I finally finished Mass Effect. Wow.

[Reasonable]

Killergran said:

Reasonable said:

I like Mass Effect and all, but over the last twenty or more years I've played plenty of games with the same or arguably more 'atmosphere'.  But I get your drift... I just don't it's necessary to try and be that exclusive in the short term, particularly when it's hardly accurate.

My intention was to talk about my own personal experience, I didn't mean to sound so absolute about it. It's possibly a mistake that comes from not being a native english speaker. That or I was expressing myself carelessly.

Personally I cannot think of any game I've played that offers a tighter or better atmosphere than Mass Effect. It's the entire reason I love the games. Just standing still can be an amazing experience. I can remember games that have done basically the same thing, but none that has done it just as well. There are games that are better though. Atmosphere is not everything.

Ah well, if you're writing in a second tongue its probably just a nuance not to worry about - no need to apologise for that.

I was talking about atmosphere though, not other games being better.  For example System Shock 2 has as much, arguably more, than Mass Effect - although it's more of a horrible atmosphere but it sure is constant.  The Thief series of games also have atmosphere that's right up there with the best.  Games like ICO and Shadow of the Colossus are almost entirely built on having a seamless, perfect atmosphere built on perfect use of sound and visuals to totally immerse you in their world.

But I agree, Mass Effect games are very much up there in the top ranks of having a solid, well developed atmosphere for the game world.

To be honest I thought you were making the mistake of making an expansive judement based on the games you know in ignorance of the games you don't - but clearly that wasn't the case so I hope in turn I didn't give offense either.