughout is an absolute joy, the choices the player is presented with are realistic and genuinely difficult at times (mostly due to the empathy you develop for your colleagues), the visuals are stunning and the action is well balanced and paced. I was especially pleased with the way Bioware merged real time combat and RPG "stop motion" combat, it felt fluid and fun. It's not quite Gears of War duck and cover action, but when you get to just blow the crap out of everything it plays well and is suitably rewarding.
It's not without faults, the inventory management is a bit flaky, the AI occasionally makes you shoot it in the back of the head by running through gunfire and using the default character setup it seems like you can become a little too powerful towards the end of the game if you play the side missions correctly (top tip, max out AI hacking on one of your team members as early as you can, and any big nasty Geth become your big nasty Geth), but all of these are tiny flaws in possibly the best game I've played on the xbox360 so far. If you like science fiction, adventure, action or just an excellent RPG, please please buy this game. It's apparently the first in a trilogy that are designed to be released over the life span of the xbox360 and I personally can't wait.
As a non-gameplay note, the music from the ending credits of Mass Effect made me pay attention. A band I'd never heard of called "Faunts", the song appears to be from an EP and I've sneakily found it on youtube (and the Mass Effect OST).
On a (slightly) different note, I went to see Cloverfield tonight and enjoyed that too. I expected roughly what I got, the "Chulhu Witch Project". The acting was all really convincing, the effects were top notch and the atmosphere was great. Enjoyed it for what it was.
In summary? Mass Effect is one of the best games and stories I've ever played, and Cloverfield is mighty entertaining. Hope you're all well x